law_n of_o order_n and_o sobriety_n religion_n sanctify_v all_o their_o passion_n anger_n malice_n and_o bitterness_n be_v holy_a fervor_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n this_o cancel_v and_o dispense_v with_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o sobriety_n and_o what_o have_v prudence_n to_o do_v with_o religion_n this_o be_v too_o hot_a and_o eager_a to_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o its_o flat_a and_o dull_a formality_n zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n will_v both_o excuse_v and_o justify_v any_o enormity_n there_o can_v be_v no_o faction_n or_o rebellion_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o godly_a party_n and_o the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n must_v not_o be_v trust_v to_o the_o care_n of_o carnal_a and_o lukewarm_a politician_n and_o by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a pretence_n do_v they_o easy_o destroy_v the_o reverence_n of_o all_o thing_n sacred_a and_o civil_a to_o propagate_v any_o wild_a proposition_n be_v arm_v with_o religion_n and_o lead_v on_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n kill_v king_n and_o overthrow_v kingdom_n and_o this_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o bane_n and_o reproach_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o feel_v the_o misery_n and_o confusion_n of_o a_o holy_a war_n and_o the_o annal_n of_o all_o age_n be_v full_a of_o sad_a story_n to_o this_o purpose_n §_o 5._o and_o therefore_o to_o exempt_a religion_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v but_o to_o expose_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n to_o every_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a pretender_n who_o may_v when_o ever_o he_o please_v under_o pretence_n of_o reformation_n thwart_v and_o unsettle_v government_n without_o control_n see_v no_o one_o can_v have_v any_o power_n to_o restrain_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v at_o liberty_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v find_v to_o require_v more_o of_o its_o care_n and_o influence_n because_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o vice_n to_o which_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v more_o prone_a than_o to_o superstition_n or_o debauch_a conception_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n nor_o any_o that_o more_o incline_v they_o to_o a_o unruly_a and_o seditious_a temper_n it_o inflame_v their_o crazy_a head_n with_o a_o furious_a and_o sectarian_n zeal_n and_o adopt_v their_o rank_a and_o most_o untoward_a passion_n into_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o passion_n become_v holy_a than_o it_o can_v never_o be_v exorbitant_a but_o the_o more_o furious_a and_o ungovernable_a it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o vehement_a be_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o be_v most_o peevish_a and_o refractory_a be_v upon_o that_o account_n the_o most_o godly_a and_o then_o all_o passion_n and_o stubbornness_n in_o religious_a quarrel_n must_v be_v christen_v zeal_n all_o zeal_n must_v be_v sacred_a and_o nothing_o that_o be_v sacred_a can_v be_v excessive_a and_o now_o when_o man_n act_v furious_o upon_o these_o mistake_v as_o all_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o they_o must_v what_o can_v the_o issue_n be_v but_o eternal_a misery_n and_o confusion_n every_o opinion_n must_v make_v a_o sect_n and_o every_o sect_n a_o faction_n and_o every_o faction_n when_o it_o be_v able_a a_o war_n and_o every_o war_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v prosecute_v with_o too_o much_o violence_n and_o then_o all_o sobriety_n be_v lukewarmness_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o government_n carnal_a compliance_n and_o not_o to_o proceed_v to_o rebellion_n for_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n be_v to_o want_v zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o be_v their_o vice_n sanctify_v by_o their_o conscience_n malice_n folly_n and_o madness_n be_v ever_o the_o prevail_a ingredient_n of_o their_o superstitious_a zeal_n and_o religion_n only_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v more_o sturdy_a and_o impudent_a against_o the_o law_n of_o government_n and_o they_o be_v now_o encourage_v to_o cherish_v those_o passion_n in_o spite_n of_o authority_n from_o which_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n may_v effectual_o have_v restrain_v they_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o cross_a obligation_n of_o a_o untoward_a conscience_n §_o 6._o and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v find_v so_o nice_a and_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o govern_v man_n in_o their_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n beyond_o all_o the_o other_o affair_n and_o transaction_n of_o humane_a life_n because_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v bold_a and_o confident_a enough_o to_o outface_v authority_n whereas_o person_n of_o debauch_a and_o scandalous_a life_n be_v condemn_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o public_a law_n can_v have_v nothing_o to_o bear_v they_o up_o against_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o restraint_n of_o government_n but_o when_o man_n mind_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o unhappy_a principle_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v more_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o civil_a society_n than_o open_a lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o when_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v more_o pregnant_a with_o villainy_n and_o mischief_n than_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o when_o their_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o mischievous_a and_o ungovernable_a persuasion_n and_o when_o they_o serious_o believe_v that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o be_v refractory_a and_o irreclamable_a in_o their_o fanatic_a zeal_n then_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o defy_v authority_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o its_o threaten_n and_o penality_n and_o those_o law_n that_o will_v awe_v a_o profane_a and_o irreligious_a person_n at_o least_o into_o a_o outward_a compliance_n shall_v but_o exasperate_v a_o boisterous_a conscience_n into_o a_o more_o vehement_a and_o seditious_a disobedience_n now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a for_o magistrate_n either_o to_o remove_v these_o religious_a vice_n or_o to_o bridle_v their_o unruliness_n they_o must_v needs_o find_v it_o a_o incomparable_o hard_a task_n to_o restrain_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o zeal_n than_o of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o multitude_n be_v so_o inclinable_a to_o these_o mistake_n of_o religion_n and_o see_v when_o they_o be_v infect_v with_o they_o they_o grow_v so_o turbulent_a and_o unruly_a i_o leave_v it_o to_o governor_n themselves_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o with_o as_o much_o vigilance_n and_o severity_n either_o to_o prevent_v their_o rise_n or_o suppress_v their_o growth_n as_o to_o punish_v any_o the_o foul_a crime_n of_o immorality_n and_o if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o consider_v into_o what_o exorbitance_n peevish_a and_o untoward_a principle_n about_o religion_n natural_o improve_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o but_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v as_o much_o their_o concernment_n to_o punish_v they_o with_o the_o severe_a infliction_n as_o any_o whatsoever_o principle_n of_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n §_o 7._o and_o this_o certain_o have_v ever_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o all_o governor_n in_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o this_o fierce_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n but_o have_v go_v about_o to_o govern_v unruly_a conscience_n by_o more_o easy_a and_o remiss_a law_n than_o those_o that_o be_v only_o able_a to_o suppress_v scandalous_a and_o confess_v villainy_n and_o have_v think_v they_o sufficient_o restrain_v by_o threaten_a punishment_n without_o inflict_v they_o and_o indeed_o in_o most_o kingdom_n so_o little_o have_v prince_n understand_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n ecclesiastical_a law_n have_v be_v set_v up_o only_o for_o scarecrow_n be_v establish_v rather_o for_o show_v and_o form_n sake_n than_o with_o any_o design_n of_o give_v they_o life_n by_o put_v they_o into_o execution_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v scare_v into_o obedience_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o threaten_n they_o have_v be_v embolden_v to_o disobedience_n by_o the_o remissness_n of_o their_o execution_n till_o they_o have_v not_o only_o play_v with_o the_o law_n itself_o as_o a_o senseless_a trifle_n but_o have_v scorn_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o power_n that_o set_v it_o up_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a in_o experience_n than_o that_o impunity_n give_v not_o only_a warranty_n but_o encouragement_n to_o disobedience_n and_o by_o habituate_a man_n to_o control_v the_o edict_n of_o authority_n teach_v they_o by_o degree_n to_o despise_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o ecclesiastical_a law_n have_v general_o prove_v such_o
