only_a way_n to_o expiate_v his_o former_a gild_n will_v be_v to_o promote_v the_o true_a religion_n by_o deprive_v those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o of_o their_o possession_n and_o invest_v the_o church_n that_o be_v themselves_z with_o it_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o such_o that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v most_o oblige_v either_o for_o destroy_v their_o opposer_n or_o else_o for_o endow_v they_o with_o vast_a riches_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a matter_n or_o form_n or_o ceremony_n wherein_o the_o papist_n differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o wherein_o they_o agree_v that_o make_v popery_n and_o slavery_n inseparable_a nay_o in_o church-matter_n do_v not_o the_o protestant_a clergy_n even_o those_o that_o own_o the_o magistrate_n under_o christ_n to_o be_v no_o cause_n or_o person_n except_v supreme_a head_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n claim_v as_o well_o as_o the_o papist_n a_o supreme_a power_n and_o assert_v themselves_o independent_a and_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o since_o there_o can_v be_v two_o supream_n in_o the_o same_o matter_n they_o can_v extend_v that_o power_n as_o occasion_n serve_v even_o further_o than_o the_o pope_n do_v since_o they_o and_o not_o their_o subject_n the_o magistrate_n will_v be_v judge_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o have_v not_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o different_a party_n as_o occasion_v serve_v enlarge_v their_o pretence_n witness_v the_o kirk_n which_o as_o it_o have_v a_o opportunity_n exercise_v as_o great_a a_o power_n and_o with_o as_o high_a a_o hand_n as_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o have_v laud_n and_o that_o party_n conquer_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o people_n have_v be_v as_o much_o enslave_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o other_o country_n to_o the_o pope_n in_o short_a can_v any_o one_o party_n have_v extirpate_v by_o persecution_n the_o other_o it_o be_v the_o division_n among_o the_o clergy_n which_o of_o they_o shall_v lord_n it_o over_o god_n heritage_n that_o have_v hinder_v each_o other_o attempt_n we_o have_v long_o before_o now_o be_v under_o as_o great_a a_o tyranny_n as_o the_o papist_n especial_o have_v they_o those_o revenue_n which_o in_o a_o manner_n enable_v the_o popish_a priest_n to_o effect_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o and_o which_o our_o clergy_n think_v so_o much_o their_o due_n that_o they_o look_v on_o it_o no_o less_o than_o sacrilege_n that_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o enjoy_v they_o but_o 7._o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o mischief_n that_o attend_v force_v the_o people_n to_o a_o uniformity_n in_o all_o those_o point_v the_o priest_n get_v to_o be_v establish_v as_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n because_o where_o people_n be_v wise_a know_v and_o have_v any_o value_n for_o religion_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o employ_v their_o thought_n about_o it_o which_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o mind_n in_o all_o those_o point_n therefore_o such_o a_o uniformity_n be_v only_o practicable_a in_o a_o nation_n overrun_v with_o sottish_a ignorance_n and_o gross_a stupidity_n but_o what_o can_v be_v more_o prejudicial_a to_o a_o nation_n than_o want_v of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v a_o state_n and_o increase_v its_o strength_n and_o riches_n by_o promote_a all_o useful_a art_n and_o trade_n which_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n will_v not_o thrive_v but_o where_o there_o be_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n beside_o where_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o persecution_n prevail_v it_o be_v almost_o unavoidable_a but_o that_o man_n either_o of_o themselves_o will_v run_v into_o or_o else_o by_o design_v person_n be_v persuade_v into_o several_a opinion_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n as_o among_o the_o papist_n so_o many_o holiday_n be_v or_o which_o be_v much_o more_o prejudicial_a such_o prodigious_a number_n go_v into_o order_n by_o which_o the_o clergy_n be_v enable_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o therefore_o will_v every_o where_o design_v it_o which_o oppress_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o so_o many_o useless_a person_n who_o no-wise_a contribute_v to_o the_o support_n or_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o a_o country_n who_o also_o consider_v how_o they_o must_v be_v maintain_v will_v be_v more_o burdensome_a than_o a_o stand_a army_n of_o double_a the_o number_n these_o or_o other_o as_o prejudicial_a superstition_n be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o be_v avoid_v where_o persecution_n reign_v 8._o but_o i_o need_v mention_v no_o other_o effect_n of_o persecution_n than_o the_o disorder_n tumult_n confusion_n war_n desolation_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o which_o have_v always_o happen_v in_o persecute_v country_n which_o to_o relate_v will_v be_v to_o write_v a_o history_n of_o those_o country_n and_o which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o