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
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
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
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
if_o the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a argument_n return_v and_o as_o to_o one_o half_a of_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n there_o must_v be_v a_o perfect_a anarchy_n and_o no_o government_n at_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n to_o be_v make_v against_o all_o those_o public_a mischief_n and_o disturbance_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o error_n and_o enormity_n in_o religion_n the_o commonwealth_n must_v for_o ever_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o folly_n of_o enthusiast_n and_o villainy_n of_o impostor_n and_o any_o man_n that_o can_v but_o pretend_v conscience_n may_v whenever_o he_o please_v endeavour_v its_o ruin_n so_o that_o if_o prince_n shall_v forego_v their_o sovereignty_n over_o man_n conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o leave_v themselves_o less_o power_n than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n &_o defence_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o govern_v in_o brief_a the_o supreme_a government_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n wherever_o it_o be_v lodge_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v universal_a absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a in_o all_o afair_n whatsoever_o that_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o end_n of_o government_n for_o if_o it_o be_v limit_v it_o may_v be_v control_v but_o it_o be_v a_o thick_a and_o palpable_a contradiction_n to_o call_v such_o a_o power_n supreme_a in_o that_o whatever_o control_v it_o must_v as_o to_o that_o case_n be_v its_o superior_a and_o therefore_o affair_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o strong_o influential_a upon_o affair_n of_o state_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o power_n either_o to_o advance_v or_o hinder_v the_o public_a felicity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o must_v be_v as_o uncontrollable_o subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n as_o all_o other_o civil_a concern_v because_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o secure_v the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o society_n to_o attain_v the_o necessary_a and_o most_o important_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n §_o 11._o now_o from_o these_o premise_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o supreme_a power_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n issue_n from_o the_o same_o original_a and_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o thing_n namely_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o society_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o government_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o humane_a society_n a_o supreme_a power_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o decision_n of_o all_o those_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n that_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o the_o passion_n appetite_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o end_v their_o difference_n but_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o final_a &_o unappealable_a judicature_n for_o if_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n man_n determination_n will_v be_v as_o contradictory_n as_o their_o judgement_n &_o their_o judgement_n as_o their_o humour_n or_o interest_n and_o so_o must_v their_o dissension_n of_o necessity_n be_v endless_a and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v these_o and_o all_o other_o inconvenience_n that_o will_v natural_o follow_v upon_o a_o state_n of_o war_n it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o supreme_a and_o public_a judgement_n to_o who_o determination_n the_o private_a judgement_n of_o every_o single_a person_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v itself_o and_o hence_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n know_v to_o what_o passion_n and_o irregularity_n mankind_n be_v obnoxious_a never_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v without_o the_o restraint_n of_o government_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o thing_n so_o order_v affair_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n without_o be_v subject_n to_o some_o superior_a every_o father_n be_v by_o nature_n vest_v with_o a_o right_a to_o govern_v his_o child_n and_o the_o first_o government_n in_o the_o world_n be_v establish_v pure_o upon_o the_o natural_a right_n of_o paternal_a authority_n which_o afterward_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o kingly_a power_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o posterity_n and_o he_o that_o be_v at_o first_o but_o father_n of_o a_o family_n in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o that_o multiply_v become_v father_n of_o a_o city_n or_o province_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n monarchy_n be_v its_o only_a government_n necessary_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v so_o natural_a for_o family_n to_o enlarge_v themselves_o into_o city_n by_o unite_n into_o a_o body_n according_a to_o their_o several_a kindred_n whence_o by_o consequence_n the_o supreme_a head_n of_o those_o family_n must_v become_v prince_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o large_a &_o more_o diffuse_a society_n and_o therefore_o cedrenus_n make_v adam_n the_o first_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o afterward_o in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o earth_n among_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n the_o head_n of_o family_n become_v king_n and_o monarch_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v founder_n from_o whence_o be_v propagate_v the_o several_a kingdom_n of_o the_o first_o and_o elder_a time_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o mosaic_a history_n but_o also_o from_o all_o other_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o for_o commonwealth_n they_o be_v comparative_o of_o a_o very_a late_a discovery_n be_v first_o contrive_v among_o the_o grecian_n who_o democracy_n and_o optimacy_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o monarchick_a government_n which_o be_v but_o suitable_a to_o the_o proud_a factious_a and_o capricious_a humour_n of_o that_o nation_n where_o scarce_o any_o one_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o little_a skill_n in_o poetry_n or_o wrestle_a their_o two_o great_a accomplishment_n but_o he_o must_v immediate_o be_v a_o undertaker_n for_o new_a model_v the_o commonwealth_n which_o doubtless_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o perpetual_a confusion_n and_o frequent_a charge_n in_o government_n §_o 12._o have_v thus_o firm_o found_v all_o civil_a government_n upon_o paternal_a authority_n i_o may_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n bottom_n upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n for_o as_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o father_n of_o family_n be_v vest_v with_o a_o kingly_a power_n over_o their_o own_o posterity_n so_o also_o be_v they_o with_o the_o priestly_a office_n execute_v all_o the_o holy_a function_n of_o priesthood_n in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o history_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a thus_o we_o find_v all_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n priest_n to_o their_o own_o family_n which_o office_n descend_v together_o with_o the_o royal_a dignity_n to_o the_o first-born_a of_o each_o family_n and_o this_o custom_n of_o invest_v the_o sovereign_a power_n with_o the_o supreme_a priesthood_n be_v as_o divers_a author_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a observe_v universal_o practise_v over_o all_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n for_o well_o nigh_o 2500_o year_n without_o any_o one_o precedent_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o that_o among_o all_o society_n of_o man_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n as_o of_o public_a justice_n the_o power_n whereof_o because_o it_o must_v be_v seat_v somewhere_o can_v proper_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o in_o who_o the_o supreme_a power_n reside_v in_o that_o he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o assign_v to_o every_o subject_a his_o proper_a function_n and_o among_o other_o this_o of_o the_o priesthood_n the_o exercise_n whereof_o as_o he_o have_v power_n to_o transfer_v to_o another_o so_o may_v he_o if_o he_o please_v reserve_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o elder_a age_n always_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a security_n of_o their_o government_n as_o well_o know_v the_o tendency_n of_o superstition_n and_o false_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n to_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v the_o disturbance_n that_o may_v spring_v from_o faction_n in_o religion_n they_o be_v solicitous_a to_o keep_v its_o management_n in_o their_o own_o immediate_a disposal_n and_o though_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n the_o priestly_a office_n be_v upon_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o that_o state_n separate_v by_o a_o divine_a positive_a command_n from_o the_o kingly_a power_n yet_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o priest_n remain_v still_o subject_a to_o the_o sovereign_a prince_n their_o king_n always_o exercise_v a_o supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unquestionable_a than_o the_o precedent_n of_o david_n solomon_n hezekiah_n jehu_n jehosaphat_n josiah_n etc._n etc._n who_o exercise_v as_o full_a a_o legislative_a power_n in_o affair_n of_o
religion_n as_o in_o affair_n of_o state_n they_o alone_o restrain_v and_o punish_v whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o public_a and_o establish_a religion_n they_o suppress_v innovation_n reform_a corruption_n order_v the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n institute_v new_a law_n and_o ceremony_n and_o conduct_v all_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n by_o their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v pretend_v against_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o may_v not_o with_o as_o great_a a_o show_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o these_o jewish_a king_n §_o 13._o and_o thus_o be_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o nation_n govern_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n till_o our_o bless_a saviour_n birth_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o establish_v new_a law_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o set_v up_o any_o new_a model_n of_o polity_n he_o come_v not_o to_o unsettle_v the_o foundation_n of_o government_n or_o to_o diminish_v the_o natural_a right_n of_o prince_n and_o settle_v the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a affair_n upon_o new_a principle_n but_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n he_o find_v it_o all_o his_o discourse_n be_v direct_v to_o private_a person_n and_o such_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o not_o command_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o find_v he_o every_o where_o high_o solicitous_a to_o press_v man_n to_o obedience_n in_o general_n and_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o find_v out_o any_o professor_n of_o the_o art_n of_o policy_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a that_o have_v carry_v the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n so_o high_a as_o the_o sermon_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o his_o apostle_n yet_o no_z where_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o settle_v much_o less_o to_o limit_v the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n and_o therefore_o the_o government_n of_o religion_n be_v vest_v in_o they_o by_o a_o antecedent_n and_o natural_a right_n must_v without_o all_o controversy_n belong_v to_o they_o till_o it_o be_v derogate_a from_o they_o by_o some_o superior_a authority_n so_o that_o unless_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o disrobe_v the_o royal_a power_n of_o its_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n nothing_o else_o can_v alienate_v it_o from_o their_o prerogative_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o leave_v no_o command_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o the_o right_a government_n of_o religion_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o give_v they_o a_o new_a commission_n to_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o be_v already_o so_o firm_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o unalterable_a dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n and_o universal_a practice_n and_o consent_v of_o nation_n it_o be_v so_o clear_o inseparable_a from_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n that_o it_o lose_v both_o its_o supremacy_n and_o its_o usefulness_n unless_o it_o be_v universal_a and_o unlimited_a in_o that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o government_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o public_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v have_v power_n to_o manage_v and_o order_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v serviceable_a to_o that_o end_n so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o nothing_o have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n than_o the_o well_o or_o ill_a management_n of_o religion_n its_o conduct_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o certain_a and_o inseparable_a a_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o legislative_a authority_n itself_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o government_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n seem_v rather_o to_o suppose_v than_o assert_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o prince_n what_o else_o mean_v that_o promise_n that_o king_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n unless_o by_o their_o power_n they_o may_v cherish_v and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o protect_v it_o from_o be_v destroy_v by_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n what_o do_v the_o scripture_n mean_v when_o it_o style_v our_o saviour_n king_n of_o king_n and_o make_v prince_n his_o vicegerent_n here_o on_o earth_n what_o mean_v the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v king_n be_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n that_o under_o they_o we_o may_v live_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n not_o only_o in_o all_o honesty_n but_o in_o all_o godliness_n too_o where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o propagation_n of_o godliness_n be_v as_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o governor_n as_o the_o preservation_n of_o justice_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v a_o prince_n as_o such_o effectual_o promote_v but_o by_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n law_n and_o penalty_n beside_o all_o which_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n our_o saviour_n live_v in_o be_v fall_v into_o such_o man_n hand_n that_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o concern_v themselves_o in_o the_o defence_n protection_n and_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n that_o he_o know_v they_o will_v exert_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o force_n to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v it_o now_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o entrust_v they_o with_o a_o commission_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n when_o he_o know_v they_o will_v labour_v its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o hence_o be_v there_o no_o other_o peaceable_a method_n to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n to_o secure_v his_o religion_n from_o the_o reproach_n of_o be_v factious_a and_o seditious_a against_o the_o state_n be_v solicitous_a above_o all_o thing_n to_o arm_v they_o with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o give_v they_o glorious_a promise_n to_o encourage_v their_o submission_n to_o their_o unhappy_a fate_n and_o severe_a injunction_n to_o secure_v their_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a superior_n except_o when_o they_o run_v direct_o cross_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o as_o the_o posture_n of_o affair_n than_o stand_v be_v incomparable_o the_o most_o effectual_a as_o well_o as_o most_o innocent_a way_n of_o its_o propagation_n §_o 14._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a and_o impertinent_a plea_n that_o some_o man_n make_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n when_o they_o will_v restrain_v the_o magistrate_n power_n so_o as_o to_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v to_o convince_v and_o convert_v man_n a_o argument_n that_o much_o resemble_v that_o which_o they_o urge_v with_o so_o much_o popular_a noise_n and_o confidence_n against_o that_o little_a grandeur_n &_o authority_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n because_o forsooth_o the_o apostle_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o unhappy_a juncture_n of_o affair_n in_o their_o time_n live_v in_o a_o mean_a and_o persecute_a condition_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v their_o calamity_n these_o man_n will_v make_v our_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v they_o will_v pursue_v their_o argument_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o it_o may_v as_o rational_o serve_v and_o so_o they_o must_v sell_v their_o land_n and_o bring_v the_o money_n and_o lay_v it_o at_o the_o bishop_n foot_n they_o must_v pass_v away_o all_o their_o propriety_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v so_o at_o so_o prodigious_a a_o rate_n of_o impertinency_n do_v man_n talk_v when_o their_o passion_n dictate_v their_o discourse_n and_o to_o so_o fine_a a_o pass_n will_v the_o affair_n of_o christendom_n be_v bring_v by_o this_o trifle_a pretence_n of_o reduce_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o its_o primitive_a practice_n in_o all_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n but_o yet_o i_o suppose_v these_o man_n themselves_o will_v scarce_o imitate_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o if_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v now_o in_o be_v i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o the_o liberty_n open_o to_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o persecute_v all_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o a_o impostor_n which_o though_o they_o do_v familiar_o in_o his_o own_o time_n yet_o he_o never_o go_v about_o to_o restrain_v their_o blasphemy_n by_o law_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o i_o only_o demand_v whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v make_v penal_a law_n against_o swear_v and_o blasphemy_n
