Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n according_a church_n true_a 3,494 5 4.5949 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54203 The reasonableness of toleration, and the unreasonableness of penal laws and tests wherein is prov'd by Scripture, reason and antiquity, that liberty of conscience is the undoubted right of every man, and tends to the flourishing of kingdoms and commonwealths, and that persecution for meer religion is unwarrantable, unjust, and destructive to humane society, with examples of both kinds. Penn, William, 1644-1718. 1687 (1687) Wing P1352; ESTC R23116 25,930 41

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moral_n the_o beginning_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o operation_n and_o so_o the_o ultimate_a end_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o such_o action_n but_o the_o common_a good_a or_o felicity_n of_o a_o city_n or_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o it_o in_o its_o government_n therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good._n now_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v make_v only_o for_o the_o particular_a good_a and_o felicity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n man_n all_o other_o be_v by_o they_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o native_a privilege_n that_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o worship_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o vexation_n of_o many_o thousand_o which_o be_v positive_o against_o the_o common_a good_a and_o felicity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o general_a community_n of_o the_o people_n divide_v only_o in_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o a_o equal_a poise_n of_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o just_o deserve_v equal_a share_n of_o provision_n by_o the_o law_n for_o their_o security_n and_o protection_n and_o therefore_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v persecute_v to_o uphold_v the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o penal_a law_n be_v undue_o make_v and_o therefore_o as_o of_o no_o force_n to_o be_v repeal_v and_o annul_v therefore_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n may_v have_v teach_v the_o promoter_n of_o these_o penal_a statute_n better_a and_o more_o christian_a learning_n for_o therefore_o be_v prelate_n call_v pastor_n because_o they_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o sheep_n not_o the_o sheep_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o 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etc._n the_o learned_a be_v of_o opinion_n that_o to_o make_v a_o oath_n bind_v it_o be_v requisite_a that_o it_o refer_v to_o thing_n lawful_a for_o that_o if_o the_o thing_n promise_v upon_o oath_n be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o divine_a law_n or_o interdict_a by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o oblige_v the_o swearer_n now_o the_o q●●●●●●n_n will_v be_v whether_o this_o oath_n do_v not_o positive_o 〈…〉_z law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o enforce_v a_o peer_n of_o the_o realm_n or_o any_o other_o freeborn_a englishman_n of_o low_a degree_n to_o accuse_v himself_o with_o so_o strong_a and_o dangerous_a a_o temptation_n to_o perjury_n where_o the_o choice_n be_v only_o this_o either_o to_o forswear_v their_o religion_n or_o lose_v their_o native_a privilege_n and_o preferment_n and_o all_o possibility_n of_o advance_v their_o fortune_n a_o piece_n of_o severity_n that_o constrain_v the_o inward_a belief_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o 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a_o man._n it_o be_v say_v that_o diana_n of_o the_o scythian_n have_v a_o temple_n and_o a_o altar_n near_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o lake_n meotis_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o body_n of_o live_a man_n a_o cruelty_n little_o differ_v from_o the_o severity_n of_o those_o people_n that_o seem_v to_o make_v their_o interest_n their_o scythian_a diana_n and_o live_a man_n the_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o ambition_n and_o the_o support_n of_o their_o spiritual_a grandeur_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o those_o that_o study_v thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o other_o mortal_n but_o themselves_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o spiritual_a arbitrary_a government_n so_o be_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o sign_n of_o no_o less_o presumption_n for_o a_o particular_a number_n of_o man_n enclose_v within_o the_o narrow_a circle_n of_o 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error_n religionis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la religionem_fw-la cogere_fw-la say_v tertullian_n and_o athanasius_n also_o high_o blame_v the_o arrian_n because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o call_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o their_o assistance_n against_o their_o antagonist_n and_o that_o endeavour_v by_o force_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o draw_v such_o to_o themselves_o who_o they_o can_v not_o win_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o argument_n gregory_n bishop_n of_o rome_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o manner_n of_o preach_v to_o enforce_v faith_n by_o stripe_n and_o punishment_n history_n also_o afford_v we_o the_o example_n of_o several_a french_a bishop_n