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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n authority_n prove_v tradition_n 2,724 5 8.9814 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A56257 Of the nature and qualification of religion in reference to civil society written by Samuel Puffendorff ... ; which may serve as an appendix to the author's Duty of men ; translated from the original.; De habitu religionis Christianae ad vitam civilem. English Pufendorf, Samuel, Freiherr von, 1632-1694.; Crull, J. (Jodocus), d. 1713?; Pufendorf, Samuel, Freiherr von, 1632-1694. De officio hominis et civis. 1698 (1698) Wing P4180; ESTC R6881 106,116 202

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consequent_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o make_v up_o a_o particular_a sovereignty_n wherefore_o if_o both_o these_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o person_n he_o become_v thereby_o at_o once_o master_n over_o our_o life_n and_o conscience_n but_o if_o this_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v lodge_v in_o another_o person_n he_o must_v either_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v a_o power_n of_o execute_v his_o decree_n by_o his_o own_o prerogative_n or_o else_o to_o have_v only_o a_o authority_n of_o give_v sentence_n leave_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n if_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o double_a head_a sovereignty_n must_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o distraction_n and_o if_o the_o latter_a those_o that_o exercise_v the_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o state_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o executioner_n only_o to_o this_o 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si_fw-la tam_fw-la in_o nostra_fw-la potestate_fw-la foret_fw-la oblivisci_fw-la quam_fw-la tacere_fw-la by_o the_o inquisition_n the_o benefit_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o ear_n be_v take_v away_o at_o once_o and_o if_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o control_v man_n memory_n as_o it_o be_v to_o bridle_v their_o tongue_n the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a have_v be_v long_o ago_o abolish_v among_o we_o true_o by_o such_o method_n perhaps_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v stock_v with_o hypocrite_n and_o dissemble_a heretic_n but_o few_o will_v be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o requisite_a that_o a_o hide_a ulcer_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a whereby_o it_o may_v the_o soon_o be_v purge_v from_o its_o malignancy_n and_o proper_a remedy_n more_o immediate_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o affect_a part_n so_o be_v it_o much_o conduce_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o scruple_n and_o erroneous_a opinion_n as_o have_v seize_v our_o mind_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o light_v that_o by_o apply_v timely_a remedy_n they_o may_v be_v remove_v before_o they_o be_v go_v too_o far_o than_o by_o couch_v they_o over_o to_o let_v they_o run_v into_o a_o malignant_a suppuration_n which_o at_o last_o may_v turn_v to_o a_o incurable_a gangrene_n it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o if_o this_o ecclesiastical_a sovereignty_n be_v grant_v there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o double_a head_a sovereign_a power_n in_o one_o state_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o subject_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o point_n of_o controversy_n as_o well_o and_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n as_o they_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o civil_a governor_n in_o civil_a action_n and_o since_o this_o ecclesiastical_a sovereignty_n have_v a_o different_a scope_n from_o that_o for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v erect_v it_o must_v
they_o be_v not_o preferable_a in_o this_o point_n before_o any_o other_o in_o europe_n if_o any_o one_o question_n th●_n truth_n of_o it_o i_o appeal_v to_o mr._n toland_n case_n concern_v his_o treatise_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a it_o be_v both_o beyond_o my_o scope_n and_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o letter_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o both_o side_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a here_o to_o refer_v myself_o to_o what_o have_v be_v publish_v against_o he_o late_o here_o in_o england_n and_o in_o other_o place_n all_o which_o if_o due_o compare_v will_v soon_o evince_v how_o much_o the_o english_a clergy_n ●as_v outdo_v the_o rest_n both_o by_o force_n of_o argument_n and_o a_o generous_a gentle_a behaviour_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v abuse_v your_o lordship_n patience_n i_o will_v therefore_o conclude_v with_o recommend_v both_o my_o author_n and_o myself_o to_o your_o lordship_n protection_n beg_v leave_n to_o subscribe_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o devote_a servant_n j._n crull_n m._n d._n the_o content_n concering_n religion_n before_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v sect_n 1._o every_o man_n be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o his_o own_o religion_n 2_o how_o the_o same_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n 3_o parent●_n have_v original_o the_o care_n of_o religious_a worship_n lodge_v in_o they_o 4_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o constitute_v for_o religion_n sake_n 5_o subject_n do_v never_o submit_v their_o opinion_n as_o to_o religious_a worship_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o their_o sovereign_n 6_o what_o power_n proper_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n 7_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o reveal_v religion_n 8_o among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v a_o very_a strict_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n 9_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n 10_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o the_o jewish_a 11_o some_o reflection_n on_o the_o behaviour_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n 12_o what_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o establish_v his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n 13_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o new_a commonwealth_n or_o people_n 14_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o territory_n belong_v to_o he_o 15_o christ_n do_v not_o exercise_v any_o sovereign_a power_n 16_o but_o th●_n office_n of_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n 17_o the_o apostle_n do_v propagate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n 18_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v their_o authority_n of_o teach_v from_o god_n alone_o independent_a from_o any_o human_a power_n 19_o the_o apostle_n never_o assume_v any_o authority_n of_o command_v other_o 20_o whether_o their_o authority_n of_o teach_v do_v indirect_o imply_v any_o right_n of_o command_v other_o 21_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o absolution_n do_v imply_v any_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n 22_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o absolve_v from_o sin_n 23_o under_o who_o authority_n the_o apostle_n do_v exercise_v the_o power_n of_o absolution_n 24_o of_o what_o nature_n it_o be_v 25_o whether_o st._n peter_n have_v any_o prerogative_n grant_v above_o other_o 26_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v imply_v a_o sovereignty_n 27_o the_o commission_n grant_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n contain_v nothing_o of_o command_n 28_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o temporal_a kingdom_n 29_o whether_o the_o christian_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o state_n or_o sovereignty_n 30_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o it_o 31_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n 32_o and_o the_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o those_o that_o exercise_n the_o sovereignty_n in_o a_o state_n 33_o whether_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o state_n 34_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a to_o reduce_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n under_o one_o independent_a severeignty_n or_o head_n 35_o whether_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v one_o supreme_a judge_n in_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v such_o difference_n as_o may_v arise_v from_o time_n to_o time_n 36_o a_o example_n of_o a_o controversy_n compose_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 37_o some_o observation_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o general_n council_n 38_o concern_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o pagan_a prince_n 39_o concern_v its_o condition_n under_o the_o christian_a emperor_n 40_o the_o church_n have_v not_o change_v her_o nature_n of_o be_v a_o college_n or_o society_n 41_o neither_o be_v sovereign_n thereby_o become_v bishop_n 42_o christian_a sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o church_n 43_o of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n 44_o of_o the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n over_o the_o church_n minister_n 45_o of_o the_o power_n of_o call_v a_o synod_n or_o convention_n 46_o of_o their_o power_n as_o to_o church-discipline_n 47_o of_o their_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n 48_o how_o far_o sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o religious_a affair_n when_o the_o public_a safety_n lie_v at_o stake_n 49_o concern_v toleration_n of_o several_a religion_n 50_o prince_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o false_a suggestion_n 51_o sometime_o the_o prerogative_n of_o sovereign_n be_v impair_v under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n 52_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o set_v up_o a_o reformation_n 53_o whether_o subject_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o their_o sovereign_n can_v pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o reformation_n 54_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o qualification_n of_o religion_n in_o reference_n to_o civil_a society_n etc._n etc._n among_o all_o those_o question_n which_o have_v for_o