and_o such_o other_o irreligious_a debauchery_n if_o he_o may_v why_o then_o they_o be_v matter_n that_o as_o direct_o and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n as_o any_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o which_o they_o be_v as_o utter_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nay_o more_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n it_o will_v equal_o deprive_v the_o magistrate_n of_o any_o power_n to_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o secular_a law_n and_o punishment_n because_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o do_v it_o especial_o when_o all_o matter_n of_o morality_n do_v as_o real_o belong_v to_o our_o spiritual_a concern_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v immediate_o to_o divine_a worship_n and_o affair_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o a_o right_a way_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o civil_a sword_n because_o this_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a concernment_n as_o be_v pretend_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o may_v he_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o force_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o duty_n of_o morality_n because_o they_o also_o equal_o relate_v to_o their_o spiritual_a interest_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n in_o both_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n viz._n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o due_a management_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o derive_v not_o therefore_o his_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n from_o any_o grant_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o from_o a_o antecedent_n right_a wherewith_o all_o sovereign_a power_n be_v endue_v before_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o entrust_v prince_n with_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v vest_v they_o in_o at_o least_o as_o much_o power_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n §_o 15._o but_o further_a yet_o all_o the_o way_n our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o religion_n be_v prescribe_v to_o subject_n &_o not_o to_o governor_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o private_a person_n can_v have_v any_o power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v upon_o that_o very_a account_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o private_a person_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o civil_a power_n but_o that_o no_o magistrate_n may_v do_v this_o will_v remain_v to_o be_v prove_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o express_a prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o restrain_v he_o and_o till_o that_o be_v do_v it_o be_v but_o a_o strange_a rate_n of_o argue_v when_o they_o will_v prove_v that_o magistrate_n may_v not_o use_v any_o coercive_a power_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v forbid_v to_o their_o subject_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v themselves_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o subject_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o live_v in_o and_o so_o can_v neither_o use_v themselves_o nor_o impart_v to_o other_o any_o coercive_a power_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o prudent_a and_o peaceable_a method_n as_o be_v lawful_a for_o person_n in_o their_o condition_n to_o make_v use_n of_o i._n e._n humble_a entreaty_n and_o persuasion_n our_o saviour_n never_o take_v any_o part_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o that_o score_n can_v not_o make_v penal_a and_o coercive_a law_n the_o power_n of_o coercion_n be_v so_o certain_o inseparable_a from_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n but_o though_o he_o back_v not_o his_o commandment_n with_o temporal_a punishment_n because_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o enforce_v they_o with_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternity_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o more_o compulsion_n upon_o man_n conscience_n than_o any_o civil_a sanction_n can_v for_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o punishment_n be_v annex_v to_o law_n be_v because_o they_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o when_o our_o savour_n tie_v his_o law_n upon_o mankind_n under_o eternal_a penalty_n he_o use_v as_o much_o force_n to_o drive_v we_o to_o obedience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v abet_v they_o with_o temporal_a infliction_n so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o bind_v not_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o any_o secular_a compulsory_n be_v not_o because_o compulsion_n be_v a_o improper_a way_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o execution_n for_o than_o he_o have_v never_o establish_v they_o with_o more_o enforce_v sanction_n but_o only_o because_o himself_o be_v not_o invest_v with_o any_o secular_a power_n and_o so_o can_v not_o use_v those_o method_n of_o government_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o jurisdiction_n §_o 16._o and_o therefore_o the_o power_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n or_o to_o force_v man_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o canon_n law_n and_o penalty_n they_o only_o declare_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n annex_v to_o they_o have_v no_o coercive_a power_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o declare_v and_o leave_v the_o event_n of_o their_o censure_n to_o the_o divine_a jurisdiction_n though_o alas_o all_o this_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n viz._n to_o reclaim_v the_o offend_a person_n and_o by_o example_n of_o his_o censure_n to_o awe_v other_o into_o obedience_n and_o can_v have_v but_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o notorious_a offender_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o drive_v one_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v already_o renounce_v it_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o deny_v he_o the_o instrument_n and_o ministry_n of_o religion_n that_o care_v not_o for_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o their_o society_n that_o have_v already_o prevent_v they_o by_o forsake_v it_o how_o shall_v offender_n be_v reclaim_v by_o be_v condemn_v to_o what_o they_o choose_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v scare_v by_o threaten_n that_o they_o neither_o fear_v nor_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o will_v turn_v apostate_n how_o can_v they_o be_v awe_v back_o into_o their_o faith_n by_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o spiritual_a government_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n and_o because_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o those_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o coercive_a power_n it_o be_v wonderful_o remarkable_a how_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o supply_v their_o want_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a providence_n and_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o denounce_v that_o if_o their_o censure_n can_v not_o affright_v refractory_a offender_n into_o obedience_n his_o dreadful_a execution_n of_o they_o might_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_o evident_a from_o the_o best_a record_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a age_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v please_v to_o abet_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n by_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a infliction_n from_o heaven_n in_o those_o time_n torment_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o usual_a consequent_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o be_v as_o effectual_a to_o awe_v man_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n for_o this_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o anathema_n of_o the_o church_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o infliction_n criminal_n must_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o dread_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a penalty_n either_o of_o death_n as_o on_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n or_o of_o disease_n as_o on_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherewith_o st._n paul_n so_o often_o threaten_v to_o lash_v the_o factious_a corinthian_n into_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n thus_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o what_o will_v you_o shall_v i_o come_v unto_o you_o with_o a_o
rod_n or_o in_o love_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n i._o e._n consider_v with_o yourselves_o that_o see_v i_o have_v determine_v to_o visit_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n whether_o when_o i_o come_v you_o have_v rather_o i_o shall_v chastise_v you_o with_o the_o apostolical_a rod_n by_o exercise_v my_o power_n of_o inflict_a punishment_n and_o by_o consign_v the_o refractory_a to_o those_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a disease_n that_o be_v wont_n immediate_o to_o follow_v apostolical_a censure_n or_o whether_o i_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o more_o gentle_a and_o merciful_a design_n without_o be_v force_v by_o your_o stubborness_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o use_v this_o severity_n among_o you_o as_o you_o behave_v yourselves_o so_o may_v you_o expect_v to_o find_v i_o at_o my_o come_n and_o thus_o again_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 6._o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o his_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n if_o he_o shall_v come_v among_o they_o to_o revenge_v all_o their_o disobedience_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o immediate_o profess_v himself_o not_o ashamed_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 13._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o again_o shake_v the_o same_o rod_n over_o they_o threaten_v that_o if_o their_o refractoriness_n force_v he_o to_o strike_v they_o with_o some_o judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a one_o if_o i_o come_v again_o i_o will_v not_o spare_v since_o you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o these_o extraordinary_a infliction_n be_v sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o he_o will_v make_v they_o know_v that_o he_o be_v commissioned_n by_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o make_v they_o to_o feel_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n if_o nothing_o else_o will_v satisfy_v they_o about_o the_o right_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o same_o apostle_n command_v to_o the_o same_o church_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o that_o they_o shall_v deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o they_o shall_v denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o which_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o small_a a_o punishment_n than_o his_o be_v resign_v up_o to_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o some_o evil_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost._n in_o 1._o ad_fw-la cor._n hom._n 15._o to_o be_v torment_v with_o ulcer_n or_o some_o other_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infliction_n which_o be_v then_o the_o usual_a consequent_a of_o excommunication_n the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o be_v as_o immediate_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i._n e._n that_o be_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o sadness_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o the_o heavy_a stroke_n of_o this_o cruel_a executioner_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n this_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o work_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o to_o the_o same_o end_n do_v the_o same_o apostle_n deliver_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v vex_v and_o torment_v by_o some_o evil_a spirit_n this_o may_v take_v down_o their_o proud_a and_o haughty_a stomach_n and_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o traduce_v and_o disparage_v his_o apostolical_a authority_n when_o they_o have_v smart_v so_o severe_o for_o contradict_v it_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o divine_a providence_n please_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n by_o his_o own_o almighty_a power_n so_o necessary_a be_v a_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n to_o the_o due_a government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o be_v fain_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o primitive_a discipline_n maintain_v by_o miracle_n of_o severity_n as_o long_o as_o it_o want_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n but_o when_o christianity_n have_v once_o prevail_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o have_v gain_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n into_o its_o own_o possession_n and_o be_v become_v the_o imperial_a religion_n than_o begin_v its_o government_n to_o re-settle_a where_o nature_n have_v place_v it_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o emperor_n thought_n themselves_o concern_v to_o look_v to_o its_o government_n and_o protection_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o abet_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o their_o secular_a authority_n then_o begin_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o withdraw_v the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v by_o degree_n all_o the_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n as_o their_o necessity_n cease_v as_o be_v now_o as_o well_o supply_v by_o the_o natural_a &_o ordinary_a power_n of_o the_o prince_n so_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n still_o continue_v in_o the_o person_n that_o be_v thereunto_o original_o commissioned_n by_o our_o saviour_n the_o exercise_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o imperial_a diadem_n and_o the_o bishop_n become_v then_o as_o they_o be_v now_o minister_n of_o state_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o challenge_v not_o any_o secular_a power_n but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o prince_n who_o suppose_v they_o best_a able_a to_o understand_v and_o manage_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n grant_v they_o commission_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o himself_o and_o vest_v they_o with_o as_o much_o coercive_a power_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o judge_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o justice_n and_o to_o inflict_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o delinquent_n so_o that_o bishop_n neither_o have_v nor_o ever_o have_v any_o temporal_a authority_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a judge_n appoint_v by_o he_o to_o govern_v affair_n of_o religion_n as_o civil_a or_o secular_a judge_n be_v to_o govern_v affair_n of_o justice_n §_o 17._o and_o now_o that_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n devolve_v upon_o the_o royal_a authority_n assoon_o as_o it_o become_v christian_n be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o all_o the_o law_n and_o record_n of_o the_o empire_n praes_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian_a the_o disposal_n and_o government_n of_o church_n affair_n depend_v entire_o on_o their_o authority_n constantine_n be_v no_o soon_o settle_v in_o his_o imperial_a throne_n but_o he_o take_v the_o settlement_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n into_o his_o own_o cognizance_n he_o call_v synod_n and_o council_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n he_o ratify_v their_o canon_n into_o law_n he_o prohibit_v the_o conventicle_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o demolish_v their_o meeting-house_n he_o make_v edict_n concern_v festival_n the_o rite_n of_o sepulture_n the_o immunity_n of_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o divers_a other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o outward_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o jurisdiction_n he_o be_v careful_o follow_v by_o all_o his_o successor_n which_o can_v but_o be_v know_v to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v not_o as_o utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o he_o in_o the_o comedy_n who_o suppose_v corpus_fw-la juris_fw-la civilis_fw-la to_o be_v a_o dutchman_n the_o code_n the_o authentic_o the_o french_a capitular_o be_v full_a of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o constitution_n the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o code_n treat_v of_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o privilege_n of_o ecclesiastical_a man_n and_o thing_n the_o distinct_a office_n and_o function_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a affair_n and_o infinite_a other_o thing_n that_o immediate_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o authentic_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v every_o where_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o through_o the_o whole_a volume_n which_o be_v divide_v into_o nine_o collation_n have_v not_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
peremptory_a soever_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v in_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o their_o supreme_a power_n in_o civil_a affair_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o seem_v modest_a and_o diffident_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n and_o dare_v scarce_o own_o their_o legislative_a power_n in_o religious_a affair_n only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o saucy_a pretence_n of_o ungovernable_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n one_o notorious_a instance_n whereof_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v the_o jejunium_fw-la cecilianum_fw-la the_o wednesday_n fast_o that_o be_v enjoin_v with_o this_o clause_n of_o exception_n that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v impose_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n he_o shall_v be_v punish_v like_o the_o spreader_n of_o false_a news_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o as_o a_o late_a learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o own_o observe_n a_o direct_a artifice_n to_o evacuate_v the_o whole_a law_n for_o as_o he_o excellent_o argue_v all_o humane_a power_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o bind_v upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o power_n not_o by_o man_n he_o that_o say_v it_o shall_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o law_n it_o shall_v have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o then_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n then_o to_o break_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o keep_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n so_o that_o a_o law_n without_o such_o a_o intention_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o law_n which_o bind_v only_o if_o we_o please_v and_o we_o may_v obey_v when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o to_o so_o much_o we_o be_v tie_v before_o the_o constitution_n but_o then_o if_o by_o such_o a_o declaration_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o to_o keep_v such_o fasting-day_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o direct_a commandment_n from_o god_n that_o be_v god_n have_v not_o require_v they_o by_o himself_o immediate_o and_o so_o it_o be_v abstract_v from_o that_o law_n no_o duty_n evangelical_n it_o have_v be_v below_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n pretend_v it_o no_o man_n say_v it_o no_o man_n think_v it_o and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o law_n be_v none_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o matter_n indeed_o of_o this_o law_n be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o declaration_n annex_v to_o it_o prove_v of_o a_o fatal_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n for_o when_o once_o the_o unruly_a conscience_n of_o the_o puritan_n be_v get_v loose_a from_o the_o restraint_n of_o authority_n nothing_o can_v give_v check_n to_o their_o giddy_a and_o furious_a zeal_n but_o they_o soon_o break_v out_o into_o the_o most_o impudent_a affront_v and_o indignity_n against_o the_o law_n and_o run_v themselves_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o disloyal_a outrage_n against_o the_o state_n as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n and_o practice_n of_o cartwright_n goodman_n whittingham_n gilby_n whitehead_n travers_n and_o other_o lead_a rabbi_n of_o the_o holy_a faction_n who_o treatise_n be_v stuff_v with_o as_o rail_v spiteful_a and_o malicious_a speech_n both_o against_o their_o prince_n the_o clergy_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n the_o judge_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n as_o be_v ever_o public_o vent_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o traitor_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o method_n of_o their_o polity_n it_o be_v plain_o no_o more_o than_o this_o first_o to_o reproach_v the_o church_n with_o infamous_a and_o abusive_a dialogue_n and_o then_o to_o libel_v the_o state_n with_o bitter_a and_o scurrilous_a pamphlet_n to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o