most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a of_o the_o philosopher_n can_v never_o raise_v atheism_n above_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o grand_a perhaps_o and_o therefore_o deny_v not_o but_o only_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o none_o of_o they_o can_v ever_o be_v so_o utter_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n as_o to_o attempt_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o can_v be_v no_o god_n but_o only_o by_o show_v how_o to_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n without_o he_o that_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v none_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a as_o to_o affront_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o think_v themselves_o as_o effectual_o oblige_v in_o prudence_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o possibility_n as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n now_o i_o say_v when_o these_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n be_v so_o modest_a and_o diffident_a in_o their_o singular_a persuasion_n what_o a_o unhandsome_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o such_o empty_a fop_n as_o you_o with_o so_o bold_a and_o frontless_a a_o confidence_n to_o defy_v the_o almighty_a to_o deride_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o law_n to_o cavil_v at_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o all_o this_o at_o all_o adventure_n and_o yet_o methinks_v it_o be_v pretty_a to_o hear_v one_o of_o these_o little_a mushroom_n wit_n charge_v religion_n with_o credulity_n and_o easiness_n of_o belief_n and_o talk_v confident_o that_o it_o be_v want_n of_o judgement_n and_o enquiry_n that_o betray_v fool_n and_o ignorant_a people_n to_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o tale_n and_o threaten_n of_o ambitious_a priest_n though_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v more_o chargeable_a with_o credulity_n than_o themselves_o and_o no_o man_n faith_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v more_o implicit_a than_o their_o unbelief_n nor_o can_v the_o most_o illiterate_a peasant_n take_v up_o his_o country_n religion_n upon_o more_o slender_a ground_n and_o motive_n than_o they_o do_v their_o infidelity_n their_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a force_n they_o to_o be_v equal_o credulous_a for_o not_o to_o repeat_v any_o of_o the_o foremention_v particular_n with_o what_o a_o greedy_a confidence_n do_v they_o swallow_v down_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o malmsbury_n philosophy_n without_o any_o chew_v or_o consideration_n how_o huss_o will_v they_o assert_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o do_v that_o man_n have_v no_o faculty_n but_o of_o sense_n and_o imagination_n that_o understanding_n be_v reaction_n and_o reason_n a_o train_n of_o phantasm_n that_o the_o will_n be_v a_o corporeal_a motion_n that_o its_o determination_n be_v fatal_a and_o mechanical_a and_o necessitate_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o external_n and_o irresistible_a cause_n that_o its_o liberty_n of_o choice_n be_v as_o absurd_a and_o insignificant_a nonsense_n as_o a_o round_a quadrangle_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o tale_n public_o allow_v that_o power_n be_v right_o and_o justify_v all_o action_n whatsoever_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o just_a or_o unjust_a in_o itself_o that_o all_o right_a and_o wrong_n be_v the_o result_n of_o humane_a contract_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o maxim_n and_o principle_n of_o self-interest_n how_o bold_o do_v they_o take_v up_o with_o these_o and_o other_o resemble_v principle_n of_o baseness_n and_o irreligion_n upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n and_o proofless_a assertion_n of_o one_o proud_a and_o haughty_a philosopher_n how_o much_o severe_a study_n and_o contemplation_n be_v require_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o with_o what_o a_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a confidence_n be_v they_o determine_v by_o these_o man_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o other_o knowledge_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a candid_a presumption_n to_o allow_v they_o so_o much_o than_o of_o the_o law_n of_o a_o play_n or_o poem_n in_o brief_a these_o empty_a sponge_n suck_v in_o opinion_n for_o their_o agreeableness_n with_o their_o debauch_a and_o licentious_a practice_n without_o ever_o consider_v their_o truth_n and_o evidence_n for_o alas_o they_o never_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o such_o inquiry_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v not_o their_o reason_n but_o their_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o cavil_v at_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o except_v against_o it_o not_o because_o it_o contradict_v their_o understanding_n for_o that_o they_o never_o consider_v but_o their_o appetite_n it_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o prejudice_n and_o bar_v up_o their_o mind_n against_o it_o and_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o truth_n they_o will_v however_o be_v infidel_n still_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n their_o irreligion_n be_v a_o aftergame_n of_o their_o debauchery_n they_o be_v force_v to_o it_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n their_o wickedness_n have_v make_v infidelity_n their_o interest_n and_o atheism_n their_o refuge_n and_o then_o they_o can_v will_v not_o believe_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o pursue_v their_o ignorance_n too_o unmerciful_o i_o will_v venture_v before_o i_o conclude_v to_o commend_v their_o skill_n for_o i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v they_o guilty_a of_o one_o little_a piece_n of_o art_n and_o sophistry_n viz._n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o no_o tolerable_a exception_n can_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a goodness_n they_o affect_v to_o reproach_v it_o with_o forge_a and_o disingenuous_a aspersion_n and_o witting_o disparage_v its_o native_a beauty_n and_o loveliness_n by_o represent_v it_o in_o false_a and_o uncouth_a disguise_n for_o whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a more_o cheerful_a and_o sprightly_a more_o courteous_a and_o affable_a more_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a more_o sober_a and_o rational_a than_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n these_o witty_a gentleman_n be_v please_v to_o paint_v it_o out_o in_o sad_a and_o melancholy_a shape_n with_o poor_a and_o wretched_a feature_n with_o sour_a and_o anxious_a look_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o mirth_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o a_o thing_n that_o delight_v in_o nothing_o but_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o discolour_a face_n they_o dress_v it_o up_o in_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o deformity_n of_o superstition_n and_o then_o when_o they_o have_v make_v it_o ridiculous_a they_o make_v themselves_o sport_n with_o it_o and_o thus_o by_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o humour_n unworthy_a the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o generous_a mind_n that_o justify_v their_o contempt_n of_o so_o weak_a a_o passion_n and_o make_v a_o sumptuous_a apology_n for_o the_o gallantry_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o indeed_o if_o religion_n be_v as_o mean_v and_o absurd_a as_o these_o man_n will_v make_v it_o and_o other_o have_v make_v it_o let_v it_o not_o only_o excuse_v but_o abet_v their_o practice_n let_v it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o be_v a_o atheist_n let_v it_o be_v gentility_n to_o despise_v and_o wit_n to_o droll_n upon_o religion_n let_v all_o devotion_n be_v esteem_v the_o child_n of_o folly_n and_o weakness_n let_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v profane_a and_o vicious_a and_o let_v virtue_n become_v a_o name_n of_o the_o great_a reproach_n and_o infamy_n but_o alas_o when_o it_o be_v so_o demonstrative_o evident_a that_o true_a piety_n though_o it_o be_v a_o imposture_n be_v our_o great_a wisdom_n and_o perfection_n that_o it_o both_o adorn_v and_o advance_v humane_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v so_o high_o advantageous_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v amiable_a and_o lovely_a all_o that_o be_v cheerful_a and_o ingenuous_a all_o that_o be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a and_o that_o it_o be_v whatever_n can_v advance_v either_o our_o content_n or_o interest_n or_o reputation_n when_o all_o this_o be_v so_o ample_o evident_a what_o can_v be_v more_o unpardonable_o base_a and_o disingenuous_a than_o for_o these_o man_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o remonstrance_n still_o to_o upbraid_v it_o with_o the_o villainy_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o blast_v its_o credit_n with_o the_o absurdity_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o debauch_n what_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o understand_v a_o little_o better_a what_o religion_n mean_v before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o disgrace_n and_o defame_v it_o and_o let_v
