clergy_n upon_o admonition_n desist_v from_o these_o abuse_n like_v as_o when_o a_o creditor_n upon_o summons_n be_v pay_v by_o his_o debtor_n aught_o to_o supercede_v his_o action_n against_o he_o but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o clergy_n either_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o from_o time_n to_o time_n protract_v to_o desist_v from_o such_o abuse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v choose_v either_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o capricious_a humour_n or_o else_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o state_n be_v damnify_v by_o these_o abuse_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o control_v their_o extravagancy_n those_o that_o maintain_v the_o first_o position_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n by_o god_n almighty_a to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n even_o the_o most_o absurd_a matter_n at_o leisure_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v contrâ—â—ued_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n or_o they_o must_v demonstrate_v that_o christian_n have_v absolute_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o truth_n with_o all_o imaginable_a submission_n and_o patience_n but_o because_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o first_o it_o lie_v then_o at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o supreme_a head_n do_v never_o err_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n ceremony_n or_o church-government_n all_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a christian_a nation_n we_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o when_o any_o abuse_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_n these_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sovereign_a right_n and_o prerogative_n have_v a_o power_n to_o abolish_v and_o reform_v all_o such_o matter_n as_o interfere_v with_o the_o public_a good_a and_o civil_a authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o may_v be_v very_o convenient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v at_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o innovation_n which_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o if_o especial_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n be_v invade_v by_o these_o abuse_n this_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n division_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a weight_n such_o a_o division_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o that_o rectify_v such_o error_n but_o to_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a path_n either_o out_o â—_o self-interest_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o such_o as_o be_v plain_o convict_v of_o a_o error_n use_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o begin_v a_o reformation_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o legal_a account_n can_v under_o no_o colour_n whatsoever_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n for_o those_o be_v rebel_n who_o by_o forcible_a way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whereas_o all_o such_o as_o free_v themselves_o from_o abuse_n unjust_o impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o any_o divine_a authority_n rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v style_v defender_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n especial_o if_o these_o abuse_n and_o error_n be_v dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o no_o teacher_n no_o bishop_n no_o convention_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o domineer_a over_o christian_n at_o pleasure_n so_o that_o no_o remedy_n shall_v be_v leave_v against_o their_o usurpation_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o impudence_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n party_n when_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o they_o either_o must_v pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o else_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n one_o redeemer_n one_o baptism_n one_o faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o whence_o only_o be_v exclude_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n that_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o ecclesiastic_n and_o ceremony_n who_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o christendom_n and_o since_o those_o that_o for_o weighty_a reason_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v a_o true_a baptism_n a_o true_a god_n and_o father_n a_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o never_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o upon_o better_a consideration_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o its_o abuse_n and_o error_n but_o the_o popish_a religion_n consider_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o if_o we_o unravel_v the_o bottom_n of_o its_o modern_a constitution_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o adapt_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o to_o a_o temporal_a state_n where_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n the_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o extend_v its_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n those_o that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o communion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v rebel_n than_o our_o modern_a philosopher_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o fool_n and_o madman_n because_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o aristotle_n for_o all_o believer_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o head_n jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o equal_a degree_n and_o aim_n all_o at_o the_o same_o end_n and_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o promise_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 20._o mat._n 18._o 20._o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o no_o church_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o adherent_n what_o the_o romanist_n allege_v for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o viz._n out_o of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a church_n for_o except_o they_o can_v cajole_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o these_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o inference_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o their_o advantage_n beside_o that_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n contradict_v this_o interpretation_n if_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o faith_n but_o concern_v one_o point_n many_o error_n and_o abuse_n may_v be_v commit_v neither_o have_v the_o popish_a party_n any_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o a_o particular_a holiness_n especial_o concern_v these_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n the_o word_n catholic_n relate_v here_o to_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o a_o sovereign_a state_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v universal_a over_o christendom_n so_o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o
§_o lxv_o he_o entire_o and_o without_o limitation_n ascribe_v to_o the_o prince_n the_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o state_n but_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n regulate_v according_a to_o god_n own_o institution_n no_o such_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o their_o king_n neither_o have_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o the_o most_o general_a teacher_n that_o ever_o be_v as_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n their_o authority_n of_o teach_v from_o any_o temporal_a sovereign_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n at_o the_o time_n when_o sovereign_n first_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v transferr_v this_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o limitation_n to_o those_o prince_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o considerable_a share_n in_o it_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o care_n parent_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v for_o say_v he_o prince_n be_v the_o public_a father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o belong_v to_o their_o princely_a office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o subject_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o title_n of_o father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n the_o fatherly_a and_o the_o regal_a office_n depend_v from_o a_o quite_o different_a principle_n and_o the_o care_n to_o be_v take_v of_o child_n of_o a_o tender_a age_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o whole_a people_n neither_o be_v sovereign_n invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o procure_v eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o subject_n god_n have_v prescribe_v other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o prince_n must_v not_o be_v regardless_o of_o this_o care_n nevertheless_o ought_v the_o same_o not_o to_o reach_v beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n but_o must_v be_v effect_v by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v approve_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o suit_n with_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attribute_v to_o sovereign_n a_o power_n of_o obtrude_a any_o religion_n at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o subject_n it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o not_o all_o religion_n be_v conduce_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n so_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o his_o child_n what_o religion_n he_o think_v most_o convenient_a but_o he_o charge_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o be_v manifest_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 2._o be_v very_o well_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o viz._n that_o the_o chief_a care_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n shall_v be_v so_o to_o rule_v over_o their_o subject_n that_o they_o may_v live_v under_o they_o not_o only_o honest_o but_o pious_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o prince_n for_o who_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o christian_n to_o pray_v be_v pagan_n make_v but_o little_a account_n of_o piety_n especial_o of_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o christian_n to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n under_o their_o protection_n the_o rest_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o care_n so_o we_o read_v that_o the_o poet_n enjoyment_n of_o his_o muse_n be_v owe_v to_o augustus_n caesar_n protection_n nevertheless_o the_o emperor_n do_v not_o concern_v himself_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o poetry_n furthermore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o church_n be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o a_o christian_a prince_n who_o subject_n also_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o different_a qualification_n they_o be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v subject_n in_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n it_o seem_v mr._n houtuyn_n look_v upon_o that_o difference_n to_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n which_o arise_v from_o divers_a moral_a qualification_n and_o include_v different_a obligation_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o another_o legal_a principle_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n where_o the_o head_n be_v not_o differ_v in_o his_o natural_a constitution_n from_o the_o right_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o he_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n though_o different_o consider_v under_o divers_a qualification_n be_v nevertheless_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n upon_o a_o expedition_n these_o though_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o soldier_n or_o subject_n yet_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o any_o essential_a part_n as_o for_o example_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o go_v upon_o their_o expedition_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o afterward_o under_o his_o protection_n enjoy_v and_o inhabit_v the_o country_n of_o canaan_n but_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n though_o compose_v out_o of_o the_o selfsame_a person_n do_v not_o only_o differ_v in_o their_o very_a foundation_n but_o also_o a_o sovereign_n can_v claim_v the_o same_o right_n and_o name_v of_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o state_n for_o in_o the_o latter_a he_o exercise_v his_o authority_n without_o control_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o body_n but_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n who_o rule_v it_o by_o his_o word_n announce_v to_o we_o by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o a_o sovereign_n can_v as_o much_o as_o claim_v the_o right_n of_o be_v christ_n vicegerent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o earth_n nevertheless_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o he_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o follow_v assertion_n run_v thus_o where_o the_o whole_a commonwealth_n be_v not_o compose_v out_o of_o christian_n the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o where_o all_o subject_n be_v christian_n the_o church_n be_v nevertheless_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o college_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o what_o he_o allege_v of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v absolute_o false_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o act_n 14_o 23._o and_o those_o in_o titus_n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o synom_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v thus_o in_o all_o the_o town_n and_o city_n where_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a church_n the_o inference_n he_o will_v make_v from_o the_o military_a function_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n be_v both_o include_v in_o one_o government_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n both_o of_o they_o owe_v their_o offspring_n to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n and_o sovereign_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n and_o justice_n not_o with_o the_o ministerial_a function_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o general_n and_o judge_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o princely_a office_n but_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v bare_o consider_v as_o such_o not_o proper_o minister_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o state_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n he_o say_v further_a that_o the_o assignation_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o faith_n come_v from_o hear_v and_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v without_o be_v instruct_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o instrument_n by_o the_o help_n of_o who_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o auditor_n it_o be_v false_a when_o he_o assert_n that_o sovereign_n though_o no_o christian_n have_v