one_o how_o fatal_a it_o be_v to_o human_a society_n it_o be_v persecution_n that_o so_o weaken_a and_o ruin_v the_o roman_a empire_n that_o it_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o barbarian_n and_o it_o have_v do_v the_o same_o to_o the_o german_n have_v not_o the_o treaty_n of_o munster_n put_v some_o stop_n to_o it_o since_o which_o time_n the_o papist_n and_o protestant_n teach_v by_o woeful_a experience_n be_v content_a to_o allow_v one_o another_o in_o several_a place_n not_o only_o their_o distinct_a congregation_n but_o to_o meet_v in_o the_o very_a same_o church_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o the_o preferment_n of_o those_o church_n be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o alternate_o with_o the_o great_a quiet_n and_o peace_n imaginable_a but_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v a_o near_a prospect_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n we_o need_v not_o look_v far_o than_o the_o province_n of_o holland_n which_o though_o a_o very_a small_a tract_n of_o land_n labour_v under_o a_o great_a many_o natural_a disadvantage_n and_o in_o which_o before_o a_o toleration_n be_v indulge_v be_v only_o a_o few_o small_a scatter_a village_n and_o hut_n of_o fisherman_n be_v now_o crowd_v with_o vast_a number_n of_o people_n fill_v with_o immense_a riches_n and_o adorn_v with_o many_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a city_n and_o all_o this_o in_o a_o manner_n owe_v to_o its_o receive_v those_o saint_n and_o confessor_n for_o so_o i_o must_v call_v they_o whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v who_o for_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o service_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o flee_v there_o for_o protection_n and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a charity_n that_o amsterdam_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o care_n of_o heaven_n owe_v its_o greatness_n here_o especial_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n seem_v to_o be_v fulfil_v that_o the_o wolf_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o kid_n etc._n etc._n each_o sect_n strive_v to_o outvie_v one_o another_o in_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o city_n and_o in_o be_v charitable_a to_o those_o that_o want_v it_o no_o difference_n of_o opinion_n cause_v the_o least_o distrubance_n to_o the_o public_a or_o hinder_v the_o friendship_n of_o private_a person_n though_o it_o be_v otherwise_o not_o only_o in_o this_o city_n but_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n when_o they_o have_v the_o unhappiness_n to_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o weakness_n to_o call_v a_o synod_n on_o pretence_n of_o compose_v the_o arminian_n or_o quinquarticularian_a controversy_n which_o as_o it_o usual_o happen_v only_o increase_v they_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o create_v not_o only_a animosity_n and_o rancour_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o discontent_n disorder_n tumult_n to_o almost_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n whilst_o in_o england_n the_o government_n neither_o condemn_v or_o censure_v either_o party_n the_o contention_n have_v no_o mischievous_a effect_n but_o of_o itself_o die_v away_o have_v the_o nation_n act_v as_o wise_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o foolish_a controversy_n about_o ceremony_n and_o other_o trifle_n how_o much_o blood_n and_o treasure_n have_v it_o save_v and_o how_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v though_o now_o it_o have_v grow_v wise_a by_o experience_n clear_o perceive_v that_o nothing_o but_o liberty_n in_o those_o point_n can_v quiet_v and_o compose_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n or_o preserve_v the_o nation_n so_o much_o exhaust_v by_o persecution_n 9_o we_o need_v not_o look_v abroad_o for_o argument_n for_o a_o toleration_n since_o we_o never_o make_v a_o step_n towards_o it_o but_o what_o have_v be_v of_o happy_a consequence_n
be_v rule_v by_o demetrius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o silversmith_n in_o punish_v paul_n who_o preach_v spoil_v their_o trade_n 8._o do_v the_o clergy_n but_o consider_v the_o ill_a effect_n that_o persecution_n have_v all_o along_o have_v on_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o emperor_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n there_o never_o be_v a_o council_n but_o what_o be_v a_o imperial_a machine_n either_o for_o or_o against_o a_o trinity_n or_o worship_v of_o image_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o seem_v good_a not_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o those_o emperor_n and_o when_o the_o priest_n by_o their_o cunning_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n have_v by_o degree_n advance_v their_o own_o power_n above_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o their_o head_n have_v the_o summon_n of_o council_n then_o they_o be_v mere_a papal_a engine_n and_o in_o their_o synod_n vote_v and_o act_v as_o they_o be_v influence_v from_o the_o vatican_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o remote_a the_o english_a history_n afford_v we_o fresh_a example_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o