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
to_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o he_o that_o be_v turbulent_a and_o passionate_a be_v dangerous_a but_o then_o when_o passion_n be_v fire_v with_o religious_a zeal_n nothing_o can_v temper_v its_o outrageous_a and_o fanatic_a heat_n but_o it_o work_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o rancour_n and_o bitterness_n and_o drive_v they_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o savage_a and_o inhuman_a practice_n prince_n have_v never_o find_v any_o thing_n so_o restive_a and_o ungovernable_a as_o sectarian_n madness_n no_o malice_n so_o spiteful_a and_o implacable_a as_o the_o zeal_n of_o a_o godly_a party_n nor_o any_o rage_n so_o fierce_a and_o merciless_a as_o sanctify_a barbarism_n all_o the_o ancient_a tyranny_n have_v in_o some_o place_n be_v outdo_v by_o a_o thorough-god_o reformation_n zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n have_v often_o turn_v whole_a nation_n into_o shambles_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o continual_a butchery_n and_o massacre_n and_o flesh_v itself_o with_o slaughter_n of_o myriad_o of_o mankind_n and_o when_o man_n think_v their_o passion_n warrant_v by_o their_o religion_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o for_o this_o oblige_v they_o by_o their_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_n to_o act_v they_o to_o the_o high_a and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v what_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a thing_n those_o man_n must_v be_v who_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o enforce_v and_o enrage_v their_o passion_n with_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o have_v wisdom_n enough_o to_o keep_v their_o zeal_n clean_o from_o these_o sour_a and_o crabbed_a mixture_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v scarce_o sensible_a of_o their_o spiritual_a wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o all_o age_n and_o all_o religion_n of_o the_o world_n few_o people_n have_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o beside_o their_o wise_a man_n and_o philosopher_n and_o even_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n itself_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o religion_n have_v make_v such_o special_a provision_n against_o all_o excess_n of_o passion_n and_o establish_a love_n charity_n moderation_n patience_n candor_n and_o ingenuity_n as_o its_o prime_n and_o fundamental_a duty_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n soon_o decay_v with_o its_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a professor_n and_o within_o a_o few_o century_n of_o year_n the_o church_n be_v overrun_v with_o some_o sect_n of_o man_n much_o of_o the_o same_o temper_n with_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a saint_n so_o that_o even_o in_o true_a and_o innocent_a persuasion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o assuage_v the_o distemper_n and_o indiscretion_n of_o a_o forward_a zeal_n the_o giddy_a multitude_n judge_v weak_o fancy_n strong_o and_o act_v passionate_o and_o unless_o restrain_v by_o wary_a and_o sober_a law_n will_v drive_v on_o so_o furious_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n till_o they_o run_v their_o religion_n into_o folly_n and_o faction_n and_o themselves_o into_o tumult_n and_o riotous_a proceed_n what_o socrates_n once_o say_v of_o virtue_n that_o when_o it_o be_v not_o conduct_v by_o prudence_n it_o be_v but_o pedantry_n and_o a_o fantastic_a thing_n be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o religion_n which_o when_o it_o want_v the_o guidance_n and_o ornament_n of_o this_o virtue_n may_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n or_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o itself_o in_o brief_a fanaticism_n be_v both_o the_o great_a and_o the_o easy_a vice_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o weed_n that_o thrive_v in_o all_o soil_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o fanatic_a spirit_n that_o mix_v itself_o with_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o common_a people_n as_o the_o proud_a or_o ignorant_a or_o perverse_a or_o factious_a or_o stubborn_a or_o eager_a or_o passionate_a for_o when_o ever_o any_o of_o these_o vice_n or_o folly_n be_v twist_v with_o man_n apprehension_n of_o religion_n they_o natural_o work_v and_o ferment_n their_o mind_n into_o a_o boisterous_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n and_o yet_o how_o infinite_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o cure_v the_o common_a herd_n of_o these_o vice_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n be_v too_o great_a a_o demonstration_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o apparent_o necessary_a or_o difficult_a as_o to_o govern_v the_o vulgar_a rout_n in_o their_o conception_n of_o religion_n see_v it_o be_v so_o natural_a for_o they_o both_o to_o mix_v and_o heighten_v yes_o and_o sanctify_v their_o passion_n with_o their_o conscience_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o fanatic_n in_o all_o nation_n may_v disagree_v in_o the_o object_n and_o matter_n of_o their_o superstition_n according_a to_o the_o different_a custom_n of_o their_o country_n and_o variety_n of_o their_o education_n yet_o as_o for_o their_o tendency_n to_o disturbance_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v in_o all_o place_n the_o same_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o those_o unquiet_a sect_n that_o have_v often_o disturb_v and_o sometime_o subvert_v whole_a kingdom_n in_o africa_n if_o they_o have_v happen_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o europe_n will_v have_v do_v the_o same_o here_o where_o though_o their_o religion_n may_v have_v be_v different_a yet_o will_v their_o genius_n have_v be_v the_o same_o as_o rising_z from_o the_o same_o conjunction_n of_o conscience_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a age_n to_o see_v governor_n after_o so_o many_o warning_n so_o insensible_a of_o this_o mischief_n and_o however_o they_o may_v think_v themselves_o unconcern_v to_o restrain_v the_o opinion_n of_o any_o dissent_v sect_n as_o be_v perhaps_o but_o foolish_a and_o inconsiderable_a in_o themselves_o yet_o nothing_o can_v more_o high_o concern_v they_o than_o to_o provide_v against_o their_o inclination_n as_o be_v general_o of_o a_o sad_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o state_n and_o this_o at_o present_a may_v suffice_v to_o evince_v how_o much_o it_o concern_v authority_n to_o look_v to_o the_o particular_a principle_n and_o inclination_n of_o every_o sect_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o mere_a belief_n of_o invisible_a power_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v religion_n enough_o to_o awe_v man_n to_o obedience_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v temper_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o manage_v with_o special_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n it_o rather_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o rude_a multitude_n more_o headstrong_a and_o ungovernable_a sect._n 5._o three_o to_o permit_v different_a sect_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v only_o to_o keep_v up_o so_o many_o pretence_n and_o occasion_n for_o public_a disturbance_n the_o faction_n of_o religion_n be_v ever_o the_o most_o seditious_a and_o the_o less_o material_a their_o difference_n the_o more_o implacable_a their_o hatred_n as_o the_o turk_n think_v it_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o kill_v one_o persian_a than_o seventy_o christian_n no_o hinge_n so_o vehement_o alienates_v man_n affection_n as_o variety_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n here_o they_o can_v disagree_v but_o they_o must_v quarrel_v too_o and_o when_o religion_n divide_v man_n mind_n no_o other_o common_a interest_n can_v unite_v they_o and_o where_o zeal_n dissolve_v friendship_n the_o tie_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o reconcile_v it_o every_o faction_n be_v at_o open_a defiance_n with_o every_o faction_n they_o be_v always_o in_o a_o state_n and_o posture_n of_o war_n and_o engage_v in_o a_o mortal_a and_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n against_o each_o other_o when_o ever_o man_n part_v communion_n every_o party_n must_v of_o necessity_n esteem_v the_o other_o impious_a and_o heretical_a in_o that_o they_o never_o divide_v but_o with_o pretence_n that_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v without_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o as_o blasphemy_n or_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n or_o heresy_n or_o the_o like_a for_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o peace_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v preserve_v where_o it_o can_v without_o offend_a god_n and_o offer_v violence_n to_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o one_o another_o as_o lie_v under_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n and_o then_o be_v both_o party_n engage_v as_o they_o love_v god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o labour_v one_o another_o ruin_n and_o when_o the_o party_n be_v form_v and_o man_n be_v list_v into_o it_o by_o chance_n and_o education_n the_o distinguish_a opinion_n of_o the_o party_n be_v to_o they_o the_o most_o material_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o so_o they_o must_v account_v of_o all_o that_o either_o disowne_n or_o deny_v it_o as_o of_o heathen_n infidel_n and_o