dislike_n and_o jealousy_n about_o public_a affair_n whisper_v about_o reproachful_a and_o slanderous_a report_n inveigle_v the_o people_n with_o a_o thousand_o little_a and_o malicious_a story_n enter_v into_o secret_a league_n and_o confederacy_n foment_n discontent_n and_o sedition_n and_o in_o every_o straight_a and_o exigence_n of_o state_n threaten_v and_o beleaguer_v authority_n in_o fine_a the_o scope_n of_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v their_o party_n that_o if_o prince_n refuse_v to_o reform_v religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n with_o direction_n of_o their_o godly_a minister_n i._n e._n themselves_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o by_o violent_a and_o forcible_a course_n and_o whither_o this_o principle_n in_o process_n of_o time_n lead_v they_o the_o story_n be_v too_o long_o too_o sad_a and_o too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v here_o repeat_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o improve_v itself_o into_o the_o great_a villainy_n &_o conclude_v in_o the_o black_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v upon_o this_o island_n §_o 22._o well_o then_o to_o sum_n up_o the_o result_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o be_v evident_a we_o see_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n what_o a_o powerful_a influence_n religion_n have_v upon_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o kingdom_n that_o nothing_o so_o effectual_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o so_o easy_o work_v its_o disturbance_n and_o ruin_n as_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_a administration_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v some_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o due_a conduct_n and_o settlement_n that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n which_o because_o he_o can_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o power_n and_o conduct_n of_o religion_n its_o government_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v seat_v in_o he_o and_o none_o else_o so_o that_o those_o person_n who_o will_v exempt_v conscience_n and_o all_o religious_a matter_n from_o the_o prince_n power_n must_v make_v he_o either_o a_o tyrant_n or_o a_o impotent_a prince_n for_o if_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o tie_v law_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o conscience_n then_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n he_o usurp_v a_o unlawful_a dominion_n violate_v the_o fundamental_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o invade_v the_o throne_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o if_o he_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v then_o do_v he_o clear_o pass_v away_o the_o bige_a security_n of_o his_o government_n and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o villainy_n that_o can_v put_v on_o the_o mask_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v any_o prince_n through_o unhappy_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o state_n be_v bring_v into_o such_o straits_n and_o exigence_n of_o affair_n as_o that_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o headstrong_a inclination_n of_o his_o subject_n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o raise_v such_o commotion_n and_o disturbance_n as_o perhaps_o he_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o allay_v and_o so_o shall_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o to_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o fancy_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n yet_o unless_o he_o will_v divest_v himself_o of_o a_o more_o material_a and_o more_o necessary_a part_n of_o his_o authority_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v grant_v away_o his_o power_n of_o the_o militia_n or_o his_o prerogative_n of_o ratify_v all_o civil_a law_n unless_o i_o say_v he_o will_v thus_o hazard_v his_o crown_n and_o make_v himself_o too_o weak_a for_o government_n by_o renounce_v the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o must_v lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o person_n to_o who_o he_o grant_v this_o their_o religious_a freedom_n to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a favour_n and_o indulgence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o power_n to_o govern_v all_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n that_o be_v either_o conducive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o declaration_n they_o will_v but_o confess_v themselves_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a person_n by_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o refuse_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n have_v just_a power_n to_o impose_v chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sovereign_a power_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n the_o content_n the_o parallel_n between_o matter_n relate_v to_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n moral_a virtue_n the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n this_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n 2._o by_o a_o particular_a induction_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o mankind_n a_o scheme_n of_o religion_n reduce_v all_o its_o branch_n either_o to_o the_o virtue_n or_o
instrument_n of_o morality_n of_o the_o villainy_n of_o those_o man_n religion_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o distinguish_v between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n they_o exchange_v the_o substance_n of_o true_a goodness_n for_o mere_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n metaphor_n the_o only_a cause_n of_o our_o present_a schism_n and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o the_o different_a subdivision_n among_o the_o schismatic_n themselves_o the_o vnaccountableness_n of_o man_n conceit_n that_o when_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v undoubted_o subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o eager_a to_o exempt_v its_o mean_n and_o circumstance_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v determine_v new_a instance_n of_o virtue_n how_o much_o more_o new_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o he_o may_v enjoin_v any_o thing_n in_o morality_n that_o contradict_v not_o the_o end_n of_o morality_n so_o may_v be_v in_o religious_a worship_n if_o he_o oppose_v not_o its_o design_n he_o may_v command_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n practice_n or_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o the_o subordinate_a duty_n both_o of_o morality_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v equal_o subject_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a authority_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n sufficient_o make_v out_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o it_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 the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v viz._n 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 where_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n 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 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 and_o here_o it_o strike_v i_o with_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n to_o consider_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o shy_a of_o grant_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n a_o power_n over_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o ritual_n and_o external_n circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o free_a of_o force_v it_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o essential_a duty_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a and_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o please_v to_o god_n and_o as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o any_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v both_o perfective_a of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n consist_v in_o live_v suitable_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n &_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o main_a design_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n as_o become_v creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o in_o way_n suitable_a to_o rational_a being_n to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o mankind_n may_v live_v happy_o here_o and_o happy_o hereafter_o so_o to_o this_o end_n nothing_o contribute_v more_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n which_o will_v effectual_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o advance_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n every_o particular_a virtue_n be_v therefore_o such_o because_o it_o be_v a_o resemblance_n and_o imitation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n so_o that_o moral_a virtue_n have_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n viz._n man_n happiness_n it_o be_v not_o only_a its_o most_o material_a and_o useful_a part_n but_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o its_o other_o duty_n and_o all_o true_a religion_n can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o either_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n itself_o or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o instrument_n that_o contribute_v to_o it_o §_o 2._o and_o this_o beside_o the_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o appear_v with_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n from_o the_o best_a of_o demonstration_n i._n e._n a_o induction_n of_o all_o particular_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n refer_v either_o to_o his_o creator_n or_o his_o neighbour_n or_o himself_o all_o that_o concern_v the_o two_o last_o be_v confess_o of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o all_o that_o concern_v the_o first_o consist_v either_o in_o praise_v of_o god_n or_o pray_v to_o he_o the_o former_a be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o gratitude_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o thankful_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n greatness_n in_o himself_o and_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o devotion_n issue_v from_o the_o same_o virtuous_a quality_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o other_o resentment_n and_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n only_o those_o act_n of_o it_o that_o be_v terminate_v on_o god_n as_o their_o object_n be_v style_v religious_a and_o therefore_o gratitude_n and_o devotion_n be_v not_o divers_a thing_n but_o only_o different_a name_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n devotion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o virtue_n of_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n the_o latter_a viz._n prayer_n be_v either_o put_v up_o in_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n behalf_n if_o for_o other_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o that_o virtue_n we_o call_v kindness_n or_o charity_n if_o for_o ourselves_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o unless_o they_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v some_o or_o other_o virtuous_a quality_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a and_o direct_a use_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o virtue_n of_o morality_n so_o that_o all_o duty_n of_o devotion_n except_v only_o our_o return_n of_o gratitude_n be_v not_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o it_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n and_o their_o goodness_n be_v derive_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o moral_a virtue_n to_o which_o they_o contribute_v and_o in_o the_o same_o proportion_n they_o be_v conducive_a to_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v to_o be_v value_v among_o the_o ministery_n of_o religion_n all_o religion_n then_o i_o mean_v the_o practical_a part_n be_v either_o virtue_n itself_o or_o some_o of_o its_o instrument_n and_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o be_v virtuous_a and_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v he_o beside_o be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o what_o else_o do_v we_o find_v enforce_v and_o recommend_v in_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n beside_o height_n of_o morality_n what_o do_v st._n paul_n discourse_n of_o to_o felix_n but_o moral_a matter_n righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o man_n set_v up_o against_o morality_n but_o a_o few_o figurative_a expression_n of_o itself_o that_o without_o it_o be_v utter_o insignificant_a it_o be_v not_o enough_o say_v they_o to_o be_v complete_o virtuous_a unless_o we_o have_v grace_n too_o but_o when_o we_o have_v set_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n let_v they_o tell_v i_o what_o remain_v to_o be_v call_v grace_n and_o give_v i_o any_o notion_n of_o it_o distinct_a from_o all_o morality_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o right_a order_n and_o government_n of_o our_o action_n in_o all_o our_o relation_n and_o so_o comprehend_v all_o our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o if_o grace_n be_v not_o include_v in_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o phantasm_n and_o a_o imaginary_a thing_n so_o that_o if_o we_o strip_v those_o definition_n that_o some_o man_n of_o late_a have_v bestow_v upon_o it_o of_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n it_o will_v plain_o signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o virtuous_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n intend_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o virtuous_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v therefore_o style_v grace_n because_o they_o be_v derive_v pure_o from_o god_n
free_a grace_n and_o goodness_n in_o that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o infinite_a concern_v for_o its_o propagation_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o inspire_v its_o convert_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n when_o he_o compile_v a_o complete_a catalogue_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n reckon_v up_o only_o moral_a virtue_n gal._n 5._o 22._o love_n joy_n or_o cheerfulness_n peaceableness_n patience_n gentleness_n goodness_n faithfulness_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n and_o elsewhere_o titus_n 2._o 11._o the_o same_o apostle_n plain_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n temperance_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o justice_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n where_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n be_v comprehend_v in_o live_v godly_o which_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o humble_a gratitude_n towards_o god_n sober_o which_o contain_v the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n chastity_n modesty_n and_o all_o other_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o dominion_n of_o reason_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n righteous_o which_o imply_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n as_o affability_n courtesy_n meekness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n §_o 3._o so_o destructive_a of_o all_o true_a and_o real_a goodness_n be_v the_o very_a religion_n of_o those_o man_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o set_v grace_n at_o odds_o with_o virtue_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v they_o the_o same_o that_o they_o make_v they_o inconsistent_a and_o though_o a_o man_n be_v exact_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o moral_a goodness_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o graceless_a person_n i._n e._n void_a of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a godliness_n he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o clean_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o his_o conversion_n be_v more_o hopeless_a than_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o the_o moral_o righteous_a man_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o grace_n than_o the_o profane_a and_o better_o be_v lewd_a and_o debauch_a than_o live_v a_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a life_n if_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o godly_a party_n bona_fw-la opera_fw-la sunt_fw-la perniciosa_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la say_v flaccus_n illiricus_fw-la moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o great_a let_v to_o conversion_n and_o the_o profane_v wretch_n make_v better_a saint_n than_o your_o moral_a formalist_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v bring_v into_o fashion_n a_o godliness_n without_o religion_n zeal_n without_o humanity_n and_o grace_n without_o good_a nature_n or_o good_a manner_n have_v find_v out_o in_o lieu_n of_o moral_a virtue_n a_o spiritual_a divinity_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o nothing_o else_o but_o certain_a train_n and_o scheme_n of_o effeminate_a folly_n and_o illiterate_a enthusiasm_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o sober_a devotion_n a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o intimate_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n that_o in_o truth_n consist_v in_o little_a else_o but_o meet_v together_o in_o private_a to_o prate_v phrase_n make_v face_n and_o rail_v at_o carnal_a reason_n i._n e._n in_o their_o sense_n all_o sober_a and_o sincere_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n whereby_o they_o have_v effectual_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o unaccountable_a fancy_n and_o enthusiasm_n dress_v it_o up_o with_o pompous_a and_o empty_a scheme_n of_o speech_n and_o so_o embrace_v a_o few_o gawdy_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a and_o real_a righteousness_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o most_o material_a difference_n between_o the_o sober_a christian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o our_o modern_a sectary_n that_o we_o express_v the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a term_n whilst_o they_o trifle_v they_o away_o by_o childish_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n and_o will_v not_o talk_v of_o religion_n but_o in_o barbarous_a and_o uncouth_a similitude_n and_o what_o be_v more_o the_o different_a subdivision_n among_o the_o sect_n themselves_o be_v not_o so_o much_o distinguish_v by_o any_o real_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n as_o by_o variety_n of_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a shibboleth_n of_o each_o tribe_n one_o party_n affect_v to_o lard_v their_o discourse_n with_o clownish_a and_o slovenly_a similitude_n another_o delight_n to_o roll_n in_o wanton_a and_o lascivious_a allegory_n and_o a_o three_o be_v best_a please_v with_o odd_a unusual_a unitelligible_a and_o sometime_o blasphemous_a expression_n and_o whoever_o among_o they_o can_v invent_v any_o new_a language_n present_o set_v up_o for_o a_o man_n of_o new_a discovery_n and_o he_o that_o light_v upon_o the_o pretty_a nonsense_n be_v think_v by_o the_o ignorant_a rabble_n to_o unfold_v new_a gospel-mystery_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o nation_n shatter_v into_o infinite_a faction_n with_o senseless_a and_o fantastic_a phrase_n and_o the_o most_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o they_o all_o lie_v in_o abuse_v scripture-expression_n not_o only_o without_o but_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o have_v we_o but_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o abridge_v preacher_n the_o use_n of_o fulsome_a and_o luscious_a metaphor_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o effectual_a cure_n of_o all_o our_o present_a distemper_n let_v not_o the_o reader_n smile_v at_o the_o odness_n of_o the_o proposal_n for_o be_v man_n oblige_v to_o speak_v sense_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n all_o the_o swell_a mystery_n of_o fanaticism_n will_v immediate_o sink_v into_o flat_a and_o empty_a nonsense_n and_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o jejune_n and_o ridiculous_a stuff_n as_o their_o admire_a and_o most_o profound_a notion_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v