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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n affect_v force_n great_a 49 3 2.0927 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A50329 The antithelemite, or, An answer to certain quaeres by the D. of B. and the considerations of an unknown author concerning toleration Maurice, Henry, 1648-1691. 1685 (1685) Wing M1359; ESTC R3722 42,710 78

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from_o the_o intolerable_a the_o presbyterian_o have_v declare_v all_o the_o other_o sect_n to_o be_v intolerable_a the_o independent_n will_v not_o endure_v anabaptist_n or_o quaker_n where_o they_o have_v any_o authority_n the_o scotch_a covenanter_n declare_v against_o all_o those_o that_o be_v without_o the_o covenant_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n exclaim_v against_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_n as_o intolerable_a pereunt_fw-la per_fw-la mutua_fw-la vulnera_fw-la fratres_n since_o therefore_o the_o considerer_n be_v not_o please_v to_o direct_v either_o the_o parliament_n or_o any_o body_n else_o to_o discern_v between_o those_o sect_n that_o be_v tolerable_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o and_o between_o what_o be_v tolerable_a in_o every_o particular_a sect_n and_o what_o be_v not_o i_o shall_v leave_v this_o point_n as_o need_v far_o explication_n and_o i_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o suspicion_n that_o he_o will_v hardly_o think_v it_o advisable_v to_o be_v very_o particular_a in_o distinguish_v for_o several_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v to_o he_o intolerable_a may_v be_v the_o chief_a delight_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o tolerate_v in_o these_o they_o will_v not_o much_o care_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o toleration_n at_o all_o what_o thanks_o will_v the_o sectary_n pay_v he_o for_o be_v tolerate_v by_o half_n to_o have_v one_o part_n of_o their_o conscience_n free_a and_o the_o other_o bind_v up_o and_o they_o will_v think_v themselves_o no_o more_o enlarge_v by_o such_o a_o limit_a favour_n than_o a_o man_n that_o have_v but_o one_o foot_n at_o liberty_n while_o the_o other_o be_v fast_o in_o the_o stock_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v certain_a query_n and_o consideration_n which_o havebeen_n make_v late_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o a_o general_a toleration_n all_o these_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o either_o to_o religion_n which_o they_o pretend_v enjoin_v forbearance_n and_o forbid_v all_o constraint_n in_o religious_a matter_n 2._o or_o to_o reason_n that_o condemn_v all_o compulsion_n as_o unseemly_a and_o absurd_a 3._o or_o to_o civil_a prudence_n that_o incline_v to_o toleration_n as_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o benefit_n of_o society_n 1._o quer._n upon_o the_o first_o head_n a_o noble_a person_n demand_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o to_o use_v any_o kind_n of_o force_n upon_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o whether_o all_o those_o that_o practise_v it_o let_v they_o be_v of_o what_o church_n or_o sect_n they_o please_v ought_v not_o just_o to_o be_v call_v antichristian_a if_o a_o poor_a man_n may_v be_v so_o bold_a with_o so_o great_a a_o author_n as_o to_o pretend_v to_o understand_v any_o thing_n he_o affect_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o i_o will_v answer_v 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criticism_n to_o adventure_v to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o this_o difference_n happen_v and_o what_o book_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o his_o grace_n have_v mistake_v for_o the_o bible_n but_o be_v there_o not_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o but_o very_o sore_o against_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o inclination_n and_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v they_o will_v have_v a_o speedy_a a_o swear_v however_o be_v not_o this_o use_n of_o force_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n to_o none_o that_o i_o know_v christ_n indeed_o do_v never_o use_v any_o force_n no_o more_o do_v he_o condemn_v the_o woman_n take_v in_o adultery_n nor_o sentence_n peter_n to_o the_o pillory_n for_o deny_v he_o by_o a_o false_a oath_n can_v therefore_o no_o magistrate_n use_v any_o force_n nor_o punish_v these_o crime_n without_o forfeit_v his_o christianity_n our_o saviour_n to_o prevent_v such_o consequence_n as_o may_v be_v draw_z n_z from_o his_o practice_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v but_o a_o private_a person_n in_o all_o civil_a respect_n his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n he_o be_v no_o magistrate_n and_o therefore_o do_v use_v no_o force_n upon_o any_o account_n and_o therefore_o his_o example_n in_o this_o case_n can_v be_v no_o direction_n to_o he_o that_o be_v invest_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o sustain_v a_o person_n quite_o different_a from_o the_o character_n our_o saviour_n bear_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o christ_n rebuke_v james_n and_o john_n for_o demand_v his_o order_n or_o permission_n to_o command_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o samaritan_n that_o refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unwarrantable_a or_o barbarous_a than_o this_o proposal_n why_o shall_v they_o desire_v the_o sudden_a destruction_n of_o man_n over_o who_o life_n they_o have_v no_o power_n and_o for_o a_o fault_n that_o no_o law_n make_v capital_a nay_o christ_n himself_o as_o man_n have_v no_o power_n to_o take_v away_o their_o life_n though_o they_o have_v deserve_v it_o nor_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o which_o