village_n and_o territory_n where_o a_o temporal_a magistrate_n be_v likewise_o place_v as_o the_o metropolis_n of_o every_o province_n have_v its_o proconsul_n in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o have_v its_o archbishop_n or_o metropolitan_a in_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o government_n of_o patriarch_n prevail_v it_o be_v form_v after_o the_o same_o model_n either_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o vicar_n or_o lieutenant_n that_o preside_v over_o a_o diocese_n compose_v of_o several_a province_n or_o at_o least_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o praetorian_a prefect_n that_o have_v several_a diocese_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o form_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n after_o the_o model_n of_o that_o of_o the_o state_n be_v by_o apostolical_a institution_n so_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o special_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o no_o doubt_n the_o great_a design_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n by_o place_v every_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o state_n whenever_o it_o shall_v become_v christian._n and_o certain_o as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a expedient_a to_o enable_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o execute_v that_o trust_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o character_n of_o a_o father_n or_o nurse_n mother_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a argument_n that_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o stand_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o to_o make_v the_o district_v of_o particular_a church_n terminate_v with_o those_o of_o civil_a government_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o supreme_a guardian_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n that_o may_v very_o just_o be_v resolve_v into_o apostolic_a institution_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a indication_n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v be_v oblige_v punctual_o to_o answer_v the_o character_n whenever_o he_o become_v christian._n sect_n v._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v gain_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o national_a church_n and_o true_o if_o we_o due_o weight_n the_o premise_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o rest_v upon_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a and_o apostolic_a institution_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o constitute_v particular_a church_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o district_v of_o particular_a province_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a duty_n in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o protect_v and_o advance_v the_o true_a religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v upon_o that_o model_n of_o government_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n in_o every_o respective_a nation_n over_o which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o preside_v as_o a_o father_n or_o guardian_n and_o protector_n and_o such_o a_o church_n be_v what_o in_o other_o term_n be_v call_v a_o national_a church_n and_o a_o church_n thus_o establish_v undoubted_o rest_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a or_o apostolic_a institution_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o intend_v to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n till_o it_o have_v obtain_v a_o civil_a establishment_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o church_n of_o greece_n and_o of_o the_o proconsular_a asia_n have_v a_o be_v and_o a_o distinct_a denomination_n before_o christianity_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n indeed_o when_o a_o particular_a church_n enjoy_v a_o civil_a establishment_n it_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a authority_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o become_v a_o civil_a right_n or_o property_n so_o that_o unless_o its_o constitution_n be_v material_o vicious_a and_o finful_a it_o be_v a_o high_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o destroy_v or_o infringe_v any_o of_o its_o establish_v right_n or_o immunity_n but_o yet_o since_o the_o magistrate_n be_v only_o the_o guardian_n not_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o national_a church_n its_o original_a authority_n rest_v on_o certain_a positive_a law_n and_o sanction_n enjoin_v by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n even_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o wherever_o a_o church_n in_o any_o province_n or_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n by_o a_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n under_o lawful_a church_n governor_n and_o pastor_n that_o be_v the_o true_a national_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o dissent_v sect_n and_o party_n though_o it_o want_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o civil_a establishment_n but_o to_o return_v from_o hence_o we_o may_v easy_o determine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o question_n in_o debate_n i_o mean_v when_o there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o sect_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o government_n why_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o protect_a or_o rather_o advance_v the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o for_o first_o it_o be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la be_v constitute_v a_o guardian_n father_n and_o protector_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o any_o nation_n or_o government_n the_o true_a religion_n be_v profess_v in_o a_o orthodox_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n under_o lawful_a church_n governor_n and_o pastor_n there_o the_o magistrate_n be_v indispensible_o boundto_o act_v as_o a_o guardian_n and_o protector_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o model_n and_o platform_n that_o be_v advance_v against_o it_o for_o by_o this_o alone_a he_o pursue_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o apostolic_a platform_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o answer_n that_o of_o his_o character_n i_o mean_v as_o he_o be_v prophetical_o style_v a_o father_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a one_o great_a design_n of_o christianity_n be_v unity_n or_o to_o range_v all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o holy_a building_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v constitute_v a_o guardian_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n all_o his_o office_n of_o succour_n and_o protection_n must_v be_v direct_v to_o this_o end_n i_o mean_v the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o catholic_n unity_n throughout_o his_o whole_a dominion_n without_o this_o the_o great_a end_n and_o proposal_n of_o so_o pure_a and_o holy_a a_o religion_n can_v be_v accomplish_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o indulgence_n or_o exemption_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v rightful_o grant_v to_o erroneous_a judgement_n or_o conscience_n act_v with_o simplicity_n and_o a_o pious_a disposition_n he_o can_v upon_o the_o law_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o authority_n derive_v to_o he_o from_o thence_o rightfnl_o give_v a_o positive_a establishment_n within_o the_o district_v of_o the_o same_o government_n to_o two_o opposite_a communion_n or_o altar_n of_o worship_n especial_o when_o one_o of_o they_o be_v found_v in_o a_o revolt_n from_o a_o pure_a and_o orthodox_n national_a church_n this_o be_v the_o very_a reverse_n to_o a_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o it_o imply_v a_o power_n to_o pervert_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n vis_fw-la a_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n by_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o authorise_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n to_o disband_v and_o break_v into_o schism_n and_o faction_n whereas_o its_o a_o external_n rule_n that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v only_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o edification_n not_o to_o destruction_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o prerogative_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o where_o a_o national_a church_n be_v constitute_v under_o lawful_a governor_n and_o pastor_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o defect_n or_o error_n in_o her_o faith_n discipline_n or_o worship_n he_o be_v not_o to_o unhinge_v and_o demolish_v but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o correct_v and_o remove_v they_o by_o such_o mean_n and_o instrument_n as_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v will_n have_v decree_v and_o appoint_v and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v he_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v any_o opposite_a sect_n or_o faction_n so_o much_o as_o to_o break_v in_o upon_o any_o of_o her_o apostolic_a right_n or_o immunity_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o duty_n of_o a_o guardian_n parent_n and_o protector_n be_v to_o use_v all_o prudent_a method_n to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v to_o advance_v the_o interest_n and_o enlarge_v the_o privilege_n of_o those_o under_o his_o care_n much_o more_o to_o defend_v they_o from_o violence_n or_o encroachment_n to_o be_v appoint_v a_o father_n and_o a_o protector_n of_o christ_n church_n or_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o a_o