a_o discourse_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n wherein_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o external_n religion_n be_v assert_v the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o toleration_n be_v represent_v and_o all_o pretence_n plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v full_o answer_v the_o three_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o saint_n to_o paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o can_v imagine_v any_o thing_n that_o our_o dissent_v zealot_n will_v be_v able_a to_o object_v against_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n unless_o perhaps_o in_o some_o place_n the_o vehemence_n and_o severity_n of_o its_o style_n for_o cavil_v i_o know_v they_o must_v and_o if_o they_o can_v raise_v no_o tolerable_a exception_n against_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o the_o author_n be_v a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o tame_a and_o soft_o humour_n and_o so_o cold_a a_o complexion_n that_o he_o think_v himself_o scarce_o capable_a of_o hot_a and_o passionate_a impression_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v sometime_o twist_v invective_n with_o his_o argument_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o temper_v but_o from_o choice_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o tart_a and_o upbraid_v expression_n they_o be_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o anger_n or_o passion_n but_o of_o the_o just_a and_o pious_a resentment_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n who_o know_v upon_o what_o sober_a ground_n and_o principle_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n stand_v and_o how_o that_o its_o form_n and_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o countenance_v by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o establish_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n whether_o he_o can_v so_o perfect_o charm_n and_o stupefy_v his_o passion_n as_o not_o to_o be_v chafe_v into_o some_o heat_n &_o briskness_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n so_o right_o constitute_v and_o so_o due_o authorise_v shall_v be_v so_o savage_o worry_v by_o a_o wild_a and_o fanatique_a rabble_n that_o this_o church_n so_o sober_o model_v so_o warrantable_o reform_v and_o so_o handsome_o settle_v shall_v have_v be_v so_o perpetual_o beleaguer_v and_o be_v yet_o not_o out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o be_v rifle_v if_o not_o utter_o demolish_a by_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n that_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v be_v so_o woeful_o discompose_v upon_o such_o slender_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o shameful_o baffle_v that_o both_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v so_o lamentable_o embroil_v by_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o a_o few_o peevish_a ignorant_a and_o malepert_a preacher_n and_o last_o that_o these_o brainsick_a people_n if_o not_o prevent_v by_o some_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a remedy_n may_v in_o a_o little_a time_n grow_v to_o that_o power_n and_o confidence_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o use_v their_o own_o language_n to_o etc._n shut_v the_o heaven_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rain_v i._n e._n to_o restrain_v the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n and_o state_n from_o their_o wont_a influence_n and_o to_o have_v power_n over_o the_o water_n to_o turn_v they_o into_o blood_n i._n e._n to_o turn_v the_o still_a people_n of_o a_o state_n or_o nation_n into_o war_n and_o blood_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o plain_a english_a to_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o authority_n to_o instigate_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o rebellion_n and_o once_o more_o involve_v the_o kingdom_n in_o blood_n and_o confusion_n let_v the_o reader_n consider_v all_o this_o as_o thorough_o and_o serious_o as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o then_o be_v a_o stoic_a if_o he_o can_v but_o beside_o this_o let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n of_o true_a religion_n tell_v i_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a not_o to_o be_v provoke_v to_o scorn_v and_o indignation_n against_o such_o proud_a ignorant_a and_o supercilious_a hypocrite_n who_o though_o they_o utter_o defeat_v all_o the_o main_a design_n of_o religion_n yet_o boast_v themselves_o its_o only_a friend_n and_o patron_n signalise_v their_o party_n by_o distinctive_a title_n and_o character_n of_o godliness_n and_o brand_v all_o other_o howsoever_o pious_a and_o peaceable_a with_o bad_a name_n and_o worse_a suspicion_n who_o i_o say_v that_o love_v and_o adore_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v forbear_v to_o be_v sharp_a and_o severe_a to_o such_o thick_a and_o fulsome_a abuse_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n can_v so_o much_o expose_v or_o traduce_v true_a piety_n as_o this_o sort_n of_o hypocrisy_n because_o whilst_o folly_n and_o phantastry_n appear_v in_o the_o vizour_n of_o holiness_n it_o make_v that_o seem_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o itself_o and_o hence_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o true_a goodness_n have_v always_o be_v the_o severe_a satirist_n upon_o false_a godliness_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n scarce_o seem_v more_o concern_v to_o plant_v and_o propagate_v christianity_n than_o to_o explode_v the_o pharisaic_a hypocrisy_n i._n e._n religious_a pride_n and_o insolence_n i_o know_v but_o one_o single_a instance_n in_o which_o zeal_n or_o a_o high_a indignation_n be_v just_a and_o warrantable_a and_o that_o be_v when_o it_o vent_v itself_o against_o the_o arrogance_n of_o haughty_a peevish_a and_o sullen_a religionist_n that_o under_o high_a pretence_n to_o godliness_n supplant_v all_o principle_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a nature_n that_o strip_v religion_n of_o its_o outside_n to_o make_v it_o a_o cover_n for_o spite_n and_o malice_n that_o adorn_v their_o peevishness_n with_o the_o mask_n of_o piety_n and_o 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into_o a_o exchange_n of_o usury_n now_o this_o insolent_a contempt_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o impudent_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n provoke_v the_o mild_a spirit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o impatience_n and_o indignation_n as_o make_v he_o with_o a_o seem_a fury_n and_o transport_v of_o passion_n whip_v the_o tradesman_n thence_o and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n so_o hateful_a be_v all_o proud_a testy_a and_o factious_a zeal_n to_o a_o love_a and_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v more_o odious_a or_o mischievous_a than_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n peevishness_n and_o animosity_n adopt_v into_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o divide_v religion_n into_o faction_n and_o party_n engender_v a_o sullen_a and_o unsociable_a niceness_n towards_o all_o that_o herd_n not_o with_o themselves_o breed_v nothing_o but_o rancour_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o amity_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o people_n separate_a and_o rendezvouz_n themselves_o into_o distinct_a sect_n and_o party_n they_o always_o confine_v all_o their_o kind_a influence_n to_o their_o own_o faction_n and_o look_v with_o a_o scornful_a and_o malignant_a aspect_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n become_v enemy_n and_o outlaw_n to_o humane_a society_n and_o shatter_v in_o piece_n that_o natural_a peace_n and_o common_a love_n that_o preserve_v the_o welfare_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o mind_n like_o the_o savage_a american_n be_v as_o contract_v as_o their_o herd_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o fold_n of_o their_o church_n be_v without_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o charity_n this_o be_v entire_o swallow_v up_o within_o their_o own_o combination_n and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o commiserate_v or_o supply_v the_o want_v of_o the_o unregenerate_a as_o the_o poet_n describe_v the_o jewish_a bigot_n non_fw