so_o much_o provoke_v their_o indignation_n be_v any_o matter_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o but_o only_o a_o refusal_n of_o a_o civil_a and_o hospitable_a reception_n to_o our_o saviour_n on_o his_o journey_n towards_o jerusalem_n but_o whether_o he_o preach_v there_o or_o no_o or_o that_o they_o do_v any_o affront_n to_o his_o character_n and_o his_o doctrine_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v and_o the_o contrary_n be_v most_o probable_a from_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o evangelist_n but_o neither_o this_o or_o any_o other_o instance_n of_o our_o saviour_n practice_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n not_o to_o punish_v such_o person_n or_o sect_n of_o christian_n that_o corrupt_v the_o religion_n and_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n under_o his_o charge_n since_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o punish_v dissenter_n be_v contrary_a neither_o to_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o practice_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v they_o that_o use_v it_o upon_o great_a occasion_n may_v be_v discharge_v of_o the_o odious_a imputation_n of_o antichristian_a but_o if_o all_o those_o that_o practice_n this_o odious_a method_n to_o use_v forcible_a mean_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o church_n or_o sect_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v of_o be_v antichristian_a what_o shall_v we_o do_v for_o christian_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o rate_n must_v be_v the_o most_o antichristian_a of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v always_o as_o much_o antichristian_a as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o the_o independent_n of_o new-england_n be_v as_o visible_o antichristian_a as_o if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o horn_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o if_o these_o be_v all_o antichristian_a who_o have_v we_o leave_v capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o toleration_n for_o sure_o
great_a order_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o cavalcade_n that_o attend_v the_o e._n of_o shaftesbury_n in_o his_o set_n out_o towards_o the_o parliament_n of_o oxford_n and_o you_o will_v easy_o comprehend_v the_o sole_a union_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o the_o certain_a consequence_n of_o a_o general_n toleration_n a_o great_a man_n indeed_o may_v serve_v his_o interest_n or_o his_o ambition_n by_o take_v all_o sort_n of_o sect_n into_o his_o protection_n but_o how_o to_o reconcile_v so_o many_o contradiction_n of_o conscience_n to_o his_o own_o i_o must_v confess_v my_o understanding_n too_o narrow_a to_o comprehend_v but_o i_o must_v beg_v of_o my_o reader_n to_o understand_v this_o without_o any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o noble_a person_n that_o have_v late_o speak_v so_o favourable_o of_o toleration_n for_o all_o that_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o person_n or_o but_o with_o his_o reputation_n must_v do_v he_o that_o justice_n as_o to_o acquit_v he_o of_o all_o high_a and_o dangerous_a design_n they_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o indefinite_a teleration_n to_o all_o dissenter_n whatever_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v consider_v all_o the_o sort_n and_o variety_n of_o these_o to_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v for_o upon_o those_o term_n the_o indian_a pagan_n may_v come_v and_o demand_v convenience_n for_o their_o pagod_n and_o the_o mahometan_n may_v pray_v that_o their_o mosque_n may_v sland_z among_o our_o church_n some_o fanciful_a man_n may_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o greek_a or_o roman_a superslition_n and_o require_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o general_n indulgence_n that_o the_o ancient_a rite_n of_o those_o people_n may_v be_v restore_v as_o well_o as_o their_o language_n and_o learning_n in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o superstition_n so_o senseless_a or_o so_o barbarous_a but_o have_v good_a title_n to_o toleration_n if_o all_o dissenter_n whatever_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o 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people_n one_o will_v think_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o forbid_v impostor_n and_o deceiver_n in_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v to_o prohibit_v juggler_n and_o fortune_n teller_n who_o do_v not_o only_o cheat_v the_o people_n of_o their_o money_n but_o infect_v they_o with_o hurtful_a superstition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o but_o too_o much_o incline_v some_o christian_n have_v write_v in_o defence_n of_o polygamy_n and_o affirm_v that_o practice_n to_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a but_o to_o many_o necessary_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n what_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o take_v as_o many_o wife_n as_o any_o of_o the_o patriarch_n it_o be_v part_n of_o his_o religion_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v prosecute_v upon_o that_o account_n if_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n have_v right_a to_o toleration_n a_o quaker_n refuse_v to_o pay_v tithe_n as_o 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deal_n among_o themselves_o than_o they_o be_v by_o their_o church_n covenant_n for_o a_o poor_a presbyterian_a or_o independent_a to_o go_v to_o church_n be_v to_o forfeit_v all_o his_o custom_n and_o to_o be_v beggar_a and_o to_o fall_v under_o a_o secret_a persecution_n that_o will_v more_o certain_o undo_v he_o than_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o the_o penal_a law_n therefore_o to_o these_o