a_o letter_n to_o a_o member_n of_o parliament_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o regulate_v the_o press_n chief_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a establishment_n in_o religion_n from_o the_o right_n and_o immunity_n of_o a_o national_a church_n and_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o with_o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o of_o late_o have_v be_v advance_v against_o it_o oxford_n print_v for_o george_n west_n and_o henry_n clements_n m._n dc_o xcix_o the_o content_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n sect._n 1_o consider_v first_o under_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n 1b_n second_o under_o a_o state_n of_o revelation_n sect._n 2._o a_o objection_n answer_v sect._n 3_o a_o enquiry_n when_o there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o sect_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o government_n why_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o protect_a or_o rather_o advance_v the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o sect._n 4_o and_o 5._o the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o national_a church_n consider_v and_o state_v sect._n 5._o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n demonstrate_v not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a provision_n to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o as_o profess_v in_o a_o national_a church_n sect._n 6._o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a establishment_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n which_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n have_v upon_o they_o as_o introductory_n of_o scepticism_n heresy_n and_o infidelity_n sect._n 7_o 8_o and_o 9_o the_o argument_n represent_v in_o several_a instance_n from_o some_o late_a print_n sect._n 8_o 9_o objection_n answer_v as_o first_o that_o the_o attempt_n and_o mischief_n of_o the_o press_n may_v as_o effectual_o be_v obviate_v by_o particular_a law_n and_o that_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a time_n have_v not_o prevented'em_n sect._n 10._o second_o that_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n to_o a_o party_n and_o a_o condemn_v they_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o be_v a_o direct_a method_n to_o involve_v the_o world_n in_o ignorance_n and_o error_n sect._n 11._o the_o church_n of_o england_n deny_v no_o gospel_n mean_v of_o information_n sect._n 12._o three_o that_o every_o one_o not_o only_o of_o natural_a right_n but_o in_o point_n of_o charity_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o publish_v whatever_o appear_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n which_o abridge_n this_o right_a must_v be_v unlawful_a and_o unjust_a sect._n 13._o the_o natural_a right_n of_o private_a person_n in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o state_v sect._n 14._o the_o `_o duty_n of_o inform_v other_o state_v ib._n four_o that_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o a_o englishman_n sect._n 15._o the_o conclusion_n in_o a_o address_n to_o the_o honourable_a member_n sect._n 16._o a_o letter_n to_o a_o member_n of_o parliament_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o regulate_v the_o press_n with_o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o of_o late_o have_v be_v advance_v against_o it_o sir_n you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o solicit_v my_o opinion_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o importance_n by_o way_n of_o request_n when_o you_o may_v have_v just_o lay_v your_o command_n and_o i_o now_o present_v it_o with_o all_o imaginable_a deference_n and_o humility_n you_o have_v lead_v i_o into_o a_o large_a field_n of_o argument_n and_o propose_v several_a weighty_a inquiry_n but_o since_o they_o be_v advance_v with_o regard_n to_o a_o general_n design_n viz._n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n i_o shall_v not_o bind_v myself_o up_o to_o that_o order_n they_o be_v propose_v in_o but_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o as_o they_o will_v best_o comport_v with_o the_o scheme_n i_o have_v project_v to_o evince_v the_o expediency_n of_o restrain_v the_o press_n in_o order_n to_o this_o design_n i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o to_o three_o or_o four_o general_a inquiry_n as_o first_o how_o far_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a govern_v power_n extend_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n second_o when_o there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o sect_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o government_n why_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o protect_a or_o rather_o advance_v the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o and_o on_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o national_a church_n three_o whether_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a provision_n not_o only_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o as_o profess_v in_o a_o national_a church_n sect_n i._o i_o begin_v with_o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a govern_v power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o it_o will_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o indisputable_a article_n or_o proposition_n that_o every_o govern_v power_n of_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o right_o be_v so_o far_o to_o inspect_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n that_o nothing_o be_v advance_v that_o manifest_o incommode_n the_o right_n or_o interest_n of_o the_o civil_a polity_n but_o whether_o any_o government_n be_v under_o a_o further_o concern_v or_o obligation_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n under_o debate_n now_o it_o will_v best_o be_v adjust_v by_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o civil_a government_n first_o under_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o second_o under_o a_o state_n of_o revelation_n that_o government_n in_o general_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o divine_a institution_n as_o well_o as_o allowance_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a end_n and_o design_n peculiar_a to_o it_o establish_v in_o the_o same_o authority_n be_v truth_n that_o will_v be_v easy_o subscribe_v to_o but_o then_o if_o government_n rest_v on_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o there_o be_v certain_a divineend_n and_o purpose_n appropriate_v to_o it_o it_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o civil_a welfare_n and_o conduct_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o sole_a and_o entire_a province_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n if_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o important_a concern_v of_o mankind_n and_o if_o there_o be_v fealty_n worship_n and_o obedience_n due_a from_o a_o creature_n towards_o a_o sovereign_a creator_n even_o under_o the_o most_o simple_a state_n of_o nature_n why_o shall_v not_o that_o great_a god_n which_o constitute_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n superintendant_o over_o the_o secular_a affair_n of_o mankind_n be_v as_o zealous_a to_o make_v they_o guardian_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v place_v more_o near_o he_o and_o they_o too_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o persuade_v its_o neither_o boldness_n nor_o arrogance_n to_o pronounce_v that_o the_o civil_a govern_v power_n or_o magistrate_n be_v original_o constitute_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o human_a happiness_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o religious_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a capacity_n indeed_o the_o inseparable_a dependence_n and_o affinity_n between_o civil_a happiness_n and_o religion_n be_v other_o argument_n want_v be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v it_o but_o be_v the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o civilise_v government_n summon_v in_o to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n they_o must_v place_v it_o above_o dispute_n or_o cavil_v if_o we_o respect_v the_o earliest_n account_n of_o government_n and_o particular_o those_o deliver_v in_o sacred_a story_n we_o find_v the_o character_n of_o prince_n and_o priest_n reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n before_o god_n have_v institute_v a_o positive_a oeconomy_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o peculiar_a order_n of_o priesthood_n it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o patriarchal_a province_n not_o only_o to_o instruct_v their_o people_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o very_a altar_n and_o perform_v the_o priestly_a function_n of_o sacrifice_n as_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o first_o government_n of_o the_o world_n have_v their_o rise_n and_o foundation_n in_o father_n of_o family_n so_o we_o be_v undoubted_o instruct_v that_o they_o obtain_v the_o character_n of_o patres_fw-la patrioe_n by_o execute_v all_o the_o office_n of_o a_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o king_n abraham_n have_v no_o doubt_n his_o duty_n represent_v as_o a_o prince_n as_o well_o as_o master_n of_o a_o family_n under_o the_o compliment_n of_o a_o divine_a confidence_n for_o i_o know_v he_o
