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state_n church_n peace_n unity_n 1,654 5 9.0086 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52357 The true liberty & dominion of conscience vindicated, from the usurpations & abuses of opinion, and persuasion Nalson, John, 1638?-1686. 1677 (1677) Wing N117; ESTC R19982 50,790 152

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breach_n of_o communion_n and_o i_o know_v there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o eminent_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o have_v whole_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o abstruse_a point_n of_o divinity_n without_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n in_o regard_n they_o defend_v they_o only_o as_o their_o private_a persuasion_n and_o be_v both_o too_o modest_a prudent_a and_o charitable_o honest_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n by_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v their_o particular_a judgement_n in_o thing_n not_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o other_o men._n the_o main_a and_o grand_a difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o discover_v by_o the_o write_n 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and_o triumphant_a song_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n 48.1_o psal_n 48.1_o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o his_o holiness_n beautiful_a for_o situation_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v mount_n zion_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o north_n the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n god_n be_v well_o know_v in_o her_o palace_n as_o a_o sure_a refuge_n to_o hasten_v which_o bless_v and_o happy_a age_n let_v every_o good_a christian_a lie_v to_o his_o help_a hand_n and_o his_o pray_a heart_n by_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n which_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v and_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o keep_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o all_o men._n finis_fw-la
happiness_n hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o do_v so_o frequent_o promise_v to_o the_o obedient_a all_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v compose_v the_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n the_o bona_fw-la corporis_fw-la animi_fw-la &_o fortunae_fw-la all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o estate_n according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 6.6_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n which_o it_o only_o can_v give_v be_v great_a gain_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v now_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n command_v we_o to_o use_v and_o the_o mean_n which_o he_o direct_v be_v the_o most_o certain_a rule_n for_o we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n what_o be_v the_o end_n at_o which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o arrive_v for_o god_n be_v true_a and_o can_v lie_v though_o all_o man_n may_v be_v liar_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v tell_v we_o one_o thing_n when_o he_o mean_v another_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o some_o man_n who_o call_v themselves_o divine_v have_v both_o by_o word_n and_o write_v public_o avow_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o command_v of_o the_o law_n such_o as_o be_v not_o only_o particular_a to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n in_o their_o typical_a service_n but_o common_a to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o aim_n at_o this_o and_o the_o two_o table_n write_v with_o the_o divine_a character_n by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n direct_a first_o his_o worship_n second_o man_n happiness_n by_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o the_o first_o commandment_n with_o promise_n by_o justice_n chastity_n temperance_n truth_n and_o honesty_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o conduce_v to_o our_o happiness_n here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o if_o we_o examine_v either_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o all_o holy_a man_n so_o far_o as_o their_o practice_n be_v record_v for_o our_o example_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o have_v all_o a_o tendency_n to_o these_o very_a ends._n if_o we_o come_v to_o look_v into_o that_o royal_a law_n of_o liberty_n the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o its_o command_n and_o direction_n lead_v we_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n witness_v that_o golden_a and_o even_o by_o heathen_n much_o celebrate_v rule_n of_o our_o bless_a jesus_n to_o do_v to_o all_o man_n 7.12_o matth._n 7.12_o as_o we_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o a_o rule_n to_o make_v all_o the_o world_n happy_a and_o a_o rule_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o dissenter_n dare_v abide_v by_o and_o which_o surpass_v all_o that_o ever_o go_v before_o it_o and_o be_v the_o high_a exaltation_n of_o humane_a nature_n even_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o near_a affinity_n and_o resemblance_n of_o the_o bless_a divinity_n finem_fw-la matth._n 5.44_o ad_fw-la finem_fw-la who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a to_o love_v our_o enemy_n to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o the_o disciple_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n of_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o leave_v his_o peace_n and_o command_v of_o unity_n to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o a_o legacy_n among_o they_o and_o enforce_v it_o upon_o they_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a persuasive_a if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n 14.15_o joh._n 14.15_o tell_v they_o this_o love_n and_o unity_n shall_v be_v the_o badge_n and_o distinction_n of_o their_o profession_n 13.35_o joh._n 13.35_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o thus_o there_o fore_o they_o command_v piety_n and_o unity_n peace_n and_o charity_n love_v unfeigned_a obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n that_o duty_n honour_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o any_o to_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o to_o live_v just_o sober_o religious_o in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o all_o honesty_n quietness_n humility_n chastity_n temperance_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n if_o these_o rule_n be_v exact_o follow_v if_o the_o golden_a age_n will_v not_o return_v and_o all_o man_n be_v as_o happy_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v the_o effect_n which_o they_o will_v produce_v plain_o demonstrate_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v beside_o all_o agree_v to_o this_o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o creator_n now_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o glorify_v the_o creator_n do_v also_o make_v the_o creature_n happy_a and_o that_o be_v obedience_n to_o his_o will_n law_n and_o command_v and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o the_o obedience_n and_o not_o punishment_n of_o his_o creature_n as_o his_o first_o design_n in_o their_o creation_n have_v already_o from_o his_o own_o protestation_n be_v show_v and_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o positive_a in_o this_o point_n that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.3,4_o ver_fw-la 6._o by_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n