henry_n the_o 8_o edward_n the_o 6_o mary_n and_o elizabeth_n how_o easy_o and_o how_o smooth_o do_v the_o clergy_n then_o change_v their_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n nay_o every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o those_o king_n and_o queen_n but_o we_o need_v not_o go_v so_o far_o back_o for_o example_n let_v we_o but_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o we_o can_v but_o see_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o much_o as_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n be_v every_o where_o such_o as_o the_o term_n of_o preferment_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n of_o each_o country_n require_v of_o they_o be_v they_o not_o in_o italy_n and_o in_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o spain_n zealous_a and_o thorough_a roman-catholic_n in_o france_n catholic_n though_o with_o reserve_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gallican_n church_n and_o the_o regality_n or_o rather_o be_v they_o not_o whatever_o that_o absolute_a king_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v as_o we_o see_v by_o their_o act_n with_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o be_v they_o not_o in_o one_o half_a of_o germany_n papist_n in_o the_o other_o protestant_n in_o denmark_n and_o sweedland_n lutheran_n in_o the_o alps_n calvinist_n &_o c._n this_o be_v impossible_a shall_v so_o universal_o happen_v if_o interest_n have_v not_o too_o great_a a_o influence_n over_o they_o which_o make_v they_o very_o unfit_a instrument_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n or_o if_o find_v sincere_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v fit_a guide_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o trust_v to_o guide_v themselves_o but_o right_a or_o wrong_n be_v oblige_v to_o assert_v such_o opinion_n or_o else_o to_o starve_v which_o certain_o destroy_v all_o manner_n of_o argument_n from_o their_o authority_n since_o interest_v person_n be_v of_o no_o credit_n and_o therefore_o be_v every_o where_o repel_v from_o give_v their_o testimony_n but_o 9_o the_o clergy_n have_v a_o quite_o different_a design_n by_o such_o imposition_n viz._n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o what_o they_o so_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o whether_o con_n or_o transubstantiation_n or_o any_o other_o such_o point_n which_o have_v have_v the_o design_a effect_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o great_a fault_n of_o the_o laity_n have_v be_v in_o pay_v a_o servile_a and_o blind_a deference_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o clergy_n or_o as_o mr._n hales_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o schism_n speak_v of_o the_o laity_n even_o of_o the_o second_o century_n express_v it_o through_o sloth_n and_o blind_a obedience_n they_o examine_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v teach_v but_o like_o beast_n of_o burden_n patient_o couch_v down_o and_o indifferent_o undergo_v whatever_o their_o superior_n lay_v upon_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o do_v the_o clergy_n of_o each_o sect_n object_n to_o the_o laity_n of_o those_o sect_n they_o differ_v with_o and_o though_o the_o laity_n be_v so_o much_o more_o numerous_a and_o it_o be_v their_o business_n as_o well_o as_o the_o clergy_n to_o examine_v into_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o practice_v yet_o if_o we_o look_v into_o history_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o error_n schism_n heresy_n that_o have_v confound_v the_o christian_a world_n have_v have_v their_o origin_n and_o chief_a support_n from_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o the_o laity_n have_v be_v with_o much_o ado_n pervert_v and_o as_o they_o have_v hold_v out_o long_a against_o false_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n so_o they_o have_v be_v always_o the_o first_o and_o most_o forward_o for_o a_o reformation_n 10._o it_o be_v to_o the_o clergy_n be_v every_o where_o oblige_v to_o defend_v the_o establish_a opinion_n we_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n owe_v that_o in_o the_o write_n of_o controversial_a point_n the_o word_n there_o use_v be_v much_o more_o obscure_a uncertain_a and_o undetermined_a than_o they_o be_v even_o in_o ordinary_a conversation_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o talk_v eternal_o in_o oppose_v or_o defend_v any_o proposition_n though_o never_o so_o absurd_a for_o man_n may_v wrangle_v perpetual_o if_o they_o affect_v a_o obscurity_n and_o a_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o word_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o whole_a learning_n of_o the_o school_n be_v only_o dispute_v about_o word_n there_o a_o man_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o several_a word_n without_o idea_n annex_v to_o they_o and_o nothing_o so_o common_a as_o distinction_n without_o any_o difference_n but_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o intolerable_a if_o this_o sort_n of_o jargon_n have_v be_v confine_v to_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o have_v not_o obscure_v the_o material_a truth_n of_o law_n and_o religion_n nor_o invade_v the_o concernment_n