they_o not_o discover_v their_o lamentable_a rawness_n and_o ignorance_n by_o laugh_v at_o its_o folly_n and_o meanness_n till_o they_o can_v first_o prove_v a_o base_a and_o selfish_a spirit_n to_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n pride_n and_o luxury_n to_o be_v more_o amiable_a than_o sweetness_n and_o ingenuity_n revenge_n and_o impatience_n more_o honourable_a than_o discretion_n and_o civility_n excess_n and_o debauchery_n more_o healthful_a than_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n to_o be_v enslave_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n more_o manly_a than_o to_o live_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n malice_n and_o injustice_n to_o be_v more_o graceful_a and_o become_v a_o gentile_a behaviour_n than_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o amaze_a spirit_n to_o be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o felicity_n than_o that_o peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o mind_n that_o spring_v from_o the_o reflection_n of_o a_o exact_a conscience_n till_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o be_v make_v good_a that_o be_v till_o all_o the_o maxim_n of_o folly_n and_o wisdom_n be_v change_v let_v they_o be_v civil_a and_o modest_a and_o not_o scorn_v too_o confident_o and_o though_o all_o this_o can_v be_v do_v yet_o as_o for_o their_o part_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o ever_o perform_v it_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o attempt_v it_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v it_o be_v god_n know_v too_o great_a a_o work_n for_o their_o little_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o sober_a world_n whether_o they_o that_o will_v make_v religion_n ridiculous_a be_v not_o infinite_o so_o themselves_o whether_o to_o consute_n it_o with_o raillery_n and_o bold_a jest_n be_v not_o as_o void_a of_o wit_n as_o reason_n and_o whether_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n in_o the_o world_n can_v equal_v this_o of_o these_o scoff_a atheist_n and_o thus_o have_v scourge_v their_o ignorance_n and_o presumption_n with_o severity_n enough_o i_o shall_v forbear_v either_o to_o expose_v they_o for_o their_o pedantry_n or_o to_o lash_v they_o for_o their_o rudeness_n and_o ill_a manner_n though_o what_o can_v be_v more_o pedantic_a than_o to_o be_v so_o big_a with_o every_o little_a conceit_n as_o to_o be_v in_o labour_n to_o vent_v it_o in_o every_o company_n and_o a_o pert_a schoolboy_n be_v scarce_o more_o troublesome_a with_o a_o petty_a criticism_n against_o mr._n lilly_n than_o these_o truant_o youth_n be_v with_o any_o singular_a exception_n that_o they_o have_v pick_v up_o against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o can_v meet_v with_o a_o person_n of_o any_o reputation_n for_o learning_n but_o they_o must_v be_v peck_v at_o he_o with_o their_o objection_n and_o if_o he_o slight_a their_o impertinent_a prating_n as_o all_o discreet_a man_n do_v then_o the_o next_o time_n they_o meet_v their_o dear_a heart_n with_o what_o triumphant_a shrug_n do_v they_o boast_v their_o success_n against_o the_o man_n in_o black_a and_o so_o laugh_v and_o drink_v themselves_o into_o confidence_n and_o folly_n and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o want_n of_o manner_n what_o deportment_n can_v be_v more_o course_n and_o clownish_a than_o to_o affect_v to_o be_v offensive_a to_o all_o discreet_a man_n and_o to_o delight_v to_o loath_a and_o nauseate_a all_o civil_a company_n with_o the_o filthiness_n of_o their_o discourse_n a_o behaviour_n more_o irkesom_a to_o a_o gentleman_n of_o any_o breed_n and_o civility_n than_o the_o buffonery_n of_o ostler_n and_o porter_n they_o can_v scarce_o meet_v with_o a_o clergyman_n but_o they_o must_v be_v pelt_v he_o with_o oath_n or_o ribaldry_n or_o atheistical_a drollery_n i._n e._n they_o study_v to_o annoy_v he_o with_o such_o discourse_n as_o he_o be_v oblige_v though_o he_o be_v inward_o as_o great_a a_o villain_n as_o themselves_o to_o detest_v by_o his_o place_n and_o profession_n a_o piece_n of_o breed_n much_o like_o he_o that_o will_v have_v refuse_v to_o entertain_v a_o vestal_a with_o any_o other_o discourse_n than_o by_o describe_v the_o rite_n of_o priapus_n or_o the_o lascivious_a art_n of_o cleopatra_n and_o so_o i_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o public_a rod_n and_o it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o authority_n check_v and_o chastise_v the_o wantonness_n of_o this_o boyish_a humour_n for_o the_o infection_n spread_v and_o grow_v fashionable_a and_o creep_v out_o of_o city_n into_o village_n to_o impeach_v religion_n be_v become_v the_o first_o exercise_n of_o wit_n in_o which_o young_a gentleman_n be_v to_o be_v discipline_v and_o atheism_n be_v the_o only_a knowledge_n and_o accomplishment_n they_o gain_v by_o a_o gentile_a education_n and_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o fancy_v themselves_o more_o witty_a and_o refine_a people_n than_o illiterate_a peasant_n and_o mechanic_n but_o a_o readiness_n and_o pregnancy_n to_o rally_v upon_o religion_n and_o he_o be_v a_o raw_a youth_n and_o smell_v rank_a of_o his_o grandam_n and_o his_o catechism_n that_o can_v resolve_v all_o the_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n into_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o priest_n and_o thus_o they_o live_v here_o till_o they_o have_v sin_v or_o fool_v away_o all_o sense_n of_o honour_n and_o conscience_n and_o so_o return_v home_o useless_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o their_o country_n and_o if_o they_o turn_v sot_n they_o may_v prove_v less_o dangerous_a but_o if_o not_o they_o be_v prepare_v for_o any_o design_n of_o mischief_n and_o public_a disturbance_n for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o shake_v hand_n with_o religion_n they_o bid_v adieu_o to_o loyalty_n in_o that_o whilst_o they_o own_v no_o tie_n of_o conscience_n they_o know_v no_o honesty_n but_o advantage_n and_o interest_n be_v the_o only_a endearment_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o therefore_o whenever_o this_o happen_v to_o run_v counter_a to_o their_o loyalty_n it_o be_v then_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o effectual_a inducement_n to_o any_o attempt_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n and_o thus_o they_o may_v prove_v good_a subject_n as_o rogue_n and_o outlaw_n be_v who_o will_v be_v honest_a when_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n but_o when_o it_o be_v not_o than_o any_o thing_n be_v their_o duty_n that_o contribute_v to_o their_o security_n and_o with_o these_o man_n in_o all_o civil_a war_n and_o dissension_n of_o state_n the_o strong_a side_n have_v always_o the_o just_a cause_n and_o if_o rebel_n prove_v successful_a against_o their_o lawful_a prince_n they_o gain_v their_o assistance_n and_o to_o these_o principle_n we_o must_v ascribe_v the_o unhappy_a success_n of_o the_o late_a rebellion_n the_o silly_a and_o well_o mean_v zealot_n be_v only_o abuse_v by_o sly_a and_o crafty_a incendiary_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o their_o own_o ambitious_a end_n and_o by_o their_o council_n only_o be_v the_o cause_n manage_v advance_a and_o finish_v till_o they_o raise_v their_o own_o fortune_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o royal_a interest_n and_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o royal_a power_n and_o dignity_n and_o though_o the_o man_n and_o their_o design_n be_v perish_v yet_o their_o principle_n thrive_v and_o propagate_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a yet_o easy_a to_o observe_v how_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n work_v man_n into_o a_o dislike_n of_o monarchy_n and_o i_o scarce_o ever_o meet_v with_o any_o zealous_a commonwealths-man_n who_o i_o can_v not_o easy_o discover_v to_o have_v more_o of_o the_o atheist_n than_o the_o politician_n in_o brief_a all_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v incline_v to_o love_v their_o prince_n that_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o very_a principle_n to_o hate_v the_o usurper_n for_o take_v away_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o government_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n to_o obedience_n and_o then_o all_o government_n be_v usurpation_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o obedience_n folly_n and_o prince_n have_v no_o other_o right_n to_o their_o crown_n but_o what_o be_v found_v upon_o force_n and_o violence_n their_o empire_n be_v first_o gain_v by_o war_n butchery_n and_o massacre_n their_o diadem_n hang_v upon_o their_o sword_n and_o their_o throne_n stand_v deep_a in_o humane_a blood_n and_o all_o kingdom_n be_v nothing_o but_o society_n of_o slave_n and_o tyrant_n and_o if_o any_o subject_a can_v set_v himself_o free_a from_o his_o sovereign_n oppression_n he_o be_v the_o brave_a man_n and_o when_o he_o can_v win_v his_o crown_n he_o deserve_v to_o wear_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o laugh_v at_o the_o folly_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v not_o angry_a at_o the_o superstition_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o authority_n to_o consider_v how_o much_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o restrain_v the_o insolence_n of_o this_o wanton_a humour_n and_o to_o