they_o fool_n and_o trifle_n with_o the_o almighty_a if_o true_a than_o i_o can_v easy_o tell_v they_o the_o fit_a place_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n in_o but_o however_o it_o be_v pity_n to_o abridge_v they_o the_o liberty_n all_o man_n have_v to_o abuse_v themselves_o but_o if_o they_o will_v extend_v this_o their_o privilege_n so_o far_o as_o to_o attaint_v other_o man_n reputation_n i_o shall_v only_o admonish_v they_o as_o a_o friend_n beforehand_o that_o there_o be_v somebody_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o requite_v their_o slander_n and_o false_a aspersion_n with_o their_o own_o true_a character_n and_o so_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o they_o to_o address_v myself_o to_o those_o for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v and_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o saucy_a as_o to_o teach_v my_o superior_n how_o to_o govern_v the_o kingdom_n out_o of_o ezekiel_n or_o the_o revelation_n yet_o i_o will_v presume_v to_o put_v up_o this_o single_a petition_n 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shallow_a fool_n be_v proud_a and_o ambitious_a to_o gain_v a_o name_n and_o reputation_n for_o debauchery_n they_o slander_v themselves_o with_o false_a impiety_n and_o usurp_v the_o wickedness_n they_o be_v never_o guilty_a of_o only_o to_o get_v a_o renown_n in_o villainy_n it_o be_v these_o ape_n of_o wit_n and_o pedant_n of_o gentility_n that_o will_v make_v atheism_n the_o fashion_n forsooth_o and_o profaneness_n the_o character_n of_o a_o gentleman_n that_o think_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n droll_n upon_o god_n and_o make_v sport_n with_o his_o law_n that_o account_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o judgement_n and_o ingenuity_n to_o be_v above_o the_o folly_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o height_n of_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n at_o all_o adventure_n to_o brave_a and_o defy_v heaven_n and_o outdare_v the_o almighty_a and_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o a_o gentile_a behaviour_n to_o counterfeit_v a_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a disdain_n of_o 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examine_v what_o agree_v or_o quarrel_n with_o the_o dictate_v of_o pure_a and_o impartial_a reason_n be_v they_o not_o likely_a to_o determine_v what_o be_v true_o great_a and_o generous_a that_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n but_o what_o they_o have_v pick_v up_o at_o play_n out_o of_o the_o stiff_a dispute_n of_o love_n and_o honour_n and_o be_v they_o not_o likely_a to_o give_v a_o wonderful_a account_n of_o the_o record_n of_o ancient_a time_n without_o which_o they_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o judge_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o any_o religion_n that_o be_v never_o acquaint_v with_o any_o history_n unless_o perhaps_o that_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o amour_n of_o the_o french_a court_n and_o yet_o how_o brisk_o do_v these_o giddy_a youth_n determine_v these_o and_o a_o thousand_o other_o difficult_a theory_n that_o they_o never_o have_v learning_n or_o patience_n enough_o to_o understand_v much_o less_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a and_o satisfy_a search_n into_o their_o truth_n and_o evidence_n alas_o young_a man_n you_o be_v too_o rash_a and_o forward_o your_o confidence_n swell_v above_o your_o understand_n it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o pretend_v to_o atheism_n it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o privilege_n for_o boy_n and_o novice_n it_o be_v sawsiness_n for_o you_o to_o be_v profane_a and_o to_o censure_v religion_n impudence_n and_o ill_a manner_n and_o whatsoever_o rational_a plea_n atheism_n may_v admit_v of_o it_o be_v not_o for_o such_o as_o you_o to_o pretend_v to_o wit_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o understand_v they_o and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o expose_v your_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n and_o if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v wise_a yet_o at_o least_o be_v modest_a be_v advise_v not_o to_o set_v up_o before_o your_o time_n and_o better_a to_o furnish_v your_o understand_n before_o you_o vent_v your_o wit_n consider_v what_o a_o fulsome_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o
above_o one_o viz._n the_o four_o that_o have_v not_o divers_a law_n relate_v to_o church_n affair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o capitular_o of_o charles_n the_o great_a together_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o lewis_n the_o godly_a his_o son_n and_o successor_n they_o contain_v little_a else_o but_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o lindembrogius_fw-la his_o collection_n of_o ancient_a law_n together_o with_o divers_a other_o law_n of_o theodorick_n and_o other_o gothish_a king_n §_o 18._o and_o next_o to_o the_o divine_a providence_n we_o owe_v the_o settlement_n and_o preservation_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o christian_a prince_n for_o by_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o primitive_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o christianity_n be_v wear_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o the_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o its_o first_o professor_n begin_v to_o give_v place_n to_o a_o furious_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n and_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n begin_v to_o abate_v but_o the_o church_n be_v present_o shatter_v into_o swarm_n of_o faction_n by_o the_o violent_a passion_n and_o animosity_n of_o its_o member_n about_o bare_a speculation_n or_o useless_a practice_n and_o of_o all_o the_o quarrel_n that_o ever_o disturb_a the_o world_n there_o be_v never_o any_o perhaps_o so_o excuseless_a or_o so_o irregular_a as_o those_o of_o christendom_n of_o which_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v commence_v with_o more_o folly_n and_o indiscretion_n or_o pursue_v with_o more_o passion_n and_o frowardness_n the_o rage_n and_o fierceness_n of_o christian_n have_v kindle_v such_o a_o fire_n in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v be_v consume_v by_o its_o own_o combustion_n have_v not_o the_o christian_a emperor_n employ_v all_o their_o power_n to_o suppress_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o flame_n and_o though_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o prudence_n and_o industry_n christianity_n be_v sad_o impair_v by_o its_o own_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n yet_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o care_n of_o christian_a prince_n it_o have_v in_o all_o humane_a probability_n be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o the_o flame_n that_o have_v once_o catch_v its_o superstructure_n must_v without_o remedy_n have_v burn_v up_o its_o very_a foundation_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o record_n and_o history_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a disturbance_n that_o threaten_v the_o state_n have_v their_o beginning_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o empire_n be_v more_o shake_v by_o the_o intestine_a commotion_n that_o arise_v from_o religion_n than_o by_o foreign_a war_n and_o invasion_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o that_o we_o find_v they_o so_o high_o concern_v to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o discord_n and_o allay_v all_o the_o heat_n about_o religion_n by_o silence_v needless_a and_o unprofitable_a controversy_n determine_v certain_a &_o necessary_a truth_n prescribe_v decent_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o all_o other_o wise_a and_o prudent_a expedient_n to_o bring_v the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n to_o sobriety_n and_o moderation_n §_o 19_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v the_o outward_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n tolerable_o well_o establish_v and_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n