when_o they_o want_v the_o varnish_n of_o fine_a metaphor_n and_o glitter_a allusion_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n to_o unravel_v all_o their_o affect_a phrase_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v like_o parrot_n to_o prate_v by_o rote_n without_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o signify_v it_o will_v be_v no_o unpleasant_a task_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o by_o they_o they_o either_o mean_v nothing_o at_o all_o or_o some_o part_n or_o instrument_n of_o moral_a virtue_n so_o that_o all_o religion_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v resolve_v into_o enthusiasm_n or_o morality_n the_o former_a be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v true_a must_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o latter_a and_o whatever_o beside_o appertain_v to_o it_o must_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n such_o be_v prayer_n hear_v sermon_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o religious_a ordinance_n that_o have_v direct_o no_o other_o place_n in_o religion_n than_o as_o they_o be_v instrumental_a to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n §_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a then_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o material_a concern_v of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v law_n concern_v they_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n so_o that_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v and_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a superior_n in_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o when_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v avowed_o subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n that_o yet_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o impatient_a to_o exempt_v its_o mean_n and_o subordinate_a instrument_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n what_o reason_n can_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n assign_v to_o restrain_v it_o from_o one_o that_o will_v not_o much_o more_o restrain_v it_o from_o both_o be_v not_o the_o right_a practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n as_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o wrong_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o most_o vicious_a and_o licentious_a debauchery_n be_v not_o the_o rude_a multitude_n more_o incline_v to_o disturb_v government_n by_o superstition_n than_o by_o licentiousness_n and_o be_v there_o not_o vast_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o magistrate_n err_v in_o matter_n of_o morality_n than_o in_o form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n in_o that_o those_o be_v the_o main_a essential_a and_o ultimate_a duty_n of_o religion_n whereas_o these_o be_v at_o high_a but_o their_o instrument_n and_o can_v challenge_v no_o other_o place_n in_o religion_n than_o as_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o purpose_n of_o morality_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o still_o more_o
unaccountable_a that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o the_o subordinate_a ministery_n to_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v allow_v in_o all_o commonwealth_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a act_n and_o instance_n of_o these_o virtue_n themselves_o for_o example_n justice_n be_v a_o prime_n and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o yet_o its_o particular_a case_n depend_v upon_o humane_a law_n that_o determine_v the_o bound_n of_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la the_o divine_a law_n restrain_v titius_n from_o invade_v caius_n right_a and_o propriety_n but_o what_o that_o be_v and_o when_o it_o be_v invade_v only_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o can_v determine_v and_o there_o be_v some_o case_n that_o be_v act_n of_o injustice_n in_o england_n that_o be_v not_o so_o in_o italy_n otherwise_o all_o place_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o one_o nation_n must_v be_v so_o to_o all_o the_o world_n whereas_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o nature_n determine_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o most_o virtue_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n leave_v that_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o national_a law_n they_o in_o general_n forbid_v theft_n incest_n murder_n and_o adultery_n but_o what_o these_o crime_n be_v they_o determine_v not_o in_o all_o case_n but_o be_v in_o most_o particular_n to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o whatsoever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n reckon_v among_o these_o crime_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o nature_n forbid_v and_o now_o be_v it_o not_o strange_o humoursome_a to_o say_v that_o magistrate_n be_v entru_v with_o so_o great_a a_o power_n over_o man_n conscience_n in_o these_o great_a and_o weighty_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o be_v trust_v to_o govern_v the_o indifferent_a or_o at_o least_o less_o material_a circumstance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o no_o other_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o be_v mean_v serviceable_a to_o moral_a purpose_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o make_v that_o a_o particular_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o determine_v the_o use_n of_o a_o indifferent_a circumstance_n because_o forsooth_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v it_o in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o impower_v to_o declare_v new_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o introduce_v new_a duty_n in_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o declare_v the_o use_n and_o decency_n of_o a_o few_o circumstance_n in_o its_o subservient_fw-fr and_o less_o material_a concern_v §_o 5._o the_o whole_a state_n of_o affair_n be_v brief_o this_o man_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o live_v happy_o here_o and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o pious_a devotion_n and_o wherein_o these_o main_o consist_v almighty_a goodness_n have_v declare_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n but_o because_o in_o both_o there_o be_v changeable_a case_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n therefore_o have_v god_n appoint_v his_o trustee_n and_o official_o here_o on_o earth_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o both_o according_a to_o all_o accident_n and_o emergency_n of_o affair_n to_o assign_v new_a particular_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o declare_v new_a bound_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v limit_v because_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v the_o circumstance_n and_o outward_a expression_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v variable_a according_a to_o the_o accident_n of_o time_n and_o place_n entrust_v with_o less_o danger_n of_o error_n with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o what_o ceremony_n this_o appoint_v unless_o they_o be_v apparent_o repugnant_a to_o their_o prime_a end_n become_v religious_a rite_n as_o what_o particular_a action_n it_o constitute_v in_o any_o species_n of_o virtue_n become_v new_a instance_n of_o that_o virtue_n unless_o they_o apparent_o contradict_v its_o nature_n and_o tendency_n now_o the_o two_o primary_n design_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v either_o to_o express_v our_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n so_o that_o no_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n can_v be_v esteem_v unlawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o account_n that_o any_o rite_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n become_v criminal_o superstitious_a and_o such_o be_v the_o lupercalia_n the_o eleusinian_n mystery_n the_o feast_n of_o bacchus_n flora_n and_o venus_n because_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o festival_n of_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n and_o such_o be_v the_o savage_a and_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o saturn_n bellona_n moloch_n baal-peor_n and_o all_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o ancient_a paganism_n because_o they_o suppose_v the_o divine_a be_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o torture_n of_o its_o creature_n and_o such_o be_v all_o idolatry_n in_o that_o it_o either_o give_v right_a worship_n to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o wrong_a worship_n to_o a_o right_a one_o or_o at_o least_o represent_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n by_o image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o finite_a thing_n and_o so_o reflect_v disparagement_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n by_o fasten_v dishonourable_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n no_o humane_a power_n can_v command_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o any_o lawful_a authority_n may_v as_o well_o enjoin_v they_o as_o it_o may_v adopt_v any_o action_n whatsoever_o into_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o morality_n §_o 6._o but_o a_o little_a far_o to_o illustrate_v this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o matter_n both_o of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a worship_n there_o be_v some_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a obligation_n and_o these_o can_v never_o be_v prejudice_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n arise_v from_o a_o necessity_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v as_o perpetual_a as_o that_o but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o rule_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v alterable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a accident_n change_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o depend_v chief_o upon_o contract_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o kingdom_n these_o suffer_v variety_n because_o their_o matter_n and_o their_o reason_n do_v so_o thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o murder_n there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o a_o unalterable_a nature_n and_o other_o that_o be_v changeable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a provision_n of_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n be_v forbid_v by_o such_o a_o indispensable_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v any_o way_n direct_o or_o indirect_o make_v it_o become_v lawful_a in_o that_o no_o positive_a law_n can_v so_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v this_o instance_n of_o villainy_n cease_v to_o be_v mischievous_a to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v capital_a in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o particular_a case_n of_o this_o crime_n that_o depend_v upon_o positive_a law_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n be_v liable_a to_o change_v according_a to_o the_o different_a constitution_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n man_n live_v in_o thus_o though_o in_o england_n it_o be_v murder_n for_o a_o injure_a husband_n to_o kill_v a_o adulteress_n take_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncleanness_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o old_a roman_n it_o be_v not_o because_o their_o law_n permit_v it_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o may_v punish_v the_o crime_n with_o death_n he_o may_v appoint_v who_o he_o please_v to_o be_v his_o executioner_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o reference_n to_o divine_a worship_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o
a_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n and_o other_o of_o a_o transient_a and_o changeable_a obligation_n thus_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a every_o rational_a creature_n shall_v make_v return_n of_o gratitude_n to_o its_o creator_n from_o which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v restrain_v it_o but_o then_o for_o the_o outward_a expression_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o duty_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n good_a or_o evil_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o different_a nation_n unless_o in_o the_o two_o forementioned_a case_n that_o they_o either_o countenance_n vice_n or_o disgrace_v the_o deity_n but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o ritual_n ceremony_n posture_n &_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n that_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v their_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o ministery_n of_o divine_a service_n or_o exempt_v they_o from_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o thus_o the_o parallel_n hold_v in_o all_o case_n between_o the_o secondary_a and_o emergent_a law_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o subordinate_a and_o instrumental_a rule_n of_o worship_n they_o both_o equal_o pass_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o man_n to_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v unless_o they_o direct_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o now_o from_o this_o more_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o agreement_n between_o matter_n of_o mere_a worship_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o morality_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n we_o may_v proceed_v by_o some_o more_o particular_a account_n to_o discover_v how_o his_o dominion_n over_o both_o be_v of_o equal_a extent_n and_o restrain_v within_o the_o same_o bound_n and_o measure_n and_o that_o in_o what_o case_n soever_o he_o may_v exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n in_o all_o the_o same_o he_o may_v exercise_v the_o same_o power_n in_o concern_v of_o religious_a worship_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o what_o case_n his_o power_n over_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v restrain_v in_o all_o the_o same_o be_v it_o limit_v as_o to_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n whence_o it_o must_v appear_v with_o a_o clear_a and_o irresistible_a evidence_n that_o man_n right_a to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o to_o all_o case_n nicety_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o may_v as_o rational_o challenge_v a_o freedom_n from_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n as_o from_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o that_o to_o grant_v it_o in_o either_o be_v equal_o destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o government_n and_o equal_o tend_v to_o reduce_v all_o society_n to_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n chap._n iii_o a_o more_o particular_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o inward_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o matter_n of_o mere_a conscience_n the_o content_n mankind_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n over_o all_o their_o action_n whether_o moral_a or_o strict_o religious_a as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v their_o judgement_n but_o not_o their_o practice_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a liberty_n it_o relate_v to_o our_o thought_n and_o not_o to_o our_o action_n it_o may_v be_v preserve_v inviolable_a under_o outward_a restraint_n christian_n liberty_n consist_v proper_o in_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o its_o natural_a privilege_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o substantial_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v internal_a and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n external_n worship_n be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n sacrifice_n the_o most_o ancient_a expression_n of_o outward_a worship_n be_v pure_o of_o humane_a institution_n though_o their_o be_v expiatory_a depend_v upon_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n yet_o their_o most_o proper_a and_o original_a use_n viz._n to_o express_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o grateful_a mind_n depend_v on_o the_o will_n of_o men._n of_o their_o first_o original_a among_o the_o heathen_n the_o reason_n why_o god_n prescribe_v the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o outward_a worship_n to_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n he_o have_v leave_v the_o disposal_n of_o outward_a worship_n to_o the_o power_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o impertinency_n of_o man_n clamour_n against_o significant_a ceremony_n when_o it_o be_v the_o only_a use_n of_o ceremony_n to_o be_v significant_a the_o signification_n of_o all_o ceremony_n equal_o arbitrary_a the_o signification_n of_o ceremony_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o word_n and_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o §_o 1._o first_o then_o let_v all_o matter_n of_o mere_a conscience_n whether_o pure_o moral_a or_o religious_a be_v subject_a to_o conscience_n mere_o i._n e._n let_v man_n think_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o own_o persuasion_n and_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o judgement_n against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n within_o its_o own_o dominion_n its_o kingdom_n be_v intellectual_a and_o seat_v in_o the_o thought_n not_o action_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o humane_a power_n do_v or_o can_v prescribe_v to_o any_o man_n opinion_n and_o secret_a thought_n but_o man_n will_v think_v as_o they_o please_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o decree_n and_o the_o understanding_n will_v remain_v free_a when_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v bind_v and_o this_o sovereignty_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o entrenchment_n upon_o that_o of_o prince_n because_o it_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o their_o affair_n and_o give_v no_o restraint_n to_o their_o command_a power_n over_o the_o action_n of_o man_n for_o mere_a opinion_n whilst_o such_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o humane_a society_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o our_o thought_n be_v secret_a and_o lock_v up_o within_o our_o own_o breast_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n but_o as_o for_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o confine_v within_o the_o territory_n of_o mere_a conscience_n but_o come_v forth_o into_o outward_a action_n and_o appear_v in_o the_o society_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o come_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o humane_a power_n because_o by_o these_o society_n subsist_v and_o humane_a affair_n be_v transact_v and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v those_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mankind_n to_o govern_v and_o manage_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a good_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n when_o man_n plead_v with_o so_o much_o noise_n and_o clamour_n for_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n of_o conscience_n and_o apparent_o invade_v or_o infringe_v the_o magistrate_n power_n by_o submit_v its_o command_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o subject_n conscience_n because_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v so_o far_o from_o invade_v its_o proper_a liberty_n that_o they_o can_v reach_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o that_o part_n of_o man_n of_o who_o transaction_n the_o civil_a power_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o man_n outward_a action_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o their_o law_n whereas_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v internal_a and_o invisible_a and_o confine_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n 〈◊〉_d man_n and_o whilst_o conscience_n act_v within_o its_o proper_a sphere_n that_o civil_a power_n be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o violence_n that_o it_o never_o can_v but_o when_o this_o great_a and_o imperious_a faculty_n pass_v beyond_o its_o own_o peculiar_a bound_n and_o will_v invade_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n by_o exercise_v a_o unaccountable_a dominion_n within_o his_o territory_n or_o by_o vent_v such_o wild_a opinion_n among_o his_o subject_n as_o he_o apprehend_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n then_o do_v it_o concern_v he_o to_o give_v check_n to_o its_o proceed_n as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o other_o invasion_n for_o the_o care_n of_o the_o public_a good_a be_v his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o interest_n it_o can_v but_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o restrain_v or_o permit_v action_n as_o they_o be_v conducible_a to_o that_o end_n mankind_n therefore_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a right_n to_o liberty_n of_o