punish_v those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o propagate_v irreligious_a principle_n as_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n to_o the_o state_n but_o my_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n against_o the_o presumptuous_a lavishness_n of_o these_o redoubt_a wight_n swell_v this_o preface_n to_o too_o large_a and_o tedious_a a_o length_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o crave_v leave_n to_o premise_v this_o one_o caution_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n and_o so_o have_v do_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o debate_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o weighty_a and_o most_o material_a consideration_n and_o have_v industrious_o wave_v all_o matter_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o subordinate_a importance_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o examine_v every_o little_a exception_n and_o every_o gay_a and_o plausible_a appearance_n when_o the_o enquiry_n be_v so_o clear_o determinable_a by_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o concernment_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v only_o represent_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n with_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o government_n in_o which_o if_o i_o have_v speak_v reason_n i_o have_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n carry_v the_o cause_n if_o i_o have_v not_o i_o be_o content_a to_o lose_v my_o labour_n for_o there_o be_v no_o consideration_n of_o equal_a evidence_n and_o importance_n with_o those_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o society_n so_o that_o if_o those_o i_o have_v urge_v prove_v ineffectual_a all_o other_o draw_v from_o less_o considerable_a topic_n will_v have_v be_v impertinent_a and_o so_o far_o from_o strengthen_v my_o discourse_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v abate_v of_o its_o demonstrative_a truth_n and_o evidence_n for_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n not_o capable_a of_o such_o enforce_n and_o convictive_a proof_n to_o mix_v they_o with_o clear_a and_o more_o certain_a reason_n be_v only_o to_o allay_v their_o strength_n and_o dilute_v their_o perspicuity_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n have_v i_o purposely_o omit_v the_o examination_n of_o that_o argument_n that_o so_o strong_o possess_v the_o warm_a and_o busy_a brain_n of_o some_o undertake_v man_n viz._n that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v mighty_o conducive_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n for_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o so_o it_o matter_n not_o after_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v apparent_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n and_o though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o conceit_n yet_o after_o this_o performance_n it_o will_v be_v at_o least_o a_o trifle_a and_o frivolous_a undertake_n because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o utter_o forsake_v of_o all_o reason_n and_o discretion_n as_o to_o think_v of_o promote_a traffic_n by_o any_o way_n that_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o end_n and_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a speculation_n after_o that_o to_o inquire_v what_o service_n it_o will_v do_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n because_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o great_a good_a than_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o commerce_n can_v amount_v to_o so_o that_o grant_v these_o project_v people_n all_o they_o can_v demand_v and_o suppose_v their_o design_n as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o benefit_n of_o trade_n as_o they_o pretend_v yet_o what_o can_v be_v more_o shameful_o imprudent_a than_o to_o put_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o hazard_n for_o so_o small_a a_o advantage_n certain_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a end_n of_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v value_v above_o any_o advantage_n of_o wealth_n and_o trade_n and_o therefore_o if_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o government_n as_o it_o can_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n if_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o wealth_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o its_o peace_n so_o vast_a a_o mischief_n must_v infinite_o outweigh_v this_o and_o a_o thousand_o other_o lesser_a advantage_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n of_o value_n enough_o to_o balance_v against_o peace_n but_o peace_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o smile_v when_o i_o observe_v how_o some_o that_o will_v be_v think_v wonderful_o grave_a and_o solemn_a statesman_n labour_n with_o mighty_a project_n of_o set_v up_o this_o and_o that_o manufacture_n in_o their_o several_a respective_a town_n and_o corporation_n and_o how_o eager_o they_o pursue_v these_o petty_a attempt_n beyond_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o a_o more_o public_a and_o universal_a concernment_n and_o how_o wise_o they_o neglect_v the_o settlement_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o village_n or_o burrough_n if_o indeed_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v in_o a_o fix_a and_o establish_a condition_n these_o attempt_n may_v then_o have_v be_v seasonable_a and_o the_o enrich_n of_o particular_a place_n will_v be_v a_o accession_n to_o the_o wealth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o whilst_o we_o be_v distract_v among_o ourselves_o with_o such_o a_o strange_a variety_n of_o jealousy_n and_o animosity_n whilst_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n be_v so_o unlucky_o defeat_v by_o quarrel_n and_o mutiny_n of_o religion_n and_o whilst_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v act_v by_o such_o peevish_a and_o ungovernable_a principle_n to_o erect_v and_o encourage_v trade_n combination_n be_v only_o to_o build_v so_o many_o nest_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o to_o enable_v these_o giddy_a and_o humoursom_a people_n to_o create_v public_a disturbance_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n so_o inclinable_a to_o seditious_a practice_n as_o the_o trade_n part_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o their_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n natural_o increase_v with_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o stock_n and_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o late_a miserable_a distraction_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o the_o quarrel_n be_v chief_o hatch_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o tradesman_n and_o cherish_v by_o the_o zeal_n of_o prentice-boy_n and_o city-gossip_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o fanatic_a party_n appear_v so_o vast_o numerous_a and_o considerable_a above_o and_o beyond_o their_o real_a number_n partly_o because_o these_o bold_a and_o giddy_a people_n live_v in_o great_a society_n of_o man_n and_o so_o be_v more_o observable_a whereas_o in_o country_n town_n and_o village_n their_o account_n be_v inconsiderable_a and_o arise_v not_o to_o speak_v within_o compass_n above_o the_o proportion_n of_o one_o to_o twenty_o and_o partly_o because_o in_o those_o place_n where_o these_o vermin_n natural_o breed_v and_o swarm_n they_o be_v always_o most_o talkative_a and_o clamorous_a and_o full_a of_o buzz_v and_o therefore_o though_o their_o party_n be_v much_o the_o least_o and_o the_o mean_a interest_n yet_o whilst_o their_o number_n be_v conjecture_v by_o their_o noise_n they_o make_v a_o great_a appearance_n than_o twice_o as_o many_o sober_a and_o peaceable_a man_n riot_n and_o tumult_n be_v much_o more_o remarkable_a than_o society_n of_o quiet_a and_o compose_a people_n and_o a_o rout_n of_o unlucky_a boy_n and_o girl_n raise_v a_o great_a noise_n especial_o when_o they_o wrangle_v among_o themselves_o than_o all_o the_o parish_n beside_o but_o whether_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o considerable_a it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a and_o preposterous_a piece_n of_o policy_n to_o design_n the_o enrich_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n whilst_o their_o head_n be_v distemper_v with_o religious_a lunacy_n for_o it_o only_o put_v weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o madman_n wherewith_o they_o may_v assault_v their_o governor_n their_o fundamental_a principle_n incline_v they_o to_o perverse_a and_o restless_a disposition_n that_o never_o be_v nor_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o establish_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o exact_o model_v to_o their_o own_o nice_a and_o peremptory_a conception_n that_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o overturn_v the_o present_a settlement_n and_o to_o new_a model_n the_o church_n by_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n now_o whilst_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o proud_a and_o peevish_a humour_n wealth_n do_v but_o only_o pamper_v and_o encourage_v their_o presumption_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o a_o great_a boldness_n and_o insolence_n against_o authority_n and_o if_o their_o seditious_a preacher_n do_v but_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n to_o reformation_n i._n e._n to_o have_v every_o thing_n alter_v they_o dislike_v how_o