competent_o well_o ground_v though_o better_o or_o worse_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o several_a emperor_n till_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n usurp_v one_o half_a of_o the_o imperial_a power_n and_o annex_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o supremacy_n to_o their_o own_o see_n for_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o distraction_n occasion_v partly_o by_o the_o incursion_n of_o the_o northern_a nation_n on_o the_o west_n partly_o by_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o turkish_a power_n on_o the_o east_n but_o main_o by_o the_o division_n of_o the_o empire_n itself_o they_o gain_v either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n the_o whole_a dominion_n of_o religion_n to_o themselves_o and_o by_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n usurp_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a empire_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n and_o whilst_o they_o at_o first_o pretend_v no_o other_o title_n to_o their_o sovereignty_n but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o religion_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o serve_v up_o their_o power_n to_o a_o unmeasurable_a tyranny_n thereby_o to_o secure_v themselves_o in_o those_o insolence_n and_o indignity_n wherewith_o they_o perpetual_o affront_v the_o prince_n of_o christendom_n and_o know_v the_o freeborn_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v never_o tame_o brook_v to_o be_v enslave_v to_o so_o ignoble_a a_o tyranny_n they_o proclaim_v it_o a_o traitor_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o a_o heretic_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o by_o their_o loud_a noise_n and_o menace_n fright_v it_o out_o of_o christendom_n in_o which_o design_n they_o at_o length_n advance_v so_o far_o till_o rome_n christian_n become_v little_o less_o fond_a and_o superstitious_a than_o rome_n heathen_a and_o christianity_n itself_o be_v almost_o debauch_v to_o the_o low_a guise_n of_o paganism_n and_o europe_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o polite_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o more_o than_o african_a ignorance_n and_o barbarity_n and_o thus_o do_v they_o easy_o usher_v in_o the_o grand_a departure_n and_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n by_o the_o fall_n away_o from_o reason_n and_o found_v the_o roman_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a liberty_n §_o 20._o in_o which_o sad_a posture_n continue_v the_o affair_n of_o christendom_n till_o the_o reformation_n which_o though_o it_o have_v wrought_v wonderful_a alteration_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n yet_o have_v it_o not_o be_v able_a to_o resettle_v prince_n in_o their_o full_a &_o natural_a right_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n for_o although_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o religious_a matter_n be_v express_o assert_v in_o all_o the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o especial_o in_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o content_v bare_o to_o affirm_v it_o but_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o all_o that_o deny_v it_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o exorbitant_a power_n that_o some_o pert_a and_o pragmatical_a divine_n have_v gain_v over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n this_o great_a article_n have_v find_v little_a or_o no_o entertainment_n in_o their_o practice_n there_o start_v up_o a_o race_n of_o proud_a and_o imperious_a man_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o not_o regard_v the_o prince_n power_n take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o frame_v precise_a hypothesis_n of_o orthodoxy_n and_o to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o pedantic_a system_n and_o institution_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o want_v what_o the_o other_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o prescription_n they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o pretence_n not_o only_o excuse_v but_o justify_v any_o wild_a theorem_n they_o can_v not_o prove_v by_o sober_a reason_n and_o those_o that_o will_v be_v awe_v with_o it_o they_o embrace_v for_o orthodox_n and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o they_o brand_v for_o heretic_n by_o which_o little_a device_n they_o decoy_v the_o silly_a and_o ignorant_a rabble_n into_o their_o own_o party_n the_o effect_n of_o all_o which_o have_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o brutish_a and_o fanatic_a ignorance_n make_v man_n to_o talk_v of_o little_a else_o but_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o a_o buzz_n and_o noise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v only_o impregnable_o possess_v with_o their_o own_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a fancy_n become_v saucy_a and_o impudent_a for_o religion_n confound_v order_n and_o despise_v government_n and_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o nothing_o but_o the_o whimsy_n and_o humour_n of_o a_o unaccountable_a conscience_n §_o 21._o and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o protestant_a prince_n have_v be_v fright_v not_o to_o say_v hector_v out_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o clamour_n of_o giddy_a and_o distemper_a zealot_n superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n have_v outface_v the_o law_n and_o put_v government_n out_o of_o countenance_n by_o the_o boldness_n of_o their_o pretension_n confident_n man_n have_v talk_v so_o loud_o of_o the_o inviolable_a sacredness_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o governor_n not_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n so_o late_o restore_v to_o they_o have_v be_v almost_o scare_v from_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v upon_o this_o score_n plead_v its_o privilege_n and_o exemption_n from_o their_o command_n and_o how_o
commonwealth_n they_o can_v not_o want_v prudence_n to_o judge_n what_o circumstance_n be_v conducive_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n practise_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o all_o custom_n and_o law_n of_o civil_a government_n do_v and_o therefore_o to_o quarrel_v with_o those_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o be_v establish_v by_o authority_n only_o because_o they_o be_v humane_a institution_n be_v at_o once_o notorious_a schism_n and_o rebellion_n for_o where_o a_o religion_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n whoever_o open_o refuse_v obedience_n plain_o rebel_n against_o the_o government_n rebellion_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o can_v man_n of_o this_o principle_n live_v peaceable_o in_o any_o church_n in_o christendom_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o custom_n and_o law_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n §_o 7._o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o account_v elsewhere_o and_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o observe_v here_o from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o use_n and_o nature_n of_o outward_a worship_n the_o prodigious_a impertinency_n of_o that_o clamour_n some_o man_n have_v for_o so_o many_o year_n keep_v up_o against_o the_o institution_n of_o significant_a ceremony_n when_o it_o be_v the_o only_a use_n of_o ceremony_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o outward_a expression_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v significant_a in_o that_o all_o worship_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a sign_n of_o inward_a honour_n and_o be_v indifferent_o perform_v either_o by_o word_n or_o action_n for_o respect_n may_v as_o well_o be_v signify_v by_o deed_n and_o posture_n and_o visible_a solemnity_n as_o by_o solemn_a expression_n thus_o to_o approach_v the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o such_o gesture_n as_o be_v wont_a to_o betoken_v reverence_n and_o humility_n be_v as_o proper_a a_o piece_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o celebrate_v his_o greatness_n by_o solemn_a praise_n and_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n be_v among_o the_o ancient_n the_o same_o sort_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o return_v thanksgiving_n they_o be_v both_o equal_o outward_a sign_n of_o inward_a love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o exception_n against_o the_o signification_n of_o ceremony_n than_o of_o word_n see_v this_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o both_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o