that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o true_o since_o both_o prince_n and_o parent_n have_v the_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n upon_o they_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o strict_a affinity_n and_o correspondence_n between_o they_o from_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o thing_n if_o the_o character_n of_o a_o parent_n extend_v to_o a_o religious_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a capacity_n it_o can_v well_o be_v dispute_v but_o that_o of_o a_o prince_n carry_v the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o duty_n in_o the_o magistrate_n antecedent_n to_o any_o positive_a oeconomy_n of_o religion_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n if_o not_o execute_v the_o spiritual_a function_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o advance_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n and_o very_o probable_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a institution_n as_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a as_o government_n itself_o and_o certain_o the_o model_n of_o all_o heathen_a government_n confirm_v the_o notion_n it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o egyptian_a monarch_n famous_a in_o the_o early_a record_n bear_v the_o character_n of_o priest_n as_o well_o as_o king_n the_o chinese_n to_o this_o day_n look_v upon_o the_o priesthood_n to_o bear_v so_o near_o a_o relation_n to_o that_o of_o the_o empire_n that_o the_o most_o solemn_a mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v still_o a_o prerogative_n peculiar_a to_o the_o sovereign_n religion_n in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a part_n of_o europe_n be_v always_o so_o much_o the_o business_n of_o government_n that_o if_o the_o public_a act_n and_o office_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o immediate_o perform_v by_o the_o magistrate_n they_o be_v constant_o direct_v and_o enforce_v by_o he_o if_o the_o public_a defence_n of_o a_o country_n where_o its_o territory_n be_v enlarge_v and_o extend_v divert_v he_o from_o attend_v the_o altar_n it_o be_v his_o special_a care_n to_o constitute_v a_o priesthood_n and_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n by_o public_a law_n and_o sanction_n these_o be_v such_o know_v and_o allow_v truth_n and_o so_o well_o attest_v in_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o appeal_v to_o author_n and_o they_o be_v all_o convince_a evidence_n that_o one_o end_v of_o government_n in_o the_o original_a frame_n and_o model_n of_o it_o be_v to_o inspect_v the_o conduct_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n thus_o far_o not_o only_o the_o duty_n but_o prerogative_n of_o the_o magistrate_n discover_v itself_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o revelation_n sect_n ii_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v it_o under_o a_o positive_a oeconomy_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o under_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n now_o though_o god_n think_v fit_a upon_o the_o first_o positive_a establishment_n of_o religion_n to_o institute_v a_o order_n of_o man_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n to_o attend_v at_o his_o altar_n to_o offer_v for_o themselves_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a he_o do_v not_o exempt_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n from_o inspect_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n no_o it_o be_v his_o special_a duty_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o punish_v and_o suppress_v idolatry_n seducer_n and_o fall_v prophet_n and_o to_o make_v such_o wholesome_a provision_n as_o serve_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o enforcement_n of_o its_o public_a act_n and_o office_n and_o in_o the_o advancement_n of_o its_o end_n and_o design_n the_o sacred_a write_n have_v deliver_v so_o many_o instance_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v whole_o needless_a to_o enlarge_v in_o a_o express_a citation_n it_o be_v well_o know_v he_o often_o direct_v the_o building_n of_o place_n of_o religious_a worship_n enjoin_v fast_n and_o in_o a_o word_n interpose_v in_o most_o of_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a these_o be_v not_o bare_a arbitrary_a office_n and_o the_o product_n of_o a_o voluntary_a zeal_n but_o they_o be_v either_o the_o immediate_a instruction_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o general_a precept_n and_o consequent_o be_v intend_v as_o stand_a instance_n of_o duty_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o as_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n that_o any_o way_n abridge_n the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n further_o than_o they_o be_v exercise_v under_o the_o law_n so_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o least_o exemption_n from_o any_o moral_a point_n of_o duty_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v antecedent_o bind_v now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v frequent_o describe_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o among_o those_o various_a description_n the_o character_n of_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n record_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v as_o glorious_a as_o it_o be_v remarkable_a and_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o their_o queen_n thy_o nurse_v mother_n for_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a that_o wait_v for_o i_o isa._n 44._o v._n 23._o this_o passage_n be_v unanimous_o interpret_v of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o certain_o we_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o prediction_n of_o a_o contingent_a blessing_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o prophetic_a style_n which_o often_o exhibit_v duty_n under_o simple_a prediction_n as_o carry_v the_o force_n of_o a_o precept_n in_o it_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o only_a pater_n patrioe_v but_o pater_fw-la ecclesioe_n this_o be_v his_o character_n and_o his_o duty_n and_o certain_o if_o he_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o it_o he_o must_v not_o only_a cherisb_n but_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o word_n liberal_o minister_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a for_o its_o support_n and_o preservation_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o though_o god_n under_o the_o jewish_a as_o well_o as_o gospel_n oeconomy_n be_v please_v to_o select_v a_o peculiar_a order_n of_o man_n to_o wait_v on_o his_o altar_n and_o more_o immediate_o prosecute_v all_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n still_o rightful_o minister_n to_o the_o same_o design_n in_o all_o case_n where_o god_n have_v not_o interpose_v by_o some_o positive_a rule_n or_o precept_n so_o that_o he_o be_v still_o the_o supreme_a guardian_n and_o protector_n in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a polity_n he_o be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabuloe_n that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o only_o entrust_v to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o all_o social_n virtue_n upon_o which_o the_o peace_n and_o interest_n of_o government_n move_v as_o upon_o its_o axis_n but_o a_o true_a and_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o great_a god_n that_o have_v make_v he_o his_o vicegerent_n and_o representative_a and_o by_o who_o protection_n and_o blessing_n he_o be_v enable_v to_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o his_o character_n from_o hence_o the_o dis-ingenuity_n or_o rather_o impiety_n of_o some_o late_a design_v position_n abundant_o discover_v themselves_o viz._n that_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o real_a branch_n of_o the_o magistrate_n office_n that_o he_o be_v no_o further_a concern_v for_o it_o than_o as_o it_o immediate_o conduce_v to_o the_o civil_a weal_n and_o interest_n of_o every_o particular_a constitution_n or_o government_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o for_o the_o advance_v of_o a_o national_a trade_n or_o wealth_n he_o may_v treat_v all_o sect_n of_o religion_n with_o equal_a privilege_n and_o respect_n but_o certain_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n can_v now_o no_o long_o be_v dispute_v to_o be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n in_o the_o magistrate_n since_o it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o every_o positive_a oeconomy_n of_o religion_n have_v express_o teach_v it_o but_o the_o very_a nature_n design_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o character_n dictate_v it_o but_o then_o if_o this_o be_v admit_v we_o must_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o a_o orthodox_n and_o heterodox_n faith_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v establish_v on_o certain_a law_n and_o immunity_n which_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o have_v