who_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o call_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n against_o the_o priscillianist_n and_o of_o a_o whole_a council_n in_o the_o east_n that_o be_v condemn_v for_o consent_v to_o the_o 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catholic_n yet_o he_o be_v never_o the_o less_o disesteem_v by_o the_o protestant_n for_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o observe_v a_o exact_a moderation_n between_o both_o party_n and_o never_o cease_v till_o he_o have_v obtain_v the_o use_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o eucharist_n for_o those_o of_o his_o subject_n that_o desire_v it_o the_o same_o emperor_n also_o give_v this_o advice_n to_o henry_n the_o three_o of_o france_n then_o return_v out_o of_o poland_n to_o quiet_a all_o disturbance_n in_o his_o kingdom_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o his_o father_n ferdinand_n who_o after_o he_o have_v long_o toil_v and_o labour_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o charles_n the_o v._o to_o appease_v the_o trouble_n in_o germany_n and_o settle_v the_o difference_n about_o religion_n when_o he_o find_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n more_o provoke_v than_o any_o remedy_n obtain_v by_o force_n and_o violence_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o 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christian_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n of_o all_o other_o opinion_n that_o they_o please_v themselves_o as_o to_o witch_n they_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o the_o inquisition_n shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v general_o woman_n a_o poor_a people_n craze_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o more_o fit_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o minister_n then_o punish_v by_o the_o judge_n as_o for_o blasphemy_n the_o punishment_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o so_o for_o bigamy_n and_o usury_n as_o to_o the_o toleration_n of_o jew_n etc._n etc._n they_o argue_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n have_v no_o power_n over_o those_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o greek_n they_o urge_v that_o the_o difference_n and_o dispute_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a church_n be_v yet_o undetermined_a and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v be_v judge_n in_o she_o own_o cause_n last_o against_o the_o prohibition_n of_o book_n they_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o stifle_v learning_n and_o prevent_v the_o come_n forth_o of_o many_o good_a book_n necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n kind_a that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o prevent_v the_o enormity_n of_o scandalous_a writer_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o ecclesiastie_n be_v not_o to_o thrust_v their_o sickle_n into_o other_o man_n harvest_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o venetian_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n obedient_a to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n yet_o in_o the_o point_n of_o toleration_n altogether_o dissent_v from_o it_o for_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o take_v care_n lest_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o mind_n shall_v be_v alienate_v in_o their_o affection_n from_o the_o government_n therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v enjoy_v their_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n to_o return_v into_o germany_n even_o in_o vienna_n itself_o the_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o emperor_n maximilianus_n the_o second_o allow_v the_o evangelic_n the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o monastery_n of_o the_o minorite_n which_o though_o it_o be_v deny_v they_o by_o his_o son_n rudolphus_n the_o second_o be_v again_o by_o the_o indulgence_n of_o mathias_n the_o emperor_n restore_v they_o so_o that_o they_o have_v their_o public_a assembly_n at_o hornals_n a_o village_n close_o by_o the_o city_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o which_o they_o have_v beside_o the_o freedom_n to_o baptise_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o marry_v according_a to_o their_o own_o form_n till_o ferdmand_n the_o second_o retract_v their_o privilege_n and_o force_v they_o whenever_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o worship_n require_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o presburgh_n or_o edinburgh_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o trace_v the_o several_a region_n of_o germany_n where_o so_o many_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o free_a state_n exemplary_a for_o their_o justice_n and_o moderation_n foster_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o main_a support_n of_o their_o government_n it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o mention_v brief_o those_o of_o chief_a note_n the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n brunswick_n and_o lunenburgh_n the_o duke_n of_o wittenbergh_n and_o holsatia_n the_o elector_n palatine_n the_o duke_n of_o bavaria_n though_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n the_o duke_n of_o newburgh_n and_o the_o landgrave_n of_o hessen_n the_o city_n of_o ratisbone_n frankford_n upon_o the_o main_a and_o spire_n where_o the_o evangelic_n be_v allow_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o meet_v every_o sunday_n from_o