all_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o outward_a action_n of_o external_n worship_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n equal_o significant_a so_o be_v they_o equal_o arbitrary_a only_o some_o happen_v to_o be_v more_o universal_o practise_v and_o other_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n kneel_v lie_v prostrate_a be_v bareheaded_a lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n be_v not_o more_o natural_o significant_a of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n than_o put_v off_o the_o shoe_n bow_v the_o head_n or_o bend_v the_o body_n and_o if_o some_o be_v more_o general_o use_v than_o other_o that_o proceed_v not_o from_o their_o natural_a significancy_n but_o from_o custom_n and_o casual_a prescription_n and_o to_o bow_v the_o body_n when_o we_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n be_v as_o much_o a_o natural_a signification_n of_o honour_n to_o his_o person_n as_o kneel_v or_o be_v bareheaded_a or_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o but_o if_o all_o outward_a action_n become_v to_o betoken_v honour_n by_o institution_n than_o whatsoever_o outward_a sign_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o commonwealth_n unless_o they_o be_v customary_a mark_n of_o contempt_n and_o so_o carry_v in_o they_o some_o antecedent_n vndecency_n be_v proper_a sign_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o action_n be_v make_v significant_a by_o agreement_n those_o be_v most_o so_o who_o signification_n be_v ratify_v by_o public_a consent_n §_o 8._o so_o that_o all_o the_o magistrate_n power_n of_o institute_v significant_a ceremony_n amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o power_n of_o determine_v what_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n and_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o more_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n than_o if_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n shall_v take_v upon_o itself_o as_o some_o prince_n have_v do_v to_o define_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n for_o as_o word_n do_v not_o natural_o denote_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v but_o have_v their_o import_n stamp_v upon_o they_o by_o consent_n and_o institution_n and_o and_o may_v if_o man_n will_v agree_v to_o it_o among_o themselves_o be_v make_v mark_n of_o thing_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o now_o signify_v so_o the_o same_o gesture_n and_o action_n be_v indifferent_o capable_a of_o signify_v either_o honour_n or_o contumely_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a and_o settle_a meaning_n it_o be_v necessary_a their_o signification_n shall_v be_v determine_v and_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v either_o by_o some_o positive_a command_n or_o public_a consent_n or_o some_o other_o way_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o usefulness_n be_v to_o express_v man_n agreement_n in_o give_v honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o sign_n by_o which_o this_o honour_n be_v signify_v be_v public_a and_o uniform_a it_o be_v not_o public_a worship_n because_o there_o be_v no_o public_a signification_n of_o honour_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v unlawful_a for_o governor_n to_o define_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o divine_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o necessary_a in_o that_o unless_o they_o be_v define_v it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v public_a worship_n and_o when_o different_a man_n worship_n god_n by_o different_a action_n according_a to_o their_o different_a fancy_n it_o be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a worship_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a sign_n of_o honour_n so_o that_o uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v of_o the_o same_o use_v as_o certainty_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n because_o otherwise_o they_o be_v no_o public_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o therefore_o to_o sum_v up_o the_o whole_a result_n of_o this_o discourse_n if_o all_o internal_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v beyond_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o humane_a power_n if_o by_o they_o the_o substance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v perform_v if_o all_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n have_v no_o other_o use_v than_o only_o to_o be_v instrument_n to_o express_v inward_a religion_n and_o if_o the_o signification_n of_o action_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o word_n then_o when_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o determine_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o outward_a worship_n it_o be_v after_o all_o that_o hideous_a and_o ridiculous_a noise_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o of_o no_o worse_a consequence_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o define_v the_o signification_n of_o all_o word_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o action_n intrinsical_o evil_a and_o their_o exemption_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a law_n against_o mr._n hobbs_n with_o a_o full_a confutation_n of_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n of_o government_n the_o content_n no_o magistrate_n can_v command_v action_n internal_o evil._n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o because_o man_n be_v in_o any_o thing_n free_a from_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o earth_n but_o because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o superior_a in_o heaven_n to_o take_v off_o all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o humane_a law_n be_v utter_o to_o destroy_v all_o government_n mr._n hobbs_n his_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o original_a of_o government_n propose_v it_o be_v absurdity_n demonstrate_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o thing_n the_o principle_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v adapt_v not_o to_o a_o imaginary_a but_o to_o the_o real_a state_n of_o nature_n this_o hypothesis_n apparent_o deny_v either_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n it_o irrecoverable_o destroy_v the_o safety_n of_o all_o society_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o world_n it_o leave_v we_o in_o as_o miserable_a condition_n under_o the_o state_n of_o government_n as_o we_o be_v in_o his_o suppose_a natural_a state_n of_o
enemy_n to_o the_o faith_n beside_o that_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o more_o zealous_a about_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v than_o about_o those_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v opposition_n whet_v and_o sharpen_v their_o zeal_n because_o it_o endanger_v the_o truth_n they_o contend_v for_o whereas_o those_o that_o be_v not_o oppose_v be_v secure_a and_o out_o of_o hazard_n of_o be_v stifle_v by_o the_o adverse_a party_n that_o be_v concern_v equal_o with_o themselves_o for_o their_o preservation_n and_o hence_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o man_n who_o be_v tame_a and_o cool_a enough_o in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v yet_o utter_o impatient_a about_o their_o own_o unlearned_a and_o impertinent_a wrangling_n and_o lay_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o the_o speculation_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n than_o upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n only_o because_o those_o be_v contradict_v by_o their_o adversary_n and_o these_o be_v not_o well_o then_o see_v all_o dissent_v party_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o furious_a and_o passionate_a zeal_n to_o promote_v their_o own_o persuasion_n and_o see_v they_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o zeal_n be_v in_o god_n cause_n and_o against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n how_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o expect_v peace_n and_o settlement_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o their_o religion_n keep_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o war_n where_o zeal_n be_v arm_v against_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n encounter_v conscience_n where_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o where_o curse_v you_o meroz_n be_v the_o word_n of_o both_o party_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o project_n fansiful_a man_n may_v propose_v to_o themselves_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o long_o as_o difference_n and_o competition_n in_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v