recourse_n to_o the_o most_o proper_a method_n for_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o distinguish_v the_o true_a religion_n from_o the_o false_a and_o a_o orthodox_n from_o a_o heterodox_n faith_n whether_o by_o apply_v to_o the_o proper_a minister_n of_o religion_n separately_z or_o in_o council_n and_o upon_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n be_v to_o be_v cherisb_v defend_v and_o promote_v against_o all_o attempt_n and_o invasion_n of_o the_o heterodox_n and_o unbeliever_n even_o though_o some_o present_a temporal_a interest_n seem_v to_o clash_v and_o interfere_v with_o it_o these_o be_v the_o unalterable_a law_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o pious_a christian_a emperor_n upon_o which_o they_o enlarge_v the_o territory_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n sect_n iii_o but_o to_o this_o it_o be_v popular_o reply_v that_o if_o king_n and_o prince_n once_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o espouse_v the_o care_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o positive_a duty_n consider_v the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o mankind_n it_o will_v prove_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n not_o only_o to_o obstruct_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o endanger_v the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o direct_v to_o act_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n much_o less_o the_o protection_n of_o it_o except_o where_o the_o right_n and_o immunity_n of_o the_o establish_v religion_n be_v apparent_o invade_v beside_o it_o be_v conclude_v the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o proceed_v blind_o but_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o true_a mean_n of_o information_n and_o if_o he_o miscarry_v though_o he_o may_v one_o day_n answer_v for_o any_o sinister_a motive_n that_o carry_v he_o into_o a_o wrong_a determination_n yet_o god_n will_v find_v method_n to_o support_v his_o own_o design_n and_o consequent_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o secret_a and_o invisible_a spring_n though_o his_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a provision_n afford_v the_o most_o unlikely_a prospect_n sometime_o persecution_n itself_o be_v the_o most_o prolific_a soil_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o shoot_v forth_o and_o flourish_v in_o christianity_n have_v not_o only_o its_o first_o foundation_n in_o it_o but_o we_o be_v assure_v receive_v great_a increase_v from_o it_o so_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetic_a boast_n nec_fw-la quicquam_fw-la tamen_fw-la say_v he_o proficit_fw-la exquisitior_fw-la quoeque_fw-la crudelitas_fw-la vestra_fw-la illecebra_fw-la est_fw-la magis_fw-la sectae_fw-la plures_fw-la efficimur_fw-la quoties_fw-la metimur_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la semen_n est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la tertull._n apolog._n pag._n 45._o but_o in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o stand_a duty_n in_o the_o magistrate_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o evince_v and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o true_a religion_n and_o sufficient_a mean_n if_o due_o attend_v to_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o false_a the_o undoubted_a rule_n be_v that_o the_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v pursue_v and_o the_o consequence_n leave_v to_o the_o providential_a care_n of_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o who_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n and_o the_o sovereign_a disposal_n of_o grace_n and_o will_v in_o the_o course_n of_o affair_n undoubted_o ascertain_v the_o usefulness_n of_o his_o own_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o as_o for_o that_o magistrate_n who_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o maker_n shall_v thus_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n he_o will_v no_o doubt_v one_o day_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o reward_n that_o will_v every_o way_n answer_v that_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o he_o have_v show_v towards_o his_o name_n he_o will_v one_o day_n infallible_o find_v a_o remembrance_n suitable_a to_o the_o supplication_n of_o that_o excellent_a governor_n nehemiah_n remember_v i_o o_o my_o god_n concern_v this_o and_o wipe_v not_o out_o my_o good_a deed_n that_o i_o have_v do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n and_o for_o the_o office_n thereof_o neh._n 13._o v._o 14._o sect_n iv._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n viz._n when_o there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o sect_n of_o religion_n under_o any_o government_n why_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o protect_a or_o rather_o advance_v the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o and_o first_o i_o shall_v consider_v this_o argument_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o national_a church_n and_o first_o it_o be_v indisputable_o evident_a the_o christian_a church_n be_v one_o society_n or_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v to_o christ_n and_o each_o other_o in_o certain_a external_n as_o well_o as_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o union_n it_o be_v true_o a_o seamless_a garment_n nay_o it_o bear_v the_o exact_a portraiture_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v do_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n eph._n 4._o 16._o in_o a_o word_n it_o carry_v the_o symmetry_n and_o proportion_n of_o a_o building_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n eph_n 2.21_o the_o first_o division_n of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n arise_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a worship_n viz._n into_o particular_a congregation_n other_o distribution_n arise_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o government_n which_o be_v warrant_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o express_a canon_n of_o scripture_n thus_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o st._n paul_n instruction_n to_o titus_n be_v for_o this_o cause_n i_o leave_v thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v ch._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o and_o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n ch._n 20._o we_o may_v add_v to_o this_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v express_o commit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o evident_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n as_o well_o as_o divine_a authority_n of_o ecclefiastical_a government_n but_o to_o return_v whatever_o distribution_n be_v make_v either_o from_o a_o necessity_n of_o worship_n or_o government_n every_o branch_n or_o part_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o maintain_v this_o mystical_a union_n by_o a_o communion_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n government_n and_o discipline_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o christian_a church_n shall_v answer_v the_o character_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v even_o to_o the_o make_v increase_n of_o the_o body_n as_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v assure_v partly_o from_o scripture_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o early_a antiquity_n that_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o metropolitan_o rest_v on_o apostolical_a institution_n both_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a presbyterian_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n within_o their_o district_n at_o least_o in_o jurisdiction_n if_o not_o order_n and_o though_o antiquity_n have_v not_o express_o fix_v the_o origine_fw-la or_o rise_v of_o metropolitan_n yet_o it_o may_v just_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v apostolical_a for_o first_o st._n paul_n direct_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o metropolitical_a church_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a province_n for_o such_o be_v corinth_n in_o the_o province_n of_o achaia_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o all_o achaia_n and_o pursuant_n to_o this_o we_o find_v the_o government_n of_o metropolitan_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a rank_v among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ancient_a custom_n can._n 6._o and_o in_o that_o of_o antioch_n style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o ancient_a canon_n in_o force_n from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o forefather_n but_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o present_a argument_n be_v that_o all_o the_o establishment_n of_o church_n government_n and_o the_o district_v of_o particular_a church_n be_v original_o model_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o state_n the_o bishop_n preside_v over_o a_o city_n and_o the_o adjacent_a
