all_o those_o act_n flow_v from_o conscience_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a strange_a thing_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o who_o tell_v he_o that_o no_o coercieve_v power_n must_v be_v use_v against_o those_o criminal_n who_o action_n flow_v from_o conscience_n or_o who_o question_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n to_o punish_v such_o as_o blaspheme_v god_n or_o christ_n or_o religion_n or_o that_o they_o who_o speak_v lie_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o preach_v and_o teach_v they_o in_o hypocrasie_n may_v not_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o when_o prove_v against_o they_o but_o we_o still_o say_v that_o to_o execute_v before_o conviction_n and_o judgement_n be_v against_o all_o rule_n and_o form_n of_o justice_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a off_o but_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o discourse_n be_v ground_v on_o this_o absurdity_n which_o the_o query_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o viz._n that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o what_o they_o do_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n which_o no_o man_n sure_a in_o his_o sense_n ever_o affirm_v every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v proceed_v against_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrateâ—_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o offence_n be_v it_o never_o so_o much_o according_a to_o his_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o every_o christian_a be_v to_o act_v out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o which_o no_o man_n sure_a ever_o doubt_v off_o nor_o do_v any_o rational_a man_n ever_o say_v that_o conscience_n be_v a_o sufficient_a plea_n against_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o king_n the_o magistrate_n may_v certain_o enact_v penal_a law_n against_o murder_n felony_n and_o the_o like_a moral_a evil_n whatever_o he_o may_v do_v against_o infidelity_n schism_n heresy_n or_o error_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o force_v or_o compel_v any_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o act_v against_o their_o light_n and_o conscience_n the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v use_v his_o coercive_a power_n to_o punish_v for_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o may_v compel_v man_n to_o sin_n as_o most_o certain_o they_o do_v who_o compel_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n than_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o require_v of_o they_o query_n xv._n whether_o to_o require_v conformity_n in_o practice_n where_o there_o be_v difference_n in_o judgement_n be_v not_o to_o command_v a_o man_n to_o act_v against_o light_n and_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o to_o sin_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n to_o the_o question_n he_o propose_v i_o answer_v the_o superior_a not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o take_v care_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o inferior_a to_o practise_v according_a to_o his_o which_o be_v yet_o no_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o cause_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v those_o under_o his_o charge_n to_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o so_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o command_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o manner_n as_o they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o not_o according_a to_o god_n institution_n and_o appointment_n he_o ought_v indeed_o to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n by_o all_o due_a and_o just_a mean_n who_o he_o judge_v in_o any_o kind_n to_o err_v but_o not_o to_o force_v they_o to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n against_o their_o judgement_n since_o as_o have_v be_v often_o inculcate_v whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o as_o he_o say_v conceive_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o such_o way_n and_o method_n as_o be_v diametrical_o contrary_a to_o god_n will_v and_o subversive_a to_o the_o magistrate_n government_n let_v they_o be_v implead_v and_o punish_v after_o due_a conviction_n and_o judgement_n but_o not_o before_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o a_o governor_n may_v think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o command_v what_o a_o inferior_a may_v be_v persuade_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v the_o superior_n conscience_n be_v as_o certain_a a_o rule_n in_o command_v as_o the_o inferior_n can_v be_v to_o he_o in_o disobey_v but_o with_o our_o answerer_n good_a leave_n this_o be_v not_o as_o he_o say_v the_o case_n between_o the_o king_n of_o england_n and_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n his_o majesty_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o late_a gracious_a declaration_n of_o indulgence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o against_o his_o conscience_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o dissenter_n but_o how_o f_o will_v he_o insinuate_v here_o that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o coronation_n oath_n so_o to_o do_v in_o that_o he_o say_v his_o majesty_n swear_v that_o he_o will_v defend_v and_o preserve_v to_o the_o clergy_n all_o canonical_a privilege_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o this_o oath_n can_v be_v perform_v unless_o the_o clergy_n have_v now_o the_o like_a privilege_n as_o heretofore_o to_o burn_v masacre_n and_o destroy_v the_o faithful_a servant_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n may_v possible_o as_o he_o say_v be_v past_o his_o power_n to_o conceive_v and_o determine_v for_o nothing_o less_o it_o seem_v will_v satisfy_v he_o then_o all_o the_o canonical_a privilege_n and_o free-franchise_n grant_v to_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o glorious_a st._n edward_n and_o other_o king_n and_o what_o they_o be_v may_v deserve_v consideration_n but_o as_o he_o very_o well_o say_v every_o prince_n owe_v a_o strict_a account_n to_o god_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o government_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o place_n oblige_v he_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o people_n which_o certain_o he_o do_v not_o who_o permit_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n under_o the_o pretext_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o trample_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n mankind_n under_o their_o foot_n even_o prince_n themselves_o where_o they_o be_v able_a which_o if_o seemly_a in_o their_o eye_n be_v not_o so_o i_o hope_v in_o other_o whether_o differnce_n in_o judgement_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n from_o inconformity_n in_o practice_n he_o advise_v his_o reader_n to_o consider_v the_o strict_a account_n christ_n call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n to_o 20._o for_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v his_o servant_n and_o will_v be_v resolve_v whether_o the_o bishop_n or_o angel_n may_v not_o have_v excuse_v his_o own_o neglect_n by_o plead_v for_o jezabel_n that_o her_o judgement_n differ_v from_o he_o and_o to_o make_v her_o practice_n thing_n quite_o contrary_a to_o her_o judgement_n be_v that_o christ_n never_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n it_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o constrain_a of_o they_o to_o act_v against_o their_o own_o light_n and_o consequent_o to_o sin_n risum_fw-la tenaatis_fw-la amici_n can_v any_o forbear_v laughter_n at_o such_o ridiculous_a reason_n be_v not_o this_o answerer_n able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o command_v to_o sin_n and_o