seven_o till_o eight_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o from_o twelve_o till_o one_o in_o the_o afternoon_n not_o to_o omit_v auspurgh_n where_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n be_v half_a protestant_n and_o half_a papist_n nor_o those_o most_o noble_a emporium_n of_o the_o northern_a part_n of_o europe_n hamborough_n lubeck_n breme_n and_o dantzick_n to_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v add_v the_o state_n of_o the_o unite_a netherlands_o it_o will_v be_v only_o to_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o what_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world._n and_o yet_o the_o flourish_a condition_n of_o these_o country_n and_o territory_n the_o number_n of_o people_n and_o the_o tranquillity_n which_o they_o enjoy_v apparent_o demonstrate_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o such_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n as_o to_o be_v so_o rude_o harass_v and_o exterminate_v from_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o the_o rigour_n and_o vexation_n that_o render_v life_n uncomfortable_a have_v thus_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n toleration_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o scripture_n reason_n authority_n and_o example_n certain_o the_o wonder_n must_v be_v very_o great_a among_o discern_a person_n that_o man_n who_o boast_v a_o more_o refine_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o aspire_v to_o peace_n to_o love_n to_o moderation_n and_o truth_n towards_o all_o man_n shall_v with_o so_o much_o passion_n and_o bitter_a animosity_n exercise_v their_o hatred_n upon_o their_o brethren_n for_o the_o nicety_n of_o different_a opinion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o come_v to_o know_v of_o what_o profession_n they_o be_v it_o be_v their_o imperfection_n not_o their_o perfection_n that_o make_v the_o discovery_n which_o precede_v from_o hence_o that_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o dignity_n be_v esteem_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n man_n reap_v thereby_o either_o of_o wealth_n or_o fame_n which_o abuse_n once_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n that_o many_o man_n of_o evil_a principle_n greedy_o thirst_v after_o ecclesiastical_a preferment_n and_o that_o the_o love_n of_o propagate_a sacred_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n and_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o theatre_n where_o the_o great_a doctor_n study_v not_o the_o plainness_n of_o true_a preach_v but_o to_o show_v the_o quaintness_n of_o their_o oratory_n they_o never_o bend_v their_o mind_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n but_o to_o tickle_v their_o ear_n into_o a_o admiration_n of_o their_o elegant_a expression_n and_o jingle_a satyr_n upon_o dissenter_n and_o papist_n as_o they_o think_v their_o theme_n will_v be_v most_o please_v to_o their_o auditor_n which_o do_v but_o inflame_v the_o contention_n already_o raise_v and_o beget_v contempt_n and_o hatred_n to_o themselves_o and_o breed_v a_o animosity_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v reconcile_v in_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o rude_o though_o undeserved_o handle_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o nothing_o remain_v of_o primitive_a religion_n beside_o the_o external_n worship_n with_o which_o the_o people_n rather_o seem_v to_o flatter_v then_o adore_v the_o supreme_a divinity_n and_o that_o faith_n be_v now_o become_v no_o other_o than_o credulity_n and_o prejudice_n that_o very_a prejudice_n that_o render_v man_n of_o rational_a creature_n brute_n as_o be_v that_o which_o hinder_v every_o man_n from_o make_v use_v of_o his_o free_a judgement_n and_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n piety_n and_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o compound_v of_o erroneous_a mystery_n of_o humane_a policy_n and_o they_o who_o contemn_v reason_n and_o reject_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o corrupt_v by_o nature_n will_v themselves_o be_v think_v to_o have_v the_o divine_a light_n though_o have_v they_o but_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n they_o will_v not_o so_o proud_o insult_v but_o learn_v more_o prudent_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o as_o now_o in_o hatred_n so_o then_o in_o love_n to_o excel_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n nor_o will_v they_o persecute_v with_o such_o a_o open_a hostility_n those_o that_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v with_o their_o imposition_n but_o rather_o take_v pity_n of_o their_o fail_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v think_v more_o fearful_a of_o their_o own_o worldly_a interest_n then_o solicitous_a for_o the_o other_o salvation_n see_v then_o that_o the_o establish_n of_o any_o religious_a persuasion_n by_o force_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n reason_n and_o common_a sense_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o only_a worldly_a interest_n and_o the_o support_n of_o a_o domineer_a hierarchy_n must_v be_v the_o chief_a motive_n that_o engage_v the_o late_a persecutor_n to_o procure_v those_o penal_a law_n which_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o videmus_fw-la meliora_n they_o put_v so_o rigorous_o in_o execution_n law_n that_o punish_v the_o very_a supposition_n of_o crime_n and_o transgression_n in_o conceit_n law_n that_o punish_v the_o body_n with_o corporal_a