empty_a name_n but_o carry_v very_o momentous_a office_n and_o duty_n in_o it_o it_o imply_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o consequent_o it_o engage_v the_o magistrate_n to_o study_v such_o wholesome_a provision_n as_o will_v advance_v the_o end_n and_o interest_n of_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a boundary_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o those_o that_o thus_o wait_v for_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a isai._n 49._o v_o 23._o and_o now_o sir_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v prepare_v you_o for_o the_o main_a argument_n you_o propose_v by_o inform_v you_o how_o the_o magistrate_n be_v determine_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o those_o of_o this_o national_a church_n sect_n vi_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a provision_n not_o only_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o 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he_o have_v authorize_v they_o to_o adjust_a correct_v and_o remove_v and_o this_o will_v just_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a decree_n article_n or_o canon_n and_o that_o too_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o practice_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o scripture_n itself_o have_v establish_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o power_n and_o injunction_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o indisputable_a argument_n of_o their_o necessity_n since_o god_n never_o impart_v special_a power_n or_o function_n but_o he_o infallible_o discern_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o they_o thus_o we_o have_v general_n rule_v direct_v to_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o business_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o thing_n be_v prescribe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n and_o no_o doubt_n st._n paul_n point_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o he_o remind_v titus_n why_o he_o place_v he_o over_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v tit._n 1._o 5._o so_o that_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o power_n give_v to_o prescribe_v such_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o make_v such_o public_a declaration_n as_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o maintain_v the_o catholic_n law_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n and_o first_o as_o to_z matter_n of_o faith_n indeed_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a standard_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o try_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n by_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o contain_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o consequent_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n again_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o heresy_n will_v come_v that_o there_o will_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o have_v not_o only_o err_v but_o be_v reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o controversy_n and_o division_n as_o well_o as_o offence_n will_v come_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o tribe_n or_o colony_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v there_o no_o judgement_n to_o be_v make_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v these_o person_n to_o be_v suffer_v to_o proceed_v in_o their_o error_n and_o pervert_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o if_o this_o must_v be_v so_o for_o what_o end_n have_v the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o religion_n place_v governor_n and_o pastor_n in_o his_o church_n and_o enforce_v their_o authority_n by_o the_o discipline_n of_o special_a censure_n they_o can_v remonstrate_v against_o they_o without_o make_v a_o judgement_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o these_o case_n and_o certain_o if_o private_a pastor_n be_v authorize_v to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o expect_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o wait_v on_o their_o pious_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n much_o more_o may_v a_o assembly_n or_o council_n of_o church-governor_n interpose_v state_n the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o deliver_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o express_a article_n and_o decree_n and_o expect_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o whole_a performance_n certain_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o be_v for_o these_o end_v gather_v together_o it_o may_v just_o be_v presume_v god_n will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o '_o they_o these_o be_v proceed_n warrant_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n from_o their_o day_n to_o this_o very_a hour_n such_o error_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n concern_v the_o faith_n authorize_v and_o give_v birth_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v the_o only_a barrier_n against_o heresy_n and_o error_n and_o indispensible_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o distraction_n and_o ruin_n to_o affirm_v that_o scripture_n in_o these_o case_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n and_o reject_v all_o interposal_n or_o determination_n pursuant_n to_o it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o perplex_v the_o argument_n for_o though_o scripture_n be_v a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n yet_o god_n have_v constitute_v guardian_n and_o trustee_n to_o assert_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o enforce_v a_o faith_n and_o practice_n conformable_a to_o it_o and_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o discard_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o visible_a ministry_n since_o scripture_n with_o the_o help_n of_o private_a reason_n be_v as_o much_o a_o adequate_a rule_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a ministry_n it_o be_v true_a these_o public_a determination_n these_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o establish_v upon_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o less_o necessary_a because_o not_o infallible_a god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o impart_v a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o scripture_n establish_v it_o as_o a_o stand_a ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n do_v not_o accompany_v the_o ministerial_a function_n and_o yet_o god_n have_v make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o word_n then_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v decision_n ground_v on_o scripture_n support_v by_o reason_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o joint_a authority_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o early_a age_n and_o of_o saint_n confessor_n and_o martyr_n they_o be_v the_o most_o apposite_a moral_a instrument_n under_o god_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n they_o become_v indispensible_o necessary_a there_o must_v be_v some_o external_n umpire_n and_o decision_n where_o matter_n must_v at_o last_o terminate_v that_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n thing_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o importance_n may_v not_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o dissension_n heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o
corrupt_a and_o restless_a spirit_n if_o such_o decree_n or_o injunction_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v as_o essential_o of_o faith_n or_o term_n of_o communion_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o injunction_n for_o the_o avoid_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o for_o establish_v consent_n touch_v true_a religion_n or_o in_o one_o word_n as_o article_n of_o peace_n so_o that_o whosoever_o public_o oppugns'em_v be_v at_o least_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o breaker_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o further_a as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a the_o great_a circumstantial_o of_o worship_n be_v no_o where_o determine_v in_o scripture_n such_o as_o the_o time_n manner_n and_o place_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v moral_a and_o inseparable_a circumstance_n without_o which'tis_o impossible_a the_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o power_n and_o authority_n god_n have_v constitute_v in_o his_o church_n for_o tho'this_fw-la or_o that_o particular_a determination_n be_v not_o necessary_a till'tis_o settle_v yet_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v determine_v some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o this_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a establishment_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a assembly_n and_o public_a worship_n again_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o discipline_n how_o can_v that_o decency_n order_n and_o uniformity_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o passionate_o recommend_v