compulsion_n serve_v not_o to_o make_v they_o hypocrite_n but_o to_o free_v their_o conscience_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n become_v necessary_a to_o they_o and_o can_v be_v esteem_v the_o force_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o break_n of_o a_o unlawful_a and_o dangerous_a combination_n and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v hypocrite_n of_o both_o side_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v angry_a if_o we_o take_v away_o their_o chaff_n which_o may_v make_v their_o heap_n show_v big_a but_o add_v little_a to_o the_o value_n of_o it_o such_o as_o may_v do_v they_o 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and_o his_o interest_n go_v the_o same_o way_n how_o many_o dissenter_n keep_v off_o they_o know_v not_o why_o how_o many_o rail_n at_o our_o service_n that_o never_o read_v a_o word_n of_o it_o that_o disparage_v our_o minister_n and_o never_o hear_v they_o how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o obtain_v from_o the_o zeal_n of_o many_o dissenter_n so_o much_o truce_n as_o to_o hear_v what_o one_o can_v say_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o civility_n but_o this_o frowardness_n be_v somewhat_o abate_v when_o they_o find_v themselves_o entang_v lead_v with_o difficulty_n and_o then_o they_o may_v condescend_v to_o listen_v to_o reason_n &_o this_o opportunity_n may_v be_v so_o well_o improve_v that_o in_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v acknowledge_v this_o compulsion_n as_o a_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n to_o their_o case_n before_o i_o be_v trouble_v i_o go_v wrong_v but_o now_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o this_o compulsion_n will_v serve_v to_o make_v many_o hypocrite_n and_o that_o most_o of_o they_o at_o first_o may_v come_v to_o church_n only_o to_o save_v their_o purse_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o continue_v always_o so_o but_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o may_v profit_v so_o much_o by_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v as_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o former_a way_n and_o what_o they_o do_v at_o first_o upon_o mean_a and_o sordid_a reason_n they_o may_v afterward_o continue_v to_o do_v out_o of_o conscience_n and_o choice_n so_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o gracious_o to_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n some_o have_v go_v to_o church_n only_o out_o of_o curiosity_n and_o have_v be_v catch_v some_o have_v go_v to_o mock_v and_o return_v in_o tear_n saul_n go_v to_o the_o prophet_n only_o to_o inquire_v of_o his_o father_n ass_n and_o receive_v a_o unction_n which_o he_o little_o expect_v and_o since_o truth_n and_o right_n be_v as_o manifest_o on_o the_o side_n 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consid_fw-la 3._o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o themselves_o even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o impose_v upon_o other_o they_o will_v count_v it_o hard_a measure_n to_o be_v constrain_v to_o perform_v or_o forbear_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o religion_n or_o to_o suffer_v unproportionable_a penalty_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o church-protestants_a make_v the_o presbyterian_o the_o independent_n the_o papist_n oase_v their_o own_o in_o this_o point_n see_v they_o be_v all_o fellow_n christian_n therefore_o whatsoever_o thing_n you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o justice_n and_o charity_n will_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o if_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v to_o thing_n equal_o lawful_a or_o reasonable_a now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a matter_n what_o religion_n or_o sect_n any_o man_n be_v of_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a not_o to_o allow_v as_o well_o as_o to_o desire_v toleration_n but_o it_o will_v be_v still_o a_o absurdity_n in_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o religion_n indifferent_a to_o desire_v any_o toleration_n for_o himself_o since_o his_o principle_n may_v comply_v with_o any_o sort_n but_o those_o that_o desire_v toleration_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n they_o think_v themselves_o in_o the_o right_n and_o all_o those_o with_o who_o they_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o which_o be_v tolerate_v themselves_o they_o refuse_v to_o tolerate_v other_o with_o a_o nonobstante_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n if_o some_o religion_n be_v false_a if_o many_o sect_n be_v in_o their_o very_a constitution_n and_o establishment_n sinful_a this_o rule_n can_v reach_v the_o present_a case_n what_o criminal_a can_v be_v punish_v if_o for_o the_o read_n of_o that_o text_n he_o must_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o clergy_n what_o child_n may_v not_o emancipate_v himself_o from_o discipline_n if_o it_o will_v serve_v his_o turn_n to_o say_v to_o a_o master_n or_o a_o father_n will_v you_o be_v use_v so_o yourself_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o religion_n about_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n there_o be_v opinion_n of_o several_a sect_n that_o be_v blasphemous_a there_o be_v other_o that_o corrupt_v and_o esserate_v humane_a nature_n instead_o of_o improve_n it_o there_o be_v other_o mistake_v of_o less_o consequence_n in_o religion_n but_o from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o great_a danger_n to_o the_o government_n all_o which_o if_o they_o have_v any_o claim_n to_o toleration_n by_o this_o rule_n of_o do_v to_o other_o as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v by_o have_v no_o better_o than_o that_o which_o with_o the_o same_o justice_n