easy_o may_v they_o fire_v these_o heady_a people_n into_o tumult_n and_o outrage_n how_o eager_o will_v they_o flow_v into_o their_o party_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o how_o prodigal_o will_v they_o empty_v their_o bag_n and_o bring_v in_o even_o their_o bodkin_n and_o thimble_n and_o spoon_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n he_o be_v a_o very_a silly_a man_n and_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o folly_n passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n who_o fee_v not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o ungovernable_a as_o a_o wealthy_a fanatic_a and_o therefore_o let_v not_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o idle_a hope_n of_o settlement_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o suppress_v all_o these_o dissension_n and_o reduce_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o agreement_n and_o unity_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v just_a as_o impossible_a to_o keep_v different_a faction_n of_o religion_n quiet_a and_o peaceable_a as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v the_o common_a people_n wise_a man_n and_o philosopher_n if_o indeed_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o sober_a and_o discreet_a it_o be_v then_o no_o great_a danger_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n but_o upon_o the_o same_o supposition_n we_o may_v as_o well_o let_v they_o loose_v from_o all_o the_o law_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n because_o if_o every_o private_a man_n have_v wit_n &_o honesty_n enough_o to_o govern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o public_a law_n and_o governor_n and_o yet_o upon_o this_o impossible_a presumption_n stand_v all_o the_o pretence_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o if_o man_n be_v permit_v it_o they_o will_v use_v it_o wise_o and_o peaceable_o than_o which_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o suppose_v a_o great_a impossibility_n for_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o their_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o vicious_a conscience_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a &_o foolish_a for_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o folly_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o moral_a action_n in_o which_o they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o as_o likely_a to_o mistake_v as_o in_o any_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n there_o be_v no_o observation_n in_o the_o world_n establish_v upon_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o universal_a experience_n than_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o any_o sort_n of_o folly_n and_o vice_n as_o to_o wild_a and_o unreasonable_a conceit_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o when_o their_o head_n be_v possess_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n so_o pregnant_a with_o mischief_n and_o disturbance_n as_o they_o and_o if_o prince_n will_v but_o consider_v how_o liable_a mankind_n be_v to_o abuse_v themselves_o with_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a villainy_n they_o will_v quick_o see_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o kingdom_n that_o there_o be_v set_v up_o a_o more_o severe_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o religious_a persuasion_n than_o over_o their_o vice_n and_o immorality_n for_o of_o all_o villain_n the_o well-meaning_a zealot_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a such_o man_n have_v no_o check_n of_o conscience_n nor_o fear_n of_o miscarriage_n to_o damp_n their_o industry_n but_o their_o godliness_n make_v they_o bold_a and_o furious_a and_o however_o their_o attempt_n succeed_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o what_o so_o glorious_a as_o to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n these_o man_n be_v ever_o prepare_v for_o any_o mischief_n if_o they_o have_v but_o a_o few_o active_a and_o crafty_a knave_n to_o manage_v and_o set_v they_o on_o and_o there_o be_v never_o want_v of_o such_o in_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o engage_v their_o zeal_n in_o any_o seditious_a attempt_n than_o to_o instil_v into_o their_o mind_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o than_o you_o may_v carry_v they_o wheresoever_o you_o please_v and_o they_o will_v never_o boggle_v at_o any_o mischief_n outrage_n or_o rebellion_n to_o advance_v the_o cause_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n above_o all_o other_o as_o a_o party_n that_o be_v always_o ready_o form_v for_o any_o public_a disturbance_n one_o will_v think_v the_o world_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v manage_v as_o godly_a zeal_n or_o to_o be_v appease_v as_o religious_a dissension_n people_n ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v pursue_v such_o quarrel_n with_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o fury_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o must_v be_v govern_v and_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o trouble_v our_o head_n with_o contrive_v way_n of_o settle_v a_o nation_n whilst_o it_o be_v unsettled_a by_o religion_n agreement_n in_o this_o be_v the_o first_o if_o not_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o be_v first_o establish_v upon_o firm_a and_o last_a principle_n which_o it_o easy_o may_v by_o severe_a law_n faithful_o execute_v but_o otherwise_o never_o can_v but_o till_o it_o be_v do_v it_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a and_o safe_a for_o a_o prince_n to_o enrich_v his_o subject_n with_o trade_n and_o commerce_n as_o it_o be_v to_o load_v weak_a and_o unfinished_a foundation_n with_o great_a and_o weighty_a superstructure_n to_o conclude_v all_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o order_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o unskilful_a and_o inartificial_a way_n of_o discourse_v to_o argue_v from_o less_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a matter_n against_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o of_o this_o preposterous_a method_n be_v those_o man_n guilty_a who_o talk_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o trade_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o and_o all_o other_o the_o like_a pretence_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o my_o book_n where_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a sort_n of_o anarchy_n and_o that_o prince_n may_v with_o less_o hazard_n give_v liberty_n to_o man_n vice_n and_o debauchery_n than_o to_o their_o conscience_n as_o for_o my_o method_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o familiar_a and_o suit_v to_o every_o man_n capacity_n i_o have_v reduce_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o a_o few_o easy_a and_o obvious_a proposition_n under_o these_o i_o have_v couch_v all_o the_o particular_a matter_n concern_v in_o our_o present_a debate_n and_o by_o analogy_n to_o their_o reasonableness_n have_v clear_v off_o all_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n and_o have_v be_v careful_a all_o along_o to_o prove_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v from_o the_o most_o important_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n compare_v with_o the_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o whoever_o offer_v to_o talk_v of_o these_o affair_n without_o special_a regard_n both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n may_v amuse_v himself_o with_o the_o fine_a dream_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o warm_a brain_n but_o shall_v be_v certain_a to_o miss_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a measure_n of_o practicable_a policy_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o the_o humour_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o design_v only_o to_o prevent_v their_o folly_n and_o bridle_v their_o enormity_n and_o therefore_o the_o main_a notion_n i_o have_v pursue_v have_v be_v to_o make_v out_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o tendency_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o most_o necessary_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n a_o vein_n of_o which_o reason_v i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o run_v through_o all_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n it_o be_v vast_o the_o most_o considerable_a if_o not_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v close_o to_o my_o main_a question_n so_o have_v i_o cautious_o avoid_v all_o other_o collateral_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n and_o have_v not_o confine_v myself_o to_o any_o hypothesis_n nor_o determine_v any_o controversy_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v but_o have_v express_v my_o