the_o empire_n of_o humane_a law_n to_o show_v that_o religion_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v of_o all_o virtue_n the_o least_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o abuse_n of_o government_n in_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v transact_v within_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o thought_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o prince_n the_o soul_n be_v its_o proper_a seat_n and_o temple_n and_o there_o man_n may_v worship_v their_o god_n as_o they_o please_v without_o offend_v their_o prince_n for_o the_o essence_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o grateful_a sense_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n towards_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o so_o can_v reside_v in_o those_o faculty_n only_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v affect_v with_o gratitude_n and_o veneration_n and_o as_o for_o all_o that_o concern_v external_n worship_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n itself_o but_o only_o a_o instrument_n to_o express_v the_o inward_a veneration_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o some_o outward_a action_n or_o posture_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v so_o little_o concern_v itself_o to_o prescribe_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n for_o though_o the_o christian_a law_n command_v we_o by_o some_o exterior_a sign_n to_o express_v our_o interior_a piety_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o where_o set_v down_o any_o particular_a expression_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o indeed_o the_o exterior_a signification_n of_o honour_n be_v so_o changeable_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o custom_n and_o place_n there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a form_n or_o fashion_n prescribe_v for_o so_o some_o will_v have_v be_v oblige_v to_o signify_v their_o honourable_a sentiment_n of_o god_n by_o mark_n of_o scorn_n and_o dishonour_v because_o those_o fashion_n and_o posture_n which_o in_o some_o place_n be_v indication_n of_o respect_n be_v to_o other_o sign_n of_o contempt_n so_o mad_a and_o seditious_a be_v the_o humour_n of_o those_o man_n who_o brand_v all_o those_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n that_o be_v not_o express_o enjoin_v in_o the_o holy_a volume_n with_o the_o odious_a title_n of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o so_o in_o one_o sentence_n condemn_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n see_v there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o that_o have_v not_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o custom_n of_o its_o own_o that_o be_v never_o prescribe_v nor_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n god_n have_v leave_v the_o management_n of_o his_o outward_a worship_n to_o the_o discretion_n of_o man_n unless_o when_o to_o determine_v some_o particular_a form_n have_v be_v useful_a to_o some_o other_o purpose_n §_o 5._o the_o ancient_a and_o most_o universal_o practise_v way_n of_o express_v divine_a worship_n and_o adoration_n be_v by_o offer_v of_o sacrifice_n those_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n conceive_v it_o a_o proper_a and_o natural_a way_n of_o acknowledge_v their_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o and_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n by_o public_o present_v he_o with_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o precious_a thing_n they_o have_v and_o god_n be_v well-pleased_a with_o they_o not_o because_o he_o at_o all_o delight_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n but_o because_o they_o be_v the_o pledge_n and_o signification_n of_o a_o grateful_a mind_n and_o yet_o this_o outward_a expression_n of_o divine_a worship_n notwithstanding_o its_o universality_n and_o antiquity_n be_v only_o make_v choice_n of_o by_o good_a man_n as_o a_o fit_a way_n of_o intimate_v the_o pious_a and_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o can_v in_o the_o least_o pretend_v to_o owe_v its_o original_a to_o any_o divine_a institution_n see_v there_o appear_v not_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n for_o it_o and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v command_v though_o it_o be_v no_o where_o record_v be_v to_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o say_v any_o thing_n without_o proof_n or_o evidence_n that_o indeed_o sacrifice_n become_v expiatory_a and_o that_o the_o life_n of_o a_o beast_n shall_v be_v accept_v to_o redeem_v the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n depend_v pure_o upon_o positive_a institution_n leu._n 17._o 11._o for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o the_o blood_n and_o i_o have_v give_v it_o to_o you_o upon_o the_o altar_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o your_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n that_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o mere_a grace_n and_o favour_n in_o god_n to_o exchange_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o beast_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v real_o forfeit_v for_o every_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n that_o be_v establish_v upon_o no_o less_o sanction_n than_o the_o threaten_v of_o death_n in_o which_o commutation_n of_o the_o forfeiture_n be_v a_o equal_a mixture_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o severity_n hereby_o he_o at_o once_o signify_v his_o hatred_n to_o sin_n and_o his_o compassion_n to_o sinner_n in_o that_o though_o he_o may_v have_v remit_v the_o offence_n without_o exact_v the_o penalty_n yet_o to_o show_v his_o implacable_a hatred_n against_o sin_n and_o withal_o the_o more_o to_o affright_v man_n from_o its_o commission_n he_o will_v never_o remit_v its_o gild_n without_o some_o sort_n of_o recompense_n and_o expiation_n but_o set_v aside_o this_o positive_a institution_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o consumptive_a oblation_n their_o prime_n and_o natural_a use_n be_v only_o to_o express_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o grateful_a mind_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v not_o only_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n but_o heathen_n too_o among_o who_o the_o first_o and_o early_o footstep_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o their_o harvest_n sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n when_o they_o present_v the_o deity_n with_o a_o parcel_n of_o their_o annual_a return_v in_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o providence_n cry_v harvest-in_a be_v their_o most_o solemn_a and_o most_o ancient_a festival_n arist._n nicomach_n l._n 8._o c._n 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ancient_a sacrifice_n and_o festival_n meeting_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o institute_v upon_o the_o ingather_n of_o their_o fruit_n such_o be_v the_o offer_n of_o their_o first-fruit_n which_o be_v a_o decent_a and_o suitable_a way_n of_o acknowledge_v their_o homage_n and_o gratitude_n to_o their_o supreme_a lord_n and_o have_v they_o not_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o wrong_a deity_n as_o probable_o they_o be_v to_o the_o sun_n they_o may_v have_v be_v no_o less_o please_v to_o the_o almighty_a than_o cornelius_n alm_n and_o devotion_n because_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righeousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o §_o 6._o in_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n indeed_o god_n take_v special_a care_n to_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o his_o worship_n not_o so_o much_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o because_o of_o the_o sottishness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o that_o age_n in_o that_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lamentable_o degenerate_v into_o the_o most_o sordid_a and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n and_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v sottish_o addict_v to_o the_o absurd_a custom_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n enjoin_v they_o the_o most_o contrary_a usage_n as_o a_o fence_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o pass_v over_o to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o mankind_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o ripe_a understanding_n and_o can_v discern_v that_o religion_n be_v something_o else_o beside_o custom_n and_o ceremony_n then_o do_v god_n cancel_v the_o old_a discipline_n of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o jesus_n christ_n establish_v a_o more_o manly_a and_o rational_a dispensation_n in_o which_o as_o he_o have_v be_v more_o solicitous_a to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o main_n and_o fundamental_a affair_n of_o religion_n so_o have_v he_o scarce_o at_o all_o concern_v himself_o in_o exterior_a rite_n and_o signification_n have_v institute_v only_o two_o viz._n the_o two_o sacrament_n that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o ceremony_n by_o their_o be_v federal_n and_o peculiarly_a significative_a of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n seal_v by_o the_o first_o renew_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o second_o but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o external_n service_n he_o have_v leave_v their_o entire_a disposal_n to_o the_o power_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o know_v that_o as_o long_o as_o man_n have_v wit_n and_o reason_n enough_o to_o manage_v the_o civil_a affair_n of_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
to_o be_v rogue_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v §_o 6._o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n mankind_n be_v leave_v in_o as_o ill_a a_o condition_n after_o they_o have_v by_o pact_n and_o covenant_n unite_v into_o society_n and_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n of_o war._n for_o all_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a trust_n be_v according_a to_o its_o own_o rule_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n invalid_a because_o under_o that_o man_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o their_o action_n but_o their_o interest_n and_o therefore_o as_o that_o may_v invite_v they_o in_o some_o circumstance_n to_o enter_v into_o bond_n and_o contract_n so_o it_o may_v in_o other_o to_o break_v they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o government_n all_o their_o promise_n oath_n and_o contract_n will_v prove_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n partly_o because_o the_o force_n of_o all_o contract_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o government_n arise_v from_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o first_o compact_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o it_o can_v have_v no_o validity_n partly_o because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o tie_n but_o that_o of_o self-interest_n and_o so_o can_v lay_v no_o other_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v they_o than_o they_o may_v have_v do_v before_o and_o therefore_o if_o mankind_n be_v once_o suppose_v in_o this_o natural_a state_n of_o war_n they_o can_v never_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o after_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n of_o peace_n they_o will_v remain_v as_o much_o as_o before_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o war_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o same_o danger_n and_o misery_n that_o will_v have_v annoy_v they_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n for_o if_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o law_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o nature_n no_o covenant_n be_v of_o power_n enough_o to_o bring_v we_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o they_o now_o have_v thus_o clear_o blow_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o be_v but_o labour_n in_o vain_a to_o make_v particular_a inquiry_n into_o all_o the_o flaw_n and_o folly_n of_o its_o superstructure_n see_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n stand_v and_o fall_v together_o for_o if_o its_o subsequent_a proposition_n be_v coherent_o deduce_v from_o these_o fundamental_a principle_n all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o premise_n be_v once_o convict_v of_o falsehood_n all_o pretence_n to_o truth_n in_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o vanish_v and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v true_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o but_o other_o principle_n thus_o though_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o assign_v may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n yet_o because_o upon_o those_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o assign_v they_o they_o will_v be_v no_o law_n that_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o error_n and_o vanity_n of_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n see_v how_o good_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o upon_o the_o principle_n and_o in_o the_o method_n in_o which_o he_o propose_v they_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o that_o self-interest_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n the_o interest_n of_o civil_a society_n come_v thereby_o to_o be_v no_o better_o secure_v with_o than_o without_o they_o because_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o force_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o compact_a all_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o act_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o think_v it_o advantageous_a and_o when_o they_o have_v the_o utmost_a force_n his_o principle_n can_v give_v they_o no_o man_n will_v think_v they_o oblige_v he_o when_o ever_o he_o apprehend_v they_o disadvantageous_a so_o that_o this_o malignant_a principle_n of_o mere_a self-interest_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a systeme_n and_o twist_v itself_o with_o every_o branch_n of_o his_o morality_n it_o do_v not_o only_o eat_v out_o and_o enervate_a its_o native_a life_n and_o vigour_n but_o withal_o envenom_v their_o natural_a truth_n and_o soundness_n with_o its_o own_o malignity_n which_o principle_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o influence_n it_o have_v on_o other_o part_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v prevent_v and_o withal_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v ruin_v viz._n his_o absurd_a and_o imaginary_a state_n of_o nature_n we_o have_v perhaps_o cashier_v all_o that_o be_v either_o base_a or_o peculiar_a in_o it_o and_o restore_v the_o true_a account_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o right_a reason_n viz._n that_o all_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o happiness_n from_o the_o very_a design_n of_o their_o creation_n that_o this_o can_v be_v acquire_v without_o mutual_a aid_n and_o friendship_n and_o therefore_o right_a reason_n dictate_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o concern_v for_o his_o neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o because_o this_o be_v make_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o mutual_a exchange_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n man_n support_v one_o another_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n chap._n v._n a_o confutation_n of_o the_o consequence_n that_o some_o man_n draw_v from_o mr._n hobs_n principle_n in_o behalf_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o content_n how_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o imposture_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v become_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o fashionable_a argument_n for_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n yet_o because_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v without_o it_o they_o be_v the_o most_o mischievous_a enemy_n to_o government_n that_o tell_v the_o world_n it_o be_v so_o religion_n be_v useful_a or_o dangerous_a in_o a_o state_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o mind_n it_o breed_v be_v peaceable_a or_o turbulent_a the_o dread_n of_o invisible_a power_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o awe_v people_n into_o subjection_n but_o tend_v more_o probable_o to_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n this_o large_o prove_v by_o the_o ungovernableness_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o temper_n of_o some_o sect_n fanaticism_n be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o common_a people_n as_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n and_o yet_o be_v more_o mischievous_a to_o government_n than_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n how_o the_o fanatic_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o sedition_n 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 incurable_a pretence_n and_o occasion_n of_o public_a disturbance_n the_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n make_v toleration_n infinite_o unsafe_a toleration_n only_o cry_v up_o by_o oppress_a party_n because_o it_o give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o overturn_v the_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n every_o man_n that_o desire_v indulgence_n be_v engage_v by_o his_o principle_n to_o endeavour_v change_n and_o alteration_n a_o bare_a indulgence_n of_o man_n in_o any_o religion_n different_a from_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o worship_n do_v but_o exasperate_v they_o against_o the_o state_n §_o 1._o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o pursue_v this_o principle_n be_v because_o it_o be_v become_v the_o most_o powerful_a patron_n of_o the_o fanatic_a interest_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o indifferency_n or_o rather_o imposture_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v now_o make_v the_o most_o effectual_a not_o to_o say_v most_o fashionable_a argument_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o when_o man_n have_v once_o swallow_v this_o principle_n that_o mankind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o proceed_v suitable_o to_o its_o consequence_n to_o believe_v that_o no_o religion_n can_v obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n till_o it_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o supreme_a authority_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o law_n to_o any_o man_n till_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o no_o man_n be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n unless_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n require_v it_o and_o that_o set_v aside_o their_o command_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o believe_v our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o villainous_a and_o lewd_a impostor_n and_o that_o if_o the_o sovereign_a power_n will_v declare_v the_o alcoran_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o the_o