supreme_a governor_n do_v thereby_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o those_o their_o sovereign_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v conduce_v for_o the_o public_a welfare_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o such_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o that_o they_o will_v always_o be_v ready_a to_o execute_v their_o command_n wherefore_o sovereign_n be_v always_o invest_v with_o a_o full_a power_n to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o command_n by_o inflict_a punishment_n â—pon_v they_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n shall_v ever_o or_o aught_o to_o submit_v themselves_o so_o entire_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o disposal_n of_o their_o teacher_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o acquiesce_v bare_o in_o and_o to_o follow_v blind_o whatever_o shall_v be_v propose_v by_o they_o as_o conduce_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v certain_a without_o contradiction_n that_o none_o of_o the_o believer_n do_v entire_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o faith_n to_o any_o body_n but_o to_o god_n almighty_a who_o will_n and_o command_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o auditor_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o they_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o propose_v any_o doctrine_n surpass_v human_a reason_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o gain_v credit_n by_o his_o auditor_n must_v either_o claim_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o by_o compulsion_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o more_o superior_a power_n but_o any_o man_n that_o offer_v matter_n not_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n do_v thereby_o expose_v himself_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o authority_n except_o he_o can_v by_o other_o more_o powerful_a mean_n maintain_v his_o doctrine_n and_o gain_v credit_n with_o his_o auditor_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o to_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v man_n that_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v foolishness_n and_o s._n paul_n be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n nickname_v 23._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o a_o babbler_n by_o the_o athenian_a philosopher_n neither_o be_v any_o human_a power_n capable_a of_o enforce_v 18._o act_n 17._o 18._o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o people_n for_o which_o reason_n christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n go_v and_o teach_v and_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n to_o obtain_v which_o all_o human_a mean_n which_o imply_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o be_v forcible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o trifle_n and_o insufficient_a there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o such_o doctrine_n must_v be_v verify_v by_o a_o superior_a be_v or_o principle_n 20._o mark_v 16._o 20._o viz._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o always_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o miracle_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n ancient_o authorize_v their_o 4._o act_n 14._o â—_o heb._n 2_o 4._o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n undeniable_a that_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o now_o any_o more_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o miracle_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n which_o be_v hear_v at_o the_o publish_v of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v never_o repeat_v afterward_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o christian_n therefore_o have_v submit_v their_o faith_n and_o reason_n only_o to_o christ_n who_o authority_n be_v unquestionable_a as_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o be_v testify_v by_o his_o father_n voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o 22._o mat._n â—_o 17._o luk._n 3._o 22._o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n willing_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o moses_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n so_o be_v 19_o exod_n 20._o 19_o they_o oblige_v to_o subimt_fw-la their_o faith_n to_o the_o apostle_n after_o they_o have_v once_o verify_v their_o divine_a commission_n by_o their_o miracle_n though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o doctrine_n do_v sometime_o produce_v good_a effect_n without_o miracle_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a that_o when_o they_o preach_v and_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o be_v â—well_v verse_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o do_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o their_o auditor_n examine_v their_o word_n whether_o they_o be_v consonant_a with_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v therein_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v sufficent_o 1â—â—â—_n act_n 1â—â—â—_n apparent_a that_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o engage_v himself_o unto_o a_o blind_a obedience_n of_o such_o teacher_n as_o can_v verify_v their_o immediate_a divine_a commission_n by_o miracle_n so_o as_o to_o make_v his_o faith_n absolute_o dependent_a from_o their_o doctrine_n without_o exception_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v manifest_a demonstration_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d it_o â—â—_o not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o shall_v and_o must_v â—â—_o but_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o maâ—â—ing_v it_o plain_a and_o apparent_a that_o what_o 〈…〉_o to_o his_o auditor_n be_v absolute_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o ought_v the_o auditor_n pâ—â—_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n but_o to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o the_o teacher_n doctrine_n into_o be_v examine_v and_o approve_v the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n use_v to_o take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o chief_a teacher_n or_o founder_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n aristoteles_n and_o zeno_n but_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o other_o name_n but_o that_o she_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n it_o be_v upon_o that_o score_n when_o s._n paul_n rebuke_v the_o corinthian_n because_o some_o of_o they_o say_v they_o be_v of_o paul_n some_o of_o apollo_n some_o of_o cephas_n and_o 12_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 12_o some_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v now_o establish_v among_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o disciple_n of_o pythagoras_n who_o use_v for_o their_o motto_n that_o old_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o himself_o have_v speak_v it_o but_o they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n to_o look_v themselves_o into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v search_v â—â—e_v scripture_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n but_o to_o his_o auditor_n in_o general_n and_o 4â—_n joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thes_n â—_o 21._o 1_o joh_n 4â—_n s._n paul_n bid_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a s._n john_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o s._n paul_n so_o high_o recommend_v to_o all_o that_o intend_v to_o be_v 28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11._o 28_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v due_o perform_v without_o meditate_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o take_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o of_o a_o physician_n to_o be_v quite_o different_a it_o be_v only_o require_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o understand_v the_o art_n of_o physic_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o same_o to_o his_o patient_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o good_a success_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o ignorant_a but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v alone_o verse_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v most_o excellent_a where_o the_o auditor_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o their_o teacher_n in_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o mankind_n all_o the_o counsel_n â—7_n act._n â—0_n â—7_n of_o god_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o care_n and_o custody_n of_o one_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o it_o as_o the_o sibyllin_n oracle_n be_v ancient_o at_o rome_n in_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o
contain_v every_o particular_a point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o those_o be_v call_v heretic_n who_o only_o profess_v some_o particular_a point_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a writ_n for_o such_o as_o absolute_o reject_v it_o be_v count_v infidel_n and_o reprobate_n but_o either_o deny_v or_o explain_v the_o rest_n in_o a_o wrong_n and_o pervert_v sense_n how_o can_v the_o popish_a clergy_n therefore_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o they_o have_v and_o that_o without_o contradiction_n prove_v every_o point_n of_o their_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o exclude_v we_o protestant_n from_o that_o title_n till_o they_o have_v prove_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o last_o it_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o true_a church_n lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o intrinsic_a value_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o by_o other_o §_o 54._o but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o religion_n whether_o subject_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o erroneous_a religion_n introduce_v a_o reformation_n in_o religion_n with_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o sovereign_n and_o subject_n so_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o subject_n may_v attempt_v a_o reformation_n when_o their_o sovereign_n and_o the_o whole_a clergy_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n but_o rather_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v our_o opinion_n that_o provide_v these_o error_n â—o_o touch_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o our_o 〈…〉_o subject_n as_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o â—ight_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v attainâ—â—he_v true_a knowledge_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o every_o body_n be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o his_o religion_n and_o answerable_a for_o his_o own_o soul_n â—hose_v salvation_n can_v absolute_o be_v commit_v to_o any_o body_n else_o and_o a_o christian_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o sovereign_n or_o the_o clergy_n at_o lest_o no_o far_o than_o their_o doctrine_n be_v congruous_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o subject_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v process_v by_o their_o sovereign_n and_o clergy_n provide_v they_o can_v make_v it_o evident_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a abuse_n and_o dangerous_a error_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o college_n who_o member_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o union_n by_o any_o temporal_a power_n but_o by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o whosoever_o relinquish_v that_o he_o dissolve_v the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o the_o believer_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v compose_v of_o a_o great_a number_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v obtain_v either_o by_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o the_o believer_n neither_o can_v this_o separation_n prove_v in_o the_o least_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a from_o all_o poison_n and_o principle_n dangerous_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o institute_v for_o religion_n sake_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o temporal_a state_n and_o therefore_o a_o prince_n that_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o thereby_o acquire_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o church_n or_o man_n conscience_n so_o that_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o separation_n the_o subject_n pay_v due_a allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n in_o temporal_a affair_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n sufficient_a which_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o trouble_v they_o mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o what_o loss_n be_v it_o to_o the_o prince_n whether_o his_o subject_n be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n with_o himself_o or_o of_o unother_n or_o which_o be_v suppose_v before_o whether_o they_o do_v maintain_v the_o same_o error_n as_o he_o do_v the_o case_n indeed_o will_v be_v quite_o different_a if_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o allegiance_n to_o set_v up_o a_o separate_a society_n without_o his_o consent_n though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o this_o civil_a tie_n or_o allegiance_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o subject_n for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a protection_n from_o their_o natural_a prince_n be_v so_o hardly_o press_v upon_o by_o a_o more_o potent_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o power_n and_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v subject_n be_v nevertheless_o bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o they_o may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o establish_v religion_n provide_v they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o error_n for_o that_o subject_a who_o sacrifice_n his_o life_n for_o his_o prince_n do_v doubtless_o a_o glorious_a action_n but_o what_o prince_n can_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o his_o subject_n shall_v sacrifice_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o sake_n that_o prince_n therefore_o who_o do_v trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o his_o opinion_n especial_o if_o they_o can_v maintain_v they_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n