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work_n faith_n good_a james_n 14,239 5 9.1170 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52316 The project of peace, or, Unity of faith and government, the only expedient to procure peace, both foreign and domestique and to preserve these nations from the danger of popery and arbitrary tyranny by the author of the countermine. Nalson, John, 1638?-1686. 1678 (1678) Wing N113; ESTC R3879 154,518 354

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than_o their_o charity_n and_o who_o zeal_n be_v much_o too_o heavy_a for_o their_o judgement_n either_o not_o consider_v or_o not_o care_v what_o must_v be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o these_o spark_n of_o dissension_n set_v their_o lung_n to_o work_v as_o well_o as_o their_o wit_n to_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o a_o flame_n pretend_v to_o the_o unwary_a that_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v indeed_o of_o their_o own_o kindle_v be_v the_o only_a gospel_n light_n and_o that_o which_o by_o its_o future_a effect_n have_v prove_v itself_o a_o portentous_a comet_n be_v the_o day_n star_n from_o on_o high_a which_o be_v send_v to_o visit_v they_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o eternal_a light_n under_o the_o glorious_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n have_v it_o burn_v like_o the_o kind_n and_o wondrous_a lambent_a flame_n in_o moses_n his_o bush_n without_o consume_v it_o we_o may_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o the_o fire_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o ravenous_a 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unity_n to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v envy_n the_o canker_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o daughter_n of_o discontent_n and_o constant_a enemy_n of_o peace_n covetousness_n the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n envy_n be_v the_o shadow_n of_o honour_n and_o real_a worth_n and_o sacrilegious_a covetousness_n the_o ravenous_a harpy_n that_o prey_v upon_o the_o small_a patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o usual_o be_v the_o great_a persuasive_a to_o profane_v and_o rapacious_a nature_n to_o treat_v she_o as_o the_o atheistical_a dionysius_n do_v his_o apollo_n who_o robe_v he_o of_o his_o golden_a robe_n allege_v it_o be_v too_o cold_a for_o his_o godship_n in_o winter_n and_o too_o heavy_a in_o summer_n but_o because_o these_o fall_n in_o with_o interest_n and_o ambition_n i_o will_v not_o under_o different_a name_n repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o to_o nauseat_v the_o judicious_a and_o tire_v the_o indifferent_a reader_n with_o reiterated_a tautology_n chap._n v._n have_v thus_o show_v 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that_o therefore_o every_o one_o challenge_n the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n here_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n and_o the_o niceness_n of_o the_o point_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a and_o because_o all_o desire_v the_o glorious_a title_n therefore_o they_o quarrel_v about_o it_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n whereas_o one_o will_v modest_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v without_o spot_n and_o wrinkle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v tare_n and_o chaff_n as_o well_o as_o wheat_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v of_o rome_n for_o she_o be_v but_o one_o member_n that_o glorious_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o all_o nation_n unite_v unto_o christ_n their_o head_n a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o have_v many_o error_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n though_o they_o may_v build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o that_o foundation_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o name_n thus_o we_o see_v st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o yet_o in_o that_o very_a epistle_n he_o complain_v of_o great_a error_n and_o disorder_n among_o they_o 11._o cap._n 11._o and_o a_o abuse_v of_o the_o very_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n and_o yet_o he_o tart_o call_v they_o foolish_a galatian_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v bewitch_v into_o this_o disobedience_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o he_o be_v
whereas_o for_o many_o age_n past_o man_n have_v beat_v their_o brain_n 3.10_o joel_n 3.10_o to_o beat_v their_o ploughshare_n into_o sword_n and_o their_o prune_v hook_n into_o spear_n have_v employ_v those_o part_n and_o ability_n with_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v break_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n 10.12_o hos_fw-la 10.12_o to_o sow_v in_o righteousness_n what_o we_o may_v reap_v in_o peace_n to_o wound_v one_o another_o side_n will_v they_o follow_v this_o rule_n of_o charity_n we_o may_v see_v the_o glorious_a prophecy_n of_o micha_n fulfil_v 4._o mich._n 4.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o for_o in_o the_o last_o day_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o and_o many_o nation_n shall_v come_v and_o say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n and_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o of_o his_o way_n and_o we_o will_v walk_v in_o his_o path_n and_o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o plough-shear_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o prune_v hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o rise_v up_o against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v they_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o but_o they_o shall_v sit_v every_o man_n under_o his_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o fig_n tree_n and_o none_o shall_v make_v they_o afraid_a i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o thing_n difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v with_o the_o apostle_n 17._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteotsness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n