many_o age_n pass_v be_v controvert_v among_o christian_n this_o may_v be_v deem_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a which_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o of_o the_o several_a christian_a sect_n ought_v most_o just_o to_o claim_v the_o title_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o romanist_n keep_v this_o for_o their_o last_o reserve_v when_o engage_v with_o the_o protestant_n that_o they_o attribute_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n only_o to_o themselves_o and_o bold_o stigmatize_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o name_n of_o rebellious_a deserter_n this_o be_v the_o main_a bulwark_n they_o rely_v upon_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o allege_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v so_o strict_o to_o examine_v and_o maintain_v every_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n against_o the_o protestant_n since_o whatever_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o erroneous_a if_o not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o interpretation_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n thus_o make_v themselves_o both_o judge_n and_o witness_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n ●esides_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o public_a safety_n in_o a_o state_n to_o know_v exact_o what_o bound_n ought_v to_o be_v prescribe_v to_o the_o priestly_a order_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n as_o likewise_o to_o determine_v how_o far_o the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n extend_v itself_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n for_o if_o either_o of_o they_o transgress_v their_o bound_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n prove_v the_o cause_n of_o great_a abuse_n disturbance_n and_o oppression_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o be_v the_o soon_o prevail_v upon_o to_o search_v into_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o this_o question_n at_o this_o juncture_n of_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o romish_a priest_n apply_v all_o their_o cunning_a for_o the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o protestant_n but_o also_o some_o of_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o christendom_n set_v aside_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o convert_v people_n by_o reason_n and_o force_v of_o argument_n have_v now_o recourse_n to_o op●n_a violence_n and_o by_o dragoon_v force_v their_o miserable_a subject_n to_o a_o religion_n which_o always_o appear_v abominable_a to_o they_o but_o if_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o to_o examine_v this_o point_n according_a to_o its_o own_o solid_a principle_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v without_o have_v recourse_n to_o ambiguous_a term_n and_o tergiversation_n it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a that_o we_o trace_v the_o very_a original_a of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a so_o as_o
supreme_a governor_n do_v thereby_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o those_o their_o sovereign_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v conduce_v for_o the_o public_a welfare_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o such_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o that_o they_o will_v always_o be_v ready_a to_o execute_v their_o command_n wherefore_o sovereign_n be_v always_o invest_v with_o a_o full_a power_n to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o command_n by_o inflict_a punishment_n ●pon_v they_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n shall_v ever_o or_o aught_o to_o submit_v themselves_o so_o entire_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o disposal_n of_o their_o teacher_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o acquiesce_v bare_o in_o and_o to_o follow_v blind_o whatever_o shall_v be_v propose_v by_o they_o as_o conduce_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v certain_a without_o contradiction_n that_o none_o of_o the_o believer_n do_v entire_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o faith_n to_o any_o body_n but_o to_o god_n almighty_a who_o will_n and_o command_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o auditor_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o they_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o propose_v any_o doctrine_n surpass_v human_a reason_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o gain_v credit_n by_o his_o auditor_n must_v either_o claim_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o by_o compulsion_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o more_o superior_a power_n but_o any_o man_n that_o offer_v matter_n not_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n do_v thereby_o expose_v himself_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o authority_n except_o he_o can_v by_o other_o more_o powerful_a mean_n maintain_v his_o doctrine_n and_o gain_v credit_n with_o his_o auditor_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o to_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v man_n that_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v foolishness_n and_o s._n paul_n be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n nickname_v 23._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o a_o babbler_n by_o the_o athenian_a philosopher_n neither_o be_v any_o human_a power_n capable_a of_o enforce_v 18._o act_n 17._o 18._o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o people_n for_o which_o reason_n christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n go_v and_o teach_v and_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n to_o obtain_v which_o all_o human_a mean_n which_o imply_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o be_v forcible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o trifle_n and_o insufficient_a there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o such_o doctrine_n must_v be_v verify_v by_o a_o superior_a be_v or_o principle_n 20._o mark_v 16._o 20._o viz._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o always_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o miracle_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n ancient_o authorize_v their_o 4._o act_n 14._o ●_o heb._n 2_o 4._o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n undeniable_a that_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o now_o any_o more_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o miracle_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n which_o be_v hear_v at_o the_o publish_v of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v never_o repeat_v afterward_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o christian_n therefore_o have_v submit_v their_o faith_n and_o reason_n only_o to_o christ_n who_o authority_n be_v unquestionable_a as_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o be_v testify_v by_o his_o father_n voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o 22._o mat._n ●_o 17._o luk._n 3._o 22._o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n willing_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o moses_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n so_o be_v 19_o exod_n 20._o 19_o they_o oblige_v to_o subimt_fw-la their_o faith_n to_o the_o apostle_n after_o they_o have_v once_o verify_v their_o divine_a commission_n by_o their_o miracle_n though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o doctrine_n do_v sometime_o produce_v good_a effect_n without_o miracle_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a that_o when_o they_o preach_v and_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o be_v ●well_v verse_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o do_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o their_o auditor_n examine_v their_o word_n whether_o they_o be_v consonant_a with_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v therein_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v sufficent_o 1●●●_n act_n 1●●●_n apparent_a that_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o engage_v himself_o unto_o a_o blind_a obedience_n of_o such_o teacher_n as_o can_v verify_v their_o immediate_a divine_a commission_n by_o miracle_n so_o as_o to_o make_v his_o faith_n absolute_o dependent_a from_o their_o doctrine_n without_o exception_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v manifest_a demonstration_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d it_o ●●_o not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o shall_v and_o must_v ●●_o but_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o ma●●ing_v it_o plain_a and_o apparent_a that_o what_o 〈…〉_o to_o his_o auditor_n be_v absolute_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o ought_v the_o auditor_n p●●_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n but_o to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o the_o teacher_n doctrine_n into_o be_v examine_v and_o approve_v the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n use_v to_o take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o chief_a teacher_n or_o founder_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n aristoteles_n and_o zeno_n but_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o other_o name_n but_o that_o she_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n it_o be_v upon_o that_o score_n when_o s._n paul_n rebuke_v the_o corinthian_n because_o some_o of_o they_o say_v they_o be_v of_o paul_n some_o of_o apollo_n some_o of_o cephas_n and_o 12_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 12_o some_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v now_o establish_v among_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o disciple_n of_o pythagoras_n who_o use_v for_o their_o motto_n that_o old_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o himself_o have_v speak_v it_o but_o they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n to_o look_v themselves_o into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v search_v ●●e_v scripture_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n but_o to_o his_o auditor_n in_o general_n and_o 4●_n joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thes_n ●_o 21._o 1_o joh_n 4●_n s._n paul_n