first_o place_n and_o pro_fw-la focis_fw-la afterward_o thereby_o prefer_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n before_o the_o security_n of_o their_o estate_n which_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o abandon_v then_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o spiritual_a freedom_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o cause_n and_o have_v cause_v so_o many_o thousand_o in_o this_o nation_n to_o forsake_v their_o native_a soil_n their_o friend_n &_o relation_n to_o the_o decay_n of_o civil_a fellowship_n and_o commerce_n and_o out_o of_o a_o detestable_a antipathy_n to_o their_o oppressor_n to_o seek_v for_o foreign_a protection_n under_o which_o to_o enjoy_v the_o more_o noble_a and_o agreeable_a pleasure_n of_o enjoy_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o sentiment_n in_o divine_a worship_n again_o grotius_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n that_o can_v discern_v all_o truth_n nor_o any_o but_o what_o hold_v something_o that_o be_v true_a as_o than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v favour_v for_o what_o they_o hold_v of_o truth_n so_o be_v they_o not_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o what_o they_o maintain_v of_o mistake_a beleif_n since_o all_o man_n be_v free_a by_o nature_n to_o believe_v whatever_o they_o think_v to_o be_v good_a and_o honest_a we_o can_v love_v god_n too_o much_o now_o suppose_v that_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n may_v esteem_v the_o roman_a catholic_n over_o zealous_a in_o some_o point_n of_o worship_n which_o may_v be_v think_v too_o superstitious_a what_o then_o for_o superstition_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o worship_v god_n too_o much_o but_o in_o worship_v he_o erroneous_o in_o point_n of_o which_o error_n and_o consequent_a noncompliance_a with_o the_o episcopal_a tenant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n these_o fail_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v squeeze_v out_o of_o their_o bone_n and_o purse_n but_o to_o be_v reform_v by_o gentle_a instruction_n and_o convincement_n according_a to_o the_o true_a duty_n of_o bishop_n to_o instruct_v persuade_v exhort_v and_o reprove_v but_o not_o to_o command_v or_o compel_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v be_v add_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o undertake_n it_o have_v be_v all_o along_o evince_v by_o the_o story_n of_o all_o age_n that_o force_v of_o conscience_n and_o persecution_n for_o religion_n sake_n have_v not_o only_o become_v frustrate_a but_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o those_o sect_n and_o division_n of_o which_o they_o seek_v the_o extirpation_n and_o that_o the_o sword_n exile_n faggot_n imprisonment_n and_o heavy_a fine_n rather_o provoak_v then_o cure_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o reluctant_a mind_n for_o the_o conformation_n of_o which_o we_o find_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o christian_a relgion_n industrious_o oppose_v by_o the_o most_o potent_a adversary_n then_o rule_v in_o the_o world_n and_o extirpation_n of_o it_o no_o less_o cruel_o labour_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o ten_o persecution_n yet_o can_v not_o all_o that_o vast_a effusion_n of_o blood_n put_v a_o stop_n to_o its_o progress_n nor_o prevent_v its_o grow_n to_o such_o a_o head_n as_o at_o length_n to_o turn_v tyrannic_a heathenism_n with_o all_o her_o fantastic_a abomination_n and_o false_a divinity_n quite_o out_o of_o the_o world._n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o albigenses_n against_o who_o the_o friar_n preach_v the_o inquisitor_n plot_v the_o prince_n make_v war_n while_o the_o pope_n accurse_v their_o person_n and_o interdict_v their_o land_n yet_o for_o all_o the_o pope_n can_v do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v suppress_v and_o of_o the_o waldenses_n say_v thuanus_n though_o they_o be_v toss_v from_o post_n to_o pillar_n yet_o there_o be_v ever_o some_o find_v who_o still_o in_o their_o several_a course_n renew_v their_o doctrine_n bury_v as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o season_n for_o sect_n and_o opinion_n be_v like_o book_n which_o the_o more_o they_o be_v suppress_v the_o more_o they_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o caress_v and_o therefore_o tacitus_n speak_v of_o the_o annal_n of_o cremutius_n cordus_n condemn_v by_o the_o senate_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o advance_v the_o praise_n of_o brutus_n and_o cassius_n relate_v that_o some_o indeed_o be_v burn_v by_o the_o edil_n but_o more_o be_v preserve_v and_o afterward_o publish_v a_o argument_n say_v he_o sufficient_a that_o the_o vanity_n and_o madness_n of_o those_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deride_v who_o imagine_v by_o present_a power_n to_o stifle_v the_o remembrance_n of_o future_a age_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n speak_v of_o the_o prohibition_n of_o heretical_a book_n observe_v that_o it_o do_v more_o harm_n then_o good_a while_o the_o book_n be_v seek_v for_o as_o such_o do_v but_o serve_v to_o raise_v and_o instill_v new_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o persecution_n of_o man_n in_o their_o body_n and_o good_n for_o other_o observe_v the_o extreme_a patience_n and_o constancy_n of_o so_o many_o people_n suffer_v for_o their_o particular_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n become_v curious_a to_o understand_v