take_v care_n what_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v teach_v within_o his_o dominion_n because_o some_o be_v peculiar_o advantageous_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o other_o as_o natural_o tend_v to_o its_o disturbance_n some_o incline_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o candour_n moderation_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o work_v they_o to_o a_o gentle_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n by_o teach_v humility_n charity_n meekness_n and_o obedience_n now_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o prince_n to_o cherish_v and_o propagate_v such_o doctrine_n among_o their_o subject_n that_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o quiet_a but_o useful_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o other_o there_o be_v that_o infect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o pride_n peevishness_n malice_n spite_n and_o envy_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o delight_v in_o detract_n from_o prince_n and_o speak_v reproachful_o of_o government_n and_o breed_v in_o they_o such_o restless_a and_o seditious_a temper_n that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n for_o any_o prince_n to_o please_v or_o oblige_v they_o now_o as_o for_o such_o perverse_a and_o arrogant_a sect_n of_o man_n it_o certain_o concer_n governor_n to_o suppress_v they_o as_o so_o many_o rout_n of_o traitor_n and_o rebel_n religion_n then_o be_v either_o useful_a or_o dangerous_a in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o mind_n it_o breed_v be_v peaceable_a or_o turbulent_a and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o mischievous_a and_o therefore_o nothing_o more_o concern_v prince_n than_o to_o take_v care_n what_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v within_o their_o dominion_n for_o see_v religion_n have_v and_o will_v have_v the_o strong_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o that_o render_v they_o averse_a and_o troublesome_a to_o government_n it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o power_n nor_o policy_n in_o the_o world_n can_v keep_v they_o peaceable_a till_o such_o persuasion_n be_v root_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n by_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o penalty_n and_o as_o long_o as_o man_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o disobedience_n and_o sedition_n not_o any_o secular_a threaten_n and_o infliction_n be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o bridle_v the_o exorbitance_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v not_o any_o vice_n so_o incident_a to_o the_o common_a people_n as_o superstition_n nor_o any_o so_o mischievous_a it_o be_v infinite_o evident_a from_o the_o history_n and_o record_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o vicious_a or_o absurd_a but_o may_v pass_v for_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v worse_o the_o more_o wild_a and_o giddy_a conceit_n of_o religion_n be_v ever_o suck_v in_o by_o the_o multitude_n with_o the_o great_a passion_n and_o eagerness_n and_o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o difficult_a as_o to_o bring_v the_o common_a people_n to_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v no_o paradox_n to_o affirm_v that_o religion_n i._n e._n what_o be_v mistake_v for_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o mischief_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o nothing_o require_v so_o much_o care_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o its_o due_a conduct_n and_o management_n so_o that_o the_o dread_n of_o invisible_a power_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o more_o serviceable_a to_o awe_v the_o people_n into_o subjection_n then_o to_o drive_v they_o into_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n and_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v accompany_v as_o it_o easy_o may_v with_o tumultuous_a and_o seditious_a persuasion_n it_o be_v a_o invincible_a obligation_n to_o villainy_n and_o rebellion_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o above_o all_o thing_n concern_v prince_n to_o look_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o man_n belief_n see_v it_o be_v so_o great_a odds_o that_o they_o prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o in_o that_o case_n the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v make_v their_o danger_n almost_o irresistible_a sect._n 4._o there_o be_v some_o sect_n who_o principle_n and_o some_o person_n who_o temper_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v peaceable_a in_o any_o commonwealth_n for_o what_o if_o some_o man_n believe_v that_o if_o prince_n refuse_v to_o reform_v religion_n themselves_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o their_o godly_a subject_n to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o by_o violence_n and_o force_n of_o arm_n what_o if_o they_o believe_v that_o prince_n be_v but_o executioner_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n to_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n they_o may_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o by_o consequence_n depose_v what_o if_o they_o believe_v that_o dominion_n be_v found_v in_o grace_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o wicked_a king_n forfeit_v their_o crown_n and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o bestow_v they_o where_o they_o please_v and_o what_o if_o other_o believe_v that_o to_o puruse_v their_o success_n in_o villainy_n and_o rebellion_n be_v to_o follow_v providence_n and_o that_o when_o the_o event_n of_o war_n have_v deliver_v up_o king_n into_o their_o power_n than_o not_o to_o depose_v or_o murder_v they_o be_v to_o slight_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n providential_a dispensation_n be_v not_o these_o and_o the_o like_a innocent_a proposition_n think_v you_o mighty_o conducive_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o commonwealth_n such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o these_o can_v but_o make_v brave_a and_o obedient_a subject_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o powerful_a prince_n where_o such_o conceit_n be_v the_o main_a ingredient_n of_o his_o subject_n religion_n let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o what_o doctrine_n can_v have_v be_v more_o unlucky_o contrive_v to_o disturb_v government_n than_o these_o and_o if_o man_n will_v study_v on_o purpose_n to_o frame_v and_o model_n a_o rebellious_a faith_n these_o must_v have_v be_v their_o fundamental_a article_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v where_o they_o have_v be_v both_o believe_v and_o practise_v but_o further_a be_v there_o not_o a_o sort_n of_o melancholy_a religionist_n in_o the_o world_n who_o very_a genius_n incline_v they_o to_o quarrel_n and_o exception_n against_o the_o state_n and_o management_n of_o public_a affair_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o malapert_v as_o a_o splenetic_a religion_n the_o inward_a discontent_n and_o uneasiness_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n maintain_v itself_o upon_o the_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o this_o humour_n be_v ever_o vent_v itself_o in_o sigh_n and_o complaint_n for_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o time_n i._n e._n in_o effect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o in_o tell_v and_o aggravate_v little_a story_n that_o may_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o ability_n of_o their_o superior_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v their_o fretful_a and_o anxious_a mind_n the_o very_a delight_n and_o recreation_n of_o the_o court_n shall_v stir_v their_o envy_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o great_a one_o grieve_v and_o wound_v their_o tender_a soul_n however_o prince_n behave_v themselves_o they_o can_v never_o win_v upon_o the_o affection_n of_o these_o people_n their_o very_a prosperity_n shall_v disoblige_v they_o and_o they_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o account_n for_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o grandee_n happen_v to_o be_v discontent_v they_o have_v here_o a_o party_n ready_a form_v for_o the_o purpose_n to_o revenge_v their_o injury_n and_o bring_v evil_a counsellor_n that_o seduce_v the_o king_n to_o justice._n and_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o proud_a and_o haughty_a man_n among_o we_o not_o over-well_a affect_v to_o monarchick_a government_n who_o though_o they_o scorn_v yet_o patronize_v this_o humour_n as_o a_o check_n to_o the_o insolence_n and_o presumption_n of_o prince_n again_o be_v there_o not_o some_o whole_a sect_n of_o man_n all_o who_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o passion_n rancour_n and_o bitterness_n all_o who_o devotion_n be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o malecontentedness_n their_o piety_n than_o a_o sanctify_a fury_n and_o their_o zeal_n than_o a_o proud_a and_o spiteful_a malice_n and_o who_o by_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o principle_n be_v bring_v infinite_o and_o irrecoverable_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o passion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o nothing_o import_v governor_n so_o much_o as_o to_o manage_v man_n passion_n in_o that_o it_o be_v these_o rather_o than_o our_o appetite_n that_o disturb_v the_o world_n a_o person_n that_o be_v debauch_a and_o intemperate_a be_v indeed_o useless_a
apprehend_v that_o way_n now_o establish_v by_o law_n defective_a and_o superstitious_a they_o can_v but_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o endeavour_v its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o subversion_n which_o design_n when_o they_o have_v once_o compass_v they_o entertain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o each_o other_o as_o they_o do_v of_o we_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o weapon_n upon_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o zeal_n contrive_v each_o other_o destruction_n as_o they_o do_v we_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o will_v be_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v eternal_o tear_v with_o intestine_a quarrel_n and_o commotion_n till_o it_o grow_v so_o wise_a again_o as_o to_o suppress_v all_o party_n but_o one_o that_o be_v till_o it_o return_v to_o that_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n from_o whence_o it_o part_v by_o toleration_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vulgar_o observable_a than_o that_o though_o all_o party_n whilst_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o more_o prevail_a interest_n have_v cry_v up_o toleration_n as_o the_o most_o effectual_a instrument_n to_o shake_v and_o dissettle_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o thing_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o soon_o effect_v their_o design_n than_o they_o have_v immediate_o put_v in_o to_o scramble_v for_o the_o supremacy_n themselves_o which_o if_o they_o once_o obtain_v they_o have_v ever_o use_v with_o as_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n upon_o all_o dissenter_n as_o they_o ever_o feel_v themselves_o so_o that_o this_o principle_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n much_o resemble_v that_o of_o community_n of_o good_n for_o as_o those_o man_n cry_v up_o equality_n of_o estate_n as_o a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o justice_n that_o have_v but_o a_o small_a share_n themselves_o yet_o whenever_o their_o pretence_n succeed_v and_o they_o have_v advance_v their_o own_o fortune_n and_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v then_o cry_v it_o down_o and_o oppress_v their_o inferior_n with_o more_o cruelty_n than_o ever_o themselves_o feel_v whilst_o in_o a_o low_a station_n so_o do_v those_o who_o private_a persuasion_n happen_v to_o cross_v the_o public_a law_n easy_o pretend_v to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n one_o must_v yield_v and_o because_o their_o stubborn_a zeal_n scorn_v to_o bend_v to_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n these_o must_v be_v force_v to_o give_v place_n to_o that_o so_o that_o when_o conscience_n and_o authority_n happen_v to_o encounter_v all_o the_o dispute_n be_v which_o shall_v have_v most_o force_n in_o public_a law_n whether_o my_o own_o or_o my_o prince_n opinion_n but_o how_o plausible_o soever_o this_o notion_n may_v be_v plead_v by_o man_n out_o of_o power_n it_o be_v ever_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o great_a pretender_n to_o it_o when_o oppress_v be_v always_o the_o great_a zealot_n against_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v mount_v themselves_o into_o power_n as_o well_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a engine_n to_o overturn_v any_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v reformation_n man_n will_v have_v and_o not_o indulgence_n which_o they_o only_o seek_v to_o gain_v ground_n for_o the_o work_n of_o their_o mine_n and_o plant_v of_o their_o engine_n to_o subvert_v the_o establish_a state_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o demand_v wherefore_o they_o will_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o their_o dissension_n from_o our_o way_n of_o worship_n they_o answer_v because_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o it_o in_o conscience_n i._n e._n because_o they_o apprehend_v it_o sinful_a for_o otherwise_o they_o must_v think_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o intolerable_a schism_n and_o rebellion_n to_o create_v faction_n and_o division_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n when_o they_o may_v avoid_v it_o without_o any_o violence_n to_o their_o conscience_n but_o if_o they_o apprehend_v our_o way_n of_o worship_n upon_o any_o account_n sinful_a then_o be_v they_o plain_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o root_v it_o out_o as_o displease_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o its_o stead_n to_o plant_v and_o establish_v their_o own_o and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o principle_n let_v magistrate_n consider_v how_o fatal_a and_o hazardous_a alteration_n in_o religion_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o can_v pluck_v a_o pin_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o state_n immediate_o shake_v and_o totter_v and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v their_o subject_n the_o liberty_n of_o change_v and_o innovate_a in_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v if_o they_o allow_v they_o their_o pretence_n to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n they_o do_v but_o give_v they_o advantage_n for_o eternal_a popular_a commotion_n and_o disturbance_n sect._n 7._o four_o a_o bare_a indulgence_n of_o man_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o any_o religion_n different_a from_o the_o public_a profession_n can_v lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o the_o party_n perhaps_o when_o the_o rigour_n of_o a_o law_n under_o which_o they_o have_v smart_v a_o while_n be_v at_o first_o relax_v this_o indeed_o they_o may_v at_o present_a take_v for_o a_o kindness_n because_o it_o be_v real_o a_o favour_n in_o comparison_n to_o their_o former_a condition_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o remain_v fresh_a upon_o their_o mind_n it_o may_v possible_o affect_v they_o with_o some_o grateful_a resentment_n but_o alas_o these_o affection_n quick_o vanish_v and_o then_o what_o before_o be_v favour_n be_v now_o become_v justice_n and_o their_o prince_n do_v but_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o just_a and_o lawful_a right_n when_o he_o take_v off_o his_o tyrannical_a law_n and_o imposition_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o best_a subject_n while_o those_o unjust_a law_n be_v in_o force_n he_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o cancel_v they_o all_o the_o kindness_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v only_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v no_o favour_n and_o by_o consequence_n no_o obligation_n and_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a all_o the_o dissent_v party_n he_o permit_v and_o do_v not_o countenance_n he_o disoblige_v be_v this_o all_o the_o kindness_n say_v they_o he_o can_v afford_v the_o godly_a not_o to_o persecute_v they_o by_o law_n and_o force_n to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n be_v we_o behold_v to_o he_o bare_o for_o suffer_v we_o to_o live_v in_o our_o native_a soil_n and_o enjoy_v only_o our_o fundamental_a privilege_n be_v this_o all_o the_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n we_o deserve_v be_v not_o we_o the_o pray_v and_o serious_a people_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o who_o sake_n only_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o stay_v among_o we_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o we_o will_v he_o not_o perfect_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v it_o and_o be_v this_o all_o our_o requital_n to_o be_v thus_o slight_v and_o thus_o despise_v only_o for_o our_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o serviceableness_n to_o the_o public_a by_o that_o power_n and_o interest_n we_o have_v in_o he_o to_o keep_v he_o among_o we_o whilst_o vain_a and_o useless_a person_n be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v with_o all_o place_n of_o office_n and_o employment_n these_o be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o scorn_v and_o disrespect_a especial_o when_o flush_v with_o any_o conceit_n and_o high_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o godliness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a truth_n that_o for_o the_o godly_a party_n not_o to_o be_v uppermost_a be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v persecution_n for_o nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o all_o man_n entertain_v the_o best_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o party_n otherwise_o they_o have_v never_o enroll_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o state_n value_v they_o not_o at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o they_o do_v themselves_o they_o be_v scorn_v and_o injure_v because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o favour_n and_o countenance_n they_o deserve_v and_o so_o unless_o they_o have_v public_a encouragement_n as_o well_o as_o indulgence_n they_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v discontent_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o due_n and_o if_o the_o prince_n do_v not_o espouse_v their_o party_n he_o undervalue_v and_o consequent_o disgust_n they_o and_o if_o he_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o other_o as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_v some_o profession_n he_o do_v not_o only_o disoblige_v but_o alienate_v their_o affection_n by_o embrace_v a_o interest_n they_o both_o hate_n and_o scorn_n for_o wherever_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v opposition_n too_o because_o man_n will_v never_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o but_o upon_o ground_n of_o real_a dislike_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v always_o contrary_a in_o those_o difference_n