bid_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a s._n john_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o s._n paul_n so_o high_o recommend_v to_o all_o that_o intend_v to_o be_v 28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11._o 28_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v due_o perform_v without_o meditate_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o take_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o of_o a_o physician_n to_o be_v quite_o different_a it_o be_v only_o require_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o 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reason_n god_n have_v threaten_v in_o a_o most_o peculia_fw-la manner_n to_o destroy_v this_o monster_n of_o a_o state_n apostle_n a_o example_n of_o controversy_n compose_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n §_o 37._o the_o true_a method_n of_o compose_v controversy_n arisen_a in_o the_o church_n be_v teach_v we_o by_o what_o be_v set_v we_o as_o a_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o act_n c._n 15._o where_o it_o deserve_v our_o most_o particular_a observation_n that_o the_o controversy_n then_o in_o question_n be_v concern_v a_o main_a point_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o be_v circumcise_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o moses_n for_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n c._n 5._o 2._o have_v positive_o declare_v if_o you_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o this_o question_n be_v start_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o 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obligatory_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a truth_n general_o speak_v not_o depend_v from_o the_o plurality_n of_o suffrage_n much_o less_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o a_o legislative_a power_n vest_v in_o they_o so_o as_o to_o impose_v what_o law_n or_o canon_n they_o please_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v no_o otherwise_o than_o man_n depute_v by_o the_o church_n for_o the_o examine_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o controversy_n lay_v before_o they_o and_o for_o search_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o these_o church_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o decision_n any_o further_a than_o they_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o may_v chance_v to_o fall_v out_o so_o that_o a_o controversy_n which_o appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o intricate_a and_o difficult_a afterward_o be_v
propagate_a of_o this_o doctrine_n they_o destroy_v the_o very_a essential_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o belief_n found_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v transmute_v into_o a_o outward_a confession_n where_o the_o tongue_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a punishment_n be_v force_v to_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o heart_n this_o however_o admit_v again_o of_o a_o limitation_n for_o herein_o be_v not_o comprehend_v these_o point_n which_o proceed_v from_o natural_a religion_n be_v also_o contain_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o all_o of_o they_o imply_v a_o profound_a reverence_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o supreme_a be_v for_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o those_o that_o act_n against_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o civil_a punishment_n since_o they_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a society_n such_o be_v idolatry_n 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those_o that_o follow_v he_o shall_v receive_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o foretold_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o embrace_v any_o religion_n out_o of_o a_o motive_n of_o temporal_a advantage_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o their_o own_o ●erest_n than_o religion_n and_o certain_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v please_v to_o god_n almighty_a sovereign_n being_n not_o constitute_v for_o religion_n sake_n they_o can_v under_o that_o colour_n exact_a from_o their_o subject_n a_o blind_a obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o if_o subject_n shall_v blindfold_o follow_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o sovereign_n they_o can_v by_o all_o his_o authority_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o case_n any_o subject_a be_v full_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n discover_v any_o error_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n even_o that_o by_o law_n establish_v especial_o concern_v any_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n he_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v hinder_v in_o his_o design_n by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n before_o his_o reason_n be_v hear_v and_o well_o debate_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o best_a and_o able_a judge_n and_o if_o by_o they_o he_o be_v legal_o and_o plain_o convict_v of_o his_o error_n then_o and_o 〈◊〉_d before_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v silence_v to_o force_v people_n into_o the_o church_n ●y_a the_o bare_a civil_a authority_n must_v needs_o fill_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o hypocrite_n who_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n for_o since_o in_o religion_n matter_n a_o absolute_a uniformity_n betwixt_o the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n be_v require_v how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v a_o religion_n disagreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n when_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o impose_v upon_o god_n almighty_a §_o 49._o the_o care_n of_o preserve_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n what_o prerogative_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n as_o be_v protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n peace_n belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o sovereign_n have_v furnish_v some_o with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n to_o affirm_v that_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n cause_n frequent_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o a_o government_n if_o its_o subject_n in_o general_a be_v of_o one_o religion_n all_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o violent_a may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n to_o extirpate_v these_o difference_n in_o religion_n they_o allege_v that_o as_o much_o more_o precious_a our_o soul_n be_v before_o our_o body_n the_o more_o sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v watchful_a over_o they_o and_o that_o the_o true_a love_n which_o a_o sovereign_n bear_v to_o his_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o when_o he_o take_v effectual_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n these_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v very_o specious_a pretence_n and_o have_v sometime_o have_v such_o powerful_a influence_n over_o prince_n who_o be_v else_o natural_o not_o incline_v to_o severity_n that_o they_o have_v nevertheless_o by_o these_o plausible_a argument_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o assist_v with_o their_o authority_n the_o cruel_a design_n of_o priest_n it_o will_v therefore_o not_o be_v beyond_o our_o scope_n to_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n what_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o so_o specious_a reason_n in_o a_o well_o constitute_v government_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n weed_n among_o the_o wheat_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a doctrine_n raise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extirpate_v root_n and_o branch_n but_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o sovereign_n that_o take_v to_o such_o violent_a course_n may_v make_v a_o havoc_n among_o his_o subject_n which_o common_o prove_v equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o innocent_a and_o guilty_a nevertheless_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impracticable_a quite_o to_o abolish_v all_o error_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n never_o do_v any_o body_n show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n than_o our_o saviour_n who_o sacrifice_v himself_o for_o our_o salvation_n yet_o he_o make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o way_n to_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n than_o teach_v when_o he_o may_v have_v command_v twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o force_v mankind_n to_o obedience_n how_o can_v a_o prince_n be_v esteem_v to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v such_o profligate_v wretch_n as_o the_o dragoon_n his_o apostle_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o subject_n that_o pretence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o sovereign_n towards_o their_o subject_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o specious_a he_o ought_v not_o under_o that_o colour_n endeavour_n to_o subvert_v or_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n the_o difference_n about_o some_o point_n in_o religion_n consider_v bare_o as_o such_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o disturbance_n in_o a_o state_n but_o the_o heat_n and_o animosity_n ambition_n