all_o this_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o in_o plain_a and_o easy_a language_n and_o who_o can_v desire_v more_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o without_o such_o difficulty_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o either_o be_v or_o can_v proper_o be_v our_o concern_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o entertain_v the_o speculative_a or_o gratify_v the_o curious_a but_o to_o guide_v the_o practical_a christian_a in_o his_o duty_n and_o if_o there_o be_v difficult_a place_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o our_o understanding_n they_o for_o he_o that_o inspire_v the_o holy_a pen_n can_v without_o the_o great_a impiety_n be_v argue_v of_o act_v negligent_o insufficient_o or_o without_o design_n as_o other_o careless_a writer_n may_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o more_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a ought_v with_o a_o become_a reverence_n due_a to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v therefore_o wrap_v up_o in_o mysterious_a word_n either_o because_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a or_o not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o know_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o danger_n in_o such_o humble_a ignorance_n but_o there_o be_v certain_o in_o a_o presumptuous_a curiosity_n and_o seek_v after_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v prohibit_v by_o plant_v the_o wall_n of_o obscurity_n about_o it_o and_o if_o we_o will_v with_o the_o bethshemite_n be_v peep_v into_o the_o ark_n we_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v punish_v just_o by_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o our_o own_o damnation_n and_o much_o more_o if_o be_v unlearned_a and_o private_a man_n we_o undertake_v to_o give_v public_a interpretation_n and_o determination_n different_a from_o both_o the_o catholic_a faith_n and_o church_n 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o for_o no_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o danger_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o be_v certain_a for_o here_o be_v the_o spring_n head_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o always_o take_v their_o original_a from_o the_o transgression_n of_o this_o caution_n for_o when_o man_n will_v leave_v the_o plain_a and_o beat_a path_n the_o easy_a way_n to_o happiness_n here_o and_o heaven_n hereafter_o by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o nicety_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n when_o they_o permit_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o interpretation_n it_o be_v the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a in_o the_o darkness_n of_o midnight_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o at_o last_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v into_o the_o blackness_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n for_o self-love_n be_v a_o very_a blind_a guide_n and_o self_n conceit_n a_o worse_o and_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o darkness_n to_o who_o god_n deny_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o do_v in_o all_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o as_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n man_n therefore_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v needs_o err_v who_o will_v know_v more_o than_o he_o will_v let_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a canon_n be_v as_o the_o word_n import_v a_o rule_n not_o only_o of_o our_o action_n but_o our_o faith_n i_o will_v desire_v any_o person_n to_o give_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o believe_v the_o three_o famous_a creed_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n there_o can_v be_v but_o these_o three_o reason_n first_o because_o he_o immediate_o by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o faith_n or_o second_o because_o he_o be_v persuade_v by_o some_o person_n or_o person_n to_o believe_v or_o three_o because_o he_o find_v the_o article_n there_o mention_v either_o in_o plain_a word_n or_o evident_a consequence_n in_o scripture_n which_o for_o good_a reason_n he_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o divine_o inspire_v penman_n the_o first_o all_o sober_a man_n reject_v as_o lead_v direct_o to_o enthusiasm_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o heavenly_a revelation_n to_o introduce_v hellish_a impiety_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n who_o have_v a_o power_n to_o transform_v themselves_o into_o angel_n of_o light_n may_v take_v that_o advantage_n to_o impose_v upon_o strong_a fancy_n and_o weak_a judgement_n for_o the_o second_o a_o man_n will_v thus_o argue_v why_o shall_v i_o believe_v this_o or_o these_o man_n since_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o they_o who_o may_v be_v deceive_v may_v therefore_o deceive_v and_o if_o i_o believe_v this_o man_n why_o not_o another_o why_o not_o mahomet_n who_o pretend_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o much_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o three_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o it_o which_o be_v god_n truth_n and_o infallibility_n and_o that_o word_n which_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o and_o therefore_o more_o credible_a than_o the_o word_n of_o any_o or_o all_o men._n thus_o be_v faith_n first_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v increase_v for_o the_o multitude_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n do_v not_o believe_v st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n that_o preach_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o they_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n this_o method_n our_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o with_o his_o disciple_n 24.5.4_o luke_n 24.5.4_o then_o open_v he_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n concern_v he_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v and_o thus_o it_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n this_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o apostle_n believe_v this_o they_o preach_v not_o as_o their_o own_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n this_o they_o commit_v to_o write_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o christian_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o life_n 15.4_o rom._n 15.4_o for_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n