be_v maintain_v without_o the_o establishment_n of_o district_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o time_n and_o place_n how_o can_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v animadvert_v on_o or_o their_o neglect_v or_o irregularity_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v censure_v what_o must_v become_v of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o admonition_n and_o reproof_n and_o exclusion_n from_o the_o external_n mean_v of_o salvation_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o offender_n remove_v of_o scandal_n and_o the_o deter_v of_o other_o these_o be_v such_o clear_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a establishment_n that_o we_o find_v they_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o civil_a government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o prophetic_a character_n be_v the_o profess_a guardian_n and_o protector_n of_o they_o sect_n vii_o it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v the_o influence_n which_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n have_v upon_o a_o establishment_n and_o certain_o where_o man_n be_v under_o a_o unlimited_a allowance_n to_o publish_v their_o sentiment_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o public_a establishment_n that_o must_v suffer_v the_o sharp_a attack_v it_o be_v this_o that_o bear_v the_o show_n of_o authority_n and_o dominion_n or_o stand_v between_o its_o adversary_n and_o some_o belove_a interest_n it_o be_v the_o only_a check_n to_o the_o ambition_n avarice_n luxury_n or_o impurity_n of_o a_o licentious_a world_n when_o this_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o calumny_n and_o sophistry_n and_o bring_v into_o disgrace_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o obstruct_v a_o general_a licentiousness_n so_o that_o the_o great_a libertine_n may_v plead_v a_o right_n not_o only_o to_o erect_v his_o own_o scheme_n but_o to_o do_v whatever_o seem_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o therefore_o the_o common_a torrent_n of_o vice_n will_v not_o only_o bear_v down_o upon_o she_o but_o those_o more_o active_a fury_n envy_n malice_n prejudice_n and_o revenge_n will_v unite_v to_o form_v a_o indictment_n in_o a_o word_n a_o establishment_n as_o such_o be_v mark_v out_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n against_o who_o every_o tribe_n and_o sect_n of_o how_o different_a a_o make_n and_o complexion_n soever_o be_v prepare_v to_o unite_v and_o arm_v and_o when_o they_o may_v do_v it_o at_o so_o easy_a a_o expense_n of_o danger_n or_o rather_o under_o the_o banner_n of_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o shoot_v forth_o their_o arrow_n even_o bitter_a word_n and_o be_v content_a with_o nothing_o less_o than_o reduce_v the_o whole_a oeconomy_n to_o desolation_n and_o ruin_n sect_n viii_o god_n know_v we_o be_v not_o now_o leave_v to_o view_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n in_o empty_a theory_n and_o notion_n since_o we_o may_v read_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o observation_n what_o branch_n of_o our_o establishment_n of_o moment_n and_o importance_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n leave_v free_a and_o untouched_a have_v not_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o ever-blessed_n trinity_n as_o deliver_v in_o our_o article_n be_v run_v down_o and_o discard_v by_o a_o whole_a shoal_n of_o pamphlet_n have_v not_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o christ_n mission_n be_v industrious_o overturn_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o redemption_n and_o satisfaction_n by_o the_o offer_n up_o of_o himself_o be_v peremptory_o reject_v as_o groundless_a absurd_a and_o impossible_a see_v atheist_n turn_v deist_n sect._n 42_o 43_o 47._o have_v not_o reason_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o whatever_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v from_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n christianity_n not_o mysterious_a have_v not_o a_o assent_n to_o this_o single_a proposition_n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a explicit_a article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n p._n 43_o 49._o 192._o have_v not_o revelation_n itself_o be_v dispute_v and_o reject_v as_o a_o incompetent_a rule_n to_o mankind_n oracle_n of_o reason_n let._n 3._o 14._o last_o as_o to_o our_o office_n of_o public_a worship_n have_v not_o the_o press_n bring_v scandal_n and_o reproach_n upon_o two_o of_o the_o anniversary_n solemnity_n of_o this_o church_n though_o enjoin_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n viz._n the_o martyrdom_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o and_o the_o restauration_n of_o this_o church_n and_o monarchy_n in_o the_o return_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o for_o do_v we_o not_o find_v it_o express_o vindicate_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o violence_n transact_v in_o that_o bloody_a war_n against_o the_o king_n and_o stigmatise_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o restoration_n nay_o more_o we_o find_v the_o very_a author_n applaud_v himself_o as_o have_v a_o point_n of_o honour_n do_v he_o by_o be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o king_n judge_n see_v milton_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d false_o pretend_v to_o be_v print_v at_o amsterdam_n and_o ludlow'_v memoir_n london_n vol._n 2d_o p._n 871._o these_o be_v the_o bless_a product_n of_o the_o press_n lay_v open_a and_o prostitute_v to_o the_o wit_n and_o malice_n of_o design_v man_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o the_o small_a glean_n of_o that_o mass_n of_o filth_n and_o corruption_n it_o have_v bring_v forth_o and_o what_o can_v more_o direct_o tend_v to_o a_o total_a subversion_n of_o a_o establishment_n and_o more_o effectual_o prepare_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o repeat_v declamation_n viz._n that_o creed_n and_o system_n be_v only_o profitable_a invention_n or_o rather_o that_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o our_o establishment_n be_v but_o secular_a policy_n and_o the_o art_n of_o priestcraft_n the_o press_n have_v already_o public_o declare_v thus_o much_o and_o that_o coldness_n or_o rather_o air_n of_o contempt_n that_o too_o general_o prevail_v against_o that_o of_o this_o church_n abundant_o demonstrate_v the_o pernicious_a influence_n of_o it_o but_o now_o to_o improve_v the_o argument_n it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o ecclesiastical_a establishment_n or_o national_a church_n be_v indispensible_o necessary_a they_o rest_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o apostolic_a institution_n and_o be_v confirm_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n constitute_v a_o guardian_n and_o protector_n of_o national_a church_n within_o his_o respective_a dominion_n it_o be_v a_o stand_a trust_n commit_v to_o he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o reveal_v religion_n if_o therefore_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n be_v high_o destructive_a of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o as_o it_o be_v cultivate_v in_o national_a church_n if_o it_o appear_v not_o only_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o magistrate_n who_o by_o divine_a appointment_n be_v constitute_v a_o guardian_n and_o protector_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o remove_v the_o mischief_n by_o lay_v a_o powerful_a restraint_n on_o the_o press_n in_o a_o
pronounce_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n to_o have_v advance_v some_o degree_n beyond_o this_o for_o the_o fact_n with_o its_o preliminary_n be_v now_o not_o only_o level_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o consequent_o that_o blasphemy_n and_o reproach_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o be_v renew_v and_o heighten_v but_o a_o manifest_a blasphemy_n and_o reproach_n be_v entail_v on_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o religion_n such_o allowance_n as_o these_o must_v cause_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o blaspheme_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o either_o worship_n we_o know_v not_o what_o or_o that_o our_o worship_n be_v a_o solemn_a piece_n of_o mockery_n or_o at_o least_o a_o piece_n of_o lip-devotion_n or_o rather_o that_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v cheat_n and_o imposture_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v reconcilable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o or_o that_o profession_n be_v no_o long_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n than_o it_o run_v with_o the_o tide_n and_o bend_v of_o a_o community_n but_o now_o when_o thing_n discover_v such_o a_o fatal_a tendency_n as_o this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o guardian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n by_o divine_a designation_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o character_n it_o must_v be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o exert_v with_o vigour_n and_o resolution_n the_o whole_a case_n will_v turn_v upon_o a_o short_a issue_n