that_o christ_n give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o whosoever_o do_v peruse_v the_o holy_a gospel_n shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v come_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o by_o follow_v they_o 7._o 2_o pet._n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o they_o may_v escape_v the_o pollution_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o live_v just_o righteous_o and_o godlike_a blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o in_o this_o world_n that_o so_o through_o the_o all-sufficient_a merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n they_o may_v as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o constancy_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o glorious_a life_n and_o immortality_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n so_o that_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v than_o a_o design_n in_o their_o creation_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v happy_a according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a from_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a creator_n in_o the_o frame_n the_o world_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v happy_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o in_o a_o future_a state_n chap._n fourteen_o some_o necessary_a corollary_n from_o the_o former_a discourse_n with_o the_o conclusion_n to_o all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v after_o peace_n and_o unity_n from_o what_o have_v before_o be_v say_v we_o may_v draw_v these_o necessary_a and_o practical_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n first_o that_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o conscience_n upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v under_o that_o penalty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rule_n which_o be_v that_o by_o which_o conscience_n judge_v every_o man_n whether_o he_o do_v right_a or_o wrong_n according_a to_o what_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.5_o 1_o joh._n 3.5_o if_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v our_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o most_o certain_o will_v condemn_v we_o in_o that_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgment-day_n and_o whosoever_o violate_v a_o know_a command_n of_o scripture_n however_o he_o may_v colour_v it_o over_o with_o the_o fair_a pretence_n of_o religion_n yet_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v 3.7_o rom._n 3.7_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n shall_v abound_v through_o my_o lie_n unto_o his_o glory_n yet_o i_o shall_v be_v also_o judge_v as_o a_o sinner_n and_o so_o shall_v all_o those_o who_o with_o pretence_n of_o advance_v
martii_fw-la 30._o 1677._o imprimatur_fw-la hic_fw-la libre_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la the_o true_a liberty_n and_o dominion_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n guil._n sill_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à_fw-fr sac._n dom._n the_o true_a liberty_n &_o dominion_n of_o conscience_n vindicated_n from_o the_o usurpation_n &_o abuse_n of_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n prov._n xx_o ver_fw-la 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o savoy_n print_v by_o tho_n newcomb_n for_o jonathan_n edwin_n at_o the_o three_o rose_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1677._o the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n pag._n 1_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n to_o conscience_n and_o of_o the_o advantage_n they_o make_v of_o it_o to_o promote_v their_o interest_n and_o favour_v their_o design_n pag._n 7_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o great_a influence_n which_o true_a conscience_n have_v upon_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a necessity_n there_o be_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v right_o inform_v concern_v it_o pag._n 13_o chap._n iu_o some_o necessary_a and_o universal_a principle_n lay_v down_o upon_o which_o conscience_n depend_v and_o according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n pag._n 23_o chap._n v._o of_o conscience_n its_o description_n what_o be_v its_o proper_a employment_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n pag._n 28_o chap._n vi_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o difference_n among_o we_o about_o matter_n of_o conscience_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o opinion_n and_o private_a persuasion_n for_o conscience_n what_o opinion_n be_v and_o what_o persuasion_n and_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o conscience_n pag._n 44_o chap._n vii_o how_o far_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o opinion_n or_o private_a persuasion_n and_o what_o influence_n these_o have_v upon_o humane_a affair_n pag._n 55_o chap._n viii_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o dissenter_n bring_v into_o examination_n by_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o conscience_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n pag._n 60_o chap._n ix_o the_o pretence_n of_o dissenter_n that_o their_o way_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a and_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o episcopacy_n examine_v and_o try_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v abovemention_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o action_n pag._n 74_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o how_o from_o be_v indifferent_a they_o may_v become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n pag._n 87_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o way_n whereby_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v obligatory_a to_o conscience_n not_o only_o upon_o a_o man_n private_a persuasion_n from_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n but_o so_o as_o to_o oblige_v all_o person_n who_o live_v under_o government_n viz._n by_o the_o determination_n and_o command_v of_o lawful_a authority_n pag._n 98_o chap._n xii_o some_o consideration_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o impracticableness_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v for_o erect_v new_a way_n of_o church-government_n or_o for_o toleration_n or_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n pag._n 117_o chap._n xiii_o a_o vindication_n of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n in_o this_o discourse_n viz._n that_o god_n almighty_a make_v mankind_n for_o a_o excellent_a end_n that_o be_v his_o glory_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o by_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n their_o own_o happiness_n both_o here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n of_o immortality_n pag._n 125_o chap._n fourteen_o some_o necessary_a corollary_n from_o the_o former_a discourse_n with_o the_o conclusion_n to_o all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v after_o peace_n and_o unity_n pag._n 135_o the_o true_a liberty_n and_o dominion_n of_o conscience_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o all_o its_o action_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o choice_n and_o not_o of_o chance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constant_o address_v to_o some_o determinate_a end_n this_o end_n be_v always_o happiness_n either_o real_a or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o man_n believe_v to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o the_o more_o certain_a attainment_n