what_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v that_o inspire_v man_n with_o so_o much_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v the_o worst_a of_o misery_n rather_o than_o abandon_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o persecutor_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o strada_n though_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o torment_v yet_o they_o dread_v the_o triumph_n of_o the_o torment_v at_o their_o execution_n for_o that_o it_o have_v be_v frequent_o know_v that_o one_o martyr_n ●_o make_v many_o proselyte_n by_o his_o resolute_a maintain_n to_o the_o last_o the_o profession_n for_o which_o he_o die_v from_o hence_o we_o may_v proceed_v to_o show_v the_o dreadful_a effect_n and_o mischief_n that_o have_v attend_v the_o persecution_n of_o tender_a conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v general_o prove_v most_o fatal_a and_o in_o the_o end_n redound_v to_o the_o great_a loss_n of_o the_o persecutor_n themselves_o for_o of_o all_o the_o roman_a emperor_n that_o exercise_v those_o horrid_a cruelty_n upon_o the_o christian_n under_o their_o subjection_n only_a trajan_n and_o septimius_n severus_n die_v a_o natural_a death_n for_o as_o for_o antoninus_n the_o philosopher_n though_o he_o suffer_v a_o persecution_n in_o asia_n yet_o in_o other_o part_n of_o his_o dominion_n the_o christian_n be_v unmolested_a and_o serve_v he_o in_o his_o army_n where_o they_o fight_v for_o he_o so_o effectual_o as_o well_o with_o their_o prayer_n as_o with_o their_o sword_n that_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o the_o senate_n as_o much_o hate_v as_o they_o be_v that_o certain_o the_o christian_n have_v god_n for_o their_o protector_n all_o the_o rest_n come_v to_o untimely_a end_n either_o their_o own_o executioner_n or_o murder_v by_o their_o own_o soldier_n and_o servant_n though_o none_o so_o remarkable_o punish_v for_o their_o cruelty_n as_o valerian_n who_o be_v vanquish_v by_o sapor_n the_o persian_a be_v by_o he_o make_v his_o foot_n stool_n when_o he_o take_v horse_n and_o at_o length_n be_v flay_v alive_a what_o occasion_v the_o cossac_n war_n so_o prejudicial_a to_o poland_n but_o because_o the_o russian_a polonian_n of_o the_o catholic_a religion_n will_v have_v force_v the_o cossack_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o church_n and_o to_o that_o end_n have_v shut_v up_o the_o grecian_a church_n what_o occasion_v the_o revolt_n of_o the_o rustic_n in_o germany_n and_o the_o hussites_n in_o bohemia_n what_o occasion_v the_o league_n of_o smalcald_a and_o the_o cruel_a war_n that_o ensue_v but_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_n by_o which_o all_o that_o be_v get_v be_v this_o that_o the_o bloody_a ecclesiastic_n satisfy_v their_o revenge_n with_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o poor_a people_n while_o the_o other_o indulgee_v their_o hatred_n and_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o antipathy_n the_o wealth_n and_o religious_a structure_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o between_o both_o whole_a region_n and_o country_n be_v depopulate_v and_o ruin_v what_o lose_v philip_n the_o second_o so_o fair_a a_o portion_n of_o his_o dominion_n but_o his_o severity_n in_o force_v conscience_n but_o his_o bigoted_a zeal_n to_o gratify_v the_o interest_n of_o rome_n by_o suffer_v his_o grand_a executioner_n alva_n to_o ride_v triumphant_o in_o the_o chariot_n of_o the_o abominated_a inquisition_n over_o the_o neck_n of_o his_o tender-conscienced_a subject_n till_o he_o have_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n disburden_v the_o country_n of_o no_o less_o than_o eighteen_o thousand_o innocent_a christian_n the_o reign_n of_o charles_n the_o nine_o deform_v with_o civil_a war_n with_o various_a success_n of_o battle_n with_o seiges_n and_o sack_n of_o city_n and_o town_n and_o havoc_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v render_v yet_o more_o in_o famous_a by_o the_o parisian_a
massacre_n than_o which_o there_o never_o be_v a_o more_o inhuman_a piece_n of_o barbarity_n know_v among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o but_o what_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o butchery_n what_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o to_o the_o king_n after_o he_o have_v empty_v his_o kingdom_n of_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o subject_n among_o which_o five_o hundred_o all_o person_n of_o quality_n in_o the_o first_o place_n upon_o too_o late_a a_o consideration_n a_o deep_a repentance_n for_o have_v give_v his_o consent_n and_o a_o resolution_n have_v he_o live_v to_o have_v punish_v his_o advisor_n then_o every_o night_n his_o slumber_n interrupt_v with_o nocturnal_a terror_n till_o have_v linger_v under_o most_o grievous_a and_o tedious_a pain_n and_o long_o perceive_v his_o death_n approach_v before_o he_o die_v he_o end_v his_o day_n a_o young_a youth_n in_o the_o 24_o year_n of_o his_o age._n to_o omit_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o low-countries_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o inquisition_n we_o find_v the_o people_n in_o all_o place_n the_o most_o devote_a and_o accustom_v to_o ecclesiastical_a rigour_n mutiny_v even_o to_o bloodshed_n against_o the_o torment_n of_o that_o tribunal_n in_o naples_n peter_n of_o toledo_n the_o viceroy_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o pope_n will_v fain_o have_v bring_v it_o in_o but_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n it_o