may_v be_v make_v by_o all_o the_o deadly_a sin_n yet_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v the_o presbyterian_o independent_n and_o papist_n case_v she_o own_o in_o this_o case_n see_v they_o be_v all_o fellow_n christian_n nay_o why_o not_o the_o anabaptist_n quaker_n muggletonian_n for_o they_o claim_v kindred_n too_o when_o it_o be_v low_a with_o they_o and_o then_o we_o be_v all_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n christian_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o sect_n unname_v suppose_v it_o include_v and_o then_o one_o answer_n may_v serve_v they_o all_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v make_v their_o case_n her_o own_o 1._o because_o she_o think_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n for_o many_o of_o they_o hold_v false_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n and_o practice_n thing_n utter_o unlawful_a and_o unchristian_a 2._o she_o ought_v so_o to_o judge_v since_o there_o be_v a_o real_a difference_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n between_o
will_v never_o hearken_v to_o any_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o have_v so_o many_o law_n against_o dissenter_n to_o forbid_v conventicle_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o come_v to_o church_n since_o this_o government_n think_v they_o can_v never_o take_v too_o great_a security_n from_o a_o party_n they_o have_v find_v to_o be_v implacable_a therefore_o thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o will_v stir_v up_o the_o reader_n nay_o recommend_v to_o the_o parliament_n for_o a_o parellel_a case_n with_o we_o one_o that_o have_v so_o little_a resemblance_n with_o it_o top._n 3._o we_o be_v come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o topick_n of_o the_o advocate_n for_o toleration_n and_o that_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o improvement_n of_o trade_n to_o which_o indulgence_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v so_o singular_a a_o nurse_n that_o it_o can_v possible_o thrive_v or_o subsist_v without_o it_o wherefore_o the_o d._n of_o b._n make_v this_o quere_z whether_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i._n e._n of_o use_v any_o compulsion_n or_o restraint_n towards_o man_n conscience_n have_v not_o always_o be_v ruinous_a and_o destructive_a to_o those_o country_n where_o it_o have_v be_v use_v either_o in_o monarchy_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o whether_o the_o contrary_a practice_n have_v not_o be_v successful_a in_o all_o those_o country_n where_o it_o have_v be_v use_v either_o in_o monarchy_n or_o commonwealth_n we_o have_v great_a obligation_n to_o this_o noble_a person_n for_o wave_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o a_o fruitful_a wit_n may_v have_v give_v he_o upon_o this_o subject_a of_o reason_v without_o end_n of_o the_o possible_a or_o probable_a mischief_n or_o advantage_n arise_v to_o monarchy_n or_o commonwealth_n from_o the_o grant_n or_o refuse_v toleration_n and_o for_o refer_v this_o whole_a dispute_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o experience_n the_o question_n therefore_o can_v but_o have_v a_o 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exception_n to_o this_o general_n quaere_fw-la i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o kingdom_n more_o flourish_a than_o this_o be_v under_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n i._n and_o yet_o then_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o great_a restraint_n upon_o conscience_n as_o at_o any_o time_n since_o the_o roman_a catholic_n though_o a_o very_a numerous_a and_o formidable_a party_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n be_v bring_v to_o our_o church_n by_o the_o single_a force_n of_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n which_o leave_v dissenter_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o add_v no_o other_o punishment_n than_o a_o light_a mulct_n of_o a_o shilling_n for_o every_o default_n and_o this_o uniformity_n that_o be_v the_o contradiction_n of_o toleration_n do_v in_o a_o few_o year_n so_o diminish_v that_o party_n that_o the_o pope_n be_v oblige_v to_o command_v those_o who_o retain_v any_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n to_o separate_v themselves_o and_o to_o abstain_v from_o come_v to_o our_o church_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o strange_a paradox_n in_o politic_n in_o those_o day_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o toleration_n of_o those_o the_o government_n do_v so_o much_o fear_n but_o however_o this_o compulsion_n do_v not_o prove_v in_o the_o least_o ruinous_a or_o destructive_a to_o this_o kingdom_n and_o when_o that_o party_n fall_v into_o dangerous_a erterprise_n the_o law_n grow_v still_o more_o and_o more_o severe_a in_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o the_o establish_a religion_n the_o puritan_n be_v as_o little_o indulge_v by_o that_o queen_n as_o the_o papist_n as_o her_o law_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o all_o her_o time_n by_o due_a execution_n of_o law_n that_o faction_n be_v low_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o the_o care_v take_v then_o to_o suppress_v they_o seem_v to_o proceed_v rather_o from_o the_o foresight_n of_o such_o trouble_n as_o this_o faction_n may_v create_v to_o succeed_a prince_n than_o any_o apprehension_n of_o present_a danger_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v those_o anabaptist_n and_o wild_a fanatic_n that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o her_o time_n not_o so_o much_o i_o conceive_v for_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o crime_n against_o the_o state_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o toleration_n in_o those_o