of_o scruple_n that_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v do_v the_o same_o with_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o church_n in_o christendom_n who_o law_n and_o custom_n be_v not_o apparent_o liable_a either_o to_o the_o same_o or_o as_o great_a exception_n now_o magistrate_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o deal_v wonderful_a gentle_o with_o such_o tender_a conscience_n as_o these_o that_o be_v act_v by_o such_o nice_a and_o unhappy_a principle_n as_o must_v force_v they_o to_o be_v troublesome_a and_o unpeaceable_a in_o any_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o notorious_a than_o all_o this_o these_o man_n have_v all_o along_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o principle_n run_v direct_o counter_a to_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o persuasion_n for_o not_o to_o puzzle_v they_o to_o discover_v in_o which_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enjoin_v the_o form_n of_o public_a penance_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n or_o to_o find_v out_o the_o stool_n of_o repentance_n either_o among_o the_o work_n of_o bezaleel_n or_o the_o furniture_n of_o the_o temple_n we_o read_v indeed_o of_o beesom_n and_o flesh-fork_n and_o pot_n and_o shovel_n and_o candlestick_n but_o not_o one_o syllable_n of_o joynt-stool_n let_v they_o tell_v i_o what_o precept_n or_o example_n they_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o sing_a psalm_n in_o meeter_n where_o have_v our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n enjoin_v a_o directory_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o that_o which_o themselves_o impose_v what_o divine_a authority_n can_v it_o challenge_v beside_o that_o of_o a_o ordinance_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o what_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v they_o produce_v for_o the_o significant_a form_n of_o swear_v by_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o scruple_v what_o scripture_n command_v have_v they_o for_o the_o three_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v take_v it_o 1._o uncover_v 2._o stand_v 3._o with_o their_o right_a hand_n lift_v up_o bare_a now_o what_o a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o impudence_n be_v this_o that_o when_o they_o have_v not_o only_o write_v so_o many_o book_n with_o so_o much_o vehemence_n against_o three_o innocent_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n only_o because_o they_o be_v significant_a but_o have_v also_o involve_v the_o nation_n in_o a_o civil_a war_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o their_o removal_n and_o have_v arm_v themselves_o and_o their_o party_n against_o their_o sovereign_n with_o this_o holy_a league_n of_o rebellion_n that_o even_o then_o they_o shall_v impose_v three_o other_o so_o gross_o and_o so_o apparent_o liable_a to_o all_o their_o own_o objection_n what_o clear_a evidence_n can_v we_o possible_o have_v that_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n that_o dictate_v their_o scruple_n and_o what_o instance_n have_v we_o in_o any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o any_o schism_n and_o faction_n so_o unreasonable_o begin_v and_o continue_v the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n indeed_o may_v resemble_v but_o nothing_o can_v equal_v it_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o make_v proposal_n and_o condescension_n to_o such_o unreasonable_a man_n when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o demand_n and_o suppose_v we_o shall_v yield_v and_o deliver_v up_o to_o their_o zeal_n those_o harmless_a ceremony_n they_o have_v so_o long_o worry_v with_o so_o much_o fury_n and_o impatience_n it_o will_v only_o cherish_v they_o in_o their_o restless_a and_o ungovernable_a persuasion_n for_o whilst_o their_o peevish_a temper_n be_v act_v by_o this_o exorbitant_a principle_n the_o affair_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o be_v so_o settle_v as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n of_o quarrel_n in_o that_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n against_o which_o this_o principle_n may_v not_o as_o rational_o be_v urge_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v religious_a worship_n without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o man_n make_v not_o use_v of_o it_o against_o all_o particular_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v humoursom_a as_o well_o as_o seditious_a and_o so_o allow_v one_o thing_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n they_o disavow_v another_o for_o certain_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v when_o they_o pray_v refuse_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o swear_v which_o be_v but_o another_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n never_o scruple_n to_o kiss_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o whoever_o serious_o imbibe_v this_o persuasion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o understand_v not_o the_o consequence_n of_o his_o opinion_n if_o it_o do_v not_o lead_v he_o down_o to_o the_o low_a folly_n of_o quakerism_n which_o after_o divers_a gradual_a exorbitance_n of_o other_o less_o extravagant_a sect_n be_v but_o the_o last_o and_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o untoward_a persuasion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o vain_a than_o to_o talk_v of_o accommodation_n or_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o possibility_n of_o quiet_a and_o setlement_n till_o authority_n shall_v see_v it_o necessary_a as_o it_o will_v first_o or_o last_o to_o scourge_v they_o into_o better_a manner_n and_o wise_a opinion_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o particular_a matter_n in_o debate_n as_o in_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v manage_v and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unalterable_a yet_o we_o deem_v it_o apparent_o absurd_a to_o forego_v any_o of_o her_o establish_a ceremony_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o these_o man_n unreasonable_a demand_n which_o as_o it_o will_v be_v coarse_o impolitic_a upon_o divers_a other_o account_n so_o main_o by_o yield_v up_o her_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n submit_v her_o authority_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o must_v be_v eternal_a and_o invincible_a hindrance_n of_o peace_n and_o setlement_n this_o let_v they_o consider_v who_o it_o most_o concern_v §_o 5._o four_o as_o for_o their_o principle_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_o certain_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o when_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o thing_n necessary_a be_v as_o confident_o apply_v to_o thing_n accessary_a it_o lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n impregnable_a principle_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n for_o confound_v they_o in_o their_o different_a apprehension_n between_o the_o substantial_a duty_n and_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o of_o equal_a value_n and_o necessity_n it_o make_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o place_n a_o religion_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o religious_a and_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o false_a and_o groundless_a fear_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v the_o very_a essence_n and_o formality_n of_o superstition_n whereas_o be_v they_o due_o instruct_v in_o the_o great_a difference_n between_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a and_o thing_n mere_o decent_a and_o circumstantial_a this_o will_v not_o only_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o also_o keep_v up_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n decency_n of_o worship_n and_o due_a reverence_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o these_o man_n will_v punctual_o tie_v up_o the_o magistrate_n to_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o their_o meaning_n be_v of_o new_a article_n of_o belief_n it_o be_v notorious_o impertinent_a because_o to_o this_o no_o civil_a magistrate_n pretend_v but_o if_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o divine_a law_n it_o be_v then_o indeed_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o as_o notorious_o false_a in_o that_o we_o be_v certain_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o every_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a by_o some_o prohibition_n for_o thing_n become_v evil_a not_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o being_n not_o command_v but_o upon_o that_o of_o their_o be_v forbid_v and_o what_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v not_o it_o
allow_v and_o what_o it_o allow_v be_v not_o unlawful_a and_o what_o be_v not_o unlawful_a may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o conform_v to_o all_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n if_o they_o be_v not_o antecedent_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o command_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o determine_v remain_v indifferent_a what_o be_v indifferent_a be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v lawful_a the_o magistrate_n may_v lawful_o command_v and_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o to_o obey_v he_o at_o all_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v either_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o thing_n lawful_a too_o then_o be_v all_o obedience_n sinful_a §_o 6._o five_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v indeed_o to_o see_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v a_o distinction_n without_o a_o difference_n for_o if_o he_o may_v provide_v for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n then_o may_v he_o make_v law_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v execute_v this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v their_o execution_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vain_a than_o to_o deny_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n a_o power_n of_o make_v law_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o to_o allow_v he_o a_o authority_n to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o religion_n execute_v because_o that_o be_v so_o apparent_o employ_v in_o this_o in_o that_o whoever_o have_v a_o power_n to_o see_v that_o law_n be_v execute_v can_v be_v without_o a_o power_n to_o command_v their_o execution_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v only_o determine_v the_o substance_n and_o morality_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v leave_v the_o order_n of_o its_o circumstance_n to_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o lawful_a authority_n &_o whatever_o they_o determine_v about_o they_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n without_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o reduce_v to_o some_o particular_a case_n thus_o when_o the_o holy_a apostle_n set_v we_o down_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n without_o determine_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o be_v conducive_a to_o it_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o rule_n when_o it_o be_v reduce_v to_o practice_n must_v be_v entire_o leave_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o must_v judge_v what_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a and_o what_o law_n it_o establish_v in_o order_n to_o it_o though_o they_o be_v but_o further_a pursuance_n of_o the_o apostolical_a precept_n yet_o be_v they_o new_a and_o distinct_a command_n by_o themselves_o and_o enjoin_v something_o that_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o command_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v general_a and_o general_a law_n not_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n but_o in_o particular_a case_n and_o instance_n he_o that_o have_v authority_n to_o look_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o general_a law_n must_v withal_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o determine_v with_o what_o particular_a instance_n case_n and_o circumstance_n they_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n and_o execution_n and_o here_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o take_v order_n himself_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o immediate_o concern_v his_o own_o worship_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o determine_v all_o particular_a rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v discharge_v his_o office_n with_o less_o wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n than_o moses_n who_o order_v every_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n even_o as_o far_o as_o the_o pin_n and_o nail_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n with_o divers_a other_o the_o like_a idle_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n one_o will_v think_v that_o man_n who_o argue_v at_o this_o rate_n have_v already_o at_o least_o discover_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o complete_a form_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o eternal_a universal_a and_o unchangeable_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o till_o they_o can_v believe_v this_o themselves_o and_o prove_v it_o to_o other_o instead_o of_o return_v solemn_a answer_n to_o such_o baffle_v and_o intolerable_a impertinency_n i_o shall_v only_o advise_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o unlucky_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v when_o instead_o of_o produce_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o public_a worship_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o they_o with_o their_o wont_a modesty_n prove_v he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o that_o unless_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o have_v be_v defective_a in_o his_o care_n &_o providence_n over_o his_o church_n for_o what_o can_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o be_v but_o that_o god_n be_v chargeable_a with_o want_n of_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n or_o with_o some_o other_o defect_n even_o by_o certain_a and_o infallible_a experience_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o determine_v every_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n than_o he_o must_v stand_v charge_v with_o all_o the_o absurdity_n they_o object_n against_o their_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a and_o therefore_o if_o no_o such_o prescribe_a form_n can_v be_v produce_v as_o it_o be_v infinite_o certain_a none_o ever_o can_v then_o let_v they_o consider_v what_o follow_v so_o unhappy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o when_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v dispute_v against_o experience_n who_o evidence_n be_v so_o powerful_a and_o forcible_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o demonstration_n itself_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o cope_v with_o it_o how_o much_o less_o the_o weak_a and_o puny_a argument_n wherewith_o these_o man_n assault_v it_o sect._n 7._o six_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a action_n but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a variety_n of_o circumstance_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o outward_a worship_n but_o may_v be_v do_v after_o a_o thousand_o different_a modes_n and_o fashion_n in_o that_o as_o every_o action_n be_v clothe_v with_o natural_a and_o emergent_a circumstance_n so_o be_v every_o circumstance_n with_o its_o circumstance_n every_o one_o of_o which_o may_v be_v modify_v in_o sundry_a way_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o infinite_a variety_n of_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o god_n prescribe_v only_o the_o general_a line_n of_o duty_n and_o rare_o descend_v to_o their_o particular_a determination_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n by_o choice_n and_o custom_n by_o law_n and_o prescription_n and_o by_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o humane_a affair_n be_v govern_v and_o transact_v thus_o for_o example_n the_o divine_a law_n have_v make_v charity_n a_o stand_n and_o eternal_a duty_n but_o have_v leave_v its_o particular_a way_n of_o expression_n undetermined_a and_o uncommand_v and_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o building_n of_o college_n or_o church_n or_o hospital_n by_o repair_v of_o bridge_n or_o river_n or_o highway_n by_o redeem_v of_o slave_n and_o prisoner_n by_o hospitality_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o provision_n for_o orphan_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n of_o public_a or_o private_a bounty_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o thought_n have_v determine_v his_o own_o choice_n to_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o particular_n even_o that_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o strange_a number_n of_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o discretion_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o moral_a virtue_n so_o in_o that_o of_o religious_a gratitude_n or_o divine_a worship_n this_o duty_n itself_o be_v of_o a_o natural_a and_o essential_a necessity_n but_o yet_o may_v and_o must_v be_v perform_v with_o a_o unconceivable_a variety_n of_o dress_n custom_n and_o way_n of_o expression_n that_o be_v leave_v utter_o free_a and_o undetermined_a in_o scripture_n any_o of_o which_o may_v be_v decent_o use_v provide_v they_o do_v not_o make_v debase_v representation_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v the_o proper_a folly_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o order_n and_o solemnity_n wherewith_o religion_n may_v be_v prudent_o adorn_v be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o decent_a although_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o
undetermined_a but_o because_o every_o action_n must_v be_v do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o be_v vest_v with_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o and_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v with_o fantastic_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o all_o the_o folly_n &_o indecency_n that_o ignorance_n and_o superstitious_a zeal_n will_v introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o the_o public_a law_n shall_v determine_v some_o circumstance_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o have_v at_o least_o this_o advantage_n that_o they_o provide_v against_o the_o mischief_n of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o we_o place_v no_o antecedent_n necessity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n but_o only_o think_v it_o high_o convenient_a if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o some_o be_v prescribe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o handsomeness_n and_o beauty_n in_o these_o that_o be_v prescribe_v and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o be_v determine_v and_o because_o these_o be_v rather_o than_o divers_a other_o already_o settle_v we_o think_v they_o have_v a_o indispensable_a necessity_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o consequent_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o authority_n no_o man_n affirm_v that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o without_o a_o surplice_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v but_o requisite_a that_o public_a worship_n shall_v be_v perform_v with_o beauty_n and_o solemnity_n and_o because_o the_o use_n of_o this_o vestment_n be_v but_o handsome_a and_o beautiful_a and_o prevent_v slovenliness_n and_o indecency_n it_o be_v but_o agreeable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v enjoin_v as_o any_o other_o decent_a habit_n may_v have_v be_v and_o when_o this_o be_v single_v out_o by_o authority_n it_o than_o become_v consequential_o necessary_a whereas_o those_o who_o forbid_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o sinful_a and_o lay_v obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v innocent_a and_o make_v that_o necessary_a not_o to_o be_v do_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o make_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v usurp_v upon_o man_n conscience_n by_o impose_v fetter_n on_o they_o where_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o free_a and_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o palpable_a piece_n of_o superstition_n by_o teach_v their_o own_o prohibition_n for_o doctrine_n and_o so_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o make_v it_o a_o mortal_a and_o damnable_a sin_n to_o do_v what_o be_v innocent_a and_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v or_o at_o least_o just_o may_v inflict_v eternal_a torment_n upon_o man_n for_o make_v their_o address_n to_o he_o rather_o in_o a_o cleanly_a white_a vestment_n than_o in_o a_o tailor_n cloak_n or_o perhaps_o in_o mechanical_a querpo_n sect._n ii_o and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o outcry_n against_o will-worship_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o against_o superstition_n for_o it_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o it_o and_o be_v criminal_a no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v superstitious_a now_o when_o they_o exclaim_v against_o superstition_n they_o mean_v only_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o consist_v in_o will-worship_n and_o when_o against_o will-worship_n it_o be_v only_a as_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o superstition_n so_o that_o these_o two_o impertinent_a clamour_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o different_a denomination_n and_o so_o amount_v but_o to_o one_o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o will-worship_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o