if_o upon_o a_o due_a and_o regular_a examination_n these_o religious_a office_n be_v material_o evil_a and_o unwarrantable_a let_v they_o be_v set_v aside_o and_o abolish_v that_o god_n may_v be_v no_o long_o trifle_v with_o and_o blaspheme_v nor_o his_o pastor_n load_v with_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n by_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o warrantable_a but_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o malice_n and_o declamation_n they_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o pious_a and_o a_o just_a institution_n the_o magistrate_n if_o ever_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v a_o speedy_a redress_n and_o since_o these_o mischief_n apparent_o derive_v from_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n certain_o the_o trust_n of_o a_o guardian_n can_v never_o be_v discharge_v without_o destroy_v the_o evil_a in_o its_o cause_n and_o consequent_o without_o lay_v a_o powerful_a restraint_n on_o it_o when_o a_o mischief_n be_v thus_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a it_o become_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o law_n and_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v with_o all_o the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o now_o sir_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n answer_v your_o demand_n and_o discover_v the_o necessity_n of_o regulate_v the_o press_n and_o that_o too_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a establishment_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o persuade_v myself_o the_o argument_n will_v have_v its_o just_a weight_n and_o influence_n on_o your_o zeal_n and_o affection_n for_o the_o public_a good_a as_o well_o as_o judgement_n but_o that_o nothing_o may_v intervene_v to_o cause_v a_o miscarriage_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v a_o short_a return_n to_o the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v advance_v against_o it_o sect_n x._o and_o first_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o press_n may_v be_v effectual_o obviate_v by_o particular_a law_n and_o that_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a time_n have_v not_o prevent_v '_o they_o now_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o law_n produce_v in_o the_o last_o parliament_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o bridle_n to_o the_o deist_n atheist_n and_o antitrinitarian_a but_o this_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n obviate_v the_o mischief_n of_o a_o licentious_a press_n for_o there_o be_v other_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o establish_v church_n which_o if_o public_o oppugn_v must_v prove_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grance_n or_o divine_a assistance_n how_o these_o have_v of_o late_o suffer_v the_o public_a have_v be_v too_o late_o make_v a_o witness_n if_o not_o a_o judge_n but_o certain_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o press_n can_v never_o be_v full_o obviate_v unless_o by_o the_o restraint_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o by_o such_o a_o law_n as_o make_v it_o high_o penal_a to_o publish_v any_o thing_n in_o write_v that_o be_v level_v against_o any_o branch_n of_o the_o establish_v religion_n for_o since_o national_a establishment_n appear_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o which_o be_v amiss_o be_v to_o be_v regular_o correct_v and_o after_o this_o be_v do_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v suffer_v that_o any-wise_a invade_v the_o peace_n of_o such_o a_o establishment_n but_o after_o all_o penal_a law_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a instrument_n to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n that_o usual_o spring_v from_o the_o press_n as_o a_o absolute_a restraint_n of_o it_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o licence_n or_o imprimatur_fw-la be_v want_v such_o a_o restraint_n destroy_v the_o mischief_n in_o its_o seed_n and_o principle_n it_o stop_v the_o contagion_n in_o the_o very_a spring_n or_o fountain_n whereas_o such_o law_n take_v place_n at_o a_o distance_n it_o may_v be_v when_o the_o infection_n be_v propagate_v to_o a_o considerable_a degree_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a process_n and_o a_o great_a many_o formality_n and_o step_v to_o be_v make_v which_o may_v serve_v as_o so_o many_o advantage_n or_o chance_n to_o escape_v the_o force_n of_o the_o law_n the_o author_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v discover_v but_o a_o information_n give_v in_o and_o receive_v too_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o consequent_o the_o undertaker_n must_v have_v courage_n enough_o to_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o informer_n a_o office_n which_o as_o the_o world_n go_v neither_o the_o justice_n nor_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n can_v secure_v from_o ignominy_n and_o contempt_n again_o there_o must_v be_v a_o prosecution_n by_o course_n of_o law_n and_o the_o case_n examine_v and_o try_v whether_o it_o fall_v within_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o this_o perhaps_o without_o the_o least_o recompense_n to_o the_o prosecutor_n for_o expense_n or_o attendance_n in_o a_o word_n a_o verbal_a recantation_n after_o the_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n of_o conviction_n may_v render_v the_o author_n rectum_fw-la in_o curia_fw-la and_o after_o this_o he_o may_v under_o disguise_n go_v afresh_o to_o work_v at_o the_o small_a hazard_n of_o the_o least_o of_o punishment_n i_o wish_v some_o provision_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o the_o late_a act_n against_o profaneness_n and_o immorality_n whereby_o a_o pious_a design_n may_v become_v insignificant_a and_o useless_a for_o upon_o this_o bottom_n while_o the_o press_n be_v open_a i_o be_o afraid_a the_o enemy_n of_o our_o establishment_n will_v publish_v their_o notion_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o secret_a smile_n and_o triumph_n but_o now_o if_o the_o press_n be_v shut_v till_o a_o imprimatur_fw-la be_v obtain_v the_o mere_a want_n of_o one_o be_v a_o competent_a evidence_n for_o conviction_n and_o though_o some_o may_v be_v so_o dare_v to_o expose_v their_o notion_n at_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o safety_n yet_o such_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n give_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n that_o whatever_o come_v forth_o without_o authority_n carry_v its_o own_o mark_n in_o the_o title-page_n and_o consequent_o give_v a_o alarm_n to_o the_o incautious_a reader_n of_o infection_n and_o mischief_n sect_n xi_o but_o second_o it_o be_v object_v that_o such_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v a_o give_v up_o the_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n to_o a_o party_n and_o a_o condemn_v they_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o be_v a_o direct_a method_n to_o involve_v the_o world_n in_o ignorance_n and_o error_n as_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n if_o a_o orthodox_n national_a church_n be_v the_o party_n intend_v i_o may_v safe_o affirm_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o person_n within_o her_o communion_n to_o conform_v to_o her_o faith_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o i_o hope_v it_o already_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a duty_n in_o the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o church_n governor_n not_o only_o to_o enforce_v all_o gospel_n mean_v to_o bring_v every_o soul_n into_o the_o pale_a of_o it_o but_o
word_n it_o be_v conclude_v if_o a_o national_a establishment_n be_v any_o way_n defective_a or_o unfound_a in_o faith_n worship_n or_o discipline_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o endeavour_v a_o reform_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o canonical_a method_n and_o this_o i_o be_o confident_a be_v never_o decline_v by_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n but_o if_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v with_o any_o force_n of_o argument_n or_o reason_n be_v charge_v upon_o she_o than_o the_o magistrate_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la be_v bind_v to_o protect_v and_o defend_v she_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o her_o just_a right_n and_o immunity_n exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o sect_n and_o party_n especial_o where_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n be_v attempt_v by_o '_o they_o if_o therefore_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n be_v apparent_o prejudicial_a to_o her_o interest_n right_n and_o immunity_n or_o the_o purity_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o worship_n i_o can_v find_v how_o the_o magistrate_n can_v fair_o be_v suppose_v to_o discharge_v that_o trust_n god_n have_v lay_v upon_o he_o without_o lay_v a_o public_a restraint_n upon_o it_o sect_n ix_o but_o further_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o pernicious_a influence_n it_o cast_v upon_o religion_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a inlet_n to_o scepticism_n heresy_n and_o