day_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o serene_a as_o prosperous_a as_o happy_a as_o any_o pass_v over_o the_o head_n of_o this_o nation_n at_o leastwise_o during_o the_o late_a usurpation_n which_o be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o toleration_n in_o this_o kingdom_n if_o we_o can_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o those_o observation_n which_o our_o republican_n and_o dissenter_n have_v make_v of_o the_o original_a of_o the_o late_a confusion_n we_o owe_v they_o all_o to_o a_o pretend_a toleration_n or_o some_o secret_a connivance_n which_o they_o suspect_v and_o from_o this_o root_n they_o deduce_v all_o that_o follow_v true_a or_o false_a real_a or_o pretend_a the_o enemy_n of_o the_o government_n make_v much_o more_o advantage_n of_o it_o than_o either_o the_o government_n or_o those_o for_o who_o the_o favour_n be_v say_v to_o be_v intend_v i_o may_v instance_n in_o monarchy_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n that_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v no_o great_a prejudice_n by_o not_o grant_v a_o toleration_n for_o all_o sect_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a persecutor_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v fall_v into_o extraordinary_a decay_n we_o may_v impute_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o resist_v the_o truth_n with_o so_o great_a cruelty_n and_o not_o for_o deny_v licence_n to_o every_o thing_n or_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o pretence_n or_o cant_n of_o religion_n beside_o in_o those_o country_n some_o that_o have_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o decay_n have_v observe_v several_a other_o false_a measure_n much_o more_o pernicious_a than_o the_o deny_v of_o toleration_n the_o last_o exception_n i_o shall_v make_v be_v from_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o never_o flourish_v more_o than_o when_o there_o be_v no_o toleration_n never_o be_v in_o worse_a condition_n than_o when_o there_o be_v and_o this_o instance_n have_v something_o more_o of_o authority_n than_o the_o rest_n because_o this_o people_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n own_o law_n and_o sometime_o more_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o person_n and_o yet_o during_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o theocracy_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o indulgence_n or_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o record_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v his_o government_n from_o any_o such_o thing_n that_o he_o make_v a_o perpetual_a decree_n that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o city_n or_o tribe_n shall_v fall_v away_o from_o his_o worship_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n the_o rest_n instead_o of_o indulge_v or_o neglect_v the_o error_n be_v to_o prosecute_v they_o to_o utter_v destruction_n now_o lest_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o under_o theocracy_n this_o may_v be_v just_a because_o idolatry_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o high_a treason_n but_o in_o other_o government_n the_o reason_n cease_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o same_o law_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n who_o be_v not_o only_o commend_v by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n but_o observe_v to_o have_v be_v bless_v with_o unusual_a prosperity_n for_o those_o prosecution_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o recommend_v these_o proceed_n as_o precedent_n to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o christian_a prince_n it_o be_v only_o upon_o the_o question_n of_o fact_n that_o i_o produce_v this_o instance_n to_o show_v there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o prosperous_a kingdom_n or_o common_a wealth_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o general_a
toleration_n as_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o quere_z have_v not_o the_o contrary_a practice_n be_v always_o successful_a to_o those_o country_n where_o it_o have_v be_v use_v either_o in_o monarchy_n or_o common_a wealth_n i_o think_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v many_o kingdom_n or_o common_a wealth_n where_o a_o general_a toleration_n have_v be_v use_v some_o have_v endure_v one_o or_o perhaps_o two_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n in_o religion_n but_o this_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o those_o queres_fw-la or_o of_o the_o consideration_n which_o be_v universal_a toleration_n but_o have_v not_o those_o be_v most_o successful_a that_o have_v tolerate_v most_o this_o be_v not_o certain_a for_o i_o think_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a usurpation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o sect_n permit_v to_o use_v their_o several_a way_n but_o the_o success_n god_n be_v thank_v be_v such_o as_o honest_a man_n do_v wish_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o have_v too_o great_a success_n indeed_o at_o first_o against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o toleration_n be_v scarce_o begin_v or_o design_v there_o be_v then_o but_o one_o rule_n of_o uniformity_n the_o covenant_n be_v impose_v upon_o all_o and_o the_o independent_n do_v for_o a_o good_a while_n dissemble_v their_o exception_n but_o afterward_o when_o every_o sect_n demand_v the_o liberty_n of_o its_o own_o way_n and_o religion_n be_v multiply_v beyond_o computation_n the_o fruit_n of_o toleration_n do_v quick_o appear_v every_o sect_n as_o it_o gather_v a_o little_a strength_n from_o a_o state_n of_o toleration_n begin_v to_o affect_v dominion_n and_o this_o do_v quick_o so_o disunite_v and_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o those_o