of_o human_a life_n and_o society_n bring_v confusion_n disorder_n and_o uncertainty_n into_o all_o affair_n of_o moment_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o on_o this_o point_n only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v imposition_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o excommunication_n for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o first_o bring_v in_o uncharitableness_n envy_n strife_n feud_n faction_n among_o christian_n and_o after_o that_o persecution_n not_o only_o heighten_v they_o but_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o prodigious_a increase_n of_o all_o other_o wickedness_n by_o force_v man_n to_o break_v the_o tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o immorality_n must_v abound_v whilst_o imposition_n prevail_v which_o eat_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o best_a make_v man_n profess_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o form_n whatever_o opinion_n they_o find_v necessary_a for_o their_o worldly_a convenience_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o execrableness_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o protestant_n who_o principle_n it_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a with_o chap._n iu._n that_o the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n oblige_v the_o magistrate_n to_o hinder_v different_a profession_n of_o religion_n examine_v 1._o and_o now_o i_o be_o at_o leisure_n to_o examine_v the_o only_a remain_a pretence_n for_o the_o magistrate_n use_v force_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n that_o without_o this_o power_n he_o will_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v tumult_n disturbance_n commotion_n war_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o a_o toleration_n not_o to_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v chap._n 1._o §_o 22._o or_o chapter_n the_o four_o of_o the_o horrible_a mischief_n of_o persecution_n nor_o to_o mention_v that_o what_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v can_v no_o wise_a contribute_v to_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o mankind_n i_o say_v if_o the_o profess_v of_o any_o religion_n that_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n be_v different_a from_o that_o establish_v by_o law_n will_v cause_v these_o dismal_a effect_n than_o the_o protestant_a persuasion_n in_o popish_a country_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a will_v produce_v they_o but_o if_o persecutor_n can_v affirm_v this_o it_o be_v false_a to_o say_v that_o any_o religion_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o public_a tend_v to_o create_v disturbance_n therefore_o if_o they_o have_v any_o value_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o
party_n act_v consistent_a with_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o have_v a_o mind_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o blind_o follow_v they_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v they_o by_o restrain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n and_o pulpit_n from_o examine_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o opinion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o that_o they_o will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o and_o obtain_v a_o entire_a liberty_n for_o their_o adversary_n to_o preach_v and_o print_v what_o they_o think_v good_a 3._o it_o be_v the_o protestant_a priest_n act_v most_o apparent_o and_o most_o shameful_o inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o that_o put_v a_o sudden_a stop_n to_o the_o reformation_n which_o at_o first_o like_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n overturn_v all_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n insult_v and_o say_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protestant_n by_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o be_v so_o absurd_a that_o themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n they_o condemn_v in_o she_o thus_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n have_v be_v keep_v in_o countenance_n by_o the_o protestant_n follow_v her_o example_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v appear_v so_o odious_a that_o all_o must_v have_v abhor_v she_o for_o it_o or_o else_o oblige_v she_o to_o grant_v that_o liberty_n which_o will_v infallible_o ruin_v she_o 4._o as_o persecution_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o hinder_v the_o further_o spread_v of_o the_o reformation_n so_o to_o that_o we_o must_v impute_v that_o this_o be_v not_o more_o perfect_a and_o complete_a for_o though_o the_o first_o reformer_n deserve_v very_o great_a commendation_n for_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o popish_a darkness_n and_o superstition_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v much_o less_o remove_v all_o those_o corruption_n that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o a_o gather_n that_o can_v only_o be_v the_o work_n of_o time_n or_o man_n inspire_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n among_o they_o at_o first_o but_o have_v those_o that_o succeed_v they_o instead_o of_o pay_v a_o blind_a implicit_a submission_n to_o their_o decree_n and_o get_v they_o establish_v