commit_v a_o act_n of_o injustice_n nay_o i_o can_v see_v how_o he_o can_v with_o justice_n force_v they_o out_o of_o his_o territory_n it_o be_v true_a he_o may_v refuse_v to_o receive_v heretic_n into_o his_o dominion_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o reason_n of_o state_n neither_o can_v a_o true_a believer_n take_v it_o amiss_o if_o he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o settle_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n govern_v by_o heretic_n for_o the_o right_a of_o naturalisation_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n which_o they_o may_v refuse_v and_o give_v to_o who_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a but_o as_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a injustice_n in_o the_o world_n to_o force_v a_o inborn_a natural_a subject_n who_o have_v settle_v all_o his_o fortune_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n mere_o for_o his_o religion_n sake_n without_o be_v convict_v of_o his_o error_n out_o of_o his_o native_a country_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n and_o danger_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n so_o if_o a_o subject_a incline_v voluntary_o to_o leave_v his_o native_a country_n either_o to_o avoid_v the_o frown_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o common_a people_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o more_o freedom_n according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v by_o his_o sovereign_n i_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a proverb_n use_v among_o the_o german_n viz._n he_o that_o command_v the_o country_n command_v religion_n but_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n who_o can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o popish_a clergy_n do_v not_o allow_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o these_o prince_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o protestant_a estate_n of_o germany_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o pretention_n against_o the_o emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o however_o ought_v to_o be_v thus_o interpret_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o emperor_n to_o have_v any_o power_n of_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o dominion_n not_o that_o only_o they_o claim_v it_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n to_o impose_v any_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o false_a upon_o their_o subject_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o there_o be_v not_o want_v example_n that_o prince_n have_v act_v conformable_a to_o this_o proverb_n with_o their_o subject_n a_o prince_n who_o trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n commit_v a_o gross_a error_n no_o christian_a prince_n be_v oblige_v to_o propagate_v his_o religion_n by_o forcible_a mean_n provide_v his_o subject_n stand_v firm_a to_o their_o allegiance_n to_o he_o
to_o examine_v both_o their_o natural_a qualification_n in_o reference_n to_o civil_a society_n for_o if_o this_o which_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o foundation_n stone_n be_v well_o secure_v and_o we_o afterward_o do_v look_v into_o the_o scripture_n to_o investigate_v in_o what_o manner_n christ_n himself_o have_v represent_v his_o doctrine_n to_o we_o it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o judge_v whether_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a sovereignty_n exercise_v by_o priest_n or_o whether_o prince_n have_v a_o right_a to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o absolute_a power_n or_o can_v compel_v their_o subject_n to_o obedience_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n §_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v the_o institute_v conceâ—â—ing_v religion_n before_o civil_a society_n wâ—râ—_n institute_v author_n and_o creator_n both_o of_o the_o universe_n and_o especial_o of_o mankind_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o worship_v as_o such_o by_o menkind_n as_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n have_v be_v general_o receive_v not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o most_o of_o the_o pagan_a philosopher_n that_o to_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o here_o will_v be_v superfluous_a and_o perhaps_o may_v be_v take_v as_o do_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o judicious_a reader_n since_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o be_v not_o beyond_o his_o right_a wit_n can_v be_v suppose_v now_o a_o day_n to_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o this_o assertion_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a worship_n arise_v from_o two_o several_a spring_n for_o we_o either_o by_o true_a ratioâ—ination_n deduce_v out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o those_o sentiment_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o god_n and_o what_o reverence_n be_v due_a to_o he_o from_o we_o mortal_n or_o else_o some_o matter_n be_v beyond_o our_o apprehension_n by_o the_o bare_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o god_n special_a command_n reveal_v to_o mankind_n both_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n with_o this_o restriction_n nevertheless_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o each_o particular_a head_n of_o either_o of_o they_o any_o further_a than_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o civil_a society_n §_o 2._o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v both_o in_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n religion_n every_o man_n be_v accountable_a for_o his_o religion_n be_v that_o every_o body_n be_v oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o own_o person_n religious_a duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o deputy_n but_o by_o himself_o in_o person_n who_o expect_v to_o reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o religious_a worship_n promise_v by_o god_n almighty_a for_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n owe_v its_o offspring_n to_o god_n alone_o be_v thereby_o put_v under_o such_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n that_o the_o cosideration_n of_o worship_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n can_v never_o be_v entire_o exstinguish_v in_o a_o rational_a soul_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o that_o care_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v our_o soul_n and_o that_o of_o our_o body_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o may_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o management_n of_o other_o who_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a for_o all_o injury_n which_o may_v befall_v we_o under_o their_o tuition_n we_o be_v thereby_o free_v from_o any_o gild_n against_o ourselves_o so_o do_v we_o commit_v ourselves_o when_o we_o pass_v the_o sea_n to_o the_o management_n of_o the_o master_n of_o a_o ship_n by_o who_o sole_a care_n without_o our_o own_o assistance_n we_o be_v conduct_v to_o the_o desire_v port._n but_o no_o body_n can_v so_o entire_o transfer_v the_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o himself_o to_o another_o man_n as_o to_o make_v he_o alone_o accountable_a for_o all_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o free_v himself_o from_o punishment_n every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v 3._o rom._n 14._o 12._o rom._n 9_o 3._o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o st._n paul_n to_o wish_v to_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n his_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v negligent_a in_o take_v care_n of_o other_o people_n soul_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n shall_v receive_v punishment_n nevertheless_o these_o who_o soul_n have_v be_v thus_o neglect_v shall_v perish_v with_o they_o for_o have_v put_v too_o much_o trust_v in_o other_o and_o neglect_v their_o own_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v plain_o express_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n 33._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o 16._o habak_v 2._o 4._o mark_v 16._o 16._o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o the_o evangelist_n st._n mark_n speak_v without_o any_o reservation_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v without_o distinction_n whether_o you_o be_v seduce_v by_o other_o or_o whether_o you_o have_v renounce_v your_o faith_n for_o worldly_a ends._n §_o 3._o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o religion_n nature_n how_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n have_v its_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o same_o may_v be_v exercise_v without_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o great_a many_o and_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n by_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n our_o first_o parent_n may_v and_o do_v real_o perform_v religious_a duty_n and_o that_o if_o one_o alone_o or_o a_o few_o together_o live_v in_o a_o solitary_a place_n they_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v deem_v to_o live_v without_o religion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o make_v up_o a_o congregation_n for_o god_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v best_a please_v to_o he_o in_o his_o worship_n know_v and_o search_v the_o very_a bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o since_o we_o be_v not_o able_a without_o his_o assistance_n to_o perform_v religious_a duty_n the_o same_o can_v be_v esteem_v proper_o our_o own_o invention_n as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o human_a power_n so_o in_o the_o same_o state_n their_o religion_n have_v only_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n almighty_a unto_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v reverence_n it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o human_a force_n or_o power_n which_o in_o this_o state_n of_o natural_a freedom_n they_o may_v exercise_v either_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n or_o according_a to_o divine_a revelation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n may_v dispose_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n without_o be_v accountable_a to_o any_o body_n but_o god_n almighty_a neither_o can_v they_o be_v control_v or_o force_v rather_o to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o another_o than_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o if_o any_o body_n pretend_v to_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o his_o side_n he_o ought_v with_o suitable_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o how_o far_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o in_o the_o wrong_n there_o may_v be_v beside_o this_o another_o reason_n be_v give_v why_o no_o body_n in_o what_o condition_n soever_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v to_o another_o man_n religion_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n can_v be_v implant_v in_o we_o without_o proper_a and_o convince_a argument_n such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o prepare_v our_o mind_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o transcend_v our_o reason_n these_o must_v be_v acquire_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o violence_n it_o be_v true_a a_o prince_n may_v force_v a_o subject_a to_o make_v a_o outward_a confession_n by_o way_n of_o mouth_n to_o comply_v in_o his_o behaviour_n with_o his_o command_n and_o to_o dissemble_v his_o thought_n or_o to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o belief_n but_o he_o can_v force_v no_o body_n to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o opinion_n for_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v with_o 37._o actâ—_n â—_o 37._o all_o our_o heart_n but_o whatever_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o obtain_v any_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o to_o avoid_v a_o imminent_a evil_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v do_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n but_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v 17._o rom._n 1â—_n 17._o and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v our_o saviour_n force_v his_o word_n upon_o
god_n almighty_a to_o set_v aside_o all_o your_o command_n all_o love_n respect_n and_o duty_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o god_n almighty_a and_o to_o perform_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o and_o his_o command_n for_o here_o ought_v to_o be_v remember_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n 29._o act_n 5._o 29._o and_o whenever_o sovereign_n pretend_v to_o extend_v thus_o far_o their_o authority_n they_o transgress_v their_o bound_n and_o if_o they_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n on_o their_o subject_n for_o refuse_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o command_n on_o this_o account_n such_o a_o act_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o illegal_a unjust_a and_o tyrannical_a god_n have_v verify_v this_o by_o extraordinary_a miracle_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a and_o illegal_a proceed_v when_o darius_n overpersuade_v by_o his_o courtier_n who_o intend_v to_o lay_v a_o trap_n for_o daniel_n issue_v out_o his_o proclamation_n that_o no_o body_n for_o thirty_o day_n shall_v ask_v a_o petition_n 9_o dan._n 6._o 7._o 9_o of_o any_o god_n or_o man._n for_o what_o concern_v have_v the_o king_n with_o his_o subject_n prayer_n unlawful_a prayer_n be_v not_o accept_v of_o by_o god_n almighty_a especial_o with_o those_o make_v in_o private_a for_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v pray_v in_o public_a against_o the_o king_n it_o will_v be_v a_o quite_o different_a case_n and_o such_o a_o one_o have_v deserve_o receive_v punishment_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o sovereign_n wherefore_o daniel_n do_v very_o well_o in_o continue_v his_o daily_a private_a prayer_n according_a to_o his_o former_a custom_n notwithstanding_o the_o king_n be_v impious_a and_o foolish_a command_n and_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a miracle_n deliver_v out_o of_o the_o lion_n den._n in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v god_n preserve_v daniel_n three_o companion_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n because_o they_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n according_a to_o the_o king_n command_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n 28._o dan._n 3._o 27_o 28._o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o image_n set_v up_o by_o nebuchadnezar_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o a_o god_n but_o only_o as_o a_o sign_n or_o emblem_n of_o that_o eternal_a be_v which_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o