tyrant_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o long_o to_o subsist_v and_o so_o make_v way_n to_o that_o glorious_a revolution_n who_o influence_n make_v we_o still_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a and_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o this_o case_n whether_o a_o government_n be_v rightful_a or_o usurp_v the_o same_o method_n of_o indulgence_n will_v have_v the_o same_o consequence_n only_a usurper_n have_v more_o excuse_n for_o allow_v toleration_n because_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o they_o than_o for_o a_o rightful_a and_o long_o establish_v dominion_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a course_n they_o must_v take_v it_o because_o they_o have_v no_o better_a to_o take_v i_o know_v the_o example_n of_o the_o unite_a privince_n be_v often_o recommend_v by_o our_o dissenter_n and_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o consideration_n and_o indeed_o it_o equal_o serve_v both_o their_o occasion_n for_o a_o common_a wealth_n and_o toleration_n however_o i_o believe_v this_o instance_n be_v common_o swallow_v down_o whole_a without_o consider_v the_o particular_a reason_n or_o circumstance_n that_o may_v induce_v they_o to_o tolerate_v some_o religion_n which_o may_v render_v their_o case_n very_o different_a from_o we_o some_o religion_n i_o say_v because_o they_o do_v not_o tolerate_v all_o or_o whatever_o they_o do_v at_o this_o time_n they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n so_o far_o from_o allow_v a_o universal_a toleration_n that_o they_o exceed_v all_o their_o protestant_a neighbour_n in_o violence_n and_o severity_n against_o those_o that_o dissent_v from_o their_o establish_v religion_n though_o in_o matter_n very_o obscure_a and_o of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n however_o since_o this_o example_n of_o the_o dutch_a be_v insist_v upon_o by_o all_o the_o advocate_n for_o toleration_n as_o a_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o course_n i_o will_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o determine_v they_o to_o indulgence_n and_o the_o security_n they_o take_v a_o against_o all_o the_o civil_a consequence_n of_o it_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o government_n in_o the_o first_o place_n their_o common_a wealth_n be_v original_o make_v up_o of_o several_a religion_n or_o sect_n which_o be_v as_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o constitution_n for_o they_o be_v not_o only_o preserve_v by_o stranger_n from_o england_n and_o france_n and_o germany_n that_o fight_v their_o battle_n but_o many_o out_o of_o germany_n and_o france_n flee_v thither_o as_o to_o a_o common_a refuge_n and_o be_v all_o as_o it_o be_v incorporate_v into_o this_o common_a wealth_n every_o one_o of_o these_o nation_n have_v their_o church_n not_o only_o tolerate_v but_o establish_v by_o authority_n and_o pay_v by_o the_o government_n so_o every_o nation_n and_o sect_n use_v their_o own_o form_n and_o language_n only_o the_o english_a be_v much_o degenerate_v partly_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n incline_v to_o the_o puritan_n way_n and_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o country_n partly_o by_o the_o care_n which_o the_o dutch_a do_v and_o have_v ever_o use_v to_o discourage_v episcopal_a minister_n make_v great_a scruple_n of_o admit_v any_o one_o they_o suspect_v to_o have_v episcopal_a ordination_n so_o toleration_n be_v at_o first_o the_o necessity_n not_o the_o choice_n of_o that_o people_n but_o after_o this_o establishment_n the_o measure_n of_o their_o toleration_n be_v full_a whoever_o oppose_v the_o religion_n establish_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o church_n find_v but_o very_o sorry_a quarter_n when_o the_o socinian_o appear_v first_o in_o those_o country_n the_o state_n take_v the_o alarm_n and_o banish_v those_o heretic_n out_o of_o all_o their_o dominion_n then_o arminius_n his_o scholar_n presume_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o dutch_a catechism_n which_o be_v their_o establish_v doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n and_o to_o divide_v communion_n upon_o it_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o the_o sentence_n be_v execute_v by_o the_o magistrate_n with_o so_o great_a severity_n that_o all_o the_o neighbour_a country_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o suffer_a remonstrant_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o active_a of_o who_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v their_o country_n or_o to_o endure_v close_a imprisonment_n at_o home_n so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v more_o different_a religion_n in_o their_o first_o constitution_n than_o we_o yet_o they_o endeavour_v we_o see_v to_o keep_v their_o first_o establishment_n entire_a as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v we_o by_o forcible_o suppress_v those_o that_o assault_v it_o nay_o they_o use_v great_a severity_n upon_o this_o occasion_n towards_o their_o dissenter_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v do_v to_o we_o yet_o during_o this_o prosecution_n of_o dissenter_n they_o have_v the_o best_a success_n that_o ever_o happen_v to_o that_o common_a wealth_n before_o that_o time_n they_o struggle_v for_o life_n but_o now_o they_o enlarge_v their_o frontier_n and_o their_o trade_n and_o advance_v so_o far_o in_o strength_n and_o reputation_n as_o to_o become_v the_o most_o powerful_a common_a wealth_n in_o europe_n not_o that_o their_o success_n and_o prosperity_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o this_o persecution_n but_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o instance_n that_o forcible_a mean_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n do_v not_o always_o