of_o whatsoever_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o happiness_n man_n desire_v they_o always_o propose_v to_o themselves_o some_o way_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v direct_v and_o steer_v the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n and_o endeavour_n which_o otherwise_o like_o a_o vessel_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o main_a ocean_n without_o chart_n and_o compass_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o all_o accident_n and_o have_v only_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o uncertain_a hazard_n to_o conduct_v they_o to_o their_o wish_a port._n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o art_n nor_o science_n liberal_n nor_o mechanical_a but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n propose_v necessary_a rule_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v or_o instruct_v therein_o in_o order_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n or_o attainment_n of_o their_o design_v end_n now_o wherever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v many_o way_n of_o error_n though_o but_o one_o of_o truth_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o for_o man_n to_o err_v errare_fw-la humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la by_o not_o attend_v to_o or_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o some_o supreme_a judge_n who_o by_o a_o impartial_a determination_n shall_v judge_v all_o humane_a action_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o by_o consequence_n whether_o they_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n which_o be_v propose_v and_o design_v this_o judge_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n such_o as_o be_v life_n honour_n riches_n fame_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o determination_n of_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o every_o man_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n it_o be_v call_v conscience_n this_o be_v that_o universal_a monarch_n who_o ubiquitary_a throne_n be_v establish_v in_o every_o mortal_a breast_n to_o this_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n owe_v all_o that_o little_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v the_o zealous_a mussleman_n adore_v the_o false_a arabian_a and_o his_o ridiculous_a koran_n it_o be_v this_o have_v raise_v the_o roman_a mitre_n to_o its_o triple_a height_n and_o in_o short_a it_o be_v conscience_n that_o have_v rend_v so_o many_o puissant_a crown_n from_o his_o pretend_a universal_a and_o infallible_a chair_n not_o that_o all_o these_o powerful_a effect_n have_v proceed_v from_o a_o conscience_n right_o inform_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a many_o of_o they_o from_o a_o most_o barbarous_a and_o stupid_a ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o judge_v and_o man_n to_o act_v however_o this_o do_v most_o manifest_o demonstrate_v the_o sovereign_n and_o imperial_a sway_n which_o even_o a_o pretend_a and_o imaginary_a conscience_n challenge_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o humane_a affair_n it_o be_v beyond_o my_o province_n as_o much_o as_o it_o surpass_v either_o my_o power_n or_o hope_n in_o the_o follow_a paper_n to_o think_v of_o regulate_v those_o mighty_a evil_n which_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o right_a measure_n of_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o what_o not_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o i_o shall_v arrive_v at_o the_o most_o happy_a period_n of_o my_o design_n if_o i_o can_v do_v so_o charitable_a a_o subject_a as_o this_o be_v so_o much_o reason_n as_o to_o inform_v some_o and_o convince_v other_o of_o my_o dear_a countryman_n that_o hitherto_o they_o have_v labour_v under_o some_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o this_o great_a concern_n of_o conscience_n the_o fatal_a effect_n of_o which_o misunderstanding_n we_o have_v by_o the_o most_o deplorable_a experience_n be_v too_o deep_o sensible_a of_o already_o and_o still_o lie_v under_o just_a apprehension_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a division_n and_o distraction_n of_o mind_n which_o daily_o prevail_v and_o increase_v among_o we_o that_o the_o same_o or_o if_o possible_a a_o worse_a iliad_n of_o tragical_a misery_n may_v be_v repeat_v over_o again_o happy_a be_v that_o moses_n who_o can_v stand_v in_o this_o gap_n and_o by_o seasonable_o interpose_v his_o charitable_a endeavour_n successful_o repair_v those_o dismal_a breach_n in_o our_o holy_a church_n which_o threaten_v that_o glorious_a fabric_n and_o with_o it_o the_o state_n which_o be_v embark_v in_o one_o common_a bottom_n with_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n the_o sincerity_n of_o my_o intention_n free_a from_o passion_n and_o animosity_n as_o from_o interest_n
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interest_n in_o conscience_n upon_o this_o foundation_n as_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o build_v the_o pile_n of_o all_o their_o religion_n and_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o this_o suppose_a infallible_a guide_n it_o be_v that_o they_o receive_v their_o principle_n and_o to_o which_o they_o conform_v their_o practice_n ask_v a_o quaker_n why_o he_o will_v show_v no_o respect_n or_o reverence_n to_o his_o superior_n why_o he_o will_v not_o take_v a_o lawful_a oath_n before_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n though_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n the_o end_n of_o strife_n or_o the_o vindication_n of_o injure_a innocence_n why_o he_o admit_v of_o no_o sacrametn_n or_o about_o any_o other_o of_o his_o tenant_n demand_v of_o a_o anabaptist_n why_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v infant_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o privilege_n they_o do_v enjoy_v under_o the_o law_n though_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o gospel_n a_o better_a covenant_n inquire_v of_o a_o presbyterian_a 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though_o after_o all_o
do_v positive_o to_o tell_v they_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whilst_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v either_o not_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n or_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v such_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o all_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o act_v in_o contrary_a to_o both_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n i_o say_v have_v they_o do_v this_o which_o be_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v have_v do_v god_n good_a service_n and_o promote_v our_o common_a happiness_n by_o peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n which_o now_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n and_o decay_v of_o christian_a religion_n and_o true_a piety_n and_o irreparable_a mischief_n in_o our_o politic_a capacity_n be_v almost_o grow_v stranger_n among_o we_o for_o whosoever_o shall_v without_o partiality_n consider_v the_o affair_n of_o these_o nation_n for_o this_o last_o century_n shall_v find_v that_o liberty_n 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dispositio_fw-la ad_fw-la scientiam_fw-la it_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o knowledge_n that_o be_v opinion_n be_v a_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n where_o still_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n to_o doubt_v or_o suspect_v that_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n