restrain_v from_o sin_n have_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o jezabels_n nonconformity_n such_o a_o plea_n may_v have_v be_v pertinent_a but_o his_o crime_n be_v not_o the_o make_v her_o practice_n thing_n contrary_a to_o her_o judgement_n which_o yet_o to_o have_v do_v may_v have_v be_v a_o crime_n but_o the_o suffer_v she_o to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v without_o control_v without_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o oppose_v it_o to_o her_o error_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o constrain_a she_o to_o act_v against_o her_o light_n but_o the_o enlight_v she_o sound_a doctrine_n diligent_o and_o due_o teach_v be_v sufficient_a against_o seducer_n we_o have_v not_o else_o hear_v of_o many_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v neither_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jezabel_n nor_o long_o after_o any_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n to_o protect_v or_o defend_v they_o what_o the_o reverend_a mr._n perking_n say_v of_o restrain_v error_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o query_n which_o oppose_v only_o the_o compel_v to_o sin_n yet_o we_o will_v as_o much_o as_o any_o
understand_v that_o agreement_n in_o those_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o join_v they_o in_o one_o communion_n i_o mean_v say_v he_o in_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n wherein_o all_o consent_n a_o joint_a worship_n of_o god_n after_o such_o a_o way_n as_o all_o esteem_n lawful_a and_o a_o mutual_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o work_n of_o charity_n which_o christian_n owe_v one_o to_o another_o but_o whilst_o every_o one_o have_v a_o confession_n a_o form_n of_o worship_n a_o church_n and_o its_o authority_n which_o must_v be_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o we_o may_v look_v and_o with_o for_o peace_n moderation_n and_o unity_n but_o be_v never_o like_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n those_o who_o experience_n will_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v christian_n to_o unity_n of_o communion_n by_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n and_o of_o the_o great_a misery_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n such_o method_n have_v in_o all_o age_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n with_o the_o little_a or_o no_o advantage_n that_o at_o any_o time_n have_v thereby_o accrue_v to_o religion_n will_n never_o be_v convince_v thereof_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n or_o demonstration_n of_o reason_n and_o though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v many_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o contend_v earnest_o for_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o must_v withal_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a and_o blind_a zeal_n in_o they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o truth_n of_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o advocat_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o some_o carnal_a interest_n or_o secular_a advantage_n they_o receive_v by_o it_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o not_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o state_n of_o christendom_n or_o most_o christian_a state_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v think_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n can_v be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o not_o enemy_n to_o it_o but_o we_o be_v tell_v where_o the_o truth_n be_v once_o own_a and_o profess_a every_o error_n and_o heresy_n that_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v suppress_v and_o extirpate_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n will_v these_o man_n than_o tell_v we_o what_o sect_n or_o society_n not_o of_o christian_n only_o but_o of_o jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_n believe_v not_o themselves_o alone_o possess_v of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o method_n of_o preserve_v and_o propagate_a religion_n prevail_v as_o it_o do_v too_o much_o through_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n can_v not_o otherwise_o long_o stand_v against_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n what_o i_o say_v do_v or_o can_v follow_v upon_o it_o but_o perhaps_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o oppression_n of_o it_o in_o a_o hundred_o do_v not_o they_o who_o deny_v unto_o such_o as_o dissent_n from_o the_o religion_n establish_v here_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n deny_v it_o also_o to_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o all_o popish_a country_n of_o europe_n to_o talk_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n here_o be_v ridiculous_a for_o as_o we_o be_v but_o now_o tell_v if_o force_v in_o religion_n may_v be_v just_o use_v in_o any_o place_n by_o those_o that_o have_v power_n and_o think_v they_o have_v truth_n it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v use_v in_o every_o place_n by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o think_v they_o have_v truth_n too_o as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o be_v the_o same_o mind_n in_o we_o thaâ—_n be_v in_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n the_o same_o frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o bless_a apostle_n we_o will_v do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o and_o not_o mete_v unto_o any_o what_o we_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v mete_v unto_o we_o again_o but_o whilst_o some_o man_n make_v their_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n the_o rule_n or_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n force_v other_o to_o embrace_v or_o renounce_v that_o as_o such_o which_o they_o shall_v so_o call_v or_o judge_v whatever_o it_o appear_v to_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v command_v to_o try_v and_o prove_v it_o what_o truth_n or_o peace_n can_v from_o thence_o be_v expect_v or_o hope_v for_o well_o therefore_o may_v the_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n cry_v out_o let_v those_o leave_n claim_v infallibility_n that_o have_v no_o title_n to_o it_o and_o let_v those_o that_o in_o their_o word_n disclaim_v it_o disclaim_v it_o likewise_o in_o their_o they_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n nor_o yet_o a_o liberty_n for_o any_o to_o preach_v or_o teach_v doctrine_n destructive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o civil_a society_n but_o a_o liberty_n of_o worship_n only_o under_o the_o magistrate_n inspection_n and_o that_o such_o a_o liberty_n be_v the_o natural_a and_o common_a right_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o person_n have_v be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o many_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n even_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o particular_o by_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n jeremy_n taylor_n late_a bishop_n of_o downe_n and_o conough_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v it_o will_v be_v but_o actum_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o say_v more_o and_o it_o argue_v great_a ignorance_n or_o impudence_n in_o those_o who_o persist_v declaim_v against_o liberty_n of_o religion_n without_o offer_v at_o the_o least_o answer_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o it_o by_o this_o and_o other_o learned_a and_o judicious_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o orthodox_n father_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o that_o other_o objection_n against_o liberty_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v cause_v disturbance_n in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o