ruin_n nor_o be_v the_o good_a success_n of_o a_o people_n in_o trade_n or_o war_n always_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o a_o general_a toleration_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o justify_v those_o proceed_n nor_o do_v i_o allege_v they_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o to_o show_v that_o dutch_a toleration_n have_v bound_n and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v prosperous_a while_o they_o prosecute_v a_o very_a considerable_a party_n both_o for_o number_n and_o interest_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n but_o beside_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o we_o there_o be_v several_a other_o circumstance_n in_o their_o government_n that_o render_v toleration_n less_o dangerous_a to_o they_o than_o it_o be_v to_o we_o 1._o the_o dutch_a populace_n have_v no_o voice_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o their_o magistrate_n there_o be_v neither_o mayor_n nor_o alderman_n nor_o sheriff_n nor_o common_a council_n nor_o knight_n and_o burgess_n for_o parliament_n to_o be_v elect_v by_o their_o commonalty_n there_o be_v no_o juries_n to_o judge_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o of_o right_n by_o way_n of_o concomitance_n in_o any_o cause_n criminal_a or_o civil_a so_o that_o though_o the_o number_n of_o any_o sect_n may_v increase_v yet_o have_v it_o but_o very_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n since_o it_o can_v have_v no_o hand_n in_o dispose_v of_o public_a office_n nor_o be_v the_o member_n of_o it_o capable_a of_o any_o whereas_o no_o sect_n can_v thrive_v with_o we_o but_o you_o present_o find_v the_o evil_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o our_o parliament_n in_o our_o jury_n and_o consequent_o in_o all_o the_o distribution_n of_o justice_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o government_n and_o temper_n
the_o antithelemite_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o certain_a quaeres_fw-la by_o the_o d._n of_o b._n and_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o unknown_a author_n concern_v toleration_n this_o may_v be_v print_v june_n 12._o 1685._o r.l.s._n london_n print_v for_o sam._n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o his_o majesty_n gracious_a declaration_n to_o maintain_v the_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v and_o the_o opinion_n all_o good_a man_n have_v of_o the_o affection_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n to_o those_o law_n by_o which_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v fence_v on_o every_o side_n may_v seem_v to_o render_v the_o labour_n of_o a_o private_a hand_n on_o their_o behalf_n useless_a and_o superfluous_a yet_o since_o some_o have_v open_o other_o in_o disguise_n invade_v these_o fence_n and_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o confidence_n as_o to_o recommend_v the_o attempt_n to_o the_o parliament_n now_o assemble_v it_o may_v be_v expect_v perhaps_o that_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o protection_n of_o those_o law_n shall_v not_o leave_v they_o all_o defenceless_a under_o the_o odious_a imputation_n of_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n to_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o first_o establishment_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o present_a government_n our_o adversary_n will_v then_o be_v think_v just_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o despair_v of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o of_o approve_v it_o by_o reason_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a man_n therefore_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o cavil_n for_o i_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o too_o much_o indulgence_n shall_v i_o give_v they_o the_o style_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n against_o the_o prosecution_n of_o dissenter_n according_a to_o law_n and_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o great_a sin_n or_o public_a inconvenience_n in_o a_o general_n toleration_n yet_o the_o plea_n that_o recommend_v it_o be_v so_o mean_v that_o they_o who_o may_v not_o be_v afraid_a may_v yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o allow_v it_o upon_o such_o miserable_a motive_n yet_o i._o must_v confess_v that_o the_o advocate_n for_o toleration_n have_v one_o considerable_a advantage_n in_o this_o dispute_n that_o they_o be_v on_o the_o popular_a part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o seem_a good_a nature_n of_o the_o plea_n without_o much_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v it_o whereas_o all_o punishment_n be_v odious_a to_o the_o people_n and_o neither_o law_n nor_o reason_n nor_o necessity_n can_v perfect_o reconcile_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v madness_n then_o to_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n out_o of_o their_o humanity_n that_o be_v out_o of_o their_o nature_n and_o he_o true_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a severity_n that_o can_v take_v delight_n in_o it_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o shall_v we_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n and_o subscribe_v to_o a_o toleration_n nothing_o less_o and_o that_o because_o in_o our_o circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o civil_a prudence_n but_o also_o to_o charity_n and_o compassion_n it_o be_v not_o always_o mercy_n to_o indulge_v nor_o cruelty_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n unless_o we_o conclude_v that_o a_o father_n who_o correct_v his_o child_n have_v not_o so_o much_o tenderness_n for_o he_o as_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o servant_n that_o intercede_v for_o his_o pardon_n but_o if_o