and_o pervert_v zeal_n of_o some_o who_o make_v these_o difference_n their_o tool_n wherewith_o they_o often_o raise_v disturbance_n in_o the_o state_n such_o turbulent_a spirit_n ought_v to_o be_v curb_v and_o care_v to_o be_v take_v so_o to_o tie_v up_o their_o hand_n as_o that_o they_o want_v power_n to_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o such_o subject_n as_o otherwise_o will_v be_v well_o satisfy_v to_o enjoy_v peaceable_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o what_o shall_v move_v a_o prince_n to_o disturb_v his_o good_a subject_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o difference_n in_o opinion_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v quiet_o under_o his_o government_n for_o suppose_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v erroneous_a it_o be_v not_o at_o his_o but_o their_o own_o peril_n and_o they_o alone_o must_v be_v answerable_a for_o it_o for_o in_o my_o opinion_n sovereign_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sword_n wherewith_o to_o dissect_v controversy_n as_o alexander_n do_v with_o the_o gordian_a knot_n but_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v object_v as_o if_o i_o intend_v to_o encourage_v all_o sort_n of_o heresy_n and_o licentiousness_n i_o do_v declare_v that_o this_o be_v far_o different_a from_o my_o purpose_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v endeavour_v to_o procure_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o a_o state_n and_o especial_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v absolute_o agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n such_o a_o one_o as_o can_v but_o contrbute_n towards_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o procure_v that_o union_n neither_o can_v the_o pagan_a religion_n mahometan_n arian_n anabaptist_n and_o that_o of_o antichrist_n himself_o claim_v that_o prerogative_n but_o only_o the_o true_a and_o ancient_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o this_o be_v only_o to_o be_v deem_v the_o true_o ancient_a religion_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a spring_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a religion_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n such_o only_a can_v boast_v to_o follow_v the_o true_a footstep_n of_o antiquity_n as_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n all_o what_o degenerate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o genuine_a spring_n though_o back_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o some_o age_n be_v only_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o inveterate_a error_n prince_n be_v then_o protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n have_v a_o authority_n to_o inspect_v what_o canon_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o true_a tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o care_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o management_n of_o a_o few_o who_o may_v perhaps_o be_v sway_v by_o faction_n or_o interest_n but_o to_o all_o such_o as_o have_v a_o solid_a knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o every_o thing_n be_v find_v consonant_n to_o its_o rule_n then_o may_v a_o sovereign_n by_o his_o authority_n command_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v teach_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a but_o where_o there_o be_v not_o any_o public_a form_n of_o religion_n establish_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v the_o sovereign_n care_n that_o one_o may_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o as_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o his_o subject_n aught_o to_o be_v profess_v by_o all_o and_o all_o those_o especial_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n this_o form_n of_o worship_n be_v once_o receive_v a_o prince_z may_v just_o deny_v his_o peotection_n to_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o it_o unless_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v against_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o common-weal_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v undertake_v to_o contradict_v this_o public_a form_n especial_o in_o such_o point_n as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v admonish_v to_o desist_v his_o reason_n if_o he_o have_v any_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o when_o convict_v of_o his_o error_n to_o be_v silence_v if_o all_o this_o prove_v fruitless_a he_o may_v lawful_o be_v banish_v for_o since_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v to_o avoid_v the_o conversation_n of_o heretic_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a that_o a_o whole_a society_n of_o man_n shall_v fly_v from_o one_o or_o a_o few_o capricious_a person_n so_o that_o he_o or_o they_o ought_v to_o seek_v out_o for_o a_o new_a habitation_n after_o they_o have_v be_v legal_o convict_v of_o their_o error_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v spread_v their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n further_o than_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o public_a safety_n but_o we_o allow_v no_o other_o punishment_n in_o such_o a_o case_n except_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v amount_v to_o blasphemy_n §_o 50._o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v state_n concern_v tolerating_n of_o several_a religion_n in_o a_o state_n there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o juncture_n of_o time_n &_o circumstance_n that_o sovereign_n may_v nay_o aught_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n to_o tolerate_v such_o of_o their_o subject_n as_o be_v of_o a_o different_a opinion_n from_o the_o establish_v religion_n for_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v so_o great_a as_o not_o to_o be_v expel_v without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o state_n and_z not_o without_o danger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o they_o shall_v settle_v under_o another_o government_n for_o that_o common_a say_v of_o a_o certain_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o country_n lie_v waste_v than_o to_o have_v it_o inhabit_v by_o heretic_n savour_n of_o barbarity_n if_o not_o inhumanity_n and_o a_o certain_a prince_n who_o say_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o walk_v out_o of_o his_o territory_n with_o nothing_o but_o a_o staff_n in_o his_o hand_n than_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v inhabit_v by_o heretic_n may_v well_o pass_v for_o one_o of_o the_o most_o bigoted_a zealot_n in_o christendom_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o destructive_a to_o civil_a society_n neither_o be_v thereby_o the_o least_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o prince_n to_o propagate_v religion_n by_o violent_a and_o destructive_a mean_n or_o to_o undertake_v more_o in_o that_o behalf_n than_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n they_o may_v therefore_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n supercede_v such_o violent_a way_n by_o which_o the_o state_n either_o be_v endanger_v or_o weaken_v especial_o since_o neither_o our_o saviour_n do_v make_v use_n of_o they_o himself_o nor_o command_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o to_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o that_o expect_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o state_n aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v to_o live_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o and_o as_o become_v good_a subject_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n which_o savour_v of_o sedition_n and_o disobedience_n or_o to_o suffer_v such_o principle_n to_o be_v foment_v in_o their_o congregation_n as_o may_v prove_v destructive_a to_o the_o prerogative_n of_o their_o sovereign_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o prince_n have_v a_o right_n to_o rout_n out_o such_o as_o propagate_v these_o doctrine_n they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n to_o religion_n but_o be_v like_o spot_n wherewith_o some_o turbulen_a head_n bespatter_v the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o duty_n incumbent_a to_o sovereign_n over_o a_o state_n where_o more_o than_o one_o religion_n be_v tolerate_v viz._n to_o keep_v a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o they_o that_o the_o dissent_v party_n do_v not_o break_v out_o into_o extravagant_a expression_n about_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n these_o be_v the_o fuel_n that_o inflame_v they_o into_o animosity_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v the_o spring_n of_o faction_n trouble_n and_o intestine_a commotion_n a_o much_o great_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o sovereign_n to_o tolerate_v dissenter_n if_o they_o when_o they_o first_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n have_v their_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n grant_v they_o by_o contract_n or_o have_v obtain_v it_o afterward_o by_o certain_a capitulation_n any_o follow_a statute_n or_o by_o the_o fundmental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v sacred_a to_o prince_n and_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o with_o the_o same_o circumspection_n as_o they_o expect_v a_o due_a obedience_n from_o their_o subject_n no_o opinion_n concern_v matter_n of_o
religion_n ought_v to_o be_v declare_v erroneous_a before_o it_o be_v due_o examine_v and_o the_o party_n convict_v especial_o if_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o such_o a_o decision_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o management_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o be_v perhaps_o guide_v by_o self_n interest_n oftentimes_o be_v both_o accuser_n and_o judge_n there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o politician_n who_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o sovereign_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n give_v protection_n to_o their_o subject_n though_o of_o a_o erroneous_a opinion_n provide_v it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n especial_o if_o care_n be_v take_v that_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v away_o other_o into_o the_o same_o error_n for_o suppose_v the_o establish_a religion_n both_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o morality_n to_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o dissent_v party_n may_v be_v in_o time_n bring_v over_o to_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o shall_v seduce_v other_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o zeal_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o establish_a clergy_n it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o those_o place_n and_o time_n where_o and_o when_o no_o religious_a difference_n be_v in_o agitation_n the_o clergy_n soon_o degenerate_v into_o idleness_n and_o barbarity_n §_o 51._o furthermore_o as_o sovereign_n in_o all_o other_o flatterer_n sovereign_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v misguide_v by_o flatterer_n matter_n of_o moment_n ought_v to_o act_v with_o great_a circumspection_n so_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v proceed_v with_o too_o much_o caution_n a_o