of_o perfect_a anarchy_n in_o which_o every_o man_n do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o man_n contend_v for_o the_o sovereign_a empire_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o invest_v it_o with_o the_o royal_a supremacy_n by_o make_v it_o subject_a and_o accountable_a to_o none_o but_o god_n alone_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n but_o usurp_v their_o prince_n crown_n defy_v his_o authority_n and_o acknowledge_v no_o governor_n but_o themselves_o for_o see_v that_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o action_n if_o this_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o command_v of_o governor_n and_o if_o man_n not_o only_o may_v but_o always_o aught_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o dictate_v when_o they_o oppose_v their_o decree_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o determine_v whether_o themselves_o or_o their_o governor_n be_v vest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o brief_a every_o single_a person_n be_v subject_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n the_o law_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n i._n e._n to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o prince_n opinion_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o prince_n must_v give_v place_n to_o that_o of_o his_o conscience_n it_o cease_v upon_o that_o score_n to_o be_v supreme_a because_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a authority_n that_o can_v countermand_v all_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n who_o shall_v arbitrate_v between_o these_o two_o mighty_a rival_n power_n and_o so_o just_o assign_v the_o true_a bound_n of_o their_o respective_a dominion_n that_o prince_n may_v never_o entrench_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o conscience_n nor_o conscience_n lie_v waste_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n but_o both_o may_v act_v within_o their_o proper_a sphere_n without_o invade_v each_o other_o territory_n for_o whenever_o their_o power_n happen_v to_o interfere_v the_o quarrel_n quick_o proceed_v to_o all_o the_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n of_o war._n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n so_o tender_a or_o so_o unruly_a as_o conscience_n if_o authority_n curb_v it_o too_o severe_o it_o grow_v wild_a and_o furious_a and_o impatient_a of_o all_o restraint_n if_o it_o permit_v it_o a_o unbridled_a liberty_n it_o soon_o run_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o mischief_n and_o enormity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o equal_a tenderness_n and_o severity_n and_o as_o it_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o wise_a and_o sober_a law_n else_o it_o grow_v giddy_a and_o exorbitant_a so_o must_v it_o not_o be_v provoke_v to_o resistance_n by_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n for_o if_o it_o once_o put_v the_o sword_n into_o subject_n hand_n it_o prove_v of_o all_o rebel_n the_o most_o fatal_a and_o implacable_a and_o be_v the_o best_a commander_n of_o a_o rebellious_a army_n in_o the_o world_n we_o see_v then_o that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o equal_a difficulty_n and_o importance_n to_o avoid_v all_o the_o mischief_n and_o calamity_n that_o natural_o follow_v upon_o the_o contention_n of_o these_o two_o supreme_a power_n it_o be_v difficult_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o term_n of_o accommodation_n because_o neither_o of_o they_o will_v own_v any_o superior_a that_o may_v umpire_n their_o controversy_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n settlement_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n §_o 3._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a debate_n to_o compose_v all_o their_o difference_n adjust_a all_o their_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n and_o settle_v thing_n upon_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v effectual_o enough_o perform_v by_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o by_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n shall_v be_v vest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n 2._o by_o show_v this_o to_o be_v so_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o its_o fierce_a adversary_n and_o that_o those_o who_o will_v deprive_v the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n of_o its_o authority_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v force_v to_o allow_v it_o in_o other_o more_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v both_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n and_o objection_n and_o this_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o state_n the_o true_a extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n over_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o divine_a worship_n by_o show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o his_o power_n over_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o religion_n under_o one_o of_o which_o two_o consideration_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o state_n the_o most_o material_a question_n and_o to_o answer_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o controversy_n and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o thing_n may_v be_v make_v out_o with_o that_o demonstrative_a evidence_n and_o settle_v upon_o such_o safe_a and_o moderate_a principle_n as_o may_v abundant_o satisfy_v every_o man_n conscience_n how_o nice_a and_o curious_a soever_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o debauch_v with_o vice_n and_o wicked_a principle_n but_o if_o it_o be_v then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v both_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n and_o interest_n to_o punish_v such_o vicious_a and_o disease_a conscience_n as_o much_o as_o all_o other_o immorality_n §_o 4._o first_o then_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o prime_n and_o most_o important_a end_n of_o government_n can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o secure_v unless_o religion_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o that_o it_o have_v the_o strong_a influence_n upon_o humane_a affair_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o sovereign_a power_n can_v order_v and_o manage_v it_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o very_a incompetent_a instrument_n of_o public_a happiness_n will_v want_v the_o better_a half_n of_o itself_o and_o be_v utter_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a nothing_o more_o govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o the_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n this_o lead_v or_o drive_v they_o any_o way_n and_o as_o true_a piety_n secure_v the_o public_a weal_n by_o tame_v and_o civilise_v the_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o inure_v they_o to_o a_o mild_a gentle_a and_o governable_a spirit_n so_o superstition_n and_o wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a engine_n to_o overturn_v its_o settlement_n and_o therefore_o unless_o prince_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v their_o subject_n to_o that_o religion_n that_o they_o apprehend_v most_o advantageous_a to_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o restrain_v those_o religious_a mistake_n that_o tend_v to_o its_o subversion_n they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o statue_n and_o image_n of_o authority_n and_o want_v that_o part_n of_o their_o power_n that_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o a_o right_a discharge_n of_o their_o government_n for_o what_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n happen_v to_o be_v taint_v with_o such_o furious_a and_o boisterous_a conception_n of_o religion_n as_o incline_v they_o to_o stubborness_n and_o sedition_n and_o make_v they_o unmanageable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o government_n shall_v not_o a_o prince_n be_v allow_v to_o give_v check_n to_o such_o unruly_a and_o dangerous_a persuasion_n if_o he_o may_v then_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n to_o conduct_v religion_n and_o that_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o dominion_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o state_n but_o if_o he_o may_v not_o then_o be_v he_o oblige_v in_o some_o case_n tame_o to_o permit_v his_o subject_n to_o ruin_n and_o overturn_v the_o commonwealth_n for_o if_o their_o wild_a and_o capricious_a humour_n be_v not_o severe_o bridle_v by_o the_o strict_a law_n and_o penalty_n they_o soon_o grow_v headstrong_a and_o unruly_a become_v always_o troublesome_a and_o often_o fatal_a to_o prince_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v of_o a_o fierce_a and_o eager_a temper_n apt_a to_o be_v drive_v without_o bound_n and_o measure_n whithersoever_o their_o persuasion_n hurry_v they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v overheat_v their_o unsettled_a head_n with_o religious_a rage_n and_o fury_n they_o grow_v wild_a talkative_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o in_o their_o mad_a and_o rave_a fit_n of_o zeal_n break_v all_o the_o restraint_n of_o government_n and_o forget_v all_o the_o