reason_n but_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n and_o place_n no_o instance_n be_v to_o be_v give_v that_o ever_o liberty_n of_o religion_n give_v disturbance_n to_o any_o civil_a state_n but_o the_o contrary_a the_o deny_v christian_n their_o just_a liberty_n therein_o have_v be_v the_o unhappy_a occasion_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n misery_n and_o desolation_n that_o have_v befall_v most_o of_o the_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o christendom_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o liberty_n plead_v for_o be_v no_o more_o in_o substance_n than_o what_o by_o his_o majesty_n late_a declaration_n of_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n be_v allow_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o he_o a_o much_o better_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v for_o the_o nation_n peace_n and_o interest_n than_o they_o who_o object_n this_o nor_o be_v the_o parliament_n exception_n to_o the_o indulgence_n grant_v but_o the_o manner_n of_o grant_v it_o which_o they_o judge_v may_v be_v of_o ill_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v hope_v they_o will_v in_o due_a time_n take_v it_o into_o consideration_n and_o make_v such_o provision_n for_o the_o prevent_n and_o punish_v seditious_a conventicle_n as_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n may_v not_o take_v occasion_n from_o to_o molest_v and_o disturb_v the_o assembly_n of_o peaceable_a and_o pious_a people_n for_o the_o performance_n only_o of_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o none_o can_v with_o reason_n say_v to_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n much_o less_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o moral_a evil_a or_o impiety_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o his_o name_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o answerers_n preface_n it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v equal_o difficult_a for_o this_o answerer_n to_o show_v what_o truth_n he_o have_v vindicated_n as_o what_o truth_n these_o query_n oppose_v how_o far_o any_o have_v be_v satisfy_v with_o his_o performance_n be_v best_a know_v unto_o themselves_o but_o how_o little_a he_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o gentleman_n desire_n in_o return_v a_o candid_a and_o christian_a resolution_n to_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o judicious_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n have_v he_o
wherein_o do_v this_o permit_v man_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a christianity_n etc._n etc._n as_o this_o answerer_n very_o impertinent_o object_v and_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o rational_a man_n whether_o they_o who_o insist_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n or_o they_o who_o allow_v unto_o every_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o civil_a magistrate_n upon_o christian_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o lead_v into_o the_o path_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o whether_o these_o or_o those_o do_v gratify_v the_o old_a serpent_n in_o his_o malicious_a wile_n and_o method_n and_o give_v leave_v to_o his_o instrument_n to_o accomplish_v their_o hellish_a design_n in_o destroy_v christianity_n and_o the_o church_n government_n at_o one_o blow_n i_o say_v again_o let_v every_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n consider_v the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o destroy_v judge_n god_n name_n be_v not_o indeed_o blaspheme_v as_o he_o say_v when_o his_o institution_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o uphold_v his_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o institute_v the_o civil_a sword_n to_o force_v any_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o less_o to_o uphold_v whatever_o be_v teach_v or_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v and_o if_o his_o name_n be_v blaspheme_v when_o man_n mind_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v be_v find_v guilty_a thereof_o who_o use_v such_o mean_n and_o method_n for_o its_o propagation_n as_o they_o pretend_v as_o beget_v a_o aversion_n in_o many_o towards_o it_o and_o those_o that_o use_v they_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o will_v make_v the_o profession_n thereof_o arbitrary_a they_o who_o say_v the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v so_o to_o do_v and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o here_o talk_v of_o every_o beâ—ted_a brain_n and_o sulphurous_a malcontent_n be_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o open_o to_o deny_v and_o blaspheme_v he_o when_o all_o we_o pray_v and_o plead_v for_o be_v but_o 3_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n without_o ever_o deny_v it_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v blasphemy_n and_o the_o like_a evil_n and_o impiety_n but_o it_o be_v worth_a know_v from_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n how_o far_o any_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v here_o to_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v too_o hard_a thought_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o forsake_v the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o that_o sacrament_n it_o be_v as_o he_o say_v one_o thing_n to_o convert_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n to_o christianity_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o already_o profess_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v both_o effect_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o the_o magistrate_n can_v no_o more_o compel_v unto_o the_o one_o then_o to_o the_o other_o but_o when_o man_n give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_o as_o he_o say_v the_o duty_n of_o churchman_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o proper_a mean_v to_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o but_o who_o be_v the_o incorrigible_a offender_n he_o speak_v of_o or_o what_o occasion_n do_v this_o query_n administer_v to_o ask_v why_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v request_v to_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n etc._n etc._n the_o magistrate_n may_v certain_o be_v request_v to_o punish_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o he_o but_o he_o can_v no_o more_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v he_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n then_o he_o can_v give_v grace_n or_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n alone_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n aught_o to_o use_v all_o due_a and_o lawful_a mean_n to_o reduce_v man_n to_o christianity_n and_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n now_o then_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o its_o act_n and_o censure_n shall_v be_v second_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o disciple_n teach_v what_o he_o command_v they_o 28._o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o in_o the_o act_n and_o censure_n of_o some_o who_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n be_v not_o that_o christ_n have_v withdraw_v any_o of_o that_o ordinary_a power_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o minister_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n but_o their_o failure_n in_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o his_o promise_n in_o not_o teach_v what_o he_o command_v but_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o device_n in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o institution_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o orderly_a and_o regular_o pronounce_v now_o as_o heretofore_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n now_o