cause_v such_o a_o uproar_v among_o the_o people_n that_o it_o come_v to_o be_v almost_o a_o petty_a war_n between_o the_o commonalty_n and_o the_o garrison_n wherein_o many_o be_v slay_v on_o both_o side_n so_o that_o the_o viceroy_n be_v force_v to_o desist_v in_o his_o design_n neither_o have_v any_o offer_n be_v make_v to_o obtrude_v any_o such_o kind_n of_o office_n upon_o that_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o even_o in_o rome_n itself_o the_o people_n detest_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o inquisition_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o the_o breath_n be_v no_o soon_o out_o of_o the_o body_n 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make_v use_n of_o only_a as_o trap_n and_o snare_n to_o dis-people_n the_o nation_n what_o false_a crime_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n by_o the_o flatterer_n of_o the_o emperor_n sep._n severus_n to_o incense_v he_o to_o the_o first_o persecution_n the_o same_o accusation_n be_v late_o throw_v upon_o the_o dissenter_n of_o be_v homicide_n turbulent_a sacrilegious_a traitor_n against_o caesar_n and_o in_o a_o word_n mere_a cannibal_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o pretend_a calumny_n and_o meditate_a slander_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n out_o of_o the_o good_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o those_o that_o make_v the_o clamour_n not_o present_o discern_v the_o trapan_n which_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o person_n over_o who_o they_o have_v indeed_o no_o jurisdiction_n till_o at_o length_n the_o ill_a use_n of_o those_o law_n better_a inform_v their_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o be_v impose_v upon_o to_o frame_v persecute_v statute_n and_o authorize_v prosecution_n not_o to_o prevent_v disturbance_n in_o government_n but_o to_o gratify_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o their_o hotheaded_a adviser_n hence_o under_o pretence_n of_o disaffection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n continual_a plot_n and_o treason_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o discovery_n so_o well_o manage_v that_o some_o be_v hang_v other_o fine_v other_o condemn_v to_o long_a imprisonment_n which_o accusation_n because_o they_o reach_v not_o many_o therefore_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v bird_n of_o the_o same_o feather_n must_v suffer_v for_o their_o sake_n and_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v still_o keep_v on_o foot_n for_o a_o covert_a they_o let_v fly_v the_o arrow_n of_o their_o indignation_n against_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o chastise_v the_o pretence_n where_o they_o can_v not_o find_v any_o fact_n commit_v to_o punish_v and_o indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o pretence_n be_v the_o only_a crime_n commit_v against_o they_o all_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o their_o ceremony_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v seditious_a person_n none_o that_o go_v to_o meeting_n and_o conventicle_n can_v be_v good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v or_o refrain_v from_o go_v to_o meeting_n must_v be_v scourge_v with_o the_o scorpion_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o excommunication_n must_v be_v amerce_v at_o pleasure_n imprison_v till_o submission_n many_o to_o their_o utter_a impoverishment_n or_o till_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o jail_n and_o they_o that_o will_v live_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o under_o the_o government_n can_v have_v no_o rest_n in_o their_o own_o family_n upon_o this_o thousand_o take_v their_o flight_n beyond_o sea_n and_o draw_v off_o their_o estate_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o kingdom_n be_v depopulate_v the_o manufacture_n of_o the_o nation_n carry_v into_o foreign_a country_n and_o the_o prince_n lose_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o wealth_n and_o person_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o subject_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o government_n a_o sort_n of_o christian_a politic_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v only_o learn_v from_o the_o uncharitable_a bigotrie_n of_o that_o same_o prince_n who_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v king_n of_o a_o country_n without_o people_n then_o of_o a_o kingdom_n people_v with_o heritick_n contrary_a to_o the_o say_n of_o adrian_n one_o of_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o roman_a emperor_n that_o he_o wish_v his_o empire_n strengthen_v rather_o by_o the_o increase_n of_o people_n and_o inhabitant_n than_o excess_n of_o treasure_n but_o this_o be_v neither_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n nor_o of_o the_o more_o prudent_a common_a wealth_n and_o government_n of_o latter_a age_n among_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o history_n the_o egyption_n be_v the_o first_o from_o who_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o jew_n except_v derive_v that_o same_o dark_a knowledge_n which_o the_o other_o have_v of_o the_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n their_o early_a superstition_n have_v set_v up_o no_o less_o than_o twelve_o divinity_n to_o begin_v withal_o who_o be_v all_o worship_v in_o various_a shape_v with_o various_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n all_o which_o with_o their_o several_a portraiture_n and_o sacred_a