may_v not_o be_v exact_o true_a as_o for_o example_n that_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o high_a noon_n this_o be_v demonstrative_a knowledge_n but_o because_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v do_v communicate_v both_o light_n and_o heat_n that_o therefore_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o vast_a globe_n of_o fire_n this_o be_v but_o opinion_n because_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o or_o that_o the_o moon_n be_v people_v with_o inhabitant_n be_v but_o opinion_n because_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n i_o can_v have_v no_o way_n to_o ascertain_v myself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o either_o of_o these_o whether_o in_o reality_n the_o sun_n be_v a_o ball_n of_o flame_n or_o the_o moon_n another_o habitable_a region_n so_o that_o 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not_o accept_v of_o happiness_n upon_o god_n term_n and_o condition_n come_v we_o now_o from_o opinion_n to_o persuasion_n which_o as_o before_o be_v say_v be_v the_o child_n of_o opinion_n and_o be_v nothing_o more_o but_o that_o belief_n which_o a_o man_n embrace_n of_o any_o opinion_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n or_o action_n which_o be_v undetermined_a by_o any_o certain_a way_n or_o rule_v of_o knowledge_n where_o the_o mind_n follow_v that_o part_n which_o appear_v most_o probable_a and_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o in_o persuasion_n as_o well_o as_o opinion_n there_o be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o knowledge_n to_o determine_v the_o mind_n only_a man_n sit_v down_o with_o that_o as_o a_o determination_n for_o the_o present_a which_o carry_v the_o fair_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o that_o rest_n satisfy_v though_o still_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n to_o change_v their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n so_o soon_o as_o a_o clear_a 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tell_v we_o if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v 5.31_o joh._n 5.31_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o witness_n and_o therefore_o he_o refer_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n to_o john_n who_o all_o man_n account_v a_o prophet_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v to_o moses_n in_o who_o they_o trust_v and_o in_o another_o place_n to_o his_o miracle_n and_o wonderful_a work_n which_o they_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n come_v we_o therefore_o to_o the_o common_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o same_o measure_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o same_o judge_n to_o who_o they_o have_v make_v their_o appeal_n in_o the_o second_o place_n therefore_o every_o one_o of_o these_o way_n of_o government_n which_o they_o will_v establish_v with_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o present_a contradict_v a_o know_a rule_n nay_o many_o plain_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o whilst_o they_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v the_o old_a government_n and_o introduce_v a_o new_a one_o they_o be_v disobedient_a to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n who_o they_o find_v vest_v with_o that_o authority_n and_o which_o for_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v of_o god_n own_o appointment_n for_o so_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n even_o those_o heathen_a and_o true_o antichristian_a power_n how_o much_o more_o than_o the_o supporter_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o resist_v a_o authority_n warrant_v with_o long_a succession_n support_v with_o many_o prudent_a and_o ancient_a law_n law_n to_o which_o they_o themselves_o and_o their_o ancestor_n by_o their_o free_a representative_n in_o parliament_n have_v give_v their_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n and_o deed_n and_o some_o of_o they_o by_o the_o strict_a obligation_n of_o most_o sacred_a and_o repeat_v oath_n they_o be_v bind_v with_o the_o strong_a tie_n of_o conscience_n to_o live_v under_o in_o all_o dutiful_a obedience_n which_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n the_o severe_a of_o all_o the_o penalty_n god_n almighty_a can_v inflict_v upon_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n three_o in_o their_o determination_n that_o their_o way_n or_o form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v the_o best_a they_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n let_v they_o show_v we_o in_o all_o antiquity_n except_o some_o mistranslated_a place_n in_o the_o english_a new_a testament_n where_o presbyter_n be_v false_o render_v elder_n the_o least_o footstep_n approbation_n defence_n or_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o beside_o the_o episcopal_a if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o than_o they_o may_v lawful_o pretend_v they_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o old_a but_o revive_v it_o by_o overthrow_v the_o new_a model_n of_o government_n but_o if_o they_o can_v as_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v do_v we_o have_v hear_v it_o on_o both_o side_n of_o our_o ear_n long_o before_o this_o let_v they_o dread_v the_o fearful_a doom_n which_o the_o wise_a solomon_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o remove_v the_o ancient_a landmark_n 24.22_o prov._n 24.22_o and_o be_v give_v to_o change_v for_o their_o calamity_n shall_v come_v sudden_o and_o who_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o both_o of_o those_o who_o fear_v not_o god_n because_o they_o fear_v not_o their_o lawful_a king_n his_o vicegerent_n but_o be_v give_v to_o change_v delight_v with_o novelty_n and_o innovation_n last_o this_o their_o determination_n be_v far_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n either_o with_o the_o past_a or_o present_a age_n and_o much_o further_a from_o promote_a the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o let_v all_o europe_n witness_v this_o sad_a truth_n and_o particular_o these_o british_a isle_n which_o by_o this_o best_a way_n of_o government_n of_o ancient_a albion_n white_a and_o happy_a be_v change_v into_o aceldama_n a_o dismal_a field_n of_o blood_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o recount_v what_o war_n rapine_n sacrilege_n desolation_n and_o confusion_n bloodshed_n and_o most_o unparalleled_a solemn_a murder_n of_o majesty_n the_o most_o sacred_a thing_n on_o earth_n have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o and_o establish_v these_o new_a way_n of_o church_n government_n and_o wherever_o any_o of_o these_o new_a discipline_n do_v prevail_v they_o quick_o verify_v the_o advice_n of_o young_a rhehoboam_n hotheaded_a counsellor_n make_v their_o little_a finger_n heavy_a than_o the_o loin_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o change_v the_o whip_n with_o which_o those_o reverend_a father_n chastise_v such_o as_o real_o deserve_v it_o into_o scorpion_n axe_n and_o halter_n nor_o do_v they_o spare_v either_o life_n or_o fortune_n that_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n or_o dare_v oppose_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o even_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o violent_a against_o root_n and_o branch_n of_o episcopacy_n notwithstanding_o their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n yet_o their_o wisdom_n fear_v or_o policy_n will_v never_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o establish_v