by_o penal_a law_n take_v the_o same_o liberty_n in_o examine_v their_o opinion_n as_o the_o reformer_n do_v their_o predecessor_n all_o difference_n at_o least_o of_o any_o moment_n will_v in_o some_o time_n have_v be_v compose_v which_o become_v impossible_a by_o the_o clergy_n be_v oblige_v as_o they_o value_v their_o subsistence_n to_o assert_v such_o opinion_n right_a or_o wrong_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o by_o persecution_n cause_v such_o animosity_n and_o prejudices_fw-la among_o the_o different_a sect_n that_o instead_o of_o examine_v one_o another_o opinion_n sincere_o and_o impartial_o they_o run_v daily_o further_o into_o ignorance_n superstition_n narrowness_n and_o uncharitableness_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o method_n to_o destroy_v not_o only_a schism_n and_o heresy_n but_o hatred_n and_o uncharitableness_n among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o different_a opinion_n but_o suppose_v few_o or_o none_o of_o the_o different_a opinion_n that_o be_v among_o protestant_n have_v be_v compose_v by_o their_o act_n consistent_a with_o their_o own_o principle_n yet_o there_o can_v not_o well_o be_v any_o division_n or_o schism_n among_o they_o which_o do_v whole_o arise_v from_o that_o antiprotestant_a and_o impious_a practice_n in_o impose_v on_o other_o our_o own_o uncertain_a and_o dubious_a comment_n as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o require_v people_n to_o profess_v they_o on_o pain_n of_o temporal_a or_o eternal_a punishment_n which_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o make_v our_o own_o opinion_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o if_o men_n do_v only_o make_v use_n of_o in_o any_o controvert_v point_n in_o the_o public_a form_n of_o worship_n they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o all_o their_o variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o seem_v more_o absurd_a than_o that_o instead_o of_o the_o expression_n the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o make_v use_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o zealous_a for_o impose_v on_o their_o brethren_n their_o own_o conceit_n especial_o of_o thing_n they_o confess_v to_o be_v inconceivable_a and_o their_o own_o explication_n of_o what_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v inexplicable_a and_o their_o own_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o own_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o their_o own_o meaning_n of_o what_o they_o confess_v their_o word_n can_v reach_v the_o meaning_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o that_o make_v themselves_o wise_a than_o god_n in_o contrive_v method_n even_o opposite_a to_o those_o he_o require_v to_o make_v man_n embrace_v the_o faith_n shall_v think_v themselves_o better_a able_a to_o express_v that_o faith_n than_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o condemn_v those_o as_o heretic_n who_o declare_v their_o belief_n in_o the_o term_n of_o truth_n except_o also_o they_o will_v admit_v their_o expression_n and_o term_n from_o which_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n lawful_a to_o vary_v which_o show_v that_o they_o put_v a_o great_a value_n on_o they_o than_o on_o the_o divine_a word_n 2._o to_o this_o they_o say_v they_o oblige_v people_n to_o use_v their_o expression_n in_o order_n to_o discover_v heretic_n but_o if_o god_n require_v no_o more_o of_o a_o christian_n than_o that_o he_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o he_o that_o do_v this_o can_v be_v in_o no_o fault_n but_o be_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o safe_a in_o respect_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v infallible_a and_o consequent_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o schismatic_a or_o heretic_n though_o the_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_a schismatic_n by_o cause_v a_o needless_a separation_n but_o heretic_n by_o their_o own_o definition_n of_o heresy_n which_o be_v err_v in_o fundamental_o and_o err_v obstinate_o against_o knowledge_n because_o when_o they_o have_v determine_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o faith_n nevertheless_o they_o lie_v down_o certain_a proposition_n as_o fundamental_a that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v declare_v against_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a foundation_n they_o have_v lay_v so_o that_o instead_o of_o find_v out_o other_o to_o be_v heretic_n they_o make_v themselves_o such_o by_o require_v a_o divine_a faith_n to_o their_o own_o imagine_a deduction_n which_o how_o clear_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o scripture_n appear_v quite_o contrary_a to_o other_o if_o a_o king_n go_v a_o far_a journey_n shall_v give_v certain_a injunction_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o appoint_v no_o judge_n to_o determine_v any_o dispute_n that_o shall_v happen_v about_o interpret_n they_o but_o that_o every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o skill_n shall_v judge_n for_o himself_o and_o not_o act_v until_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n will_v not_o they_o that_o do_v this_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o interpret_n his_o