injustice_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o most_o sensible_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o a_o subject_a for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o abominable_a than_o to_o let_v subject_n suffer_v unjust_o for_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o perhaps_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o some_o other_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n can_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o if_o a_o prince_n who_o prompt_v by_o his_o own_o cruel_a inclination_n tyrannise_n over_o his_o subject_n be_v odious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o much_o more_o abominable_a appear_v a_o prince_n who_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o executioner_n and_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n by_o other_o to_o fulfil_v their_o cruel_a design_n against_o their_o fellow_n subject_n all_o christian_a prince_n therefore_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o conscience_n aught_o to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o extremity_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o ought_v never_o to_o be_v undertake_v unless_o they_o be_v well_o instruct_v beforehand_o in_o every_o particular_a point_n a_o prince_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o or_o rely_v entire_o on_o what_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o by_o his_o clergy_n though_o never_o so_o pious_a in_o outward_a appearance_n there_o be_v too_o many_o instance_n to_o be_v give_v that_o the_o best_a of_o prince_n by_o their_o own_o inclination_n abhor_v all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n have_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o overzealous_a clergyman_n turn_v the_o most_o cruel_a tyrant_n we_o scarce_o ever_o read_v of_o any_o prince_n who_o undertake_v to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o physic_n or_o other_o science_n except_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o why_o shall_v sovereign_n be_v too_o forward_o in_o decide_v religious_a difference_n which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a moment_n the_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n of_o million_o of_o people_n do_v depend_v thereon_o unless_o they_o be_v very_o well_o instruct_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o since_o prince_n very_o rare_o bestow_v sufficient_a time_n and_o pain_n in_o be_v full_o instruct_v in_o divinity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o will_v be_v bias_v by_o their_o own_o natural_a understanding_n rather_o than_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o as_o for_o a_o instance_n in_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n there_o be_v such_o evident_a sign_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o two_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o protestant_n be_v so_o far_o from_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o exhort_v they_o to_o it_o and_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o touchstone_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o true_a judge_n of_o their_o controversy_n that_o the_o protestant_n trust_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n do_v not_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o popish_a author_n but_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v public_o sell_v as_o be_v confident_a that_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o argument_n can_v have_v any_o influence_n even_o over_o a_o indifferent_a understanding_n it_o can_v but_o seem_v very_o strange_a why_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o laity_n be_v not_o allow_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o that_o they_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o suppress_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o inquisition_n be_v in_o vogue_n a_o man_n may_v with_o less_o danger_n be_v guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n and_o other_o the_o most_o enormous_a crime_n than_o to_o read_v and_o examine_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o a_o clamour_n do_v they_o make_v about_o tradition_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n which_o title_n they_o claim_v as_o belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o themselves_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o be_v not_o allow_v they_o by_o other_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o give_v judgement_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a the_o consideration_n of_o a_o prince_n that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v our_o book_n to_o be_v read_v among_o they_o and_o especial_o how_o careful_a they_o be_v in_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o great_a man_n though_o belong_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n who_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o great_a difficulty_n and_o obstacle_n be_v to_o be_v surmount_v before_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v that_o the_o augsburgh_n confession_n be_v read_v to_o the_o emperor_n charles_n v._o all_o which_o take_v together_o be_v most_o evident_a proof_n to_o any_o unbiased_a person_n that_o the_o protestant_n act_n like_o man_n as_o rely_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n but_o the_o roman_a catholic_n as_o mistrust_v themselves_o and_o fear_v that_o if_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o out_o of_o the_o protestant_a wrtting_n the_o same_o will_v scarce_o bear_v the_o touchstone_n it_o may_v also_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n how_o far_o different_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n party_n be_v from_o that_o of_o the_o protestant_n for_o though_o both_o party_n with_o equal_a zeal_n in_o public_a pretend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o great_a many_o among_o the_o roman_a catholic_n be_v very_o zealous_a for_o the_o same_o nevertheless_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o aim_v at_o something_o more_o and_o what_o this_o something_o be_v be_v easy_o discernible_a if_o we_o make_v a_o due_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o clergy_n of_o both_o party_n among_o the_o protestant_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v so_o stint_v in_o their_o revenue_n as_o to_o give_v they_o no_o opportunity_n of_o live_v in_o state_n what_o respect_n be_v pay_v they_o be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o function_n as_o be_v teacher_n their_o power_n very_o seldom_o reach_v beyond_o their_o revenue_n which_o be_v very_o moderate_a and_o oftentimes_o very_a mean_v both_o their_o person_n and_o estate_n depend_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o sovereign_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o where_o else_o to_o seek_v for_o protection_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o what_o pomp_n and_o affluence_n of_o fortune_n do_v the_o popish_a clergy_n live_v unto_o what_o height_n have_v they_o not_o exalt_v their_o power_n in_o europe_n have_v they_o not_o so_o order_v their_o matter_n as_o to_o be_v almost_o independent_a from_o the_o civil_a
clergy_n upon_o admonition_n desist_v from_o these_o abuse_n like_v as_o when_o a_o creditor_n upon_o summons_n be_v pay_v by_o his_o debtor_n aught_o to_o supercede_v his_o action_n against_o he_o but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o clergy_n either_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o from_o time_n to_o time_n protract_v to_o desist_v from_o such_o abuse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v choose_v either_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o capricious_a humour_n or_o else_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o state_n be_v damnify_v by_o these_o abuse_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o control_v their_o extravagancy_n those_o that_o maintain_v the_o first_o position_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n by_o god_n almighty_a to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n even_o the_o most_o absurd_a matter_n at_o leisure_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v contr●●ued_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n or_o they_o must_v demonstrate_v that_o christian_n have_v absolute_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o truth_n with_o all_o imaginable_a submission_n and_o patience_n but_o because_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o first_o it_o lie_v then_o at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o supreme_a head_n do_v never_o err_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n ceremony_n or_o church-government_n all_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a christian_a nation_n we_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o when_o any_o abuse_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_n these_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sovereign_a right_n and_o prerogative_n have_v a_o power_n to_o abolish_v and_o reform_v all_o such_o matter_n as_o interfere_v with_o the_o public_a good_a and_o civil_a authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o may_v be_v very_o convenient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v at_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o innovation_n which_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o if_o especial_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n be_v invade_v by_o these_o abuse_n this_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n division_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a weight_n such_o a_o division_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o that_o rectify_v such_o error_n but_o to_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a path_n either_o out_o ●_o self-interest_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o such_o as_o be_v plain_o convict_v of_o a_o error_n use_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o begin_v a_o reformation_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o legal_a account_n can_v under_o no_o colour_n whatsoever_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n for_o those_o be_v rebel_n who_o by_o forcible_a way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whereas_o all_o such_o as_o free_v themselves_o