law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n just_a as_o they_o suit_v his_o interest_n and_o his_o inclination_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n and_o the_o king_n and_o church_n mere_a head_n of_o wood_n and_o since_o the_o reason_n of_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o think_v it_o truth_n which_o be_v command_v and_o that_o they_o who_o command_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_n for_o we_o than_o we_o ourselves_o as_o be_v by_o god_n appoint_v over_o we_o for_o that_o design_n shall_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o what_o they_o command_v yet_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n who_o can_v do_v wrong_a will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o punish_v that_o he_o will_v reward_v such_o obedience_n because_o do_v according_a to_o his_o command_n nor_o shall_v the_o other_o for_o command_v because_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a design_n provide_v when_o it_o do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o be_v of_o ill_a consequence_n they_o cease_v to_o impose_v it_o any_o long_o which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n have_v be_v alter_v and_o abolish_v upon_o several_a occasion_n three_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o the_o gallicane_n german_n and_o other_o protestant_a church_n who_o live_v under_o a_o government_n which_o own_v and_o command_v the_o romish_a discipline_n and_o church_n will_v hereby_o be_v make_v schismatic_n to_o those_o several_a national_a church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o that_o hereby_o a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o return_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o if_o those_o church_n may_v dissent_v from_o their_o national_a church_n and_o yet_o hold_v the_o true_a faith_n why_o may_v not_o we_o why_o shall_v their_o disobedience_n be_v lawful_a and_o we_o damnable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o those_o church_n and_o the_o national_a church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v not_o consist_v in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o though_o i_o will_v neither_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o those_o church_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n yet_o i_o suppose_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o roman_a communion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o that_o church_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n never_o own_v in_o france_n even_o by_o the_o catholic_n the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n the_o real_a presence_n by_o transubstantiation_n merit_n of_o work_n and_o supererogation_n invocation_n of_o saint_n purgatory_n adoration_n of_o image_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o impose_v these_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v herself_o schismatical_a if_o not_o heretical_a from_o the_o catholic_a apolique_a church_n of_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o to_o depart_v from_o she_o where_o she_o depart_v from_o truth_n be_v no_o more_o heresy_n or_o schism_n than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o jewish_a communion_n in_o circumcision_n etc._n etc._n or_o of_o mahomet_n if_o those_o be_v impose_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o that_o or_o any_o other_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n rule_n hold_v good_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n 11.1_o 1_o cor._n 11.1_o and_o will_v the_o romish_a church_n impose_v no_o more_o upon_o christian_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o three_o famous_a creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n nice_n and_o st._n athanasius_n and_o what_o be_v clear_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o catholic_a faith_n i_o think_v every_o good_a christian_a over_o who_o they_o may_v challenge_v a_o lawful_a jurisdiction_n aught_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o communion_n of_o government_n and_o even_o those_o over_o who_o they_o can_v right_o challenge_v none_o ought_v yet_o to_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o faith_n nay_o shall_v they_o command_v many_o ceremony_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n more_o than_o they_o do_v yet_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o church_n aught_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o unity_n peace_n and_o charity_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o foreign_a protestant_n at_o least_o in_o charity_n i_o hope_v so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o matter_n of_o difference_n between_o they_o will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o point_n of_o government_n ceremony_n and_o much_o more_o i_o remember_v what_o a_o famous_a french_a minister_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o some_o of_o the_o english_a nonconformist_n refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o wear_v the_o surplice_n and_o other_o vestment_n i_o wish_v say_v he_o that_o the_o king_n of_o france_n will_v command_v i_o to_o perform_v my_o function_n in_o a_o fool_n coat_n so_o little_o do_v he_o think_v the_o outside_n and_o dress_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o so_o necessary_a do_v he_o judge_v obedience_n as_o well_o as_o true_a faith_n to_o the_o peace_n unity_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n but_o second_o many_o of_o those_o protestant_n have_v licence_n and_o toleration_n give_v they_o to_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o by_o