presbytery_n which_o they_o find_v a_o government_n so_o imperious_a absolute_a and_o insupportable_a nor_o be_v this_o fair_a and_o honest_a deal_n in_o dissenter_n to_o pretend_v that_o because_o all_o sort_n of_o government_n be_v indisserent_a therefore_o why_o shall_v not_o they_o be_v choose_v which_o be_v the_o best_a when_o by_o experience_n we_o have_v find_v the_o contrary_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o to_o allow_v we_o a_o bare_a indifferency_n but_o to_o persuade_v their_o credulous_a follower_n with_o the_o great_a confidence_n that_o our_o way_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n be_v popish_a unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o their_o own_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o main_a matter_n too_o the_o one_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v embrace_v by_o all_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n that_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v the_o good_a old_a cause_n betray_v itself_o to_o be_v very_o weak_a which_o be_v to_o be_v support_v by_o such_o unworthy_a feeble_a and_o corner_n art_n and_o argument_n as_o pagan_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v blush_v to_o have_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o as_o for_o that_o common_a objection_n of_o they_o against_o lord_n bishop_n we_o will_v easy_o grant_v they_o that_o the_o primitive_a clergy_n do_v not_o abound_v in_o temporality_n but_o then_o they_o have_v such_o advantage_n as_o i_o believe_v none_o of_o these_o people_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o gratify_v the_o most_o belove_a of_o their_o pastor_n withal_o when_o they_o who_o have_v possession_n sell_v they_o and_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o apostle_n 34._o act_n 4_o 34._o to_o dispose_v of_o as_o to_o they_o seem_v most_o sit_v this_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o will_v bear_v it_o nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v convenient_a as_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n stand_v at_o present_a but_o these_o honour_n which_o the_o present_a clergy_n do_v enjoy_v be_v temporal_a be_v not_o by_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v at_o all_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o be_v only_o annex_v by_o the_o bounty_n of_o prince_n as_o be_v also_o their_o estate_n for_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o the_o rank_n they_o be_v in_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n and_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o public_a as_o it_o be_v a_o politic_a society_n of_o men._n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o maintain_v a_o level_a principle_n and_o quarrel_v with_o all_o honour_n and_o estate_n that_o be_v above_o they_o as_o with_o these_o for_o if_o any_o temporal_a estate_n or_o dignity_n may_v by_o free_a gift_n or_o succession_n divolve_v upon_o a_o churchman_n why_o not_o these_o and_o that_o this_o may_v happen_v without_o offence_n or_o scandal_n beside_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v have_v in_o a_o illustrious_a peer_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o kent_n earl_n of_o kent_n not_o many_o year_n ago_o from_o a_o private_a priest_n by_o succession_n come_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o one_o of_o the_o first_o earl_n in_o england_n i_o appeal_v to_o
themselves_o who_o will_v think_v it_o the_o great_a injustice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v churchman_n to_o lose_v a_o good_a temporal_a estate_n from_o their_o ancestor_n or_o a_o barony_n either_o by_o descent_n or_o royal_a bounty_n beside_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v if_o this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o way_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o jeroboam_n priest_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o for_o birth_n but_o learning_n part_n and_o ability_n and_o what_o a_o discouragement_n it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n who_o by_o their_o generous_a birth_n advantageous_a education_n noble_a alliance_n and_o many_o other_o excellent_a circumstance_n and_o qualification_n be_v fit_v by_o the_o great_a influence_n they_o may_v have_v both_o upon_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n to_o do_v both_o the_o church_n and_o sit_v the_o most_o considerable_a honour_n and_o service_n i_o be_o afraid_a few_o of_o they_o will_v addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o more_o serious_a and_o painful_a study_n of_o divinity_n if_o by_o their_o devote_v themselves_o to_o a_o immediate_a attendance_n upon_o god_n altar_n they_o must_v cast_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o temporal_a honour_n and_o estate_n from_o themselves_o nor_o do_v this_o derogate_a a_o little_a from_o the_o superlative_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o do_v so_o plentiful_o frequent_o and_o free_o bestow_v these_o honour_n and_o estate_n as_o blessing_n upon_o all_o other_o condition_n of_o man_n shall_v prohibit_v and_o deny_v they_o to_o those_o who_o have_v voluntary_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o confer_v the_o excellent_a title_n of_o his_o ambassador_n 5.20_o 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o do_v allow_v they_o honourable_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o character_n especial_o since_o they_o have_v his_o royal_a word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o 2.30_o 1_o sam._n 2.30_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v prince_n and_o priest_n be_v not_o by_o god_n think_v inconsistent_a under_o the_o law_n in_o that_o government_n which_o he_o himself_o constitute_v and_o establish_v and_o therefore_o one_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signisy_n both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o pretence_n any_o man_n shall_v divorce_v those_o two_o which_o he_o have_v once_o make_v one_o neither_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o lordship_n do_v bishop_n lord_n it_o over_o christ_n flock_n as_o by_o the_o scoff_a wantonness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o shall_v be_v more_o serious_a than_o to_o be_v witty_a at_o the_o expense_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v since_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o their_o temporal_a barony_n give_v they_o not_o the_o least_o influence_n upon_o church_n affair_n more_o than_o they_o give_v unto_o the_o other_o noble_a peerage_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o baron_n be_v as_o whole_o distinct_a as_o that_o of_o a_o lord_n of_o a_o manor_n or_o any_o other_o lord_n be_v from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o diocese_n 3.