worship_v by_o his_o subject_n certain_o jeroboam_n can_v not_o be_v so_o much_o beside_o himself_o as_o to_o imagine_v or_o to_o pretend_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o golden_a calf_n which_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o be_v make_v be_v the_o same_o god_n by_o who_o power_n they_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n but_o he_o set_v they_o up_o as_o a_o token_n or_o representative_a whereby_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o benefit_n receive_v from_o god_n the_o great_a deliverer_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o want_v place_n where_o to_o pay_v their_o devotion_n and_o perform_v their_o religeous_a duty_n so_o that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v off_o from_o god_n but_o only_o for_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o because_o he_o think_v it_o belong_v to_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n make_v a_o 3._o joseph_n arch._n 8._o 3._o alteration_n in_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n yet_o be_v he_o with_o his_o whole_a family_n root_v out_o of_o israel_n and_o the_o jew_n for_o have_v obey_v and_o follow_v their_o king_n in_o his_o idolatry_n 16._o 2_o reg._n 19_o 17_o 16._o pay_v for_o it_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n §_o 7._o sovereign_n be_v nevertheless_o not_o exclude_v affair_n what_o power_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n belong_v sovereign_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n from_o have_v a_o certain_a power_n and_o disposal_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n as_o they_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o public_a father_n and_o father_n of_o their_o native_a country_n and_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o paternal_a duty_n to_o implant_v piety_n into_o their_o child_n so_o sovereign_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o public_a discipline_n of_o which_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o god_n almighty_a be_v one_o main_a point_n to_o be_v maintain_v among_o their_o subject_n and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n stone_n of_o probity_n and_o other_o moral_a virtue_n and_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o sovereign_n that_o the_o same_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v encourage_v in_o a_o state_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v the_o strong_a knot_n for_o the_o maintain_v a_o true_a union_n betwixt_o sovereign_n and_o their_o subject_n god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o have_v command_v that_o faith_n and_o compact_n shall_v be_v sacred_a among_o man_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o sovereign_n to_o take_v not_o only_o effectual_a care_n that_o natural_a religion_n be_v maintain_v and_o cultivate_v among_o their_o subject_n but_o they_o have_v also_o a_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o subject_n from_o commit_v any_o thing_n which_o tend_v either_o to_o the_o total_a destruction_n or_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o capital_a point_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o for_o instance_n any_o one_o shall_v attempt_v to_o deny_v public_o the_o existency_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n to_o set_v up_o plurality_n of_o god_n to_o worship_v fictitious_a god_n or_o idol_n in_o god_n stead_n to_o spread_v abroad_o blasphemy_n for_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n enter_v with_o he_o into_o a_o compact_a and_o such_o like_a action_n for_o if_o these_o be_v keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o people_n thought_n without_o break_v out_o into_o public_a or_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v not_o punishable_a by_o the_o law_n neither_o can_v any_o humane_a power_n take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v only_o and_o hide_a in_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v those_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v annex_v to_o religious_a worship_n though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o one_o of_o the_o main_a point_n towards_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n in_o the_o state_n be_v that_o a_o due_a uniformity_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o same_o nevertheless_o sovereign_n need_v not_o be_v so_o very_o anxious_a on_o this_o account_n because_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o overturn_v religion_n itself_o neither_o do_v they_o as_o such_o consider_v dispose_v subject_n to_o raise_v disturbance_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o state_n neither_o can_v sovereign_n be_v any_o great_a loser_n by_o the_o bargain_n if_o their_o subject_n differ_v in_o some_o ceremony_n no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a opinion_n concern_v some_o philosophical_a doctrine_n but_o this_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o if_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n subject_n pretend_v to_o raise_v faction_n which_o may_v prove_v dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n or_o hatch_v other_o secret_a mischief_n these_o be_v punishable_a by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n notwithstanding_o their_o religious_a pretence_n for_o as_o religion_n in_o its_o self_n consider_v be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o vice_n so_o ought_v it_o not_o to_o serve_v for_o a_o cloak_n wherewith_o to_o cover_v and_o protect_v such_o treacherous_a design_n so_o the_o roman_a senate_n do_v acquit_v themselves_o very_o well_o in_o their_o station_n when_o they_o abolish_v these_o debauchery_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o state_n with_o the_o bachanal_n but_o those_o sovereign_n who_o 〈…〉_o leâ—_n 〈…〉_o have_v transgress_v these_o bound_n by_o compel_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n have_v without_o doubt_n abuse_v that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v neither_o have_v these_o prince_n acquit_v themselves_o much_o better_o in_o their_o station_n who_o have_v persecute_v their_o subject_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o profess_v a_o religion_n different_a from_o their_o own_o without_o make_v a_o due_a enquiry_n whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o thus_o the_o proceed_n of_o pliny_n the_o young_a a_o man_n otherwise_o of_o a_o very_a good_a temper_n against_o the_o christian_n in_o bythinia_n can_v in_o any_o wise_a be_v justify_v for_o he_o confess_v himself_o that_o he_o never_o be_v present_a 97._o plin._n 10._o ep._n 97._o at_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o be_v therefore_o ignorant_a both_o of_o their_o crime_n and_o consequent_o of_o what_o punishment_n they_o deserve_v for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n i_o only_o ask_v some_o of_o they_o several_a time_n whether_o they_o be_v christian_n which_o they_o have_v constant_o profess_v they_o be_v i_o order_v they_o to_o be_v
second_o admonition_n lest_o we_o 9_o tit._n 3._o 10._o thes_n 2._o 14._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 1._o 2_o gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o shall_v be_v infect_v with_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o which_o he_o be_v to_o expect_v due_a punishment_n from_o god_n almighty_a neither_o do_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 5._o 1._o and_o follow_v verse_n and_o in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 13._o 2_o 10._o where_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o according_a to_o the_o power_n give_v he_o he_o intend_v to_o deliver_v the_o incestuous_a person_n to_o satan_n take_v it_o in_o what_o sense_n you_o please_v involve_v any_o civil_a jurisdiction_n or_o command_n no_o more_o than_o those_o in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 6._o 9_o seq_n in_o the_o 1_o timothy_n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o 2_o epist_n of_o john_n 5._o 10._o all_o which_o passage_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o every_o body_n may_v free_o decline_v the_o conversation_n of_o such_o people_n as_o he_o think_v may_v be_v reproach_n or_o hurtful_a to_o he_o without_o imply_v a_o prejudice_n to_o their_o reputation_n in_o civil_a affair_n so_o that_o by_o avoid_v the_o conversation_n of_o ill_a liver_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n that_o be_v we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a in_o avoid_v such_o conversation_n as_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n or_o other_o necessary_a business_n appertain_v to_o civil_a society_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v appliable_a as_o well_o to_o christian_n as_o to_o pagan_n of_o a_o ill_a conversation_n power_n the_o commission_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v nothing_o resemble_v any_o sovereign_a power_n §_o 28._o last_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o those_o instruction_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o their_o commission_n have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o sovereign_a state_n a_o state_n can_v be_v without_o a_o supreme_a head_n who_o have_v power_n to_o bestow_v honour_n and_o dignity_n this_o general_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o ambitious_a design_n a_o state_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o considerable_a revenue_n which_o entice_v man_n to_o avarice_n but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o his_o main_a endeavour_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o disciple_n from_o ambitious_a 16._o mat._n 18_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o c._n 23_o 8._o mark_v 9_o 33._o luke_n 9_o 46._o joh._n 13._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o design_n and_o covetousness_n the_o instruction_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o s._n matthew_n 10._o when_o after_o have_v endow_v they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n he_o send_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o first_o trial_n among_o the_o jew_n deserve_v particular_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o the_o same_o instruction_n remain_v in_o force_n for_o the_o most_o part_n after_o they_o be_v send_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o first_o precept_n in_o this_o instruction_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n not_o to_o abuse_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o heap_v up_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o be_v otherwise_o account_v the_o sinew_n of_o a_o state_n as_o you_o have_v receive_v it_o for_o nothing_o so_o you_o shall_v give_v it_o for_o nothing_o be_v the_o command_n which_o be_v very_o well_o observe_v by_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o say_v silver_n and_o gold_n have_v i_o 6._o act._n 3._o 6._o none_o and_o lest_o they_o shall_v under_o pretence_n of_o subsistance_n and_o acquire_v necessary_n be_v entice_v to_o avarice_n christ_n forbid_v they_o even_o to_o provide_v two_o coat_n shoe_n staff_n or_o a_o purse_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v content_v with_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o auditor_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o command_n may_v chief_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o journey_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v too_o long_o or_o in_o far_o distant_a country_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n that_o the_o allowance_n to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o wage_n of_o workman_n which_o seldom_o amount_v to_o any_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a for_o subsistance_n or_o at_o the_o most_o can_v exceed_v a_o private_a fortune_n have_v not_o the_o least_o comparison_n with_o those_o vast_a revenue_n which_o be_v require_v to_o maintain_v a_o state_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o mat._n 10._o 10._o luk._n 10._o 7._o 1_o cor_n 9_o 11._o and_o the_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o epist_n to_o timothyâ—_n â—_z 18._o chief_o relate_v to_o the_o priesthood_n where_o it_o be_v express_o forbid_v not_o to_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o their_o office_n and_o to_o sly_a avarice_n as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o consequent_o of_o all_o those_o abuse_n and_o superstition_n which_o have_v overwhelm_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o by_o their_o number_n they_o may_v not_o appear_v terrible_a christ_n only_o send_v they_o two_o and_o two_o with_o this_o express_a 7._o mark_v 6._o 7._o command_n not_o to_o force_v their_o doctrine_n upon_o any_o body_n but_o to_o seek_v for_o reception_n by_o a_o kind_a salute_n and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o incline_v to_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n to_o abide_v there_o but_o to_o leave_v those_o who_o they_o find_v unworthy_a and_o not_o ready_a to_o hear_v their_o word_n and_o even_o to_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n after_o these_o instruction_n give_v christ_n foretell_v they_o what_o persecution_n and_o danger_n they_o must_v undergo_v all_o which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o overcome_v not_o by_o force_n but_o by_o patience_n by_o show_v their_o innocence_n 11._o mat._n 5._o 10_o 11._o or_o fly_v to_o another_o place_n the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v practise_v in_o temporal_a government_n who_o founder_n lay_v this_o down_o for_o a_o sure_a maxim_n of_o state_n tu_fw-la contra_fw-la audentior_fw-la into_fw-mi never_o shrink_v before_o your_o enemy_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o disperse_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n according_a as_o they_o be_v inspire_v without_o have_v appoint_v any_o certain_a place_n of_o residence_n for_o their_o government_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v receive_v their_o instruction_n or_o commission_n and_o where_o they_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a concern_v their_o negotiation_n or_o where_o to_o fix_v the_o centre_n of_o their_o correspondency_n at_o least_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o like_o it_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v acquire_v any_o great_a territory_n it_o be_v obvious_a that_o they_o live_v always_o under_o another_o jurisdiction_n and_o in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o government_n be_v already_o establish_v nor_o have_v they_o any_o authority_n to_o exact_v upon_o their_o auditor_n except_o what_o they_o be_v please_v to_o allot_v they_o by_o voluntary_a contribution_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v attempt_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o no_o doubt_n but_o those_o magistrate_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o live_v may_v legal_o have_v stop_v their_o proceed_n as_o do_v in_o prejudice_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o in_o case_n the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_n shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o some_o of_o their_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v for_o have_v 5._o act_n 2._o 44_o 45._o c._n 4._o 5._o all_o thing_n in_o common_a it_o have_v be_v lawful_a for_o their_o sovereign_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o inconsiderate_a design_n which_o needs_o must_v have_v tend_v to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n last_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o oblige_v their_o auditor_n to_o leave_v their_o ancient_a habitation_n like_o moses_n lead_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o quiet_a possession_n of_o their_o former_a station_n and_o honest_a function_n not_o pretend_v to_o any_o innovation_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n §_o 29._o it_o be_v furthermore_o to_o be_v consicer_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o unite_v sovereignty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n imply_v no_o temporal_a sovereignty_n our_o heart_n under_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o faith_n do_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o union_n constitute_v a_o certain_a sovereignty_n resemble_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o our_o civil_a government_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a as_o it_o may_v plain_o appear_v to_o those_o that_o will_v due_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o qualification_n