mystery_n for_o so_o they_o call_v the_o rite_n of_o adoration_n belong_v to_o every_o idol_n the_o grecian_n afterward_o translate_v into_o their_o own_o country_n and_o for_o a_o while_n exact_o observe_v the_o precept_n and_o method_n of_o their_o first_o instructor_n here_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o divinity_n with_o every_o one_o a_o particular_a form_n of_o worship_n attend_v he_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o grecian_n be_v afraid_a to_o transport_v they_o all_o into_o their_o several_a city_n for_o fear_v lest_o the_o variety_n of_o superstition_n shall_v set_v their_o people_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n while_o one_o priest_n cry_v up_o his_o divinity_n another_o extol_v he_o and_o shatter_v the_o vulgar_a into_o faction_n and_o contention_n which_o be_v the_o best_a no_o the_o priest_n be_v still_o content_v with_o what_o follower_n they_o have_v and_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o freedom_n to_o worship_v what_o divinity_n he_o please_v as_o his_o affection_n and_o devotion_n govern_v he_o a_o strange_a misfortune_n to_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o heathen_n shall_v be_v so_o conformable_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o much_o variety_n of_o feign_a divinity_n and_o we_o not_o be_v able_a to_o adjust_a those_o few_o ceremony_n in_o dispute_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a and_o one_o god_n when_o we_o have_v his_o own_o inspire_a scripture_n for_o our_o guide_n in_o athens_n there_o be_v as_o many_o sect_n and_o opinion_n daily_o teach_v as_o there_o be_v almost_o
philosopher_n in_o the_o city_n and_o many_o differ_v in_o their_o sentiment_n even_o concern_v the_o god_n themselves_o yet_o the_o magistrate_n be_v never_o call_v upon_o for_o their_o suppression_n but_o rather_o they_o be_v cherish_v and_o honour_v with_o statue_n after_o their_o death_n the_o magistrate_n ruler_n and_o great_a captain_n of_o that_o age_n be_v their_o hearer_n and_o disciple_n adhere_v at_o pleasure_n to_o who_o they_o think_v fit_a as_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n lead_v they_o and_o this_o public_a toleration_n it_o be_v that_o render_v athens_n one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o flourish_a city_n of_o the_o world._n nor_o be_v socrates_n punish_v for_o introduce_v a_o innovation_n in_o their_o religion_n but_o because_o he_o neither_o can_v inform_v his_o judge_n nor_o they_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v who_o that_o god_n be_v therefore_o they_o put_v he_o to_o death_n for_o injure_v all_o the_o rest_n who_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v as_o true_a as_o his_o unknown_a deity_n i_o pass_v but_o light_o over_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o engage_v in_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o rigid_a neither_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o gentile_n from_o among_o they_o but_o have_v their_o atrium_n gentium_fw-la for_o their_o reception_n although_o unconvert_v nor_o do_v they_o refuse_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n of_o the_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n nor_o those_o of_o augustus_n and_o fiberius_n all_o which_o they_o think_v no_o breach_n of_o their_o law_n to_o offer_v up_o in_o their_o holy_a temple_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o gentile_n this_o be_v far_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o suppress_v variety_n of_o opinion_n that_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o many_o fable_n of_o the_o poet_n that_o daily_o utter_v such_o irreverent_a and_o mean_a thought_n of_o their_o adore_a divinity_n as_o to_o make_v they_o robber_n adulterer_n and_o drunkard_n incident_a to_o all_o the_o frailty_n and_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o crime_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o commit_v how_o soever_o these_o fable_n every_o day_n make_v some_o change_n or_o other_o in_o their_o religion_n for_o the_o god_n still_o multiply_v by_o procreation_n and_o canonization_n of_o hero_n greece_n be_v so_o stock_v and_o replenish_v with_o deity_n that_o they_o send_v whole_a colony_n of_o feign_a divinity_n among_o their_o neighbour_n who_o give_v they_o free_a admission_n without_o dispute_v the_o toleration_n of_o their_o new_a invent_a sacrifice_n lustration_n and_o other_o superstition_n though_o perhaps_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o it_o be_v true_a their_o god_n will_v be_v sometime_o out_o of_o humour_n but_o their_o particular_a priest_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o push_v their_o feign_a anger_n too_o far_o &_o find_v out_o a_o way_n by_o some_o oracle_n or_o other_o to_o understand_v their_o meaning_n and_o set_v all_o right_a again_o however_o it_o show_v that_o have_v the_o priesthood_n be_v as_o captious_a then_o as_o some_o of_o we_o at_o this_o time_n they_o may_v have_v put_v so_o many_o capriccio_n into_o the_o head_n sometime_o of_o one_o and_o sometime_o of_o another_o idol_n as_o may_v have_v give_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n no_o small_a vexation_n among_o the_o roman_n the_o catalogue_n of_o their_o god_n exceed_v thirty_o thousand_o and_o their_o form_n of_o worship_n be_v as_o various_a as_o they_o for_o their_o god_n pan_n they_o have_v their_o luperci_n and_o lupercalia_n for_o ceres_n their_o secret_a mystery_n and_o female_a priest_n for_o hercules_n they_o have_v their_o