that_o dispensation_n they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o for_o the_o obedience_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o presume_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n if_o rome_n exact_v no_o more_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n than_o god_n almighty_n require_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o the_o case_n be_v clear_o different_a betwixt_o our_o dissenter_n and_o the_o foreign_a protestant_n for_o our_o difference_n be_v or_o at_o least_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v about_o matter_n of_o polity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n of_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o let_v the_o nonconformist_n prove_v we_o but_o guilty_a of_o destroy_v one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o let_v they_o dissent_v from_o we_o in_o god_n name_n and_o till_o they_o can_v do_v that_o their_o separation_n will_v be_v a_o horrid_a schism_n and_o their_o nonconformity_n a_o manifest_a disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o men._n and_o shall_v the_o foreign_a church_n refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o disobey_v the_o prince_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v command_v they_o if_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n than_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o their_o separation_n and_o disobedience_n will_v deserve_v the_o same_o character_n but_o suppose_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o those_o country_n shall_v absolute_o prohibit_v the_o protestant_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o old_a arm_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o not_o to_o the_o new_a method_n of_o manace_n make_v party_n and_o endeavour_v by_o force_n of_o arm_n to_o obtain_v that_o from_o authority_n by_o violence_n and_o compulsion_n which_o they_o can_v by_o persuasion_n a_o practice_n shameful_a to_o the_o protestant_a cause_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v if_o they_o judge_v of_o all_o by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o dissenter_n more_o likely_a to_o persuade_v all_o prince_n to_o extirpate_v they_o out_o of_o their_o dominion_n for_o seditious_a schismatic_n and_o dangerous_a rebel_n than_o to_o tolerate_v they_o as_o innocent_a and_o religious_a christian_n this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n who_o conquer_a more_a by_o the_o cross_n than_o the_o persecutor_n by_o all_o their_o cruelty_n who_o overcome_v by_o suffer_v and_o not_o by_o rebel_a a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o army_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n who_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o as_o their_o temporal_a sovereign_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v but_o after_o he_o have_v jest_v out_o his_o impious_a soul_n with_o a_o vicistî_fw-la galilaee_n and_o that_o jovinianus_n be_v choose_v emperor_n which_o he_o refuse_v as_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o think_v the_o whole_a army_n pagan_n they_o all_o cry_v out_o et_fw-la nos_fw-la sumus_fw-la christiani_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o also_o christian_n here_o be_v man_n in_o arm_n a_o powerful_a number_n of_o veterane_n and_o victorious_a legion_n
soul_n with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o the_o world_n with_o happiness_n and_o all_o those_o who_o follow_v it_o with_o eternal_a joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n chap._n xii_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o follow_v truth_n by_o manifest_v that_o unity_n in_o faith_n and_o unity_n in_o government_n in_o a_o national_a church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a both_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o to_o the_o happiness_n peace_n and_o security_n of_o any_o people_n in_o their_o politic_a capacity_n as_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o desirable_a so_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o all_o good_a man_n ought_v more_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v bless_a be_v the_o peacemaker_n say_v the_o eternal_a prince_n of_o peace_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n let_v we_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n see_v what_o expedient_n have_v be_v propound_v to_o restore_v this_o peace_n to_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n it_o have_v be_v already_o manifest_v that_o unity_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o catholic_a union_n among_o all_o distinct_a church_n which_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a or_o universal_a church_n but_o this_o faith_n must_v work_v by_o love_n 5.6_o gal._n 5.6_o it_o have_v be_v also_o show_v that_o though_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n which_o work_v so_o by_o love_n as_o that_o though_o distinct_a nation_n and_o church_n disagree_v about_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o may_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a this_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o nation_n and_o that_o therefore_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v charity_n and_o unity_n and_o though_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o toleration_n of_o different_a form_n of_o divine_a worship_n under_o the_o same_o magistrate_n yet_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o cry_n among_o all_o dissenter_n both_o papist_n and_o other_o for_o toleration_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o expedient_a both_o politic_n religious_a and_o necessary_a let_v i_o be_v permit_v free_o to_o speak_v my_o impartial_a sense_n concern_v it_o though_o all_o party_n who_o private_a opinion_n make_v they_o dissent_n from_o the_o establish_v government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v desirous_a of_o a_o toleration_n yet_o i_o find_v the_o papist_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v they_o who_o appear_v most_o solicitous_a for_o it_o and_o yet_o of_o all_o