consequent_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o make_v up_o a_o particular_a sovereignty_n wherefore_o if_o both_o these_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o person_n he_o become_v thereby_o at_o once_o master_n over_o our_o life_n and_o conscience_n but_o if_o this_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v lodge_v in_o another_o person_n he_o must_v either_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v a_o power_n of_o execute_v his_o decree_n by_o his_o own_o prerogative_n or_o else_o to_o have_v only_o a_o authority_n of_o give_v sentence_n leave_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n if_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o double_a head_a sovereignty_n must_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o distraction_n and_o if_o the_o latter_a those_o that_o exercise_v the_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o state_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o executioner_n only_o to_o this_o holy_a judge_n all_o these_o thing_n due_o consider_v as_o they_o must_v needs_o occasion_v great_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n so_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o beyond_o his_o wit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o most_o evident_a proof_n that_o christ_n intend_v to_o introduce_v by_o his_o doctrine_n such_o pernicious_a disease_n into_o civil_a society_n for_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o no_o controversy_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n like_o christ_n himself_o have_v foretell_v it_o in_o the_o parable_n by_o matthew_n c._n 13._o 24._o and_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 19_o nevertheless_o if_o any_o controversy_n do_v arise_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n maintain_v his_o opinion_n under_o a_o colour_n at_o least_o of_o its_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v pretend_v to_o introduce_v a_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n without_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n though_o he_o shall_v call_v to_o his_o aid_n all_o the_o sophistication_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n without_o the_o scripture_n this_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o disclose_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o foundation_n whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v make_v a_o attempt_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n receive_v already_o as_o such_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v scarce_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o unless_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v at_o least_o some_o specious_a reason_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o his_o opinion_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n especial_o if_o his_o endeavour_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o real_a love_n to_o truth_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o slight_v without_o be_v hear_v and_o his_o reason_n examine_v so_o that_o then_o the_o whole_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n must_v depend_v from_o a_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o interpretation_n i_o see_v not_o any_o necessity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o sovereign_a power_n or_o any_o infallible_a authority_n but_o only_o to_o such_o mâ—ans_n as_o â—â—_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o search_n into_o and_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o other_o author_n viz._n by_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o whole_a sâ—ame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o by_o due_o compare_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o observe_v their_o annology_n and_o connexion_n whosoever_o beside_o this_o have_v a_o natural_a good_a judgement_n and_o be_v not_o propossess_v with_o prejudice_n private_a interest_n or_o passion_n it_o will_v oâ—_n no_o such_o difficult_a task_n for_o he_o to_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o so_o plain_o that_o such_o as_o oppose_v he_o will_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o understanding_n people_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n so_o do_v our_o saviour_n at_o several_a time_n convince_v the_o pharisee_n and_o saduceans_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v any_o further_a reply_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o in_o each_o christian_a church_n there_o may_v be_v find_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n capable_a of_o disprove_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o introduce_v among_o they_o innovation_n and_o false_a doctrine_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o alone_a shall_v prove_v insufficient_a they_o may_v call_v to_o their_o aid_n those_o of_o the_o neighbour_a most_o famous_a church_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v a_o judge_n general_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o put_v the_o case_n that_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o numerous_a as_o to_o have_v spread_v their_o doctrine_n all_o over_o the_o state_n this_o judge_n will_v prove_v useless_a in_o his_o office_n for_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o violent_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o renounce_v their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n oppose_v force_n to_o force_v but_o if_o he_o take_v the_o other_o way_n and_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o earor_n by_o argument_n take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o by_o other_o teacher_n sit_o qualify_v for_o their_o office_n than_o by_o such_o a_o judge_n general_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o over_o timorous_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o error_n shall_v in_o so_o much_o prevail_v over_o truth_n as_o to_o domineer_v always_o and_o every_o where_n over_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o by_o help_n of_o the_o most_o clear-sighted_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n these_o cloud_n may_v be_v soon_o disperse_v and_o truth_n again_o appear_v in_o its_o splendour_n i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n whether_o not_o a_o great_a many_o heresy_n by_o the_o only_a help_n of_o prevail_a truth_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n or_o any_o human_a force_n have_v by_o degree_n dwindle_v away_o and_o at_o last_o quite_o disappear_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o be_v nourish_v and_o maintain_v by_o a_o temporal_a interest_n and_o certain_a reason_n of_o state_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v suppress_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o controversy_n wherein_o the_o protestant_n differ_v with_o the_o papish_n all_o which_o if_o due_o consider_v be_v so_o deep_o entangle_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o popish_a monarchy_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o roman_a catholic_n to_o recede_v a_o inch_n from_o the_o point_n of_o the_o controvert_v article_n without_o diminution_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o endanger_v their_o great_a revenue_n so_o that_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o union_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protestant_n be_v in_o vain_a unless_o the_o latter_a can_v resolve_v to_o submit_v themselves_o under_o the_o same_o popish_a yoke_n which_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o so_o long_o ago_o i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v that_o gross_a way_n of_o argue_v make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o papish_n when_o they_o talk_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o once_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o question_n concern_v the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n will_v fall_v a-course_n make_v themselves_o both_o party_n and_o judge_n and_o pretend_v to_o give_v sentence_n in_o their_o own_o case_n according_a to_o their_o own_o testimony_n they_o always_o make_v use_n of_o this_o sophism_n that_o they_o attribute_v only_o to_o themselves_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n exclude_v all_o orhe_a christian_n from_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o back_o this_o pretence_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o demonstrative_a argument_n found_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o lien_n thereof_o to_o find_v out_o new_a method_n unknown_a to_o the_o apostle_n of_o convert_v people_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o authority_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o violence_n against_o those_o that_o dare_v to_o maintain_v truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n for_o which_o
religion_n but_o in_o case_n divine_v out_o of_o other_o country_n be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o convocation_n or_o assembly_n it_o be_v i_o think_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o these_o can_v appear_v there_o without_o leave_n first_o obtain_v from_o their_o sovereign_n and_o if_o a_o council_n shall_v be_v call_v consist_v of_o select_a divine_n out_o of_o a_o great_a many_o commonwealth_n this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o forego_n agreement_n make_v betwixt_o those_o sovereign_n that_o be_v concern_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v not_o allowable_a for_o subject_n of_o another_o state_n to_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n noâ—_n can_v we_o go_v to_o they_o upon_o such_o a_o errand_n unless_o by_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o since_o sovereign_n can_v claim_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o prerogative_n but_o matter_n must_v be_v transact_v according_a to_o mutual_a contract_n §_o 47._o for_o what_o reason_n the_o primitive_a church-discipline_n theâ—r_o right_o concern_v church-discipline_n christian_n do_v introduce_v church_n discipline_n viz._n to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_n by_o their_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o civil_a pagan_a law_n which_o do_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o such_o vice_n as_o be_v abominable_a to_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v sufficient_o explain_v before_o this_o reason_n take_v no_o more_o place_n now_o after_o whole_a commonwealth_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sovereign_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o occasion_n now_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_n by_o a_o unspotted_a conversation_n after_o the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n all_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o equal_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v a_o unblemished_a life_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o general_a conversion_n of_o whole_a commonwealth_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n care_v aught_o to_o be_v take_v that_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v not_o lay_v aside_o among_o christian_n from_o whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n discipline_n now_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o expedient_a to_o admit_v of_o some_o alteration_n after_o sovereign_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o of_o these_o two_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o probable_a because_o this_o ancient_a church_n discipline_n which_o be_v introduce_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n to_o supply_v the_o deficiency_n of_o the_o pagan_a law_n and_o to_o amend_v their_o vicious_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o be_v thus_o leave_v to_o the_o direction_n of_o certain_a people_n be_v not_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o beside_o this_o carry_v this_o inconveniency_n along_o with_o it_o that_o it_o may_v easy_o degenerate_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o pretend_a sovereignty_n and_o prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o as_o sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o provide_v against_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v the_o probable_a cause_n of_o convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n so_o may_v this_o defect_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vice_n may_v be_v suppress_v by_o civil_a punishment_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a why_o vice_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o easy_o correct_v by_o punishment_n prescribe_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o by_o church-censure_n or_o why_o the_o first_o shall_v not_o prove_v as_o effectual_a as_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o suppress_n of_o public_a scandal_n it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n have_v a_o much_o great_a influence_n over_o christian_n towards_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n