as_o then_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n what_o effect_n they_o have_v upon_o their_o body_n we_o be_v rather_o tell_v then_o convince_v of_o for_o the_o intestuous_a corinthian's_n being_n deliver_v unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o than_o as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v his_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n with_o the_o blindness_n of_o ellmas_n the_o sorcerer_n the_o effect_n of_o any_o church_n act_n or_o censure_n but_o of_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n christ_n confer_v on_o his_o apostle_n to_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o church_n power_n be_v defective_a without_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n be_v high_o derogatory_n unto_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n for_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v much_o of_o christ_n glory_n to_o rule_v his_o subject_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o spiritual_a power_n it_o be_v that_o power_n make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a it_o be_v that_o power_n in_o all_o gospel_n institution_n that_o keep_v man_n in_o their_o due_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n carry_v the_o sting_n of_o the_o punishment_n when_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o power_n do_v all_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bringin_n the_o temporal_a sword_n be_v to_o make_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o mighty_a through_o god_n but_o mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o whole_o to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o its_o institution_n it_o be_v to_o aâ—m_v the_o church_n with_o weapon_n christ_n never_o give_v she_o and_o to_o make_v she_o a_o military_a rather_o than_o a_o spiritual_a society_n what_o he_o say_v of_o dissenter_n be_v punish_v for_o endanger_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n by_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v speak_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o law_n and_o what_o church_n he_o here_o mean_v nor_o can_v we_o till_o then_o say_v how_o the_o interest_n of_o those_o society_n be_v twist_v and_o unite_v but_o do_v very_o well_o know_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a artifices_fw-la in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o to_o twist_v the_o civil_a and_o some_o pretend_a religious_a interest_n as_o to_o preswade_v the_o world_n the_o oak_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o ivy_n but_o as_o well_o reason_n as_o experience_n
that_o error_n be_v restrain_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o truth_n may_v not_o suffer_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o reverend_a person_n judge_v the_o commonwealth_n in_o his_o day_n do_v well_o in_o make_v law_n to_o restrain_v those_o who_o depart_v from_o our_o church_n he_o do_v not_o i_o presume_v think_v it_o do_v so_o some_o year_n before_o when_o it_o make_v law_n to_o restrain_v those_o who_o depart_v from_o the_o then_o church_n so_o prefer_v the_o relation_n before_o the_o rule_n make_v the_o right_a and_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n though_o unsatisfied_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o service_n there_o use_v it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n and_o of_o very_o evil_a consequence_n for_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n ought_v all_o to_o be_v so_o compel_v by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n on_o their_o side_n and_o believe_v they_o have_v truth_n also_o and_o what_o advantage_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o unjustifiablenes_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o can_v any_o protestant_n think_v truth_n and_o true_a religion_n will_v get_v thereby_o it_o be_v therefore_o rather_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n will_v observe_v that_o no_o less_o divine_a than_o moral_a precept_n of_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o the_o query_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v governor_n require_v conformity_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o judgement_n of_o inferior_n dislike_v or_o disapprove_v of_o as_o unmeet_a or_o inconvenient_a but_o to_o those_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n only_o as_o inferior_n judge_v sinful_a the_o constrain_a therefore_o any_o against_o their_o will_n and_o interest_n to_o do_v what_o they_o deny_v not_o to_o be_v honest_a and_o just_a reach_v not_o the_o present_a question_n though_o nothing_o can_v as_o he_o say_v excuse_v subject_n from_o yield_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o what_o that_o authority_n do_v enjoin_v yet_o when_o any_o one_o be_v persuade_v the_o thing_n command_v be_v unlawful_a though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a he_o may_v not_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o a_o innocent_a or_o invincible_o err_v conscience_n 6._o as_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a bishop_n taylor_n true_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v against_o the_o know_a commandment_n of_o our_o superior_n but_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o engage_v upon_o that_o action_n which_o he_o judge_n to_o be_v unmeet_a and_o inconvenient_a only_o not_o unlawful_a though_o he_o have_v some_o inward_a averseness_n and_o reluctancy_n in_o his_o mind_n against_o it_o and_o wish_n that_o no_o such_o obligation_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o but_o our_o answerer_n do_v very_o seasonable_o recollect_v himself_o in_o tell_v we_o it_o will_v be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n do_v not_o come_v home_o to_o our_o present_a dissenter_n for_o that_o they_o judge_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v indifferent_a to_o be_v not_o only_o inconvenient_a but_o sinful_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o deny_v conformity_n in_o practice_n but_o where_o this_o have_v be_v in_o part_n answer_v as_o he_o say_v we_o have_v not_o yet_o observe_v and_o wish_v it_o may_v be_v as_o he_o promise_v consider_v in_o the_o follow_a query_n query_n xvi_o whether_o to_o punish_v any_o for_o not_o conform_v to_o such_o mode_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o judge_v sinful_a be_v not_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o not_o do_v what_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n not_o to_o do_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n that_o it_o be_v all_o man_n duty_n as_o he_o say_v to_o obey_v lawful_a authority_n either_o active_o or_o passive_o none_o sure_a doubt_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o this_o query_n to_o say_v that_o active_a obedience_n be_v not_o require_v by_o authority_n to_o all_o its_o command_n be_v to_o say_v authority_n command_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o itself_o judge_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v so_o that_o active_a obedience_n be_v by_o authority_n require_v to_o all_o its_o command_n and_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v any_o from_o such_o obedience_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v so_o command_v but_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o loyal_a subject_n nor_o humble_a christian_a as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o to_o mistrust_v his_o own_o judgement_n as_o to_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o lawfullness_n or_o unlawfullness_n of_o whatever_o be_v command_v he_o but_o say_v this_o answerer_n to_o make_v some_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o query_n which_o be_v but_o need_n it_o be_v not_o conscience_n if_o that_o thing_n be_v