down_o mutual_a hatred_n jealousy_n and_o animosity_n and_o so_o many_o divide_a church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o state_n there_o will_v ever_o be_v so_o many_o different_a army_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o in_o actual_a fight_n be_v always_o in_o a_o disposition_n to_o it_o beside_o where_o there_o be_v divide_v interest_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n how_o shall_v the_o prince_n behave_v himself_o towards_o they_o if_o he_o go_v about_o to_o balance_v they_o against_o one_o another_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o they_o all_o and_o whilst_o he_o seem_v concern_v for_o no_o party_n no_o party_n will_v be_v real_o concern_v for_o he_o every_o one_o have_v so_o much_o esteem_n for_o itself_o as_o to_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o enjoy_v more_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o countenance_n than_o any_o other_o and_o withal_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n to_o poise_v they_o so_o equal_o but_o that_o one_o party_n shall_v grow_v more_o strong_a and_o numerous_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o appease_v their_o zeal_n till_o it_o have_v destroy_v and_o swallow_v up_o all_o the_o weak_a interest_n but_o suppose_v he_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v they_o so_o prudent_o as_o always_o to_o keep_v the_o balance_n equal_a he_o do_v thereby_o but_o keep_v up_o so_o many_o party_n that_o be_v ready_a form_v to_o join_v with_o any_o emergent_a quarrel_n of_o state_n and_o whenever_o the_o grandee_n fall_v out_o it_o be_v but_o head_v one_o of_o these_o and_o there_o be_v a_o army_n and_o let_v man_n but_o reflect_v upon_o all_o the_o late_a civil_a war_n and_o rebellion_n of_o christendom_n and_o then_o tell_v i_o which_o way_n they_o can_v either_o have_v be_v commence_v or_o continue_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o different_a faction_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o side_n with_o one_o party_n and_o by_o his_o favour_n mount_v it_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o not_o only_o discontent_n but_o combine_v all_o the_o other_o dissent_v faction_n into_o a_o unite_a opposition_n against_o his_o own_o and_o it_o become_v their_o common_a interest_n to_o work_v and_o contrive_v its_o ruin_n its_o prosperity_n do_v but_o exasperate_v the_o competition_n of_o all_o its_o rival_n into_o rage_n and_o indignation_n and_o as_o success_n make_v itself_o more_o secure_a in_o its_o settlement_n so_o it_o make_v they_o more_o restless_a and_o industrious_a to_o overturn_v it_o no_o party_n can_v ever_o be_v quiet_a or_o content_a as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v under_o any_o other_o but_o will_v ever_o be_v heave_v and_o struggle_v to_o dismount_v the_o power_n that_o keep_v it_o down_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o all_o dissenter_n from_o the_o establish_a frame_n of_o thing_n be_v always_o assault_v it_o with_o open_a violence_n or_o undermine_v it_o by_o secret_a practice_n and_o will_v hazard_v the_o state_n and_o all_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o oppression_n and_o oppress_v they_o be_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v the_o weak_a party_n and_o therefore_o we_o never_o find_v this_o way_n of_o toleration_n put_v in_o practice_n under_o any_o government_n but_o where_o other_o exigence_n of_o state_n require_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o stand_a army_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o prevent_v the_o broil_n and_o contention_n of_o zeal_n but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o more_o violent_a way_n of_o govern_v man_n conscience_n and_o instead_o of_o restrain_v they_o by_o law_n &_o penalty_n it_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o fort_n and_o citadel_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v ourselves_o to_o the_o expense_n and_o hazard_n of_o keep_v up_o stand_v force_n indulgence_n to_o dissent_v zealot_n do_v but_o expose_v the_o state_n to_o the_o perpetual_a squabble_n and_o war_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v all_o man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o honest_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n cancel_v all_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n and_o civil_a government_n as_o imagine_v where_o there_o be_v divide_v faction_n in_o religion_n that_o man_n will_v be_v temperate_a and_o peaceable_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o not_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n to_o promote_v and_o establish_v they_o when_o it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o nothing_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o more_o effectual_a engine_n to_o work_v popular_a commotion_n than_o change_n and_o reformation_n in_o religion_n sect._n 6._o so_o that_o though_o the_o state_n think_v itself_o unconcern_v to_o restrain_v man_n persuasion_n and_o opinion_n yet_o methinks_v they_o shall_v be_v a_o little_a concern_v to_o prevent_v the_o tumult_n and_o disturbance_n that_o natural_o arise_v from_o their_o propagation_n and_o can_v it_o be_v secure_v that_o if_o all_o man_n be_v indulge_v their_o liberty_n they_o will_v use_v it_o modest_o and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o freedom_n than_o i_o confess_v toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n will_v not_o be_v of_o so_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n as_o if_o all_o man_n be_v as_o wise_a and_o honest_a as_o socrates_n they_o may_v as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v their_o own_o law_n and_o leave_v entire_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n as_o to_o all_o the_o intercourse_n and_o transaction_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v make_v infinite_o impossible_a from_o the_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n all_o sect_n ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v fierce_a and_o unruly_a to_o enlarge_v their_o own_o interest_n invade_v or_o supplant_n whatever_o oppose_v their_o increase_n and_o will_v all_o certain_o conspire_v the_o ruin_n of_o that_o party_n that_o prevail_v and_o triumph_v over_o the_o rest_n every_o faction_n ever_o apprehend_v it_o its_o due_a to_o be_v supreme_a and_o there_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n as_o long_o as_o all_o faction_n be_v not_o uppermost_a and_o it_o will_v be_v crime_n enough_o in_o any_o one_o party_n to_o be_v superior_a to_o another_o so_o that_o if_o all_o our_o dissent_v sectary_n be_v allow_v their_o entire_a liberty_n nothing_o can_v be_v expect_v especial_o from_o people_n of_o their_o complexion_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o plot_n together_o against_o the_o present_a establishment_n of_o the_o church_n every_o combination_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o worthlesness_n in_o comparison_n to_o itself_o for_o unless_o they_o have_v apprehend_v their_o own_o way_n more_o excellent_a they_o have_v never_o divide_v from_o we_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n that_o run_v through_o all_o their_o sect_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o labour_v their_o utmost_a to_o establish_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o in_o its_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n and_o withal_o