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o in_o a_o word_n a_o bishop_n must_v be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o without_o a_o estate_n if_o he_o must_v have_v a_o estate_n he_o must_v be_v lord_n of_o it_o for_o so_o be_v every_o man_n of_o what_o he_o do_v possess_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a by_o royal_a authority_n the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n to_o add_v to_o that_o common_a right_n a_o more_o particular_a and_o distinguish_a title_n of_o honour_n that_o may_v offend_v some_o man_n ambition_n or_o envy_n but_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o be_v either_o diadvantageous_a to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n or_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n can_v real_o pretend_v to_o those_o advantage_n which_o may_v make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n except_o the_o episcopal_a by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o no_o man_n can_v resist_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o conscience_n since_o it_o have_v all_o the_o qualisication_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v obligatory_a to_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o all_o the_o other_o pretender_n want_v viz._n it_o come_v near_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n it_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n it_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o government_n by_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o by_o procure_v peace_n unity_n and_o concord_n and_o hereafter_o by_o teach_v command_a and_o practise_v true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o dissent_v from_o this_o government_n can_v never_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o conscience_n but_o of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o man_n mind_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o indispensible_a as_o before_o have_v be_v make_v most_o evident_o appear_v i_o wish_v that_o all_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o reflect_v with_o themselves_o whilst_o they_o do_v so_o violent_o cry_v up_o conscience_n and_o pretend_v it_o for_o their_o separation_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n in_o mistake_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n for_o it_o of_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v by_o a_o impartial_a application_n of_o what_o have_v before_o be_v say_v of_o this_o particular_a after_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v difficult_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v the_o plea_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n in_o episcopacy_n for_o which_o so_o much_o reason_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o upon_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n brief_o to_o touch_v hereafter_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o how_o from_o be_v indifferent_a they_o may_v become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v that_o though_o private_a and_o false_a opinion_n or_o prejudice_v and_o mistake_v persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v malicious_a design_n and_o interest_n combine_v with_o discontent_a envy_n may_v be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a against_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o excellent_a and_o ancient_a way_n of_o episcopacy_n yet_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o clear_o for_o it_o let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o have_v occasion_v no_o small_a stir_n tumult_n and_o division_n among_o we_o and_o here_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n do_v thus_o far_o agree_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n that_o be_v some_o time_n some_o place_n some_o word_n gesture_n posture_n and_o habit_n for_o the_o performance_n both_o of_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n which_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v unto_o almighty_a god_n herein_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v that_o these_o thing_n or_o however_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o controversy_n among_o we_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o therefore_o proper_o the_o subject_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n and_o be_v there_o no_o determination_n on_o either_o side_n provide_v the_o duty_n of_o worship_n be_v perform_v it_o may_v be_v do_v this_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o likewise_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n simple_o unlawful_a because_o no_o where_n in_o scripture_n prohibit_v either_o in_o direct_a word_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n so_o that_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v just_o offend_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o since_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n let_v any_o dissenter_n therefore_o show_v either_o a_o positive_a command_n or_o a_o plain_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n or_o
aside_o all_o partiality_n and_o prejudice_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n how_o contrary_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o their_o opinion_n which_o by_o long_a continuance_n in_o be_v become_v very_o strong_a and_o habitual_a to_o they_o for_o without_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pardon_n i_o can_v without_o amazement_n see_v some_o man_n who_o appear_v in_o other_o thing_n most_o nice_o conscientious_a yet_o make_v so_o slight_a a_o matter_n of_o this_o nay_o many_o of_o they_o the_o great_a and_o only_a difference_v part_n of_o their_o religion_n themselves_o to_o disobey_v lawful_a authority_n and_o by_o their_o example_n and_o practice_n if_o not_o doctrine_n at_o least_o in_o private_a to_o teach_v other_o to_o do_v the_o same_o i_o wish_v they_o will_v consider_v what_o dangerous_a influence_n such_o practice_n have_v have_v and_o still_o have_v upon_o their_o body_n soul_n reputation_n and_o estate_n and_o indeed_o upon_o every_o thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a and_o tender_a to_o they_o beside_o the_o most_o fatal_a mischievous_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n they_o have_v have_v and_o if_o pursue_v will_v have_v still_o upon_o the_o safety_n and_o well-being_n of_o the_o community_n in_o which_o they_o live_v which_o by_o their_o disobedience_n to_o law_n the_o only_a fence_n of_o religion_n life_n right_o and_o property_n those_o deliciae_fw-la humanae_fw-la generis_fw-la the_o darling_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v chap._n xii_o some_o consideration_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o impracticableness_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v for_o erect_v of_o new_a way_n of_o church-government_n or_o for_o toleration_n or_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o impracticableness_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o dissenter_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v than_o to_o make_v they_o this_o proposal_n which_o i_o dare_v say_v may_v most_o safe_o be_v do_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o have_v agree_v in_o all_o particular_n and_o so_o as_o to_o reconcile_v all_o interest_n and_o satisfy_v all_o party_n what_o way_n of_o government_n they_o will_v have_v establish_v they_o shall_v receive_v a_o gratification_n of_o their_o desire_n provide_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o submit_v as_o become_v good_a subject_n and_o christian_n to_o the_o present_a and_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o offer_n say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o way_n of_o government_n as_o shall_v please_v all_o man_n interest_n and_o party_n will_v it_o not_o be_v the_o high_a frenzy_n imaginable_a by_o remove_v the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v so_o long_a experience_n to_o introduce_v any_o other_o which_o can_v gratify_v but_o one_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o inconsiderable_a party_n and_o in_o recompense_n disoblige_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v even_o those_o who_o so_o eager_o desire_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o other_o since_o have_v never_o yet_o make_v a_o