than_o in_o man_n make_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o invention_n necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n whereby_o they_o make_v that_o requisite_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o require_v and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n whether_o this_o be_v do_v by_o injunction_n or_o prohibition_n and_o they_o that_o affirm_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o a_o action_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_a to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n and_o therefore_o if_o these_o man_n make_v it_o necessary_a to_o forbear_v what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v they_o teach_v their_o own_o fancy_n for_o doctrine_n and_o impose_v something_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n on_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n conscience_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o impose_v and_o withal_o so_o unworthy_o misrepresent_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o to_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v such_o a_o abhorrency_n to_o a_o thing_n so_o innocent_a as_o a_o white_a garment_n that_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o under_o his_o everlasting_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a be_v as_o well_o in_o their_o as_o our_o esteem_v mortal_a &_o damnable_a but_o then_o as_o for_o our_o own_o part_n they_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o guilty_a of_o this_o piece_n of_o folly_n than_o we_o be_v clear_a and_o innocent_a from_o its_o very_a suspicion_n because_o all_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o posture_n and_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n capable_a of_o be_v part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o use_v and_o impose_v they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v lamentable_o precarious_a to_o charge_v the_o determination_n of_o they_o with_o will-worship_n because_o that_o consist_v in_o make_v those_o thing_n part_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o so_o that_o when_o the_o church_n express_o declare_v against_o this_o use_n of_o they_o and_o only_o injoin_v they_o as_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o it_o can_v by_o impose_v they_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o provide_v that_o what_o god_n have_v require_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o orderly_a manner_n sect._n 12._o and_o then_o as_o for_o christian_a liberty_n why_o shall_v we_o suffer_v they_o so_o far_o to_o invade_v we_o as_o to_o renounce_v those_o thing_n as_o criminal_a which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v innocent_a and_o if_o thing_n indifferent_a when_o enjoin_v lose_v not_o only_o their_o liberty_n but_o their_o lawfulness_n then_o why_o not_o when_o forbid_v and_o that_o by_o a_o incompetent_a authority_n when_o our_o superior_n impose_v rule_n of_o decency_n and_o law_n of_o discipline_n they_o do_v not_o infringe_v our_o christian_a liberty_n because_o they_o do_v not_o abolish_v the_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o alone_o it_o consist_v and_o though_o they_o become_v thereby_o necessary_a duty_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n or_o some_o emergent_a reason_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n whereas_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o only_o abridge_v our_o liberty_n but_o also_o lay_v insolent_a confinement_n upon_o the_o supreme_a power_n by_o make_v thing_n indifferent_a so_o absolute_o unlawful_a that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o just_a command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v sinful_a how_o oft_o and_o how_o plain_o have_v they_o be_v tell_v that_o when_o authority_n injoin_v thing_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o encroach_a upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n that_o it_o rather_o confirm_v it_o in_o that_o this_o suppose_n that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v either_o do_v or_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o determine_v by_o public_a law_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v indifferent_a yet_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v not_o whereas_o when_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v their_o governor_n to_o enjoin_v these_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o do_v will_v not_o obey_v their_o injunction_n do_v they_o not_o apparent_o entrench_v upon_o our_o liberty_n by_o make_v what_o christ_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a necessary_a and_o under_o pretence_n of_o assert_v their_o christian_a liberty_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o confine_v the_o right_n of_o authority_n but_o to_o all_o this_o as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v they_o attend_v but_o they_o still_o deaf_o proceed_v in_o their_o old_a clamour_n which_o be_v too_o clear_a a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o dictate_v their_o exception_n but_o humour_n prejudice_n and_o peevishness_n sect._n 13
and_o the_o certainty_n not_o the_o suspicion_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v object_v that_o be_v presumption_n enough_o for_o any_o modest_a and_o sober_a man_n to_o conclude_v their_o innocence_n and_o still_o to_o retain_v the_o scruple_n be_v folly_n and_o peevishness_n and_o then_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o doubtful_a but_o obstinate_a and_o peremptory_a the_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o cherish_v his_o scruple_n and_o persist_v in_o his_o folly_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o be_v weak_a and_o timorous_a but_o because_o he_o be_v stubborn_a and_o disingenuous_a and_o then_o he_o pretend_v conscience_n only_o to_o vouch_v his_o humour_n and_o his_o insolence_n i._n e._n he_o be_v a_o villain_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_a pity_n especial_o from_o authority_n that_o no_o offender_n can_v more_o need_v or_o provoke_v their_o severity_n in_o that_o such_o man_n resolve_v to_o tire_v out_o their_o governor_n by_o their_o inflexible_a stubbornness_n and_o to_o affront_v their_o law_n with_o trifle_n and_o contemptuous_a exception_n at_o the_o first_o setlement_n of_o a_o church_n or_o new_a religion_n than_o indeed_o man_n old_a folly_n prejudices_fw-la and_o weakness_n aught_o to_o be_v charitable_o consider_v and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v into_o new_a custom_n and_o usage_n by_o too_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v gentle_o and_o tender_o treat_v till_o time_n and_o better_a information_n may_v wear_v off_o their_o scruple_n and_o little_a exception_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v at_o first_o indulge_v in_o their_o weak_a and_o trifle_a conceit_n because_o than_o they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o arise_v from_o a_o pitiable_a ignorance_n and_o dissetlement_n of_o conscience_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n be_v full_o declare_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o common_a yoke_n of_o discipline_n and_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o plead_v their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n against_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o this_o too_o be_v our_o present_a case_n man_n labour_v to_o support_v a_o old_a schism_n by_o outwear_v scruple_n and_o jealousy_n and_o will_v persevere_v in_o their_o doubt_n because_o they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o after_o so_o much_o time_n and_o so_o much_o satisfaction_n they_o can_v still_o remain_v unresolved_a and_o if_o whole_a army_n of_o reason_n have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o chase_v away_o all_o their_o little_a and_o imaginary_a fear_n yet_o methinks_v so_o long_a time_n and_o so_o much_o experience_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n and_o illusion_n of_o their_o own_o melancholy_a fancy_n for_o have_v they_o be_v real_a and_o substantial_a thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v escape_v the_o discovery_n of_o so_o long_a and_o so_o severe_a a_o scrutiny_n but_o if_o nor_o time_n nor_o reason_n can_v disabuse_v they_o it_o be_v not_o their_o ignorance_n but_o their_o obstinacy_n that_o be_v invincible_a thus_o v._n g._n when_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o handsome_a and_o decent_a action_n in_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v the_o most_o solemn_a piece_n of_o gratitude_n or_o worship_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o peculiar_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o vast_a and_o unspeakable_a obligation_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n and_o humility_n and_o when_o these_o man_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o observe_v but_o also_o to_o enjoin_v the_o same_o posture_n in_o their_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o other_o less_o solemn_a expression_n of_o devotion_n and_o when_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n have_v actual_o determine_v and_o require_v this_o reverend_a posture_n to_o stamp_v a_o peculiar_a sacredness_n and_o solemnity_n upon_o this_o duty_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o now_o scruple_n its_o practice_n without_o affect_a contempt_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n because_o they_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v unless_o they_o be_v resolve_v against_o it_o of_o the_o vanity_n and_o dis-ingenuity_n of_o their_o old_a pretence_n namely_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v interpret_v to_o give_v religious_a worship_n to_o the_o element_n and_o by_o lie_v prostrate_a before_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n they_o shall_v become_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o senseless_a piece_n of_o matter_n for_o when_o they_o plead_v this_o excuse_n for_o their_o disobedience_n they_o can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o by_o it_o they_o do_v not_o only_o despise_v but_o slander_n and_o reproach_v the_o law_n that_o they_o outface_v and_o traduce_v authority_n and_o will_v force_v their_o governor_n to_o believe_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o favour_n what_o they_o express_o abhor_v see_v the_o very_a same_o law_n that_o enjoin_v this_o ceremony_n provide_v so_o express_o against_o this_o abuse_n and_o declare_v so_o industrious_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o design_v any_o reverence_n to_o the_o creature_n themselves_o that_o it_o abhor_v it_o but_o only_o require_v it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o all_o other_o religious_a address_n to_o heaven_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o man_n will_v dread_v it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o idolatry_n because_o forsooth_o it_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v abuse_v to_o that_o purpose_n i_o say_v no_o more_o than_o that_o if_o such_o thin_a and_o frivolous_a scruple_n may_v outweigh_v the_o law_n and_o evacuate_v our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o as_o apparent_o liable_a to_o as_o disingenuous_a surmise_n and_o they_o may_v as_o rational_o forbear_v look_v up_o towards_o heaven_n in_o their_o prayer_n lest_o they_o shall_v worship_v the_o cloud_n or_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v some_o man_n study_v for_o impertinent_a scruple_n to_o ensnare_v themselves_o and_o labour_n to_o raise_v great_a doubt_n from_o little_a reason_n and_o can_v be_v satisfy_v because_o they_o will_v not_o they_o have_v enslave_v themselves_o to_o their_o folly_n and_o bore_v their_o ear_n to_o their_o scruple_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o grow_v old_a in_o a_o voluntary_a bondage_n to_o trifle_n and_o foolery_n now_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o people_n of_o this_o humour_n to_o straighten_v the_o law_n till_o they_o have_v make_v they_o too_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a to_o be_v obey_v to_o draw_v their_o knot_n till_o it_o become_v troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o wrack_n and_o stretch_v they_o beyond_o or_o beside_o their_o own_o intention_n by_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a case_n by_o harsh_a and_o unkind_a interpretation_n and_o by_o far-fetched_a and_o disingenuous_a suspicion_n and_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o such_o precarious_a pretence_n as_o no_o law_n can_v possible_o avoid_v they_o refuse_v the_o liberty_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n only_o that_o they_o may_v take_v the_o licence_n to_o disobey_v they_o in_o brief_a the_o main_a mystery_n of_o all_o this_o niceness_n though_o themselves_o have_v not_o wit_n enough_o to_o observe_v its_o first_o cause_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n nothing_o but_o a_o little_a pride_n and_o vainglory_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o natural_a for_o some_o people_n to_o affect_v some_o little_a scruple_n against_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n thereby_o to_o make_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o some_o little_a penalty_n and_o than_o what_o godly_a man_n be_v they_o that_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o be_v punish_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n how_o do_v such_o man_n hug_v and_o nurse_v their_o dear_a scruple_n all_o the_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o wrest_v it_o from_o they_o it_o be_v their_o ephod_n and_o their_o teraphim_n the_o only_a mark_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o symbol_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o if_o you_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o you_o take_v away_o their_o god_n and_o what_o have_v they_o more_o sect._n 3_o if_o my_o conscience_n be_v real_o weak_a and_o tender_a what_o can_v become_v it_o more_o than_o humble_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o authority_n weakness_n of_o conscience_n always_o proceed_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o want_n of_o wit_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o the_o pretence_n of_o disobedience_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v i_o will_v control_v the_o wisdom_n of_o my_o superior_n because_o i_o have_v little_a or_o none_o myself_o certain_o where_o
affect_a and_o new-fangled_a singularity_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o governor_n enjoin_v matter_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n in_o themselves_o thereby_o to_o avoid_v the_o evil_n that_o will_v natural_o attend_v upon_o their_o being_n not_o enjoin_v so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v though_o perhaps_o they_o be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a use_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v at_o least_o this_o considerable_a usefulness_n as_o to_o prevent_v many_o great_a mischief_n that_o will_v probable_o follow_v from_o their_o being_n not_o determine_v and_o therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o all_o such_o law_n be_v to_o be_v value_v not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o law_n command_v as_o by_o the_o mischief_n and_o evil_a effect_n that_o it_o prevent_v or_o redress_n and_o thus_o the_o main_a decency_n of_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o divine_a worship_n lie_v not_o so_o proper_o in_o the_o positive_a use_n of_o the_o rite_n themselves_o as_o in_o the_o prevention_n of_o all_o the_o indecency_n of_o confusion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v avoid_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o peculiar_a rite_n positive_o determine_v so_o that_o the_o law_n we_o see_v may_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o the_o thing_n it_o command_v be_v but_o mere_o indifferent_a because_o some_o thing_n necessary_a can_v be_v obtain_v but_o by_o some_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o in_o our_o present_a case_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n but_o order_n and_o decency_n there_o can_v be_v without_o the_o determination_n of_o some_o indifferent_a &_o particular_a circumstance_n because_o if_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o humour_n there_o can_v be_v no_o remedy_n against_o eternal_a folly_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o general_a necessary_a that_o some_o circumstance_n be_v determine_v though_o perhaps_o no_o one_o particular_a circumstance_n can_v be_v necessary_a yet_o when_o any_o one_o be_v single_v out_o by_o authority_n it_o gain_v as_o absolute_a a_o necessity_n as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o antecedent_o because_o though_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v indifferent_a yet_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v not_o which_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v provide_v for_o but_o by_o determine_v either_o this_o or_o some_o other_o ceremony_n as_o perfect_o indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o now_o upon_o the_o result_n of_o these_o particular_n i_o leave_v it_o first_o to_o public_a authority_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wonderful_o wise_a piece_n of_o good_a nature_n to_o be_v tender_a &_o indulgent_a to_o these_o poor_a tender_a conscience_n and_o then_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v whether_o ever_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o woeful_o disturb_v upon_o such_o slender_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n as_o we_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o at_o length_n finish_v what_o i_o design_v and_o undertake_v i._n e._n i_o have_v prove_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o govern_v man_n conscience_n and_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n &_o the_o unavoidable_a danger_n of_o tolerate_v or_o keep_v up_o religious_a difference_n have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o possibility_n of_o settle_v a_o nation_n but_o by_o uniformity_n in_o religious_a worship_n that_o religion_n may_v and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o all_o other_o affair_n &_o transaction_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v do_v it_o but_o severe_a law_n nor_o they_o neither_o unless_o severe_o execute_v and_o so_o i_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o public_a authority_n and_o be_o but_o little_a doubtful_a of_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v friend_n to_o peace_n and_o government_n but_o whatever_o the_o event_n may_v prove_v to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a satisfaction_n that_o i_o reap_v to_o myself_o in_o reflect_v upon_o that_o candour_n and_o integrity_n i_o have_v use_v through_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o that_o as_o i_o have_v free_o and_o impartial_o represent_v the_o most_o serious_a result_v of_o my_o own_o thought_n so_o withal_o have_v i_o be_v not_o a_o little_a solicitous_a not_o to_o balk_v any_o thing_n material_a in_o the_o controversy_n have_v encounter_v all_o their_o most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a objection_n have_v prevent_v all_o manner_n of_o escape_n and_o subterfuge_n and_o have_v not_o wave_v any_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v too_o hard_o to_o be_v answer_v though_o some_o thing_n i_o have_v because_o too_o easy_a and_o upon_o review_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o have_v confidence_n perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v boldness_n enough_o to_o challenge_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o will_v but_o be_v as_o ingenuous_a as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o he_o will_v and_o in_o defiance_n to_o all_o enemy_n of_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o what_o name_n or_o sect_n soever_o to_o conclude_v all_o in_o the_o word_n of_o pilate_n to_o the_o turbulent_a jew_n what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v finis_fw-la finis_fw-la vide_fw-la continuation_n of_o the_o friendly_a debate_n pag._n 120_o etc._n etc._n socr._n l._n 5._o praes_n lib._n 3._o