be_v expect_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o if_o we_o go_v about_o to_o alter_v any_o present_a setlement_n we_o must_v almost_o of_o necessity_n make_v it_o worse_o and_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o attempt_n have_v seldom_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o perpetual_a confusion_n till_o thing_n have_v at_o length_n resettled_a in_o the_o same_o or_o as_o bad_a if_o not_o a_o worse_o condition_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o the_o misery_n of_o tyranny_n be_v less_o than_o those_o of_o anarchy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o unreasonable_a imposition_n of_o nero_n or_o caligula_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o state_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n and_o confusion_n by_o deny_v our_o subjection_n to_o tyrant_n and_o there_o never_o be_v any_o lawful_a magistrate_n so_o bad_a who_o law_n and_o government_n be_v not_o more_o conducive_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o common_a good_a than_o his_o oppression_n be_v to_o subvert_v it_o and_o it_o be_v wise_o eligible_a to_o suffer_v a_o less_o evil_a rather_o than_o lose_v a_o great_a good_a it_o be_v a_o know_v and_o a_o wise_a say_n of_o tacitus_n bonos_fw-la principes_fw-la voto_fw-la expetere_fw-la debemus_fw-la qualescunque_fw-la pati_fw-la &_o quomodo_fw-la sterilitatem_fw-la aut_fw-la nimios_fw-la imbres_fw-la &_o cetera_fw-la naturae_fw-la mala_fw-la sic_fw-la luxum_fw-la &_o avaritiam_fw-la dominantium_fw-la tolerare_fw-la and_o this_o in_o one_o word_n be_v not_o only_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n but_o a_o ample_a confutation_n of_o that_o pestilent_a book_n vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v only_o to_o invite_v subject_n to_o rebel_v against_o tyrannical_a government_n by_o represent_v the_o evil_n of_o tyranny_n which_o though_o they_o be_v as_o great_a as_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v abundant_o less_o than_o those_o that_o follow_v upon_o rebellion_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n be_v sufficient_o teach_v by_o the_o event_n and_o for_o one_o commonwealth_n he_o can_v instance_n in_o that_o have_v gain_v by_o rebellion_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v a_o hundred_o that_o it_o have_v hazard_v if_o not_o utter_o ruin_v and_o therefore_o this_o author_n not_o to_o mention_v mariana_n and_o buchanan_n and_o other_o have_v perform_v nothing_o in_o behalf_n of_o his_o cause_n by_o display_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o tyrannical_a power_n unless_o he_o have_v withal_o evince_v they_o to_o be_v more_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o war_n and_o confusion_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o depend_v upon_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n can_v be_v so_o secure_o establish_v as_o not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o sad_a inconvenience_n and_o therefore_o that_o constitution_n of_o affair_n be_v most_o eligible_a that_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o few_o and_o upon_o this_o score_n i_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v so_o severe_o enjoin_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o notwithstanding_o that_o tyranny_n be_v a_o oppress_a burden_n of_o humane_a life_n yet_o it_o be_v less_o intolerable_a than_o a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o confusion_n sect._n 16._o but_o to_o speak_v more_o express_o to_o the_o particular_a matter_n in_o debate_n it_o be_v necessary_a the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v govern_v it_o can_v be_v without_o religion_n &_o religion_n as_o harmless_a and_o peaceable_a as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o when_o mix_v with_o the_o folly_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n it_o do_v not_o usual_o inspire_v they_o with_o overmuch_a gentleness_n and_o goodness_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o submit_v to_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o command_v over_o all_o the_o other_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v all_o man_n just_a and_o honest_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n cancel_v all_o the_o law_n of_o equity_n as_o suppose_v they_o wise_a and_o sober_a in_o their_o religious_a conceit_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n take_v off_o all_o restraint_n from_o the_o excess_n and_o enormity_n of_o zeal_n it_o be_v therefore_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o public_a peace_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v govern_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o all_o other_o common_a affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o as_o for_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v from_o it_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o belong_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o such_o as_o be_v and_o must_v be_v unavoidable_a as_o long_o as_o mankind_n be_v endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o will_n for_o so_o long_o he_o can_v be_v entrust_v with_o any_o power_n how_o good_a soever_o that_o he_o may_v not_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o abrogate_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n because_o he_o may_v abuse_v it_o to_o evil_a and_o irreligious_a end_n by_o establish_v idolatry_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v pity_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o ruin_v only_o for_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v just_a as_o reasonable_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v cashier_v all_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o set_v man_n free_a from_o all_o oath_n and_o obligation_n of_o allegiance_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o usurper_n may_v gain_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o then_o force_v his_o subject_n to_o abjure_v all_o their_o former_a oath_n to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o man_n of_o the_o gallant_a and_o most_o honest_a principle_n shall_v be_v fine_v decimate_v hang_v banish_a and_o murder_v only_o for_o their_o loyalty_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o thus_o will_v the_o parallel_n run_v equal_a in_o all_o case_n between_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n both_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v lamentable_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o if_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o abolish_v one_o it_o be_v so_o to_o abolish_v both_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a result_n of_o all_o amount_v only_o to_o this_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o politic_a course_n to_o take_v away_o all_o government_n because_o all_o government_n may_v be_v abuse_v sect._n 17._o though_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reply_n to_o the_o objection_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a or_o unnecessary_a to_o abet_v it_o with_o this_o one_o consideration_n more_o 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 perhaps_o innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v easy_o possible_a for_o well-meaning_a people_n through_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o be_v betray_v into_o such_o unhappy_a error_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o public_a disturbance_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o crime_n as_o infelicity_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o remedy_n but_o it_o must_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o public_a rod_n and_o axe_n magistrate_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o not_o of_o every_o particular_a man_n concern_v and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o law_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a that_o be_v their_o charge_n and_o that_o they_o must_v secure_v and_o if_o any_o harmless_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n make_v himself_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v a_o misfortune_n they_o can_v prevent_v and_o therefore_o must_v deal_v with_o he_o as_o they_o do_v with_o all_o other_o offender_n that_o be_v pity_n and_o punish_v he_o private_a interest_n must_v yield_v to_o public_a good_a and_o therefore_o when_o they_o can_v stand_v together_o and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o one_o must_v suffer_v it_o be_v better_a certain_o that_o one_o or_o a_o few_o shall_v perish_v than_o the_o whole_a community_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o law_n shall_v be_v so_o wary_o contrive_v but_o that_o some_o innocent_a person_n may_v sometime_o fall_v under_o their_o penalty_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o public_a welfare_n that_o now_o and_o then_o a_o guiltless_a person_n shall_v suffer_v than_o that_o all_o the_o guilty_a shall_v escape_v in_o that_o the_o former_a injure_v but_o one_o the_o latter_a all_o therefore_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o govern_v all_o society_n by_o law_n and_o penalty_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o ill_a fortune_n that_o may_v befall_v a_o few_o single_a person_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v avoid_v whilst_o the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v