condemn_v as_o sinful_a which_o be_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o right_a conscience_n but_o where_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o sacred_a scripture_n though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o it_o be_v conscience_n in_o he_o not_o to_o do_v it_o though_o it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o till_o convince_v of_o it_o error_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o go_v against_o and_o his_o say_n it_o may_v be_v humour_n or_o fancy_n or_o passion_n or_o diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o forestalement_n and_o prejudices_fw-la imbibe_v by_o ill_a education_n and_o instruction_n etc._n etc._n will_v never_o prevail_v with_o prudent_a and_o pious_a man_n to_o abandon_v conscience_n or_o in_o aught_o to_o act_v against_o it_o nor_o yet_o to_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n unto_o any_o which_o be_v indeed_o not_o to_o choose_v their_o religion_n or_o act_n as_o man_n but_o like_o bruit_n rather_o bear_v whatever_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o so_o change_v their_o religion_n as_o oft_o as_o chance_v or_o providence_n shall_v change_v their_o master_n which_o indeed_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o rational_a or_o manly_a choice_n whether_o any_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o query_n which_o meddle_v not_o with_o particular_n and_o yet_o if_o no_o more_o as_o he_o say_v can_v be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n then_o that_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n or_o no_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o hinder_v his_o comformity_n notwithstanding_o we_o be_v tell_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o that_o weight_n as_o to_o keep_v he_o from_o his_o lawful_a superior_n lawful_a command_n for_o he_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o worship_n may_v doubt_v likewise_o whether_o his_o superior_n command_v he_o so_o to_o worship_n be_v a_o lawful_a command_n or_o whether_o his_o superior_a have_v authority_n to_o command_v he_o so_o to_o worship_n for_o where_o superior_n have_v no_o right_a to_o command_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n on_o inferior_n to_o obey_v and_o then_o such_o a_o command_n can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o supersede_n his_o doubt_n especial_o when_o he_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v a_o plain_a prohibition_n of_o scripture_n against_o what_o he_o be_v command_v neither_o as_o be_v say_v be_v it_o duty_n or_o any_o part_n of_o christian_a meekness_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v concern_v the_o superior_n authority_n for_o any_o therein_o to_o take_v his_o resolution_n from_o those_o claim_n that_o authority_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o dogmatize_v to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a for_o any_o to_o do_v which_o some_o law_n of_o god_n still_o in_o force_n do_v not_o prohibit_v yet_o while_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o law_n of_o god_n now_o in_o force_n prohibit_v the_o matter_n in_o doubt_n and_o which_o be_v that_o which_o occasion_n the_o doubt_n it_o can_v be_v no_o such_o sin_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o both_o that_o and_o the_o disobedience_n here_o talk_v of_o may_v still_o commence_v virtue_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o yet_o we_o deny_v it_o not_o to_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n to_o seek_v satisfaction_n from_o those_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v they_o but_o not_o to_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n unto_o any_o or_o obey_v they_o
guide_v by_o such_o as_o be_v fallible_a but_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o such_o against_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o follow_v one_o who_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v guide_v he_o the_o next_o way_n from_o york_n to_o london_n though_o he_o lead_v he_o still_o northward_o when_o he_o know_v the_o way_n thither_o to_o lie_v southward_o but_o can_v i_o believe_v my_o guide_n infallible_a i_o may_v renounce_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o disbelieve_v my_o very_a sense_n to_o follow_v he_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o lead_v i_o but_o till_o then_o shall_v think_v it_o absurd_a in_o any_o to_o force_v i_o so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v but_o the_o genuine_a import_n of_o this_o query_n but_o our_o answerer_n tell_v we_o a_o man_n may_v act_v infallible_o in_o his_o station_n though_o he_o be_v not_o himself_o infallible_a for_o he_o he_o say_v do_v so_o who_o act_n and_o proceed_v by_o infallible_a unerring_a rule_n yet_o with_o his_o good_a leave_n he_o may_v herein_o be_v again_o mistake_v for_o though_o the_o rule_n he_o act_n and_o proceed_v by_o be_v straight_o yet_o if_o the_o agent_n be_v not_o infallible_a he_o may_v through_o error_n or_o inability_n draw_v crooked_a line_n by_o it_o and_o so_o can_v be_v say_v to_o act_v infallible_o and_o indeed_o if_o what_o he_o here_o say_v be_v true_a instead_o of_o our_o infallible_a pope_n he_o have_v set_v up_o thousand_o of_o infallible_a priest_n who_o pretend_v to_o act_n and_o precede_v by_o a_o infallible_a unerring_a rule_n the_o infallible_a and_o unerring_a word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o proceed_v by_o what_o logic_n do_v he_o frame_v a_o argument_n from_o this_o query_n against_o punish_v a_o atheist_n do_v it_o say_v as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v who_o be_v not_o infallible_o conviced_a or_o any_o thing_n to_o that_o purpose_n why_o then_o do_v he_o entertain_v his_o reader_n with_o these_o impertinence_n yet_o have_v truth_n so_o far_o prevail_v on_o he_o that_o he_o here_o acknowledge_v all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o their_o proper_a measure_n and_o standard_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o his_o mean_n between_o this_o and_o for_o man_n to_o be_v allow_v a_o liberty_n to_o deal_v with_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o they_o do_v with_o their_o clothes_n which_o they_o put_v on_o and_o off_o and_o change_v as_o their_o fancy_n prompt_v they_o or_o as_o the_o weather_n or_o fashion_n alter_v we_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v for_o whether_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o change_v their_o religion_n they_o who_o use_v their_o reason_n in_o the_o choice_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o or_o they_o who_o therein_o blind_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o their_o teacher_n since_o the_o first_o be_v as_o fix_v and_o steadfast_a therein_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a foundation_n be_v capable_a off_o while_o the_o latter_a who_o religion_n depend_v on_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o teacher_n or_o leader_n be_v liable_a to_o change_v the_o one_o as_o oft_o as_o he_o happen_v to_o change_v the_o other_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v as_o this_o answerer_n will_v have_v we_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o own_o light_n but_o we_o do_v say_v and_o affirm_v that_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v force_v against_o his_o own_o light_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o other_o who_o be_v not_o infallible_a and_o defy_v he_o to_o prove_v the_o contrary_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o age_n which_o he_o say_v be_v innumerable_a of_o those_o who_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o separate_v from_o their_o mother_n church_n know_v not_o where_o to_o abide_v and_o fix_v etc._n etc._n be_v the_o objection_n of_o