clemency_n must_v take_v place_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o public_a challenge_n it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v judge_v merciful_a who_o to_o humour_n and_o indulge_v one_o party_n will_v expose_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n if_o this_o be_v tender_a mercy_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o cruelty_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o a_o steady_a and_o discreet_a execution_n of_o the_o law_n against_o dissenter_n may_v happy_o have_v be_v a_o much_o more_o merciful_a conduct_n even_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o than_o the_o remissness_n or_o connivance_n that_o tempt_v they_o to_o presumptuous_a sin_n the_o dissenter_n have_v be_v very_o industrious_a to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o government_n and_o they_o that_o this_o constitution_n stand_v no_o long_o when_o they_o have_v strength_n and_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v it_o many_o of_o they_o be_v under_o a_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v the_o subversion_n of_o this_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o reformation_n and_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o renounce_v that_o conspiracy_n and_o therefore_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o now_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o execute_v their_o vow_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v recover_v those_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o take_v it_o but_o the_o dissenter_n you_o will_v say_v be_v divide_v upon_o this_o point_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v in_o that_o part_n that_o concern_v their_o own_o establishment_n but_o they_o be_v unanimous_a in_o vow_v our_o destruction_n and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o poor_a comfort_n to_o a_o town_n that_o neglect_v to_o make_v a_o timely_a defence_n to_o see_v the_o conqueror_n that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o assault_n afterward_o to_o fall_v out_o at_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o plunder_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v suspect_v to_o surmise_v groundless_a and_o imaginary_a danger_n from_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o party_n that_o have_v devote_v we_o to_o ruin_n and_o that_o beside_o by_o a_o unnatural_a and_o fortunate_a rebellion_n by_o the_o deliberate_a and_o solemn_a murder_n of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o merciful_a prince_n by_o a_o heavy_a and_o tedious_a tyranny_n of_o many_o year_n by_o several_a conspiracy_n since_o the_o restauration_n by_o association_n against_o the_o succession_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o a_o form_a project_n of_o rebellion_n which_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v not_o yet_o whole_o disconcert_v and_o in_o short_a by_o the_o incessant_a work_n of_o a_o turbulent_a spirit_n have_v give_v we_o much_o great_a demonstration_n of_o our_o danger_n than_o we_o can_v have_v wish_v and_o he_o that_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o all_o this_o to_o apprehend_v danger_n to_o the_o government_n from_o the_o toleration_n of_o such_o man_n must_v sure_o be_v desirous_a of_o those_o event_n we_o apprehend_v and_o wish_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o fear_v toleration_n therefore_o can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o be_v the_o nurse_n of_o a_o faction_n that_o be_v implacable_a which_o as_o it_o grow_v up_o will_v more_o and_o more_o despise_v this_o infant_n dispensation_n and_o contend_v for_o mastery_n nor_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v acquiesce_v here_o when_o they_o have_v get_v strength_n to_o attempt_v far_o no_o more_o than_o that_o a_o gang_n of_o sturdy_a beggar_n will_v compound_v for_o a_o small_a alm_n when_o they_o have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o rob._n the_o advocate_n for_o toleration_n reply_n that_o it_o be_v not_o faction_n but_o conscience_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v than_o it_o be_v to_o separate_v those_o two_o thing_n experience_n have_v find_v they_o to_o be_v inseparable_a companion_n in_o the_o body_n of_o our_o dissenter_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v make_v a_o thousand_o abstraction_n that_o be_v impracticable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o philosopher_n may_v distinguish_v between_o the_o leaven_n and_o the_o mass_n infect_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v never_o able_a to_o part_v they_o but_o when_o one_o dissenter_n plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o faction_n he_o will_v recommend_v for_o the_o dissenter_n differ_v as_o much_o in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n among_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v judge_v to_o recommend_v those_o error_n and_o practice_n for_o toleration_n which_o they_o themselves_o judge_v sinful_a and_o dam_v able_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n nor_o do_v those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o power_n think_v it_o either_o lawful_a or_o fit_a to_o permit_v all_o the_o rest_n what_o spiritual_a kindred_n i_o pray_v have_v a_o presbyterian_a with_o a_o quaker_n or_o a_o independent_a with_o a_o muggletonian_a or_o a_o anabaptist_n with_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o though_o they_o make_v disserent_fw-la sect_n in_o religion_n yet_o they_o make_v but_o one_o faction_n this_o be_v the_o centre_n wherein_o they_o all_o unite_v at_o a_o election_n or_o a_o riot_n they_o make_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o never_o fail_v to_o go_v one_o way_n or_o if_o you_o will_v view_v they_o in_o