infidelity_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o attempt_v of_o a_o licentious_a press_n be_v almost_o infinite_a and_o inconceivable_a error_n as_o well_o as_o vice_n be_v extreme_o prolific_a and_o even_o as_o numerous_a as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o most_o virulent_a poison_n may_v be_v gild_v over_o and_o varnish_v and_o colour_n may_v be_v lay_v on_o the_o foul_a cause_n and_o consequent_o the_o press_n may_v be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o gross_a error_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o innocence_n zeal_n or_o charity_n and_o true_o if_o experience_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v decide_v the_o controversy_n we_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o lewd_a notion_n that_o ever_o enter_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n have_v be_v of_o late_o advance_v from_o the_o press_n and_o moreover_o the_o mischief_n that_o be_v this_o way_n propagate_v be_v much_o more_o fatal_a than_o any_o other_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o communicate_v '_o they_o a_o transient_a harangue_n or_o discourse_n though_o never_o so_o malignant_a can_v be_v so_o entire_o lodge_v in_o the_o memory_n as_o total_o to_o infect_v the_o judgement_n and_o after_o this_o it_o pass_v not_o much_o beyond_o the_o present_a audience_n but_o the_o press_n be_v a_o stand_a monument_n and_o record_n that_o not_o only_o communicate_v the_o whole_a poison_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o judgement_n but_o convey_v it_o to_o posterity_n again_o as_o the_o mischief_n be_v more_o successful_o propagate_v so_o it_o be_v more_o difficulty_n remove_v the_o man_n of_o learning_n judgement_n and_o probity_n may_v be_v engage_v in_o matter_n of_o too_o great_a importance_n to_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o obviate_v the_o mischief_n of_o every_o poisonous_a libel_n but_o if_o it_o happen_v to_o receive_v a_o just_a confutation_n its_o odds_o it_o either_o reach_v not_o the_o delude_a reader_n or_o lose_v its_o just_a efficacy_n by_o not_o present_v itself_o before_o the_o infection_n be_v rivet_v and_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o error_n become_v a_o point_n of_o interest_n or_o honour_n but_o that_o which_o be_v more_o fatal_a than_o all_o this_o be_v a_o unrestrained_a press_n give_v a_o kind_n of_o imprimatur_fw-la to_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o it_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v scarce_o able_a or_o at_o leisure_n to_o detect_v the_o false_a colour_n of_o a_o artificial_a harangue_n much_o less_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o any_o particular_a controversy_n and_o in_o these_o case_n where_o a_o right_a judgement_n can_v be_v make_v every_o thing_n that_o appear_v in_o public_a must_v pass_v for_o orthodox_n unless_o it_o have_v some_o public_a note_n of_o distinction_n fix_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o the_o most_o heterodox_n position_n in_o this_o case_n rest_n upon_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o most_o convince_a truth_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o censure_n from_o the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n and_o since_o paradox_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v a_o plausible_a dress_n and_o downright_a contradiction_n may_v be_v advance_v under_o a_o show_n of_o argument_n what_o fatal_a consequence_n may_v not_o we_o just_o dread_v when_o religion_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o both_o the_o injudicious_a and_o illiterate_a reader_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o rack_n and_o left_a to_o be_v divide_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n between_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o either_o hang_v so_o long_o between_o both_o till_o he_o commence_v sceptic_a or_o infidel_n and_o believe_v neither_o or_o at_o least_o follow_v the_o bias_n of_o lust_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o declamation_n and_o harangue_n the_o usual_a artifices_fw-la of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o consequent_o be_v inevitable_o plunge_v into_o heresy_n and_o error_n but_o further_a the_o mischief_n rise_v high_a yet_o for_o it_o be_v conclude_v a_o unrestrained_a press_n be_v often_o the_o most_o familiar_a with_o the_o establish_v religion_n and_o never_o spare_v in_o bring_v disgrace_n on_o any_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o public_a mark_n of_o envy_n or_o malice_n and_o consequent_o never_o want_v the_o most_o furious_a and_o envenom_a assailant_n but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o direct_a method_n to_o usher_v in_o the_o most_o fatal_a consequence_n for_o it_o will_v not_o only_a sap_n the_o foundation_n of_o a_o establishment_n by_o bring_v her_o authority_n into_o contempt_n it_o be_v the_o move_a principle_n of_o all_o such_o attack_n but_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o make_v way_n for_o resolve_v the_o whole_a into_o shame_n and_o imposture_n for_o when_o the_o government_n suffer_v the_o press_n to_o attack_v a_o receive_a article_n of_o the_o establish_v religion_n without_o the_o least_o censure_n or_o control_v a_o indifferent_a judge_n must_v conclude_v that_o both_o can_v be_v true_a and_o because_o authority_n do_v not_o proceed_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v its_o own_o establishment_n or_o upon_o a_o fair_a estimate_n establish_v and_o determine_v for_o the_o truth_n he_o will_v conclude_v there_o be_v no_o real_a difference_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o that_o religion_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o set_a of_o maxim_n calculate_v according_a to_o the_o several_a aspect_n and_o interest_n of_o government_n this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o be_o high_o persuade_v those_o public_a and_o repeat_v attack_n make_v from_o the_o press_n of_o late_a year_n upon_o the_o faith_n authority_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n so_o many_o article_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v so_o profess_o question_v and_o reject_v be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n or_o at_o least_o contempt_n of_o religion_n which_o so_o visible_o reign_v in_o this_o nation_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o represent_v the_o force_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n in_o a_o single_a instance_n it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o the_o press_n have_v appear_v in_o a_o line_n of_o contradiction_n to_o two_o of_o our_o public_a office_n of_o worship_n the_o anniverssary_n of_o that_o glorious_a martyr_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o and_o the_o restauration_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o they_o be_v by_o royal_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o statute-law_n make_v part_n of_o our_o public_a service_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o celebrate_v they_o and_o the_o whole_a legislative_a power_n in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n join_v in_o the_o celebration_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o have_v book_n publish_v in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o publish_v in_o the_o most_o open_a and_o audacious_a manner_n for_o the_o press_n have_v not_o do_v its_o duty_n by_o send_v they_o into_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v public_o sell_v in_o the_o shop_n and_o expose_v to_o sale_n from_o our_o public_a print_n and_o term-catalogues_a now_o what_o dismal_a consequence_n can_v we_o imagine_v must_v attend_v such_o vile_a practice_n our_o lawgiver_n pious_o declare_v that_o by_o the_o murder_n of_o our_o late_a dread_a sovereign_n the_o protestant_a religion_n have_v receive_v the_o great_a wound_n and_o reproach_n and_o the_o people_n of_o england_n the_o most_o insupportable_a shame_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n to_o bring_v upon_o we_o 12._o car._n ii_o c._n 30._o but_o pardon_v i_o if_o i_o
to_o maintain_v and_o cultivate_v the_o purity_n of_o its_o faith_n and_o worship_n against_o all_o the_o attempt_v of_o its_o enemy_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v unsound_a and_o deficient_a god_n have_v invest_v a_o power_n of_o use_v such_o proper_a mean_n in_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o believe_a magistrate_n as_o under_o his_o divine_a protection_n will_v secure_v a_o true_a and_o orthodox_n religion_n but_o if_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v be_v true_o charge_v upon_o she_o when_o endeavour_n have_v be_v make_v in_o this_o kind_n though_o there_o may_v be_v no_o foundation_n by_o violence_n and_o force_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n yet_o the_o magistrate_n be_v of_o right_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n bind_v not_o to_o suffer_v her_o peace_n to_o be_v disturb_v or_o her_o faith_n and_o worship_n shake_v by_o public_a harangue_n and_o profess_a declamation_n this_o be_v no_o persecution_n but_o a_o necessary_a 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or_o public_a employment_n