full_a trial_n of_o it_o though_o it_o may_v look_v brave_o like_o saul_n armour_n upon_o david_n 17.39_o 1_o sam._n 17.39_o it_o may_v not_o prove_v so_o easy_a or_o convenient_a but_z with_o he_o they_o may_v be_v willing_a to_o put_v it_o off_o again_o and_o stick_v to_o the_o old_a and_o plain_a episcopal_a armour_n of_o the_o shepherd_n staff_n and_o sling_n beside_o this_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o curious_o twist_v and_o interweave_v with_o the_o politic_a government_n in_o the_o state_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o pick_v out_o this_o part_n without_o spoil_v the_o beauty_n and_o unravel_v the_o whole_a web_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o government_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a pillar_n upon_o which_o this_o weighty_a and_o well-built_a fabric_n stand_v and_o can_v be_v take_v away_o but_o it_o must_v endanger_v the_o fall_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o whole_a building_n and_o they_o must_v be_v as_o full_a of_o revenge_n and_o as_o blind_a as_o samson_n who_o will_v by_o pull_v down_o this_o pillar_n bring_v the_o house_n about_o their_o own_o head_n since_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o with_o he_o they_o must_v perish_v in_o the_o common_a ruin_n and_o i_o hope_v what_o ever_o will_v they_o may_v have_v their_o hair_n will_v never_o be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v so_o long_o again_o as_o to_o recover_v their_o sampson_n strength_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v it_o it_o be_v this_o consideration_n which_o make_v as_o wise_a and_o learned_a a_o prince_n as_o ever_o sway_v the_o british_a sceptre_n so_o frequent_o tell_v the_o dissenter_n of_o his_o age_n no_o bishop_n no_o king_n which_o by_o the_o most_o deplorable_a experience_n be_v verify_v in_o his_o successor_n nor_o do_v the_o fatal_a consequence_n end_v there_o but_o after_o no_o bishop_n no_o king_n come_v march_v up_o a_o dreadful_a army_n of_o negative_n no_o house_n of_o peer_n no_o free_a no_o full_a house_n of_o commons_o no_o law_n no_o justice_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o high_a court_n so_o call_v no_o liberty_n no_o property_n no_o safety_n no_o security_n and_o at_o last_o nothing_o but_o consusion_n all_o admirable_a effect_n of_o change_v that_o government_n which_o before_o be_v most_o safe_a and_o easy_a into_o that_o which_o be_v most_o arbitrary_a tyrannical_a and_o insupportable_a if_o experience_n be_v not_o sufficient_o convince_a in_o this_o particular_a i_o know_v not_o what_o new_a school_n of_o fool_n or_o rather_o madman_n we_o must_v seek_v for_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o truth_n but_o further_a i_o wish_v that_o all_o dissenter_n will_v consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o this_o will_v lead_v they_o and_o what_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o for_o a_o toleration_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n be_v a_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o government_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o even_o of_o that_o which_o these_o man_n will_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v for_o we_o will_v suppose_v what_o they_o desire_v that_o that_o way_n of_o government_n which_o they_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n in_o favour_n of_o they_o establish_v and_o settle_v as_o firm_o and_o strong_o as_o the_o present_a church-government_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v please_v all_o people_n nay_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a it_o will_v displease_v all_o other_o party_n who_o way_n be_v either_o abrogate_a to_o make_v room_n for_o the_o new_a one_o or_o they_o which_o be_v reject_v and_o in_o probability_n therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o there_o will_v not_o want_v those_o who_o will_v be_v able_a to_o raise_v and_o manage_v more_o forcible_a objection_n and_o argument_n against_o their_o way_n than_o any_o they_o can_v bring_v against_o what_o be_v now_o in_o be_v now_o they_o must_v be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o high_a measure_n if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o other_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o their_o way_n which_o now_o they_o desire_v for_o themselves_o since_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o and_o possible_o a_o just_a plea_n of_o conscience_n for_o themselves_o which_o these_o now_o make_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o have_v indulgence_n and_o toleration_n and_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v whether_o that_o can_v be_v call_v a_o government_n or_o only_o a_o image_n of_o it_o and_o a_o empty_a name_n where_o man_n have_v liberty_n to_o obey_v it_o if_o they_o please_v or_o may_v be_v disobedient_a to_o it_o by_o its_o own_o consent_n if_o they_o so_o please_v but_o further_a what_o reason_n can_v they_o have_v to_o expect_v any_o other_o have_v show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o change_v but_o that_o the_o authority_n shall_v still_o make_v trial_n of_o new_a government_n and_o not_o confine_v all_o their_o kindness_n to_o they_o but_o still_o gratify_v and_o oblige_v first_o one_o party_n and_o then_o another_o according_a as_o the_o person_n who_o compose_v that_o authority_n may_v be_v favourable_o incline_v to_o one_o persuasion_n or_o another_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o complain_v of_o injustice_n in_o the_o lex_fw-la talionis_fw-la or_o grumble_v to_o resign_v that_o power_n which_o for_o their_o sake_n other_o before_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v and_o shall_v the_o wheel_n turn_v thus_o round_o they_o must_v with_o their_o way_n expect_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o what_o strange_a alteration_n revolution_n settlement_n and_o unsettlement_n must_v there_o be_v what_o face_n of_o government_n or_o rather_o what_o confusion_n must_v of_o
necessity_n follow_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o disobedience_n to_o lawful_a government_n let_v we_o but_o turn_v our_o eye_n a_o little_a backward_o and_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v and_o these_o dissenter_n however_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v forget_v it_o may_v remember_v they_o have_v see_v the_o day_n when_o the_o presbyterian_a be_v in_o favour_n and_o full_a of_o hope_n have_v tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o dismount_v episcopacy_n to_o advance_v into_o the_o chariot_n of_o government_n but_o the_o crafty_a independent_a come_n sly_o behind_o he_o whip_v up_o his_o heel_n and_o lay_v he_o in_o the_o dirt_n and_o be_v just_a go_v himself_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o vacant_a seat_n when_o the_o surly_a anabaptist_n quaker_n leveller_n and_o several_a other_o rush_v in_o all_o at_o once_o upon_o he_o tell_v he_o with_o the_o hand_n all_o the_o while_n upon_o the_o hilt_n that_o they_o have_v as_o just_a a_o right_a as_o he_o and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o without_o a_o fair_a trial_n of_o skill_n who_o have_v the_o long_a sword_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o give_v the_o late_a usurper_n more_o trouble_n than_o the_o importunity_n of_o these_o several_a interest_n which_o he_o keep_v from_o fall_v foul_a one_o upon_o another_o by_o tollerate_v all_o for_o the_o present_a and_o cajol_v the_o head_n of_o the_o party_n with_o protestation_n and_o assurance_n