a_o elder_a mother_n church_n against_o those_o who_o forsake_v and_o separate_v from_o she_o but_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o will_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v where_o to_o abide_v and_o fix_v though_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o mother_n church_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v not_o the_o rational_a and_o diligent_a enquirer_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o the_o blind_a follower_n of_o their_o perhaps_o blind_a guide_n that_o common_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o popery_n query_n xix_o whether_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n it_o will_v excuse_v false_a worshipper_n to_o say_v they_o therein_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o whither_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o will_v not_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o have_v not_o from_o he_o the_o least_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n which_o be_v no_o more_o then_o whether_o false_a worshipper_n will_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n be_v excuse_v in_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o instead_o thereof_o be_v tell_v with_o many_o unhandsome_a and_o undue_a reflection_n that_o by_o false_a worshipper_n be_v mean_v either_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o some_o other_o assembly_n of_o christian_n if_o the_o former_a the_o gentleman_n that_o propâ—ses_v it_o be_v extreme_o uncharitable_a if_o the_o latter_a the_o query_n be_v impertinent_a but_o why_o uncharitable_a or_o impertinent_a be_v it_o so_o improbable_a or_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a worshipper_n in_o any_o of_o those_o assembly_n of_o christian_n who_o serve_v god_n either_o with_o or_o without_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o gentleman_n may_v neither_o be_v uncharitable_a nor_o the_o query_n impertinent_a this_o answerer_n therefore_o must_v either_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o all_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o her_o liturgy_n as_o to_o esteem_v it_o impertinent_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o worship_n or_o to_o inquire_v concern_v the_o future_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v therein_o mislead_v or_o he_o will_v approve_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o uncharitable_a person_n he_o speak_v of_o against_o all_o ingenuity_n and_o reason_n to_o apply_v what_o be_v indefinite_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o it_o be_v more_o applicable_a unto_o other_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o tell_v he_o in_o his_o own_o language_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o untruth_n as_o ever_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n to_o say_v that_o this_o or_o any_o of_o these_o query_n obtrude_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o slanderous_a upon_o any_o or_o that_o they_o be_v chief_o design_v for_o the_o unwary_a countryman_n who_o be_v not_o the_o person_n that_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n or_o persecute_v any_o on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o though_o it_o be_v still_o nothing_o to_o the_o present_a question_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o false-worship_n be_v viz._n mens_fw-la draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n and_o put_v he_o far_o away_o from_o their_o heart_n and_o how_o do_v this_o query_n charge_v this_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o be_v neither_o say_v nor_o intend_v in_o it_o to_o teach_v any_o so_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v those_o of_o her_o communion_n who_o teach_v 246._o preach_v and_o print_v that_o man_n practice_n even_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n whether_o conformable_a or_o not_o to_o their_o apprehension_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o law_n and_o that_o where_o truth_n and_o authority_n draw_v contrary_a way_n we_o be_v to_o follow_v truth_n with_o our_o soulâ—_n and_o authority_n with_o our_o body_n so_o that_o with_o these_o man_n divisum_fw-la imperium_fw-la cum_fw-la jove_n caesar_n habit_n but_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o they_o or_o of_o this_o answerer_n whether_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v not_o sin_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o false-worship_n in_o any_o to_o worship_n god_n otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v persuade_v he_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v or_o whether_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a though_o they_o pretend_v authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n will_n at_o the_o last_o day_n excuse_v those_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o mislead_v by_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o
charge_v not_o this_o on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o have_v we_o say_v that_o they_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o her_o liturgy_n be_v false-worshipper_n these_o be_v but_o the_o uncharitable_a inference_n and_o surmise_n of_o a_o strange_o ignorant_a or_o immeasurable_o malicious_a person_n who_o want_v strength_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n he_o like_v not_o thus_o load_v they_o with_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v nothing_o still_o to_o this_o query_n that_o there_o be_v no_o congregat_v independent_a congregation_n in_o england_n but_o the_o respective_a pastor_n of_o it_o assume_v to_o himself_o more_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v the_o swear_a member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o great_a prelate_n in_o our_o church_n do_v in_o his_o province_n or_o diocese_n unless_o to_o manifest_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o write_v one_o true_a period_n there_o be_v among_o they_o no_o such_o swear_a member_n as_o he_o mention_n and_o whether_o of_o they_o exercise_n most_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v their_o respective_a member_n in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n let_v those_o concern_v determine_v but_o this_o he_o say_v he_o will_v not_o prove_v from_o their_o practice_n the_o thing_n be_v apparent_a from_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o independency_n which_o aim_v at_o little_a else_o but_o turanny_n and_o pre_n eminence_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o independent_a pastor_n exclude_v who_o they_o please_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o make_v that_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v impossible_a i_o hope_v he_o do_v not_o mean_a here_o that_o in_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n impossible_a they_o exclude_v who_o they_o please_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n out_o of_o their_o communion_n and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n they_o do_v not_o yet_o exclude_v any_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o make_v that_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o if_o the_o condition_n be_v impossible_a the_o communion_n which_o depend_v on_o it_o will_v be_v so_o too_o but_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o well_o know_v and_o so_o in_o good_a time_n will_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o reporter_n likewise_o be_v but_o as_o a_o far_a instance_n of_o their_o tyranny_n and_o pre-eminence_n he_o tell_v we_o they_o pry_v into_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o man_n soul_n life_n and_o action_n by_o severe_a scrutiny_n and_o examination_n if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o