ineffectual_a instrument_n of_o uniformity_n because_o they_o have_v either_o be_v weaken_v through_o want_n of_o execution_n or_o in_o a_o manner_n cancel_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o civil_a constitution_n for_o when_o law_n be_v bind_v under_o severe_a penalty_n and_o when_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o crime_n have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o punish_v it_o or_o be_v perpetual_o check_v and_o control_v by_o a_o strong_a power_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o law_n be_v affront_v and_o despise_v and_o if_o instead_o of_o bring_v man_n mind_n to_o compliance_n and_o subjection_n they_o exasperate_v they_o into_o open_a contumacy_n restraint_n provoke_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o yet_o redress_n not_o the_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a to_o grant_v a_o uncontrolled_a liberty_n by_o declare_v for_o it_o than_o after_o have_v declare_v against_o it_o to_o grant_v it_o by_o silence_n and_o impunity_n the_o prohibition_n disoblige_v dissenter_n and_o that_o be_v one_o evil_a and_o the_o impunity_n allow_v they_o toleration_n and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a and_o where_o governor_n permit_v what_o their_o law_n forbid_v there_o the_o commonwealth_n must_v at_o once_o lose_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o restraint_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o as_o they_o will_v expect_v peace_n and_o settlement_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a at_o first_o to_o bind_v on_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n with_o the_o straight_a knot_n and_o afterward_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o force_n and_o countenance_n by_o the_o severe_a execution_n in_o that_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a conscience_n be_v too_o headstrong_a to_o be_v curb_v with_o a_o ordinary_a severity_n &_o therefore_o their_o restraint_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o unruliness_n and_o they_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o so_o much_o a_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n than_o all_o other_o principle_n of_o public_a disturbance_n by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a &_o unruly_a §_o 8._o for_o if_o conscience_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o break_v down_o the_o restraint_n of_o government_n and_o all_o man_n have_v licence_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o persuasion_n the_o mischief_n be_v infinite_a and_o the_o folly_n endless_a and_o they_o seldom_o cease_v to_o wander_v from_o folly_n to_o folly_n till_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o all_o the_o whimsy_n and_o enormity_n that_o can_v debauch_v religion_n or_o annoy_v the_o public_a peace_n the_o giddy_a multitude_n be_v of_o a_o restless_a and_o straggle_a humour_n and_o yet_o withalso_fw-la ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a which_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n insomuch_o that_o there_o never_o yet_o be_v any_o commonwealth_n that_o give_v a_o real_a liberty_n to_o man_n imagination_n that_o be_v not_o sudden_o overrun_v with_o numberless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n of_o sect_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o the_o late_a confusion_n when_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o settlement_n how_o be_v sect_n build_v upon_o sect_n and_o church_n upon_o church_n till_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o folly_n that_o the_o usurper_n themselves_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n to_o work_v their_o subversion_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o extravagancy_n but_o by_o overturning_a their_o own_o foundation_n and_o check_v their_o growth_n by_o law_n and_o penalty_n the_o humour_n of_o fanaticise_v be_v a_o boundless_a folly_n it_o know_v no_o restraint_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o governor_n it_o grow_v and_o increase_v without_o end_n or_o limit_n and_o never_o cease_v to_o swell_v itself_o till_o it_o have_v break_v down_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o restraint_n of_o government_n thus_o when_o the_o disciplinarian_o have_v in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o own_o peevish_a and_o unreasonable_a principle_n divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n other_o upon_o a_o far_a improvement_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n subdivide_v from_o they_o every_o new_a opinion_n be_v enough_o to_o find_v a_o new_a church_n and_o sect_n be_v spawn_v out_o of_o sect_n till_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o family_n for_o when_o they_o be_v once_o part_v from_o the_o order_n &_o sobriety_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o nothing_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o wild_a and_o violent_a imagination_n §_o 9_o schismatic_n always_o run_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n in_o the_o church_n as_o rebel_n and_o seditious_a person_n do_v in_o the_o state_n who_o out_o of_o a_o hatred_n to_o tyranny_n be_v restless_a till_o they_o have_v dissolve_v the_o commonwealth_n into_o anarchy_n &_o confusion_n and_o because_o some_o kingly_a government_n have_v prove_v tyrannical_a will_v allow_v no_o free_a state_n but_o under_o republic_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o all_o the_o apology_n for_o the_o late_a usurper_n who_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o general_a that_o all_o government_n under_o a_o single_a person_n be_v slavish_a and_o oppressive_a without_o respect_n to_o its_o particular_a constitution_n and_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o sufficient_a preservation_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n notwithstanding_o that_o those_o who_o manage_v it_o be_v never_o so_o imperious_a and_o arbitrary_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n our_o church_n dissenter_n out_o of_o abhorrency_n to_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o man_n understanding_n never_o think_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n sufficient_o secure_v till_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o all_o subjection_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o her_o unreasonable_a imposition_n have_v invade_v the_o fundamental_a liberty_n of_o mankind_n they_o present_o conclude_v all_o restraint_n upon_o licentious_a practice_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n under_o the_o hate_a name_n of_o popery_n and_o some_o theological_a empiric_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o people_n head_n with_o this_o fond_a conceit_n that_o they_o will_v see_v no_o middle_a way_n between_o spiritual_a tyranny_n and_o spiritual_a anarchy_n and_o so_o brand_v all_o restraint_n of_o government_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v antichristian_a and_o never_o think_v themselves_o far_o enough_o from_o rome_n till_o they_o be_v wander_v as_o far_o as_o munster_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o first_o reformation_n be_v not_o so_o wild_a as_o to_o abolish_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o only_o remove_v it_o from_o those_o who_o have_v unjust_o usurp_v it_o to_o its_o proper_a seat_n and_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v clog_v christianity_n with_o too_o many_o garish_a and_o burdensome_a ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o immediate_o strip_v her_o naked_a of_o all_o modest_a and_o decent_a ornament_n out_o of_o a_o overhot_a opposition_n to_o their_o too_o flaunt_a pomp_n and_o vanity_n but_o only_o clothe_v she_o in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o church_n to_o preserve_v we_o sober_a between_o two_o such_o unreasonable_a extreme_n §_o 10._o but_o not_o to_o run_v too_o hasty_o into_o particular_a dispute_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a to_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o affair_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o government_n and_o than_o if_o they_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n i_o shall_v demand_v whether_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o if_o the_o former_a than_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o supreme_a but_o be_v subject_n to_o a_o superior_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o rather_o what_o be_v equal_o absurd_a there_o will_v be_v two_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n for_o it_o the_o prince_n jurisdiction_n be_v limit_v to_o civil_a affair_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v subject_a to_o another_o government_n then_o may_v subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o what_o be_v impossible_a contradictory_n command_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n require_v he_o to_o defend_v his_o country_n against_o a_o invasion_n the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n may_v command_v he_o to_o abandon_v its_o defence_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o a_o holy_a war_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n from_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n but_o see_v no_o man_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o contradictory_n obligation_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n