convince_a they_o at_o least_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o be_v deceive_v reduce_v they_o to_o a_o more_o humble_a and_o governable_a temper_n why_o do_v they_o not_o teach_v they_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n if_o they_o will_v but_o make_v it_o part_n of_o their_o business_n to_o undeceive_v the_o people_n how_o easy_o will_v all_o their_o straggle_a follower_n return_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o let_v they_o know_v their_o error_n lest_o they_o shall_v forfeit_v both_o their_o party_n and_o their_o reputation_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o that_o they_o rather_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o mistake_n and_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n be_v force_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v scandalize_v insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a to_o hear_v the_o foolish_a people_n pretend_v it_o concern_v themselves_o and_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o your_o action_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o by_o which_o they_o mean_v either_o that_o it_o lead_v they_o into_o sin_n or_o that_o it_o make_v they_o angry_a if_o the_o former_a that_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a contradiction_n for_o if_o they_o know_v how_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n be_v lay_v than_o they_o know_v how_o to_o escape_v it_o my_o action_n do_v not_o force_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n but_o only_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o through_o their_o own_o mistake_n and_o folly_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v discover_v by_o what_o mistake_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v betray_v they_o know_v how_o to_o provide_v against_o the_o danger_n for_o if_o they_o know_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o case_n how_o can_v they_o plead_v scandal_n when_o that_o suppose_v ignorance_n and_o however_o i_o behave_v myself_o they_o know_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v themselves_o if_o they_o do_v not_o how_o can_v they_o say_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v scandalize_v when_o by_o so_o say_v they_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o for_o that_o imply_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o avoid_v the_o danger_n if_o the_o latter_a i._n e._n that_o they_o be_v angry_a than_o all_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o i_o must_v part_v with_o my_o liberty_n and_o disobey_v my_o superior_n to_o please_v they_o that_o their_o saucy_a humour_n must_v give_v i_o law_n that_o i_o must_v be_v their_o slave_n because_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o insolent_a and_o that_o they_o must_v gain_v a_o power_n over_o i_o because_o they_o be_v forward_o to_o censure_v my_o action_n §_o 7._o three_o we_o encounter_v scandal_n with_o scandal_n and_o let_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o be_v discharge_v upon_o that_o side_n that_o occasion_n the_o most_o and_o the_o great_a offence_n now_o all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o ensue_v in_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o affair_n upon_o their_o compliance_n with_o authority_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o the_o weak_a brethren_n of_o their_o own_o party_n whereas_o by_o their_o refractory_a disobedience_n they_o give_v offence_n not_o only_o to_o they_o but_o to_o all_o both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_a and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o advantage_n they_o give_v to_o atheism_n and_o popery_n let_v i_o only_o mind_v they_o that_o if_o the_o accidental_a offence_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o well-meaning_a but_o less_o know_a christian_n of_o a_o private_a capacity_n pass_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o restrain_v it_o from_o any_o practice_n in_o itself_o lawful_a of_o how_o much_o more_o force_n must_v that_o scandal_n be_v that_o be_v give_v to_o public_a authority_n by_o deny_v obedience_n to_o its_o lawful_a command_n and_o by_o consequence_n infringe_v its_o just_a power_n in_o thing_n not_o forbid_v by_o any_o divine_a law_n now_o if_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v in_o themselves_o apparent_o evil_a than_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a objection_n both_o against_o their_o practice_n and_o their_o imposition_n and_o their_o scandal_n to_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n be_v of_o small_a force_n in_o comparison_n to_o their_o intrinsic_a and_o unalterable_a unlawfulness_n but_o because_o this_o be_v not_o pretend_v in_o our_o present_a case_n what_o a_o shameful_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o religion_n be_v it_o to_o neglect_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o lawful_a authority_n under_o pretence_n of_o compliance_n with_o the_o weak_a and_o groundless_a scruple_n of_o some_o private_a man_n it_o be_v certain_o pass_v dispute_n that_o the_o reasonable_a offence_n of_o some_o weak_a brethren_n can_v so_o strong_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n as_o the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o demand_v whether_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n have_v not_o more_o force_n and_o power_n over_o conscience_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a if_o not_o then_o may_v the_o law_n of_o authority_n be_v cancel_v and_o control_v by_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o for_o mere_a scandal_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o just_a and_o wise_a occasion_n of_o dislike_n the_o action_n become_v primary_o unlawful_a not_o because_o it_o be_v scandalous_a but_o because_o it_o be_v antecedent_o evil_a whereas_o mere_a and_o proper_a scandal_n be_v only_o concern_v in_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v whether_o be_v the_o great_a scandal_n to_o do_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o a_o private_a christian_a dislike_n it_o or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o when_o public_a authority_n enjoin_v it_o and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v no_o controversy_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a reproach_n to_o religion_n to_o disobey_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o a_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a than_o to_o offend_v a_o private_a christian._n and_o i_o may_v safe_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n whether_o the_o intolerable_a waywardness_n of_o some_o nice_a and_o squeamish_a conscience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o just_a authority_n be_v not_o a_o foul_a and_o more_o notorious_a scandal_n to_o religion_n than_o a_o modest_a and_o humble_a compliance_n with_o they_o though_o in_o thing_n not_o so_o apparent_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o own_o weak_a brethren_n of_o who_o they_o seem_v so_o exceed_o tender_a they_o can_v no_o way_n more_o scandalize_v they_o than_o by_o comply_v with_o they_o by_o which_o they_o be_v tempt_v and_o betray_v into_o the_o great_a and_o most_o mischievous_a enormity_n for_o thereby_o they_o encourage_v their_o folly_n feed_v and_o cherish_v their_o ungrounded_a fancy_n confirm_v they_o in_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o superior_n command_n and_o so_o lead_v they_o direct_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o unwarrantable_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n how_o many_o feeble_a and_o delude_a soul_n be_v entice_v by_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o example_n to_o violate_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o that_o when_o themselves_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o their_o unlawfulness_n and_o so_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o a_o complicate_v sin_n by_o disobey_v their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o that_o with_o a_o doubtful_a and_o unsatisfied_a conscience_n they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o zealous_a disciple_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o they_o see_v their_o godly_a minister_n to_o slight_v they_o and_o therefore_o unless_o their_o example_n be_v sufficient_a to_o rescind_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o give_v they_o the_o most_o criminal_a scandal_n by_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o most_o criminal_a disobedience_n so_o that_o all_o circumstance_n fair_o consider_v the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n will_v prove_v the_o most_o effectual_a inducement_n to_o conformity_n for_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o scandal_n remove_v all_o our_o difference_n prevent_v much_o trouble_n and_o more_o sin_n cure_v all_o our_o schism_n quarrel_n and_o division_n banish_v our_o mutual_a jealousy_n censure_n and_o animosity_n and_o establish_v the_o nation_n in_o a_o firm_a and_o last_a peace_n in_o brief_a the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n be_v the_o inflexible_a perverseness_n of_o about_o a_o hundred_o