oath_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v hear_v much_o talk_n of_o but_o they_o will_v not_o he_o say_v admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o gather_a church_n till_o they_o have_v satisfy_v the_o curiosity_n of_o their_o guide_n that_o be_v they_o will_v perhaps_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o unbeliever_n nor_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n a_o great_a crime_n and_o worthy_a this_o answerer_n rebuke_n but_o be_v it_o more_o than_o probable_a as_o he_o politic_o observe_v that_o this_o and_o not_o meanness_n of_o trade_n impoverish_v city_n and_o country_n or_o suppose_v they_o who_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thing_n 27._o shall_v according_a to_o duty_n administer_v unto_o they_o in_o carnal_a thing_n how_o shall_v this_o occasion_n the_o nation_n poverty_n what_o do_v they_o receive_v which_o they_o give_v not_o again_o or_o which_o of_o they_o have_v such_o plenty_n as_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o hoard_v up_o any_o thing_n no_o no_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o more_o pious_a politician_n that_o a_o fruitful_a land_n be_v turn_v into_o barrenness_n 34._o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o holy_a prophet_n tell_v we_o 4._o the_o land_n mourn_v and_o the_o herb_n of_o every_o field_n wither_v not_o for_o people_n meeting_n together_o to_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o land_n of_o their_o nativity_n but_o for_o the_o wickedness_n still_o of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o person_n differ_v in_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o passion_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o query_n charge_v in_o the_o rear_n with_o blind_a leader_n and_o follower_n he_o wish_v the_o gentleman_n will_v not_o make_v such_o sly_a and_o unworthy_a reflection_n upon_o the_o conformable_a laity_n and_o clergy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o gentleman_n wish_v likewise_o this_o answerer_n will_v also_o forbear_v apply_v to_o particular_n what_o be_v indefinite_o speak_v and_o be_v not_o by_o he_o intend_v to_o one_o party_n more_o than_o another_o but_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o some_o very_a sore_a place_n in_o the_o ass_n that_o kick_v and_o winche_n upon_o every_o approach_n before_o he_o be_v touch_v query_n xx._n whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o unreasonable_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n to_o tie_v man_n by_o temporal_a penalty_n to_o fallible_a guide_n who_o to_o follow_v may_v be_v their_o eternal_a to_o forsake_v their_o temporal_a ruin_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n he_o have_v nothing_o it_o seem_v to_o say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o very_o advise_o send_v his_o reader_n he_o know_v not_o whither_o for_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o know_v not_o what_o query_n xxi_o whether_o the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v not_o be_v by_o add_v and_o require_v other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n the_o enquiry_n here_o be_v only_o into_o the_o original_n of_o the_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n i._n e._n among_o christian_n or_o such_o as_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n not_o of_o the_o persecution_n raise_v against_o they_o by_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n the_o ten_o persecution_n therefore_o against_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o inroad_n of_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n into_o italy_n come_v not_o within_o this_o enquiry_n but_o say_v this_o answerer_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v very_o great_a mistake_n in_o it_o for_o that_o severe_a proceed_n of_o christian_a emperor_n against_o heretic_n and_o of_o heretic_n against_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v not_o for_o innovation_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n as_o condition_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o query_n and_o wherein_o â—y_a the_o great_a mistake_n in_o ask_v it_o but_o he_o may_v be_v pardon_v this_o for_o so_o ingenious_o profess_v himself_o ignorant_a of_o any_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n that_o be_v ever_o raise_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o add_v and_o require_v new_a or_o unheard_a of_o condition_n of_o church_n fellowship_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o western_a and_o eastern_a church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o persecution_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o constantine_n constantius_n and_o some_o follow_a emperor_n upon_o the_o imposition_n of_o differ_v if_o not_o contradictory_n creed_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n as_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o cause_v the_o breach_n of_o communion_n and_o church-fellowship_n between_o the_o arian_n and_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n but_o the_o orthodox_n force_v the_o arian_n to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o new_o invent_a homoousian_n as_o do_v afterward_o the_o arian_n where_o they_o prevail_v require_v the_o orthodox_n to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o homoiousian_n whereas_o as_o a_o learned_a prelate_n have_v well_o observe_v have_v both_o party_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n expression_n without_o their_o own_o addition_n they_o may_v have_v live_v peacable_o and_o quiet_o together_o and_o the_o arian_n heresy_n probable_o have_v soon_o expire_v error_n divest_v of_o secular_a force_n and_o support_v not_o be_v long_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o â—ower_n of_o truth_n he_o be_v it_o seem_v likewise_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a division_n which_o after_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereas_o as_o the_o say_v learned_a person_n likewise_o observe_v have_v they_o acquiesce_v also_o in_o what_o the_o
circumstance_n of_o affair_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o praeamb'e_v of_o those_o statute_n and_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a answer_n of_o the_o 24_o of_o february_n 1672_o to_o the_o petition_n and_o address_v of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o follow_v c._n r._n his_o majesty_n have_v receive_v a_o address_n from_o you_o which_o he_o have_v serious_o consider_v of_o and_o return_v you_o this_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v much_o trouble_v that_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o put_v out_o for_o end_n so_o necessary_a to_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o especial_o in_o that_o conjuncture_n shall_v have_v prove_v the_o cause_n of_o disquiet_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o question_v his_o power_n in_o ecclesiastic_n which_o he_o find_v not_o do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o any_o of_o his_o ancestor_n and_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o never_o have_v thought_n of_o use_v it_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o have_v be_v entrust_v in_o he_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o to_o the_o ease_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n in_o general_n neither_o do_v he_o pretend_v to_o the_o right_n of_o suspending_a law_n wherein_o the_o property_n right_n or_o liberty_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v concern_v nor_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o establish_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o only_a design_n of_o this_o be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o penalty_n the_o statute_n inflict_v upon_o dissenter_n and_o which_o he_o