that_o distinguish_v their_o party_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o they_o when_o he_o neglect_v and_o discountenance_n his_o best_a subject_n only_o because_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a party_n for_o so_o every_o party_n be_v to_o itself_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o profess_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n and_o they_o will_v be_v wonderful_o forward_a to_o assist_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o these_o be_v the_o soft_a word_n that_o different_a sect_n can_v afford_v one_o another_o and_o withal_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o lie_v perpetual_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o little_o better_a than_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n permit_v different_a party_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n however_o he_o carry_v himself_o towards_o they_o he_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o all_o party_n discontent_v but_o one_o for_o if_o himself_o be_v of_o any_o he_o displease_v all_o but_o that_o if_o of_o none_o he_o displease_v all_o and_o zealous_a and_o religious_a people_n of_o all_o sort_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_o in_o love_n with_o a_o atheist_n and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v at_o least_o be_v think_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o distinct_a and_o visible_a profession_n chap._n vi_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o content_n the_o mystery_n of_o puritanism_n lie_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wildness_n novelty_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o make_v mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n sinful_a it_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n it_o be_v the_o main_a pretence_n of_o all_o pious_a villainy_n it_o cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a and_o impracticable_a it_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v seditious_a in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o have_v not_o some_o custom_n and_o usage_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o all_o that_o pretend_v this_o principle_n do_v and_o must_v act_v contrary_a to_o it_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o yield_a and_o condescension_n to_o the_o man_n that_o plead_v it_o unsafe_a and_o impolitic_a wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o distinction_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n execute_v but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o the_o dangerous_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v who_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o any_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o various_a the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o puritan_n upbraid_v with_o mr._n hooker_n book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o challenge_v to_o answer_v it_o their_o outcry_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n retort_v upon_o themselves_o the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n propose_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v impose_v thing_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a this_o objection_n lie_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n our_o inquiry_n be_v after_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v thing_n not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v though_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o it_o be_v then_o less_o mischievous_a than_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o tyranny_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o rebellion_n or_o anarchy_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la confute_v that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o for_o their_o sinfulness_n but_o for_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a this_o apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a conscience_n sect._n 1_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o be_v not_o already_o determine_v as_o to_o their_o morality_n i._n e._n that_o be_v not_o make_v necessary_a duty_n by_o be_v command_v or_o sinful_a action_n by_o be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v either_o way_n by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_n be_v tie_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o such_o determination_n this_o assertion_n i_o lay_v down_o to_o oppose_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o nonconformity_n and_o wherein_o as_o one_o observe_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o puritanism_n consist_v viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o complete_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v only_o to_o see_v that_o execute_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o religion_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o nothing_o of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v tie_v up_o neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v neither_o in_o the_o matter_n nor_o manner_n so_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v in_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v by_o a_o divine_a command_n how_o innocent_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o it_o present_o upon_o that_o account_n lose_v not_o only_o its_o liberty_n but_o its_o lawfulness_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o christian_a practice_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a shall_v still_o be_v keep_v indifferent_a as_o thing_n necessary_a be_v hold_v necessary_a this_o very_a principle_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o puritanism_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o derive_v and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v at_o last_o resolve_v a_o pretence_n so_o strange_o wild_a and_o humorsom_a that_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o equal_a wonder_n either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o serious_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o thus_o long_a and_o thus_o confident_o to_o pretend_v it_o when_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o foundation_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o till_o some_o man_n have_v make_v a_o unreasonable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v force_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o as_o unreasonable_a pretence_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o incredible_a than_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a shall_v become_v sinful_a upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o their_o be_v command_v i._n e._n that_o mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v make_v innocent_a action_n criminal_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o if_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v so_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o be_v obedience_n so_o that_o if_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o awkard_n a_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n make_v it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o christian_a rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o bind_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o forbid_v thing_n under_o that_o formality_n because_o authority_n command_v they_o now_o what_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o sedition_n what_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v so_o much_o incline_v man_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o authority_n as_o their_o be_v conscientious_a what_o a_o perverse_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o but_o opposition_n to_o government_n can_v secure_v our_o liberty_n and_o