injunction_n have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o require_v and_o will_v not_o he_o be_v just_o enrage_v at_o his_o return_n to_o see_v they_o for_o do_v this_o beat_v and_o abuse_v by_o their_o fellow-subject_n and_o what_o reason_n therefore_o can_v there_o be_v urge_v why_o christ_n shall_v deal_v otherwise_o at_o his_o return_n to_o judgement_n with_o your_o persecute_v heretic_n starter_n and_o reward_v those_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n the_o suppose_a heretic_n for_o follow_v his_o direction_n in_o judge_v of_o his_o will_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o ability_n 3._o if_o the_o predestinarian_o and_o antipredestinarians_n who_o condemn_v one_o another_o tenet_n as_o most_o impious_a may_v and_o aught_o notwithstanding_o their_o different_a sentiment_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o church_n or_o if_o the_o orthodox_n can_v so_o infinite_o differ_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o one_o party_n of_o they_o shall_v worship_v but_o one_o infinite_a almighty_a be_v or_o spirit_n and_o another_o three_o such_o and_o yet_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o term_n of_o human_a invention_n why_o may_v not_o all_o since_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a any_o shall_v differ_v more_o wide_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n if_o nothing_o be_v mention_v in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o they_o
be_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o clergy_n i_o may_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v what_o i_o judge_v be_v either_o add_v change_a or_o diminish_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a all_o sect_n by_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o their_o own_o side_n do_v judge_v their_o adversary_n do_v add_v etc._n etc._n but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v a_o right_a to_o make_v i_o believe_v a_o thing_n whilst_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o change_v my_o mind_n before_o i_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o it_o may_v be_v say_v though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o believe_v as_o they_o will_v have_v i_o yet_o i_o may_v do_v as_o they_o command_v even_o whilst_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n but_o then_o to_o obey_v they_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o damn_v myself_o for_o he_o that_o act_v when_o he_o doubt_v be_v damn_v no_o law_n whether_o of_o god_n or_o man_n can_v scarce_o be_v of_o any_o use_n without_o apply_v it_o to_o particular_a case_n and_o deduce_a consequence_n from_o it_o and_o explain_v doubt_n that_o arise_v but_o if_o the_o laity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o all_o such_o case_n they_o must_v become_v brute_n and_o renounce_v their_o reason_n where_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o most_o use_n of_o it_o our_o author_n i_o confess_v say_v not_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v rest_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o deduce_a consequence_n in_o thing_n explicit_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o thing_n explicit_o determine_v i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v for_o though_o word_n be_v explicit_a yet_o the_o thing_n imply_v in_o those_o word_n be_v certain_o implicit_a and_o if_o the_o clergy_n can_v oblige_v man_n to_o follow_v right_a or_o wrong_n their_o determination_n in_o deduce_a consequence_n in_o thing_n implicit_o determine_v by_o scripture_n they_o may_v oblige_v man_n to_o add_v change_n or_o diminish_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o most_o point_n 3._o the_o popish_a priest_n never_o carry_v their_o pretence_n high_a than_o this_o author_n do_v they_o have_v not_o the_o impudence_n to_o assert_v they_o can_v oblige_v people_n to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o determine_v those_o controversy_n that_o may_v arise_v among_o the_o faithful_a and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o none_o ought_v to_o begin_v to_o examine_v those_o point_n again_o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o every_o one_o have_v a_o right_a to_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o popish_a one_o of_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n do_v but_o this_o author_n be_v much_o more_o absurd_a than_o the_o papist_n in_o make_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n to_o be_v decide_v not_o by_o a_o infallible_a pope_n or_o council_n who_o decree_n be_v to_o bind_v the_o catholic_n church_n but_o by_o the_o cast_a voice_n of_o a_o fallible_a convocation_n in_o every_o nation_n which_o may_v in_o spain_n oblige_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v transubstantiation_n in_o sweden_n consubstantiation_n in_o england_n the_o real_a corporeal_a presence_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bind_v to_o change_v his_o sentiment_n with_o his_o habitation_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o degree_n or_o two_o may_v oblige_v he_o to_o opposite_a opinion_n and_o yet_o as_o absurd_a as_o this_o be_v since_o the_o clergy_n be_v so_o infinite_o divide_v among_o themselves_o the_o laity_n must_v either_o