believe_v when_o well_o consider_v of_o you_o yourselves_o will_v not_o wish_v execute_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n neither_o have_v he_o do_v this_o with_o thought_n of_o avoid_v or_o preclude_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o parliament_n and_o if_o any_o bill_n shall_v be_v offer_v he_o which_o shall_v appear_v more_o proper_a to_o attain_v the_o aforesaid_a end_n and_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o tender_v in_o due_a manner_n to_o he_o he_o will_v show_v how_o ready_a he_o will_v be_v to_o concur_v in_o all_o way_n that_o shall_v appear_v good_a for_o the_o kingdom_n how_o expressive_a of_o royal_a goodness_n and_o heavenly_a benignity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o mankind_n be_v this_o gracious_a answer_n which_o can_v but_o endare_n his_o majesty_n unto_o all_o sober_a and_o pious_a person_n of_o what_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o in_o religion_n nor_o be_v the_o commons_o against_o the_o indulgenee_n but_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o immediate_o upon_o this_o pesta_n bill_n of_o ease_n for_o protestant_a dissenter_n which_o be_v send_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o difference_n that_o after_o happen_v between_o the_o two_o house_n about_o jurisdiction_n and_o privilege_n with_o other_o great_a affair_n of_o state_n have_v hitherto_o obstruct_v its_o far_a progress_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o answerer_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o repeal_v the_o church_n law_n will_v administer_v too_o just_a a_o occasion_n to_o the_o papist_n to_o triumph_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o for_o what_o truth_n or_o be_v say_v he_o can_v that_o church_n pretend_v to_o that_o have_v neither_o ephod_n nor_o traphim_n no_o order_n no_o law_n no_o liturgy_n no_o bishop_n no_o discipline_n it_o seem_v then_o in_o his_o judgement_n all_o these_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n although_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v both_o order_n law_n discipline_n bishop_n or_o overseer_n without_o other_o law_n than_o what_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o apostolical_a institution_n though_o i_o be_o absent_a in_o the_o flesh_n 5._o yet_o be_o i_o with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n joy_v and_o behold_v your_o order_n etc._n etc._n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o colossian_n and_o be_v not_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n a_o law_n to_o all_o believer_n but_o this_o law_n 26._o it_o seem_v be_v perish_v from_o our_o priest_n who_o yet_o we_o hope_v will_v not_o deny_v the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o power_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o make_v bishop_n or_o overseer_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o such_o certain_o be_v not_o without_o discipline_n nor_o deprive_v of_o law_n order_n or_o overseer_n nor_o consequent_o of_o truth_n or_o be_v upon_o the_o repeal_n of_o ecclesiastical_a or_o the_o church_n law_n yea_o god_n forbid_v the_o christian_a church_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o continuance_n or_o alteration_n of_o these_o or_o those_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o we_o see_v change_v and_o alter_v as_o oft_o almost_o as_o we_o change_v our_o governor_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o consideration_n that_o ought_v serious_o to_o be_v think_v on_o by_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n or_o concern_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o purity_n of_o christ_n institution_n but_o say_v this_o answerer_n we_o have_v now_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n but_o if_o all_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o abrogate_a we_o shall_v be_v just_a like_o the_o israelite_n when_o they_o wage_v war_n with_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n there_o be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o spear_n find_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n if_o then_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v our_o only_a unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n and_o our_o only_a sword_n and_o spear_n to_o fight_v against_o those_o adversary_n a_o abrogation_n or_o change_n of_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n will_v indeed_o disarm_v and_o silence_v we_o and_o may_v as_o well_o justify_v our_o return_n to_o rome_n as_o now_o our_o departure_n from_o it_o but_o i_o trust_v though_o this_o be_v ratiâ—_n ultima_fw-la the_o best_a arm_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o answerer_n we_o have_v yet_o other_o arm_n and_o argument_n to_o justify_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n and_o fight_v against_o those_o philistine_n but_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o business_n or_o intention_n to_o exasperate_v any_o man_n spirit_n much_o less_o to_o direct_v his_o governor_n etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o admonish_v they_o to_o stand_v up_o in_o a_o zealous_a vindication_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o power_n and_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o it_o upbraid_v they_o with_o cowardice_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v there_o neglect_v thereof_o that_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o 〈…〉_z separation_n disobedience_n and_o 〈…〉_z provoke_v god_n to_o deprive_v they_o 〈…〉_z power_n and_o authority_n with_o which_o be_v entrust_v they_o and_o which_o they_o have_v betray_v and_o expose_v to_o scorn_n and_o insolence_n of_o he_o and_o their_o great_a enemy_n yea_o tell_v they_o history_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n how_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n against_o those_o governor_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v his_o deputy_n when_o their_o spirit_n have_v be_v soften_v with_o sensuality_n and_o ease_n and_o they_o have_v live_v in_o fear_n of_o their_o inferior_n who_o ought_v to_o live_v in_o fear_n of_o they_o which_o be_v such_o a_o menace_n of_o and_o reflection_n on_o authority_n and_o our_o governor_n as_o none_o but_o this_o bold_a and_o insolent_a answerer_n will_v ever_o have_v dare_v to_o publish_v he_o do_v well_o therefore_o to_o recollect_v himself_o and_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v proceed_v too_o far_o on_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o speak_v he_o a_o person_n so_o high_o impudent_a and_o immeasurable_o malition_n that_o as_o himself_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v he_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v a_o confutation_n from_o the_o penalty_n of_o law_n and_o the_o seutence_n of_o a_o judge_n than_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n but_o he_o conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o indeed_o a_o true_o wise_a and_o learned_a statesman_n that_o heresy_n and_o scism_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a scandal_n yea_o more_o than_o corruption_n of_o manner_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v so_o all_o just_a and_o lawful_a mean_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v use_v not_o only_o for_o their_o suppression_n but_o prevention_n in_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n by_o some_o ascribe_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o to_o particular_a church_n church_n 〈…〉_z impose_v upon_o christian_n in_o the_o 〈…〉_z â—â—â—nda_fw-la of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o as_o that_o learned_a and_o judicious_a statesman_n say_v a_o wound_n or_o solution_n of_o continuity_n destructive_a of_o the_o church_n unity_n divide_v she_o into_o as_o