than_o civil_a punishment_n because_o the_o first_o penetrate_v into_o the_o heart_n whereas_o civil_a punishment_n do_v not_o touch_v we_o but_o superficial_o unto_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o church-discipline_n do_v not_o always_o answer_v this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o some_o man_n though_o they_o undergo_v all_o the_o church-penances_a retain_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o same_o vicious_a inclination_n or_o sometime_o grow_v more_o stubborn_a and_o bold_a but_o if_o it_o be_v take_v as_o a_o expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n almighty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o a_o expiation_n for_o any_o trespass_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a law_n we_o must_v therein_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o prescribe_v church-penance_n as_o a_o proper_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o remit_v because_o we_o have_v undergo_v church-penance_n but_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v purify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n provide_v we_o by_o the_o faith_n apply_v his_o suffering_n unto_o we_o but_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v think_v most_o convenient_a that_o some_o sort_n of_o vice_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o church-discipline_n the_o best_a expedient_a will_v be_v to_o leave_v it_o first_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o civil_a judge_n who_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o case_n aught_o to_o send_v the_o delinquent_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n there_o to_o undergo_v the_o church-censure_n for_o christian_n sovereign_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o determine_v what_o sort_n of_o misdemeanour_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o which_o of_o they_o come_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o consequent_o to_o decree_v what_o sort_n of_o church-censure_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o delinquent_n according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o trespass_n which_o may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o minister_n according_o concern_v excommunication_n the_o same_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o priest_n so_o as_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o they_o aâ—_n pleasure_n but_o this_o power_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o certain_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o legislative_a power_n in_o a_o state_n for_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n excommunication_n alter_v the_o civil_a condition_n of_o a_o subject_a and_o â—enders_v he_o infamous_a and_o detestable_a among_o his_o fellow-christians_a and_o as_o it_o affect_v the_o civil_a state_n of_o subject_n sovereign_n unless_o they_o will_v let_v other_o encroach_v upon_o their_o prerogative_n aught_o to_o determine_v concern_v its_o legality_n §_o 48._o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o statute_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o make_v ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o statute_n in_o any_o wise_a diminish_v the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n these_o if_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o examine_v what_o canon_n or_o ecclesiastical_a statute_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v find_v superfluous_a or_o interfere_v with_o the_o sovereign_a power_n to_o abolish_v the_o same_o and_o if_o there_o appear_v any_o deficiency_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v want_v towards_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n which_o however_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o advice_n at_o least_o of_o the_o chief_a man_n of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o give_v to_o those_o statute_n the_o force_n of_o civil_a law_n this_o power_n nevertheless_o of_o make_v ecclesiastical_a statute_n must_v be_v exercise_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o same_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o church-government_n and_o to_o maintain_v its_o order_n and_o decency_n christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v over-heaped_a with_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o canon_n for_o those_o that_o stretch_v â—4_n colos_n 2._o 16._o 21_o 22._o 1_o tim._n 4._o â—4_n the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o absolute_a judge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o a_o right_n of_o establish_v certain_a article_n of_o faith_n by_o civil_a law_n or_o to_o annex_v to_o they_o a_o force_n equal_a to_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o to_o force_v upon_o their_o subject_n a_o certain_a religion_n under_o severe_a penalty_n or_o oblige_v they_o either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o deny_v certain_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v controvert_v among_o christian_n these_o i_o say_v act_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o method_n make_v use_v of_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o
propagate_a of_o this_o doctrine_n they_o destroy_v the_o very_a essential_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o belief_n found_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v transmute_v into_o a_o outward_a confession_n where_o the_o tongue_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a punishment_n be_v force_v to_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o heart_n this_o however_o admit_v again_o of_o a_o limitation_n for_o herein_o be_v not_o comprehend_v these_o point_n which_o proceed_v from_o natural_a religion_n be_v also_o contain_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o all_o of_o they_o imply_v a_o profound_a reverence_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o supreme_a be_v for_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o those_o that_o act_n against_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o civil_a punishment_n since_o they_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a society_n such_o be_v idolatry_n blasphemy_n profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n where_o nevertheless_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o a_o due_a difference_n be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o that_o precept_n concern_v the_o sabbath_n which_o be_v unalterable_a and_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o it_o prince_n therefore_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v lawful_o destroy_v the_o image_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o grove_n and_o other_o meeting-place_n dedicate_v to_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o christian_a sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o revile_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o ridicule_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o may_v banish_v they_o the_o country_n but_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o inward_a consent_n to_o such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o surpass_v our_o understanding_n can_v be_v procure_v by_o violent_a mean_n or_o temporal_a punishment_n for_o suppose_v you_o force_v a_o man_n to_o dissemble_v his_o thought_n to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o own_o opinion_n let_v his_o confession_n be_v never_o so_o formal_a and_o his_o gesture_n never_o so_o well_o compose_v and_o conformable_a to_o certain_a prescribe_a rule_n this_o have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o true_a religion_n unless_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v feel_v a_o inward_a motion_n and_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o what_o he_o profess_v neither_o ought_v people_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v entice_v to_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o temporal_a interest_n honour_n or_o other_o such_o like_a advantage_n for_o christ_n do_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o shall_v receive_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o foretold_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o embrace_v any_o religion_n out_o of_o a_o motive_n of_o temporal_a advantage_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o their_o own_o â—erest_n than_o religion_n and_o certain_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v please_v to_o god_n almighty_a sovereign_n being_n not_o constitute_v for_o religion_n sake_n they_o can_v under_o that_o colour_n exact_a from_o their_o subject_n a_o blind_a obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o if_o subject_n shall_v blindfold_o follow_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o sovereign_n they_o can_v by_o all_o his_o authority_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o case_n any_o subject_a be_v full_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n discover_v any_o error_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n even_o that_o by_o law_n establish_v especial_o concern_v any_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n he_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v hinder_v in_o his_o design_n by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n before_o his_o reason_n be_v hear_v and_o well_o debate_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o best_a and_o able_a judge_n and_o if_o by_o they_o he_o be_v legal_o and_o plain_o convict_v of_o his_o error_n then_o and_o 〈◊〉_d before_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v silence_v to_o force_v people_n into_o the_o church_n â—y_a the_o bare_a civil_a authority_n must_v needs_o fill_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o hypocrite_n who_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n for_o since_o in_o religion_n matter_n a_o absolute_a uniformity_n betwixt_o the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n be_v require_v how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v a_o religion_n disagreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n when_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o impose_v upon_o god_n almighty_a §_o 49._o the_o care_n of_o preserve_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n what_o prerogative_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n as_o be_v protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n peace_n belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o sovereign_n have_v furnish_v some_o with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n to_o affirm_v that_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n cause_n frequent_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o a_o government_n if_o its_o subject_n in_o general_a be_v of_o one_o religion_n all_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o violent_a may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n to_o extirpate_v these_o difference_n in_o religion_n they_o allege_v that_o as_o much_o more_o precious_a our_o soul_n be_v before_o our_o body_n the_o more_o sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v watchful_a over_o they_o and_o that_o the_o true_a love_n which_o a_o sovereign_n bear_v to_o his_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o when_o he_o take_v effectual_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n these_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v very_o specious_a pretence_n and_o have_v sometime_o have_v such_o powerful_a influence_n over_o prince_n who_o be_v else_o natural_o not_o incline_v to_o severity_n that_o they_o have_v nevertheless_o by_o these_o plausible_a argument_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o assist_v with_o their_o authority_n the_o cruel_a design_n of_o priest_n it_o will_v therefore_o not_o be_v beyond_o our_o scope_n to_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n what_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o so_o specious_a reason_n in_o a_o well_o constitute_v government_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n weed_n among_o the_o wheat_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a doctrine_n raise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extirpate_v root_n and_o branch_n but_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o sovereign_n that_o take_v to_o such_o violent_a course_n may_v make_v a_o havoc_n among_o his_o subject_n which_o common_o prove_v equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o innocent_a and_o guilty_a nevertheless_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impracticable_a quite_o to_o abolish_v all_o error_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n never_o do_v any_o body_n show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n than_o our_o saviour_n who_o sacrifice_v himself_o for_o our_o salvation_n yet_o he_o make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o way_n to_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n than_o teach_v when_o he_o may_v have_v command_v twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o force_v mankind_n to_o obedience_n how_o can_v a_o prince_n be_v esteem_v to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v such_o profligate_v wretch_n as_o the_o dragoon_n his_o apostle_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o subject_n that_o pretence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o sovereign_n towards_o their_o subject_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o specious_a he_o ought_v not_o under_o that_o colour_n endeavour_n to_o subvert_v or_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n the_o difference_n about_o some_o point_n in_o religion_n consider_v bare_o as_o such_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o disturbance_n in_o a_o state_n but_o the_o heat_n and_o animosity_n ambition_n