from_o abuse_n unjust_o impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o any_o divine_a authority_n rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v style_v defender_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n especial_o if_o these_o abuse_n and_o error_n be_v dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o no_o teacher_n no_o bishop_n no_o convention_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o domineer_a over_o christian_n at_o pleasure_n so_o that_o no_o remedy_n shall_v be_v leave_v against_o their_o usurpation_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o impudence_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n party_n when_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o they_o either_o must_v pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o else_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n one_o redeemer_n one_o baptism_n one_o faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o whence_o only_o be_v exclude_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n that_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o ecclesiastic_n and_o ceremony_n who_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o christendom_n and_o since_o those_o that_o for_o weighty_a reason_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v a_o true_a baptism_n a_o true_a god_n and_o father_n a_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o never_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o upon_o better_a consideration_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o its_o abuse_n and_o error_n but_o the_o popish_a religion_n consider_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o if_o we_o unravel_v the_o bottom_n of_o its_o modern_a constitution_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o adapt_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o to_o a_o temporal_a state_n where_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n the_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o extend_v its_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n those_o that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o communion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v rebel_n than_o our_o modern_a philosopher_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o fool_n and_o madman_n because_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o aristotle_n for_o all_o believer_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o head_n jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o equal_a degree_n and_o aim_n all_o at_o the_o same_o end_n and_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o promise_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 20._o mat._n 18._o 20._o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o no_o church_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o adherent_n what_o the_o romanist_n allege_v for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o viz._n out_o of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a church_n for_o except_o they_o can_v cajole_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o these_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o inference_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o their_o advantage_n beside_o that_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n contradict_v this_o interpretation_n if_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o faith_n but_o concern_v one_o point_n many_o error_n and_o abuse_n may_v be_v commit_v neither_o have_v the_o popish_a party_n any_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o a_o particular_a holiness_n especial_o concern_v these_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n the_o word_n catholic_n relate_v here_o to_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o a_o sovereign_a state_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v universal_a over_o christendom_n so_o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o
a_o right_n of_o constitute_v minister_n for_o say_v he_o their_o right_n be_v the_o same_o but_o a_o prince_n who_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o he_o have_v christian_a subject_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o allow_v they_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n have_v nevertheless_o not_o the_o least_o power_n over_o their_o church_n as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o less_o false_a what_o he_o say_v that_o since_o prince_n be_v become_v christian_n the_o vocation_n of_o minister_n do_v no_o more_o depend_v from_o the_o church_n just_o as_o a_o man_n by_o submit_v himself_o under_o another_o jurisdiction_n be_v no_o more_o at_o his_o own_o disposal_n for_o a_o prince_n by_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v thereby_o not_o make_v himself_o master_n of_o that_o church_n but_o rather_o submit_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o encroach_v all_o its_o right_n to_o himself_o but_o only_o can_v claim_v his_o share_n as_o such_o unless_o a_o certain_a church_n shall_v voluntary_o surrender_v its_o right_n as_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o its_o power_n to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o a_o christian_a sovereign_a as_o represent_v a_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o to_o act_n and_o decree_n by_o plurality_n of_o vote_n which_o imply_v a_o right_a at_o least_o by_o consent_n for_o there_o be_v a_o medium_fw-la betwixt_o the_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o disorderly_a multitude_n viz._n a_o college_n where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o a_o coercive_v sovereign_a power_n this_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n for_o suppose_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n a_o certain_a society_n or_o company_n of_o merchant_n regulate_v by_o certain_a stature_n of_o their_o own_o under_o the_o direction_n of_o some_o of_o its_o own_o member_n into_o this_o college_n a_o prince_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o member_n pay_v his_o certain_a share_n by_o be_v thus_o make_v a_o member_n of_o this_o company_n he_o have_v not_o obtain_v a_o absolute_a disposal_n over_o this_o society_n but_o rather_o have_v accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o college_n neither_o can_v he_o claim_v any_o other_o prerogative_n there_o but_o what_o be_v derive_v either_o from_o his_o share_n in_o that_o company_n or_o from_o a_o free_a gift_n and_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o member_n and_o as_o a_o member_n of_o this_o college_n he_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v not_o as_o a_o prince_n but_o as_o a_o merchant_n there_o be_v nevertheless_o one_o remarkable_a difference_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o sovereign_a to_o hinder_v the_o set_n up_o of_o such_o a_o society_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o church_n he_o plain_o betray_v his_o ignorance_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n comprehend_v in_o the_o person_n of_o one_o prince_n from_o whence_o the_o prince_n represent_v the_o people_n like_o one_o public_a person_n through_o who_o the_o whole_a people_n declare_v their_o sentiment_n for_o though_o this_o be_v appliable_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o one_o another_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o state_n may_v enact_v what_o law_n they_o think_v most_o convenient_a but_o to_o attribute_v the_o same_o power_n to_o sovereign_n over_o the_o church_n be_v a_o madness_n and_o savour_v of_o blasphemy_n and_o suppose_v a_o prince_n shall_v be_v mislead_v into_o error_n or_o heresy_n must_v therefore_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v account_v erroneous_a or_o heretical_a except_o he_o will_v persuade_v we_o also_o that_o prince_n be_v infallible_a wherefore_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n be_v independent_a from_o the_o prince_n it_o be_v suppose_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o right_o transfer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o church_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v where_o this_o election_n be_v manage_v either_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n but_o in_o case_n the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o will_v be_v preposterous_a to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o election_n be_v make_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o privilege_n grant_v by_o the_o prince_n mr._n houtuyn_n have_v grant_v before_o that_o the_o pastoral_a function_n not_o be_v annex_v to_o any_o certain_a person_n consider_v as_o such_o have_v no_o dependency_n from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n but_o owe_v its_o institution_n to_o christ_n nevertheless_o in_o §_o lxvi_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o actual_a administration_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n be_v a_o external_n public_a act_n such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n as_o if_o he_o say_v matrimony_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n but_o it_o depend_v from_o the_o prince_n whether_o he_o will_v allow_v his_o subject_n to_o marry_v actual_o or_o not_o for_o suppose_v a_o sovereign_n shall_v take_v a_o resolution_n to_o forbid_v the_o ancient_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n what_o will_v in_o such_o a_o case_n become_v of_o this_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a function_n it_o be_v also_o insufferable_a what_o he_o say_v immediate_o after_o a_o election_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n therefore_o revocable_a at_o pleasure_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o impair_n the_o reputation_n of_o the_o minister_n what_o relate_v to_o §_o lxvii_o it_o be_v deny_v that_o nebuchadonosor_n have_v any_o legal_a authority_n to_o put_v to_o death_n such_o as_o refuse_v to_o adore_v the_o great_a statue_n set_v up_o by_o his_o order_n for_o a_o prince_n who_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n upon_o his_o subject_n against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n exercise_v his_o legal_a authority_n but_o commit_v a_o hostile_a and_o tyrannical_a act._n so_o when_o king_n ahab_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o legal_a process_n and_o