that_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o be_v of_o their_o persuasion_n and_o in_o time_n will_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o though_o for_o the_o present_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n it_o do_v not_o stand_v with_o his_o interest_n nor_o they_o so_o to_o do_v till_o they_o be_v more_o full_o assure_v against_o the_o common_a enemy_n though_o at_o last_o they_o all_o find_v he_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a proteus_n or_o polypus_n in_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o can_v change_v himself_o into_o the_o shape_n and_o colour_n of_o that_o party_n which_o be_v near_a to_o he_o last_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o this_o principle_n must_v give_v increase_n growth_n and_o encouragement_n to_o all_o sect_n and_o heresy_n since_o all_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o plead_v for_o toleration_n and_o if_o this_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v grant_v they_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v infinite_a and_o unavoidable_a division_n separation_n upon_o separation_n confusion_n and_o at_o last_o atheism_n since_o among_o so_o many_o pretender_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n all_o will_n at_o last_o come_v to_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v false_a these_o be_v certain_o the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o inevitable_a consequence_n of_o unsettle_v the_o present_a government_n in_o the_o church_n either_o by_o change_v it_o for_o a_o new_a one_o or_o permit_v toleration_n or_o what_o man_n call_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v that_o these_o dissenter_n do_v not_o foresee_v or_o understand_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o precipice_n to_o which_o they_o make_v such_o haste_n or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o malicious_a of_o mankind_n since_o they_o will_v sacrisice_n all_o law_n government_n liberty_n property_n and_o religion_n to_o their_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n chap._n xiii_o a_o vindication_n of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n in_o this_o discourse_n viz._n that_o god_n almighty_a make_v mankind_n for_o a_o excellent_a end_n that_o be_v his_o glory_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o by_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n their_o own_o happiness_n both_o here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n of_o immortality_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o if_o other_o will_v likewise_o do_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o those_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o doubt_n which_o perplex_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v their_o life_n so_o uneasy_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o by_o make_v many_o thing_n matter_n and_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o such_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o likewise_o it_o will_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o calm_v of_o those_o storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o be_v gather_v from_o so_o many_o several_a quarter_n and_o seem_v to_o threaten_v both_o church_n and_o state_n if_o not_o with_o shipwreck_n yet_o with_o most_o violent_a agitation_n and_o commotion_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v there_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n in_o this_o discourse_n and_o upon_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o weighty_a build_n of_o conscience_n do_v depend_v as_o upon_o a_o main_a pillar_n which_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o great_a creator_n out_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n make_v the_o world_n and_o particular_o mankind_n for_o a_o most_o excellent_a end_n viz._n his_o own_o glory_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o in_o this_o life_n as_o a_o preparative_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n however_o some_o narrow-spirited_n man_n who_o will_v engross_v all_o the_o bounty_n of_o heaven_n to_o themselves_o may_v think_v otherwise_o by_o take_v such_o low_a measure_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o beneficence_n as_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o stature_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n though_o far_o short_a of_o infinite_a which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a measure_n of_o the_o deity_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o most_o evident_o plain_a and_o apparent_a to_o all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o wilful_o close_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o truth_n reason_n and_o scripture_n first_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o this_o infinite_a be_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o 57.10_o psal_n 57.10_o that_o his_o mercy_n reach_v unto_o the_o cloud_n and_o his_o goodness_n far_o above_o these_o visible_a heaven_n and_o that_o it_o be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v by_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o ourselves_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v 9_o isa_n 55.7_o 8_o 9_o that_o his_o thought_n be_v not_o as_o our_o thought_n nor_o his_o way_n like_o our_o way_n low_a narrow_a and_o short_a but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n and_o thought_n high_a above_o our_o way_n a_o comparison_n large_a and_o wide_a enough_o to_o show_v we_o the_o vast_a disproportion_n betwixt_o finite_a and_o infinite_a goodness_n now_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n bounty_n wisdom_n power_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o essence_n which_o be_v infinite_a than_o a_o design_n that_o all_o his_o creature_n shall_v be_v happy_a according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n which_o he_o who_o make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a create_v they_o with_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o suppose_v he_o make_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o capacity_n of_o enjoy_v any_o degree_n of_o happiness_n as_o its_o ultimate_a end_n and_o chief_a good_a and_o yet_o with_o a_o intention_n and_o design_n not_o only_o of_o not_o attain_v it_o but_o of_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a be_v so_o far_o from_o magnify_v his_o goodness_n or_o justice_n that_o it_o will_v argue_v he_o of_o such_o a_o cruel_a nature_n as_o be_v the_o high_a derogation_n and_o most_o proper_a blasphemy_n to_o believe_v it_o of_o he_o and_o that_o his_o justice_n will_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o punishment_n and_o misery_n of_o some_o of_o his_o creature_n even_o of_o the_o noble_a rank_n he_o assure_v we_o with_o the_o high_a protestation_n imaginable_a be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o be_v perfect_o occasion_v by_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o wilful_a folly_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n 33.11_o ezek._n 33.11_o that_o be_v as_o sure_o as_o i_o be_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o his_o death_n a_o small_a punishment_n undoubted_o not_o in_o his_o eternal_a damnation_n the_o great_a of_o all_o misery_n but_o second_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o scripture_n all_o aim_n direct_o at_o this_o white_a viz._n the_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n even_o here_o in_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o a_o eternal_a