religion_n ought_v to_o be_v declare_v erroneous_a before_o it_o be_v due_o examine_v and_o the_o party_n convict_v especial_o if_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o such_o a_o decision_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o management_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o be_v perhaps_o guide_v by_o self_n interest_n oftentimes_o be_v both_o accuser_n and_o judge_n there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o politician_n who_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o sovereign_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n give_v protection_n to_o their_o subject_n though_o of_o a_o erroneous_a opinion_n provide_v it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n especial_o if_o care_n be_v take_v that_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v away_o other_o into_o the_o same_o error_n for_o suppose_v the_o establish_a religion_n both_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o morality_n to_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o dissent_v party_n may_v be_v in_o time_n bring_v over_o to_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o shall_v seduce_v other_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o zeal_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o establish_a clergy_n it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o those_o place_n and_o time_n where_o and_o when_o no_o religious_a difference_n be_v in_o agitation_n the_o clergy_n soon_o degenerate_v into_o idleness_n and_o barbarity_n §_o 51._o furthermore_o as_o sovereign_n in_o all_o other_o flatterer_n sovereign_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v misguide_v by_o flatterer_n matter_n of_o moment_n ought_v to_o act_v with_o great_a circumspection_n so_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v proceed_v with_o too_o much_o caution_n a_o injustice_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o most_o sensible_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o a_o subject_a for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o abominable_a than_o to_o let_v subject_n suffer_v unjust_o for_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o perhaps_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o some_o other_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n can_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o if_o a_o prince_n who_o prompt_v by_o his_o own_o cruel_a inclination_n tyrannise_n over_o his_o subject_n be_v odious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o much_o more_o abominable_a appear_v a_o prince_n who_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o executioner_n and_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n by_o other_o to_o fulfil_v their_o cruel_a design_n against_o their_o fellow_n subject_n all_o christian_a prince_n therefore_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o conscience_n aught_o to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o extremity_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o ought_v never_o to_o be_v undertake_v unless_o they_o be_v well_o instruct_v beforehand_o in_o every_o particular_a point_n a_o prince_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o or_o rely_v entire_o on_o what_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o by_o his_o clergy_n though_o never_o so_o pious_a in_o outward_a appearance_n there_o be_v too_o many_o instance_n to_o be_v give_v that_o the_o best_a of_o prince_n by_o their_o own_o inclination_n abhor_v all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n have_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o overzealous_a clergyman_n turn_v the_o most_o cruel_a tyrant_n we_o scarce_o ever_o read_v of_o any_o prince_n who_o undertake_v to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o physic_n or_o other_o science_n except_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o why_o shall_v sovereign_n be_v too_o forward_o in_o decide_v religious_a difference_n which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a moment_n the_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n of_o million_o of_o people_n do_v depend_v thereon_o unless_o they_o be_v very_o well_o instruct_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o since_o prince_n very_o rare_o bestow_v sufficient_a time_n and_o pain_n in_o be_v full_o instruct_v in_o divinity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o will_v be_v bias_v by_o their_o own_o natural_a understanding_n rather_o than_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o as_o for_o a_o instance_n in_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n there_o be_v such_o evident_a sign_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o two_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o protestant_n be_v so_o far_o from_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o exhort_v they_o to_o it_o and_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o touchstone_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o true_a judge_n of_o their_o controversy_n that_o the_o protestant_n trust_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n do_v not_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o popish_a author_n but_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v public_o sell_v as_o be_v confident_a that_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o argument_n can_v have_v any_o influence_n even_o over_o a_o indifferent_a understanding_n it_o can_v but_o seem_v very_o strange_a why_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o laity_n be_v not_o allow_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o that_o they_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o suppress_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o inquisition_n be_v in_o vogue_n a_o man_n may_v with_o less_o danger_n be_v guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n and_o other_o the_o most_o enormous_a crime_n than_o to_o read_v and_o examine_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o a_o clamour_n do_v they_o make_v about_o tradition_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n which_o title_n they_o claim_v as_o belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o themselves_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o be_v not_o allow_v they_o by_o other_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o give_v judgement_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a the_o consideration_n of_o a_o prince_n that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v our_o book_n to_o be_v read_v among_o they_o and_o especial_o how_o careful_a they_o be_v in_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o great_a man_n though_o belong_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n who_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o great_a difficulty_n and_o obstacle_n be_v to_o be_v surmount_v before_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v that_o the_o augsburgh_n confession_n be_v read_v to_o the_o emperor_n charles_n v._o all_o which_o take_v together_o be_v most_o evident_a proof_n to_o any_o unbiased_a person_n that_o the_o protestant_n act_n like_o man_n as_o rely_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n but_o the_o roman_a catholic_n as_o mistrust_v themselves_o and_o fear_v that_o if_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o out_o of_o the_o protestant_a wrtting_n the_o same_o will_v scarce_o bear_v the_o touchstone_n it_o may_v also_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n how_o far_o different_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n party_n be_v from_o that_o of_o the_o protestant_n for_o though_o both_o party_n with_o equal_a zeal_n in_o public_a pretend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o great_a many_o among_o the_o roman_a catholic_n be_v very_o zealous_a for_o the_o same_o nevertheless_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o aim_v at_o something_o more_o and_o what_o this_o something_o be_v be_v easy_o discernible_a if_o we_o make_v a_o due_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o clergy_n of_o both_o party_n among_o the_o protestant_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v so_o stint_v in_o their_o revenue_n as_o to_o give_v they_o no_o opportunity_n of_o live_v in_o state_n what_o respect_n be_v pay_v they_o be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o function_n as_o be_v teacher_n their_o power_n very_o seldom_o reach_v beyond_o their_o revenue_n which_o be_v very_o moderate_a and_o oftentimes_o very_a mean_v both_o their_o person_n and_o estate_n depend_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o sovereign_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o where_o else_o to_o seek_v for_o protection_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o what_o pomp_n and_o affluence_n of_o fortune_n do_v the_o popish_a clergy_n live_v unto_o what_o height_n have_v they_o not_o exalt_v their_o power_n in_o europe_n have_v they_o not_o so_o order_v their_o matter_n as_o to_o be_v almost_o independent_a from_o the_o civil_a
magistrate_n what_o likelihood_n can_v there_o be_v in_o all_o this_o that_o the_o protestant_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o a_o temporal_a by-interest_n as_o the_o popish_a clergy_n for_o whereas_o they_o first_o can_v expect_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v allot_v they_o already_o the_o latter_a have_v no_o less_o in_o view_n than_o vast_a riches_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n all_o these_o matter_n due_o consider_v may_v be_v convince_a proof_n that_o all_o the_o clamour_n which_o the_o popish_a clergy_n make_v against_o the_o protestant_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o demetrius_n at_o ephesus_n when_o he_o exclaim_v against_o st._n paul_n love_n and_o meekness_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n exercise_v against_o protestant_n aught_o to_o be_v suspect_v by_o prince_n and_o serve_v they_o as_o a_o forewarn_n what_o good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o prosecute_v with_o so_o much_o barbarity_n all_o such_o as_o oppose_v their_o pride_n and_o ambition_n after_o the_o persecution_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o arian_n be_v the_o first_o who_o show_v their_o tooth_n to_o the_o christian_n but_o they_o will_v have_v blush_v for_o shame_n if_o they_o shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o propagate_v their_o religion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o such_o other_o cruel_a persecution_n as_o be_v now_o in_o vogue_n among_o the_o popish_a clergy_n if_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o envy_n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v be_v instruct_v as_o to_o this_o point_n by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o rebuke_v james_n and_o john_n who_o will_v have_v 56._o luk._n 9_o 54_o 55_o 56._o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o girt_v on_o the_o side_n of_o man_n but_o go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o in_o all_o the_o 15._o rev._n 19_o 15._o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v not_o one_o passage_n where_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v drunken_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n that_o she_o be_v drunken_a with_o the_o 6._o rev._n 17._o 6._o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n §_o 52._o last_o since_o sovereign_n ought_v to_o be_v pretext_n sovereign_n be_v often_o encroach_v upon_o in_o their_o right_n under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n jealous_a of_o their_o own_o prerogative_n they_o may_v without_o injustice_n make_v a_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o protestant_n or_o the_o popish_a religion_n be_v most_o encroach_a upon_o their_o authority_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v most_o consistent_a with_o the_o civil_a government_n for_o whenever_o the_o civil_a power_n bear_v any_o diminution_n under_o a_o religious_a pretence_n it_o be_v then_o high_a time_n for_o sovereign_n to_o look_v about_o they_o to_o examine_v upon_o what_o foundation_n these_o pretension_n be_v build_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o civil_a government_n be_v introduce_v before_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o ought_v plain_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v how_o civil_a authority_n come_v to_o be_v diminish_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o many_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o by_o various_a artifices_fw-la and_o intrigue_n they_o have_v at_o last_o patch_v up_o a_o potent_a state_n of_o their_o own_o and_o that_o their_o supreme_a head_n for_o these_o many_o age_n past_a be_v possess_v of_o great_a territory_n and_o act_n as_o a_o sovereign_n and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o also_o obtrude_v his_o authority_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n for_o they_o do_v think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o whole_a clergy_n have_v their_o dependence_n from_o he_o but_o he_o pretend_v to_o a_o absolute_a authority_n of_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o mean_n he_o be_v sure_a to_o guide_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n where_o ever_o he_o please_v if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v destructive_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v this_o when_o a_o party_n inhabit_v their_o territory_n disow_v their_o jurisdiction_n and_o depend_v from_o a_o foreign_a power_n deny_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o natural_a prince_n over_o they_o or_o at_o least_o acknowledge_v it_o no_o long_o than_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a if_o neighbour_a state_n be_v common_o the_o most_o jealous_a of_o one_o another_o must_v it_o not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a solocism_n of_o state_n to_o permit_v such_o as_o depend_v from_o a_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v next_o door_n to_o take_v foreign_a garrison_n into_o our_o fort_n or_o to_o allow_v a_o foreign_a force_n to_o encamp_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o dominion_n and_o this_o mischief_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o pernicious_a when_o the_o revenue_n by_o which_o the_o grandeur_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a state_n be_v maintain_v be_v squeeze_v out_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o any_o prince_n and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o territory_n exhaust_v whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a these_o leech_n be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o tax_n but_o also_o pretend_v to_o a_o legislative_a authority_n so_o as_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o the_o subject_n and_o to_o absolve_v they_o from_o their_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o sovereign_n i_o can_v see_v how_o prince_n without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o commonweal_n can_v allow_v the_o least_o authority_n over_o their_o person_n to_o the_o clergy_n for_o if_o the_o prince_n and_o they_o happen_v to_o jar_v together_o the_o poor_a subject_n pay_v for_o it_o with_o a_o vengeance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v two_o master_n of_o a_o contrary_a side_n at_o one_o time_n and_o the_o tax_n must_v fall_v the_o heavy_a upon_o the_o subject_n where_o the_o clergy_n be_v exempt_v from_o all_o contribution_n last_o be_v it_o not_o a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o the_o subject_n to_o be_v subject_a both_o to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n the_o former_a be_v general_o the_o most_o severe_a