by_o subborn_v of_o false_a witness_n possess_v himself_o of_o naboth_n vineyard_n do_v no_o more_o exercise_n his_o legal_a jurisdiction_n than_o a_o guardian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v when_o he_o commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o a_o pupil_n commit_v to_o his_o management_n but_o when_o the_o same_o nebuchadonosor_n publish_v his_o edict_n that_o no_o body_n dare_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o do_v without_o all_o question_n nothing_o but_o what_o belong_v to_o his_o high_a station_n he_o run_v on_o further_a viz._n that_o peter_n john_n stephen_n paul_n nay_o even_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v appear_v before_o the_o sanhedrim_n before_o foelix_n festus_n caesar_n and_o pilate_n without_o take_v the_o least_o exception_n against_o the_o legality_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n what_o can_v be_v more_o false_o invent_v do_v peter_n and_o john_n acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o very_a face_n that_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v their_o command_n of_o not_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n do_v stephen_n acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n 20._o act._n 4._o 19_o 20._o of_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o he_o tell_v they_o you_o uncircumcised_a in_o your_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o argument_n that_o paul_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o martyr_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o those_o prince_n and_o other_o civil_a magistrate_n when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o appear_v before_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v their_o innocence_n there_o be_v no_o other_o tribunal_n to_o which_o they_o can_v appeal_v and_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o crime_n deserve_v death_n for_o any_o one_o to_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n all_o the_o defence_n they_o make_v may_v be_v reduce_v under_o two_o head_n for_o they_o either_o deny_v those_o crime_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o calumnious_a or_o else_o they_o assert_v even_o to_o the_o last_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o depend_v from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n and_o those_o magistrate_n that_o absolve_v the_o confessor_n of_o this_o truth_n do_v in_o effect_n give_v this_o sentence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o cause_n not_o belong_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o how_o mr._n houtuyn_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o lawyer_n can_v find_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o resemble_v a_o legal_a process_n in_o that_o
action_n of_o pilate_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o public_a robbery_n and_o a_o power_n 53._o luk._n 22._o 53._o of_o darkness_n since_o in_o all_o his_o proceed_n there_o be_v not_o a_o footstep_n of_o a_o legal_a process_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o when_o religious_a matter_n be_v in_o question_n the_o due_a method_n and_o judicial_a order_n of_o a_o legal_a process_n have_v be_v violate_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o and_o over_o that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o allege_v any_o example_n of_o it_o here_o when_o sovereign_n punish_v or_o chastise_v a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v abuse_v his_o function_n or_o be_v defective_a in_o it_o this_o power_n do_v proper_o not_o proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n but_o from_o a_o right_o translate_v to_o the_o sovereign_n by_o the_o church_n but_o those_o that_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a authority_n because_o they_o have_v stir_v up_o by_o their_o turbulent_a speech_n and_o sermon_n the_o people_n to_o rebellion_n against_o their_o soverereigns_n or_o have_v attempt_v to_o withdraw_v the_o auditor_n from_o and_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o a_o legal_a jurisdiction_n can_v be_v say_v to_o undergo_v punishment_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n furthermore_o it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o such_o can_v claim_v any_o jurisdiction_n proper_o speak_v it_o be_v no_o less_o false_a that_o the_o power_n of_o dispose_v and_o exercise_v those_o function_n belong_v to_o each_o church_n be_v a_o civil_a act_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o public_a effect_n mr._n houtuyn_n have_v be_v draw_v into_o all_o these_o error_n by_o confound_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o church_n if_o these_o two_o be_v not_o very_o nice_o distinguish_v but_o we_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o be_v entire_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o civil_a power_n what_o have_v we_o get_v by_o shake_v of_o the_o popish_a yoke_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v never_o the_o better_a if_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n without_o exception_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o sovereign_n to_o maintain_v which_o mr._n houtuyn_n in_o contradiction_n to_o all_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n itself_o have_v invent_v a_o spiritual_a good_a or_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o people_n as_o the_o main_a end_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o he_o enable_v his_o prince_n to_o force_v his_o subject_n to_o profess_v public_o what_o religion_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n for_o it_o may_v be_v sufferable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o own_o opinion_n conceal_v to_o himself_o but_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v what_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o it_o be_v both_o abominable_a and_o intolerable_a the_o say_v of_o constantine_n the_o great_a so_o much_o extol_v by_o mr._n houtuyn_n himself_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o have_v be_v christian_n but_o that_o he_o never_o force_v any_o for_o this_o emperor_n not_o only_o never_o attempt_v to_o force_v any_o one_o from_o his_o own_o opinion_n which_o indeed_o be_v beyond_o his_o power_n but_o also_o never_o constrain_v his_o subject_n to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n against_o their_o own_o inclination_n our_o author_n do_v also_o not_o a_o little_a contradict_v himself_o in_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v word_n sometime_o exempt_n they_o from_o any_o civil_a cognisance_n whereas_o before_o he_o have_v make_v they_o liable_a to_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n what_o say_v he_o if_o our_o faith_n express_v by_o word_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sovereign_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o crime_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o error_n to_o correct_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o punishment_n which_o do_v illuminate_v our_o mind_n but_o rather_o by_o good_a instruction_n but_o those_o that_o know_v the_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v betwixt_o the_o state_n and_o a_o college_n may_v without_o much_o difficulty_n dissolve_v these_o knotty_a question_n which_o he_o have_v start_v concerine_n the_o jurisdiction_n and_o legislative_a power_n of_o prince_n over_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o §_o lxix_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v put_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o give_v the_o authority_n and_o force_n of_o a_o law_n to_o such_o statute_n as_o they_o find_v suitable_a to_o the_o state_n it_o be_v their_o prerogative_n to_o determine_v according_a to_o what_o law_n judgement_n be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o civil_a court_n of_o judicature_n what_o be_v punishable_a and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_a but_o it_o imply_v a_o absurdity_n to_o attribute_v to_o sovereign_n a_o right_a of_o give_v public_a authority_n to_o prophecy_n themselves_o neither_o the_o intrinsic_a nor_o historical_a faith_n have_v any_o dependence_n on_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o force_n of_o which_o subject_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o act_v but_o not_o to_o believe_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o any_o prophecy_n appear_v to_o be_v from_o god_n it_o can_v receive_v any_o addition_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v declare_v cicero_n to_o be_v a_o good_a latin_a author_n but_o in_o case_n a_o pretend_a prophecy_n be_v either_o ambiguous_a or_o supposititious_a in_o itself_o and_o a_o prince_n shall_v persuade_v himself_o to_o be_v able_a by_o his_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v it_o pass_v current_a for_o truth_n he_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o beyond_o his_o sense_n what_o he_o insinuate_v concern_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o general_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o establish_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o public_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o remain_v in_o a_o private_a condition_n ●ill_v such_o time_n when_o prince_n have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n they_o give_v it_o a_o public_a authority_n and_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o the_o rule_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v receive_v any_o additional_a strength_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o its_o genius_n to_o be_v establish_v and_o promote_v by_o civil_a punishment_n for_o whosoever_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n profess_v in_o outward_a show_n only_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o nor_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o may_v be_v repliy_v to_o §_o lxx_o for_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v not_o owe_v their_o authority_n to_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n the_o latter_a be_v introduce_v in_o the_o government_n by_o god_n peculiar_a assistance_n inspite_o of_o all_o the_o resistance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n so_o ought_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o the_o ambiguous_a and_o controvert_v passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o prince_n only_o but_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v authorise_v by_o the_o church_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prince_n consider_v as_o the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o can_v b●●xcluded_v from_o have_v his_o share_n in_o such_o a_o debate_n it_o be_v a_o profane_a expression_n when_o he_o say_v christ_n himself_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a power_n of_o introduce_v a_o new_a law_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o right_a to_o interpret_v the_o same_o but_o since_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n here_o he_o live_v among_o those_o that_o either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o disobedience_n do_v not_o own_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o a_o private_a condition_n subject_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o law_n doctrine_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o do_v acquire_v their_o oblige_a power_n and_o public_a authority_n from_o the_o civil_a constitution_n a_o little_a more_o will_v have_v make_v the_o office_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v mediator_n of_o the_o world_n also_o dependent_a from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n be_v it_o not_o a_o prodigious_a absurdity_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v receive_v its_o public_a authority_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n among_o those_o who_o deny_v christ_n and_o what_o follow_v that_o if_o at_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n prince_n have_v be_v christian_n they_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v he_o for_o the_o
contain_v every_o particular_a point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o those_o be_v call_v heretic_n who_o only_o profess_v some_o particular_a point_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a writ_n for_o such_o as_o absolute_o reject_v it_o be_v count_v infidel_n and_o reprobate_n but_o either_o deny_v or_o explain_v the_o rest_n in_o a_o wrong_n and_o pervert_v sense_n how_o can_v the_o popish_a clergy_n therefore_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o they_o have_v and_o that_o without_o contradiction_n prove_v every_o point_n of_o their_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o exclude_v we_o protestant_n from_o that_o title_n till_o they_o have_v prove_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o last_o it_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o true_a church_n lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o intrinsic_a value_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o by_o other_o §_o 54._o but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o religion_n whether_o subject_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o erroneous_a religion_n introduce_v a_o reformation_n in_o religion_n with_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o sovereign_n and_o subject_n so_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o subject_n may_v attempt_v a_o reformation_n when_o their_o sovereign_n and_o the_o whole_a clergy_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n but_o rather_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v our_o opinion_n that_o provide_v these_o error_n ●o_o touch_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o our_o 〈…〉_o subject_n as_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ●ight_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v attain●●he_v true_a knowledge_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o every_o body_n be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o his_o religion_n and_o answerable_a for_o his_o own_o soul_n ●hose_v salvation_n can_v absolute_o be_v commit_v to_o any_o body_n else_o and_o a_o christian_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o sovereign_n or_o the_o clergy_n at_o lest_o no_o far_o than_o their_o doctrine_n be_v congruous_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o subject_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v process_v by_o their_o sovereign_n and_o clergy_n provide_v they_o can_v make_v it_o evident_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a abuse_n and_o dangerous_a error_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o college_n who_o member_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o union_n by_o any_o temporal_a power_n but_o by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o whosoever_o relinquish_v that_o he_o dissolve_v the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o the_o believer_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v compose_v of_o a_o great_a number_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v obtain_v either_o by_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o the_o believer_n neither_o can_v this_o separation_n prove_v in_o the_o least_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a from_o all_o poison_n and_o principle_n dangerous_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o institute_v for_o religion_n sake_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o temporal_a state_n and_o therefore_o a_o prince_n that_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o thereby_o acquire_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o church_n or_o man_n conscience_n so_o that_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o separation_n the_o subject_n pay_v due_a allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n in_o temporal_a affair_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n sufficient_a which_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o trouble_v they_o mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o what_o loss_n be_v it_o to_o the_o prince_n whether_o his_o subject_n be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n with_o himself_o or_o of_o unother_n or_o which_o be_v suppose_v before_o whether_o they_o do_v maintain_v the_o same_o error_n as_o he_o do_v the_o case_n indeed_o will_v be_v quite_o different_a if_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o allegiance_n to_o set_v up_o a_o separate_a society_n without_o his_o consent_n though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o this_o civil_a tie_n or_o allegiance_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o subject_n for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a protection_n from_o their_o natural_a prince_n be_v so_o hardly_o press_v upon_o by_o a_o more_o potent_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o power_n and_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v subject_n be_v nevertheless_o bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o they_o may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o establish_v religion_n provide_v they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o error_n for_o that_o subject_a who_o sacrifice_n his_o life_n for_o his_o prince_n do_v doubtless_o a_o glorious_a action_n but_o what_o prince_n can_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o his_o subject_n shall_v sacrifice_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o sake_n that_o prince_n therefore_o who_o do_v trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o his_o opinion_n especial_o if_o they_o can_v maintain_v they_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n commit_v a_o act_n of_o injustice_n nay_o i_o can_v see_v how_o he_o can_v with_o justice_n force_v they_o out_o of_o his_o territory_n it_o be_v true_a he_o may_v refuse_v to_o receive_v heretic_n into_o his_o dominion_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o reason_n of_o state_n neither_o can_v a_o true_a believer_n take_v it_o amiss_o if_o he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o settle_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n govern_v by_o heretic_n for_o the_o right_a of_o naturalisation_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n which_o they_o may_v refuse_v and_o give_v to_o who_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a but_o as_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a injustice_n in_o the_o world_n to_o force_v a_o inborn_a natural_a subject_n who_o have_v settle_v all_o his_o fortune_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n mere_o for_o his_o religion_n sake_n without_o be_v convict_v of_o his_o error_n out_o of_o his_o native_a country_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n and_o danger_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n so_o if_o a_o subject_a incline_v voluntary_o to_o leave_v his_o native_a country_n either_o to_o avoid_v the_o frown_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o common_a people_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o more_o freedom_n according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v by_o his_o sovereign_n i_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a proverb_n use_v among_o the_o german_n viz._n he_o that_o command_v the_o country_n command_v religion_n but_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n who_o can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o popish_a clergy_n do_v not_o allow_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o these_o prince_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o protestant_a estate_n of_o germany_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o pretention_n against_o the_o emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o however_o ought_v to_o be_v thus_o interpret_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o emperor_n to_o have_v any_o power_n of_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o dominion_n not_o that_o only_o they_o claim_v it_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n to_o impose_v any_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o false_a upon_o their_o subject_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o there_o be_v not_o want_v example_n that_o prince_n have_v act_v conformable_a to_o this_o proverb_n with_o their_o subject_n a_o prince_n who_o trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n commit_v a_o gross_a error_n no_o christian_a prince_n be_v oblige_v to_o propagate_v his_o religion_n by_o forcible_a mean_n provide_v his_o subject_n stand_v firm_a to_o their_o allegiance_n to_o he_o