potitij_fw-la and_o pinarij_fw-la they_o have_v also_o their_o arval_a fraternity_n and_o their_o sixty_o curiones_n to_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o several_a curiae_fw-la or_o parish_n in_o rome_n they_o have_v their_o college_n of_o augur_n and_o their_o flamin_n for_o mars_n they_o have_v their_o salij_n for_o their_o goddess_n dea_fw-la bona_fw-la they_o have_v their_o vestal_a nun_n for_o cybele_n their_o galli_n and_o corybantes_n all_o this_o look_v like_o the_o variety_n of_o our_o sect_n and_o opinion_n at_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o those_o contention_n dispute_n and_o enmity_n that_o rage_n among_o we_o they_o never_o incense_v the_o magistrate_n to_o persecution_n but_o as_o they_o agree_v single_o together_o so_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o whole_a or_o if_o any_o difference_n happen_v among_o they_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o repair_v to_o the_o college_n of_o pontiff_n where_o their_o question_n be_v immediate_o resolve_v and_o their_o determination_n never_o contradict_v and_o for_o a_o far_a mark_n of_o this_o general_a toleration_n we_o find_v the_o pantheon_n erect_v and_o after_o it_o be_v burn_v down_o rebuilt_a by_o adrian_n where_o all_o the_o god_n be_v worship_v in_o common_a moreover_o we_o find_v mention_v make_v in_o suetonius_n of_o collegia_fw-la antiqua_fw-la et_fw-la sacra_fw-la in_o the_o plural_a number_n upon_o which_o cujacius_n animadvert_v that_o the_o senate_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o roman_a people_n permit_v several_a college_n as_o well_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o foreign_a religion_n as_o of_o that_o of_o their_o own_o country_n and_o augustus_n confess_v that_o he_o permit_v the_o college_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o he_o find_v they_o to_o be_v the_o school_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n not_o as_o they_o be_v report_v the_o seminary_n of_o sedition_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o christian_n they_o be_v no_o soon_o grow_v numerous_a but_o we_o find_v they_o muster_v in_o the_o army_n of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o tolerate_v without_o disturbance_n by_o commodus_n though_o a_o bad_a prince_n in_o who_o time_n pontienus_n set_v up_o a_o school_n in_o alexandria_n where_o he_o public_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n alexander_n severus_n give_v public_a toleration_n to_o the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o when_o a_o complaint_n be_v make_v to_o he_o by_o the_o rabble_n that_o keep_v public_a tipling-house_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o a_o place_n to_o build_v a_o church_n in_o the_o ground_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o he_o return_v for_o his_o answer_n that_o it_o be_v much_o better_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v in_o that_o place_n after_o any_o form_n then_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v allow_v for_o house_n of_o debauchery_n and_o thus_o we_o find_v that_o toleration_n of_o religion_n be_v allow_v so_o long_o as_o heathenism_n continue_v in_o the_o world._n to_o these_o succeed_v constantine_n the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o roman_a emperor_n that_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o who_o we_o find_v such_o a_o indulgence_n give_fw-mi not_o only_o to_o the_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o colleague_n in_o the_o empire_n licinius_n that_o we_o can_v not_o omit_v the_o insertion_n in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o it_o at_o what_o time_n i_o constantine_n augustus_n advertisement_n and_o licinius_n augustus_n happy_o meet_v at_o milan_n and_o have_v in_o consultation_n whatever_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o public_a benefit_n and_o security_n among_o the_o rest_n we_o think_v those_o thing_n be_v first_o to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o which_o will_v prove_v most_o profitable_a to_o most_o man_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a deity_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o grant_v to_o the_o christian_n and_o all_o other_o free_a liberty_n to_o exercise_v what_o religion_n every_o one_o best_o approve_v to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v render_v that_o supreme_a divinity_n who_o sit_v in_o his_o celestial_a throne_n propitious_a to_o we_o and_o all_o the_o people_n under_o our_o dominion_n wherefore_o follow_v this_o wholesome_a counsel_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n we_o think_v it_o our_o safe_a and_o wise_a course_n not_o to_o deny_v liberty_n to_o any_o one_o who_o either_o follow_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_n or_o addict_v himself_o to_o any_o other_o religion_n which_o he_o think_v most_o agreeable_a with_o his_o judgement_n that_o the_o most_o high_a god_n to_o who_o we_o free_o and_o hearty_o yield_v obedience_n may_v afford_v we_o his_o wont_a favour_n and_o kindness_n in_o all_o our_o erterprise_n for_o this_o reason_n we_o give_v your_o excellency_n to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v our_o pleasure_n that_o all_o restraint_n former_o appear_v in_o your_o office_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_n be_v disannul_v we_o do_v now_o enact_v sincere_o and_o plain_o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o observe_v the_o christian_a religion_n may_v free_o do_v it_o without_o any_o