as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o spain_n and_o italy_n where_o the_o court_n of_o inquisition_n be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v therefore_o beyond_o all_o question_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o roman_a catholic_n but_o in_o no_o wise_a by_o the_o protestant_n such_o prince_n as_o be_v mislead_v by_o the_o popish_a clergy_n endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v their_o protestant_a subject_n act_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o justice_n but_o even_o against_o the_o very_a dicrates_n of_o right_a reason_n what_o have_v be_v object_v by_o some_o viz._n that_o protestant_n have_v not_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o raise_v disturbance_n in_o the_o state_n and_o have_v join_v with_o a_o foreign_a power_n scarce_o deserve_v a_o answer_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o religion_n itself_o but_o rather_o to_o some_o dangerous_a juncture_n and_o other_o circumstance_n which_o often_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o dangerous_a commotion_n in_o a_o state_n or_o else_o the_o papist_n have_v first_o begin_v the_o dance_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o some_o protestant_n to_o avoid_v their_o cruel_a design_n against_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o repel_v the_o fury_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o insufficient_a have_v seek_v for_o aid_n by_o foreign_a prince_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o compel_v subject_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n to_o any_o religion_n so_o these_o may_v just_o defend_v their_o religion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n especial_o if_o they_o live_v under_o a_o government_n where_o they_o have_v a_o right_o belong_v to_o they_o of_o protect_v their_o liberty_n against_o any_o invader_n §_o 53._o last_o of_o all_o it_o very_o well_o deserve_v to_o reformation_n concern_v the_o right_n of_o reformation_n make_v a_o enquiry_n who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o amend_v such_o error_n and_o abuse_n as_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n morality_n or_o church-government_n or_o which_o turn_v to_o the_o same_o account_n who_o have_v the_o right_a of_o reformation_n where_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n of_o a_o reformation_n where_o the_o
true_a god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n will_v have_v be_v owe_v by_o christ_n to_o their_o submission_n away_o with_o such_o fiction_n not_o agreeable_a even_o to_o common_a sense_n he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o god_n power_n over_o we_o mortal_n do_v owe_v its_o original_n to_o the_o submission_n of_o prince_n and_o in_o case_n they_o think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o this_o obedience_n god_n almighty_n i_o can_v relate_v it_o without_o horror_n must_v thereby_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o private_a person_n in_o the_o next_o assertion_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o much_o beyond_o his_o sense_n when_o he_o grant_v even_o to_o pagan_a prince_n a_o right_a of_o determine_v the_o controvert_v point_n among_o christian_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o make_v a_o blind_a man_n a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o colour_n when_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v force_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o pagan_a judge_n it_o be_v not_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o christian_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o gross_a a_o error_n as_o to_o consult_v with_o the_o unbelieving_a concern_v the_o controvert_v article_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v force_v against_o their_o will_n to_o appear_v before_o they_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v to_o receive_v their_o judgement_n such_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o give_v as_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v they_o to_o decline_v it_o furthermore_o our_o author_n be_v please_v to_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o interpretation_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o establish_v by_o public_a authority_n which_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o oblige_a force_n at_o least_o in_o outward_a appearance_n so_o that_o subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o it_o by_o a_o verbal_a confession_n though_o never_o so_o discrepant_a from_o that_o opinion_n they_o keep_v conceal_v within_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o outward_a behaviour_n and_o verbal_a confession_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a sentiment_n of_o his_o heart_n have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o religion_n itself_o i_o do_v see_v upon_o what_o account_n this_o chimerical_a power_n be_v attribute_v to_o prince_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o specious_a pretext_n to_o afflict_v their_o innocent_a subject_n thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o command_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v propagate_v by_o forcible_a mean_n so_o that_o suppose_v the_o article_n thus_o establish_v by_o the_o civil_a authority_n to_o be_v never_o so_o consonant_a to_o truth_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o impose_v they_o upon_o subject_n by_o force_n and_o under_o severe_a penalty_n but_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v false_a the_o case_n of_o subject_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o miserable_a when_o they_o suffer_v punishment_n because_o they_o will_v not_o profess_v a_o erroneous_a or_o false_a doctrine_n i_o see_v no_o other_o benefit_n to_o be_v reap_v from_o the_o egregious_a assertion_n of_o our_o author_n than_o to_o serve_v for_o a_o justification_n of_o the_o most_o tyrannical_a persecution_n that_o have_v be_v and_o to_o declare_v they_o to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o legal_a authority_n at_o this_o rate_n it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o justify_v the_o proceed_n against_o the_o protestant_n in_o france_n which_o move_v both_o pity_n and_o horror_n in_o all_o good_a man_n at_o least_o mr._n houtuyn_n have_v very_o free_o offer_v his_o advice_n and_o patronage_n what_o follow_v next_o be_v very_o smart_o say_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o coersive_a power_n may_v be_v legal_a whereas_o the_o act_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o allowable_a no_o body_n of_o common_a sense_n but_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o imply_v a_o most_o manifest_a contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o legal_a sovereign_a authority_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o pay_v obedience_n to_o it_o be_v inseparable_a from_o one_o another_o yet_o with_o this_o nicety_n mr._n houtuyn_n be_v so_o mighty_o take_v that_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o grant_v a_o absolute_a authority_n to_o his_o prince_n to_o persecute_v his_o subject_n on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n he_o take_v away_o from_o they_o the_o power_n of_o deny_v the_o true_a religion_n but_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v a_o coersive_a power_n where_o the_o other_o can_v obey_v unless_o it_o be_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o encourage_v ambitious_a and_o imperious_a prince_n either_o to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o never_o to_o want_v a_o opportunity_n of_o afflict_v the_o innocent_a at_o pleasure_n for_o those_o that_o take_v to_o these_o violent_a way_n of_o propagate_a the_o faith_n or_o rather_o to_o speak_v truth_n hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n by_o their_o boot_v apostle_n be_v not_o content_v to_o silence_v their_o subject_n dissent_v from_o they_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v also_o debar_v even_o to_o save_v themselves_o by_o flight_n though_o it_o be_v no_o small_a misfortune_n to_o a_o subject_a to_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v his_o native_a country_n but_o they_o compel_v they_o to_o profess_v public_o those_o thing_n for_o truth_n which_o they_o abhor_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o appear_v to_o be_v idolatrous_a superstitious_a or_o fictitious_a invent_v on_o purpose_n by_o those_o that_o make_v their_o market_n by_o religion_n mr._n houtuyn_n himself_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o no_o body_n can_v safe_o acquiesce_v in_o any_o determination_n make_v concern_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n unless_o by_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n he_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o find_v it_o not_o consonant_a to_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o it_o for_o fear_v he_o shall_v disow_v his_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o unbecoming_a thing_n belong_v to_o a_o christian_n but_o if_o it_o be_v unbecoming_a a_o christian_n to_o deny_v his_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n as_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o one_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o conscience_n to_o keep_v secret_a within_o the_o heart_n what_o one_o believe_v not_o to_o indulge_v one_o tongue_n and_o to_o refrain_v from_o external_n action_n this_o be_v the_o advice_n which_o in_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o he_o have_v not_o long_o before_o give_v to_o the_o dissent_v subject_n what_o reason_n can_v he_o give_v for_o his_o assertion_n when_o he_o attribute_n to_o his_o prince_n a_o power_n so_o unlimited_a that_o his_o christian_a subject_n must_v either_o be_v force_v to_o undergo_v such_o a_o indignity_n or_o else_o the_o most_o horrible_a persecution_n that_o can_v be_v invent_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o this_o unlimited_a power_n as_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v learn_v be_v mr._n thomas_n hâ—bbs_n the_o worst_a interpreter_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o divinity_n who_o opinion_n as_o to_o this_o kind_n no_o body_n have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o revive_v with_o the_o same_o impudence_n as_o mr._n adrian_n houtuyn_n what_o i_o most_o admire_v at_o be_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v attempt_v by_o one_o live_v in_o a_o state_n who_o maxim_n be_v quite_o opposite_a to_o these_o principle_n and_o where_o consequent_o he_o can_v not_o reasonable_o propose_v to_o himself_o any_o reward_n of_o his_o adulation_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o likelihood_n that_o the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n shall_v ever_o lay_v claim_n to_o such_o a_o power_n as_o it_o be_v not_o very_o probable_a that_o prince_n will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o undertake_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o pastoral_n function_n in_o person_n so_o that_o i_o can_v see_v to_o what_o purpose_n our_o author_n have_v be_v so_o careful_a in_o assert_v it_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o sovereign_n unless_o he_o have_v please_v himself_o with_o this_o fancy_n that_o his_o assertion_n can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v the_o more_o admire_v among_o the_o youngster_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o remote_a they_o be_v from_o common_a sense_n thus_o much_o at_o present_a for_o mr._n houtuyn_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o abel_n roper_n at_o the_o black_a boy_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n be_v church_n in_o fleetstreet_n solid_a philosophy_n assert_v against_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o ideist_n or_o the_o method_n to_o science_n far_o illustrate_v with_o reflection_n on_o mr._n lock_n be_v essay_n concern_v human_a understanding_n by_o i._n s._n a_o true_a history_n of_o the_o several_a design_n and_o conspiracy_n against_o his_o majesty_n sacred_a person_n and_o government_n as_o they_o be_v continual_o carry_v on_o from_o 1688._o to_o 1697._o contain_v matter_n extract_v from_o original_a paper_n deposition_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o authentic_a record_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o reference_n to_o the_o appendix_n wherein_o they_o be_v digest_v publish_a with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o acquaint_v the_o english_a nation_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o affair_n our_o enemy_n be_v still_o so_o many_o restless_a and_o design_v that_o all_o imaginable_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o defence_n and_o safety_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o three_o kingdom_n by_o r._n k._n the_o doctrine_n of_o acid_n in_o the_o cure_n of_o disease_n far_o assert_v be_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n raise_v against_o it_o by_o dr._n f._n tuthill_n of_o dorchester_n in_o dorsetshire_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v some_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o blood_n as_o also_o a_o attempt_n to_o prove_v what_o life_n be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v principal_o support_v by_o a_o acid_n and_o sulphur_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o case_n of_o edmund_n turner_n esq_n decease_v as_o also_o the_o case_n of_o another_o gentleman_n now_o live_v exact_o parallel_v to_o mr._n turner_n by_o john_n colbatch_n a_o member_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n london_n book_n print_v for_o a._n bosvile_n at_o the_o dial_n against_o st._n dunstan_n be_v church_n in_o fleetstreet_n a_o discourse_n of_o conscience_n show_v 1._o what_o conscience_n be_v and_o what_o be_v its_o act_n and_o office_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o several_a sort_n of_o conscience_n 4._o how_o some_o practical_a case_n or_o question_n concern_v conscience_n may_v be_v resolve_v 5._o the_o benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o evil_a one_o 6._o how_o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o how_o we_o may_v judge_v whether_o we_o have_v attain_v it_o publish_a chief_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o unlearned_a though_o it_o may_v also_o be_v useful_a to_o other_o together_o with_o brief_a reflection_n upon_o that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a say_v upon_o that_o know_a text_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o the_o christian_a belief_n wherein_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o it_o above_o reason_n and_o these_o be_v necessary_o enjoin_v we_o to_o believe_v be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a the_o second_o edition_n with_o a_o preface_n and_o other_o addition_n