do_v so_o or_o else_o judge_v for_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o know_v which_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o 4._o the_o pamphleteer_n suppose_v this_o impossible_a and_o pag._n 18._o where_o he_o speak_v out_o he_o roundly_o tell_v the_o commons_o of_o england_n that_o it_o be_v a_o little_a too_o much_o to_o suppose_v country_n gentleman_n merchant_n or_o lawyer_n to_o be_v nice_o skilled_a in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o bible_n master_n of_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o father_n or_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o they_o must_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v who_o sit_v judge_n of_o religious_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o proper_a tribunal_n a_o convocation_n have_v people_n at_o the_o reformation_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n we_o may_v still_o have_v groan_v under_o the_o popish_a yoke_n for_o the_o majority_n of_o the_o clergy_n not_o only_o in_o england_n but_o every_o where_o else_o be_v as_o averse_a to_o this_o reformation_n which_o may_v just_o be_v call_v a_o lay_v one_o as_o the_o jewish_a priest_n be_v to_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o to_o be_v master_n of_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o father_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o judge_n of_o religious_a doctrine_n it_o be_v as_o necessary_a the_o laity_n shall_v understand_v they_o because_o the_o clergy_n be_v strange_o divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o they_o each_o sect_n pretend_v they_o be_v on_o their_o side_n which_o show_v that_o either_o the_o clergy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v with_o give_v we_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o father_n because_o they_o make_v they_o say_v any_o thing_n according_a as_o it_o serve_v their_o present_a interest_n or_o that_o the_o father_n talk_v forward_o and_o backward_o contradict_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o one_o another_o which_o if_o so_o show_v great_a disingenuity_n in_o the_o clergy_n not_o to_o own_v it_o and_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v mr._n chillingworth_n a_o man_n unsuspected_a of_o the_o least_o priestcraft_n he_o tell_v we_o chap._n 6._o that_o he_o see_v plain_o and_o that_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n that_o there_o be_v council_n against_o council_n some_o father_n against_o other_o the_o same_o father_n against_o themselves_o a_o consent_n of_o father_n of_o one_o age_n against_o a_o consent_n of_o father_n of_o another_o age_n the_o church_n of_o one_o age_n against_o the_o church_n of_o another_o age._n 5._o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v the_o christian_n to_o give_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o any_o number_n of_o fallible_a man_n that_o they_o command_v they_o all_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o reason_n in_o judge_v of_o religion_n commend_v those_o as_o the_o berean_o that_o do_v so_o and_o blame_v those_o that_o do_v not_o why_o have_v you_o not_o judge_v these_o thing_n of_o yourselves_o and_o if_o man_n be_v then_o oblige_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n because_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o now_o but_o have_v speak_v full_o to_o this_o point_n in_o ch._n 2._o par._n 1._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n authorise_v by_o common_a sense_n not_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n till_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_n nor_o can_v we_o without_o renounce_v our_o reason_n suppose_v god_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o nothing_o can_v reflect_v more_o on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v yet_o make_v it_o so_o obscure_a that_o not_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o because_o it_o depend_v upon_o skill_n in_o father_n critic_n church-history_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n may_v therefore_o just_o conclude_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o doctrine_n pretend_v as_o there_o be_v in_o most_o system_n the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o people_n judge_v of_o they_o alone_o demonstrate_v they_o come_v not_o from_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v able_a so_o his_o goodness_n make_v he_o willing_a to_o express_v truth_n so_o clear_o that_o all_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a may_v understand_v it_o in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o it_o will_v seem_v strange_a that_o god_n shall_v choose_v fisherman_n and_o such_o simple_a person_n to_o preach_v a_o religion_n intelligible_a only_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o philosopher_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o run_v to_o father_n critic_n etc._n etc._n for_o he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v know_v as_o our_o saviour_n john_n 7._o say_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o make_v i_o love_n reverence_n and_o honour_n god_n or_o be_v beneficial_a to_o man_n and_o a_o doctrine_n can_v show_v itself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n any_o