other_o they_o seem_v least_o to_o deserve_v it_o for_o no_o man_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o demand_v that_o for_o himself_o which_o he_o will_v not_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o grant_v to_o any_o other_o if_o in_o his_o circumstance_n now_o experience_n have_v give_v we_o demonstration_n of_o the_o violent_a temper_n of_o both_o these_o and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v but_o if_o either_o the_o papist_n or_o presbyter_n be_v in_o power_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v any_o toleration_n or_o indulgence_n to_o other_o dissenter_n but_o the_o one_o will_v establish_v the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o other_o of_o christ_n as_o they_o call_v their_o new_a government_n with_o the_o most_o unlimited_a sovereignty_n both_o over_o the_o faith_n and_o action_n of_o all_o prince_n as_o well_o as_o peasant_n and_o since_o they_o will_v compel_v all_o people_n by_o the_o utmost_a severity_n and_o rigour_n of_o penal_a law_n to_o carry_v the_o yoke_n which_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o they_o what_o reason_n can_v they_o have_v to_o expect_v for_o themselves_o what_o they_o will_v deny_v all_o other_o for_o their_o practice_n have_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o the_o low_a understanding_n that_o they_o who_o have_v so_o little_a charity_n for_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a christianity_n as_o to_o damn_v they_o without_o remedy_n to_o the_o bottomless_a abyss_n of_o hell_n for_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o any_o one_o point_n which_o they_o have_v decree_v to_o be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o compassion_n rather_o than_o cruelty_n to_o convert_v they_o and_o save_v their_o soul_n though_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n or_o if_o that_o can_v be_v effect_v to_o confound_v they_o to_o extirpate_v and_o destroy_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v lead_v other_o by_o their_o doctrine_n or_o example_n to_o damnation_n whereas_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n nothing_o but_o blasphemy_n atheism_n and_o such_o immorality_n as_o be_v destructive_a of_o humane_a society_n render_v man_n obnoxious_a to_o temporal_a punishment_n insidelity_n or_o not_o believe_v aright_o be_v crime_n or_o defect_n rather_o of_o the_o understanding_n fall_v no_o further_o under_o humane_a cognizance_n or_o penal_a law_n than_o by_o their_o consequence_n and_o effect_n they_o may_v or_o do_v prejudice_v those_o law_n and_o the_o common_a end_n of_o society_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o church_n can_v proceed_v no_o further_o than_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o her_o communion_n but_o not_o out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o life_n or_o estate_n which_o god_n almighty_a as_o the_o common_a father_n of_o mankind_n think_v fit_a to_o permit_v they_o to_o enjoy_v make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a with_o a_o equal_a influence_n and_o benignity_n but_o since_o a_o papist_n have_v undertake_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o all_o dissenter_n etc._n the_o advocate_n of_o conscience_n liberty_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v be_v have_v say_v as_o much_o for_o they_o as_o the_o subject_n will_v bear_v and_o more_o in_o behalf_n of_o his_o own_o party_n than_o any_o other_o dissenter_n can_v pretend_v to_o for_o themselves_o papist_n have_v the_o specious_a plea_n of_o prescription_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n the_o ancient_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o ancient_a faith_n have_v they_o permit_v it_o to_o continue_v so_o entire_a and_o undefiled_a unmixed_a with_o their_o apochrypha_n and_o tradidition_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v what_o be_v most_o material_a in_o his_o discourse_n in_o order_n to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o plea_n not_o concern_v myself_o with_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n which_o though_o appear_a for_o all_o be_v only_o design_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o own_o party_n in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o i_o desire_v that_o notice_n may_v be_v take_v how_o he_o state_v the_o question_n in_o the_o prooemium_fw-la of_o his_o book_n note_v say_v he_o by_o persecution_n imposition_n and_o restraint_n we_o only_o mean_v the_o strict_a require_v to_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o to_o be_v false_a etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o refusal_n to_o swear_v or_o conform_v to_o incur_v the_o penalty_n enact_v in_o such_o case_n but_o by_o these_o term_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o coercive_a let_v or_o hindrance_n into_o public_a meeting_n by_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n we_o understand_v only_o a_o mere_a liberty_n of_o mind_n in_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v this_o or_o that_o doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o may_v refer_v only_o to_o religious_a matter_n in_o a_o private_a way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o destructive_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n nor_o tend_v to_o matter_n of_o a_o external_n judicature_n in_o abet_v any_o contrivance_n or_o disturbance_n to_o common_a peace_n or_o civility_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o will_v glad_o be_v show_v when_o or_o where_o the_o government_n do_v ever_o in_o this_o sense_n persecute_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v pure_o the_o subject_n of_o faith_n without_o relate_v to_o practice_n or_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o faith_n or_o where_o any_o person_n for_o refuse_v to_o believe_v or_o swear_v or_o conform_v to_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o insluence_n the_o civil_a affair_n of_o state_n be_v ever_o punish_v be_v ever_o any_o man_n fine_v imprison_a or_o banish_v because_o he_o will_v not_o swear_v to_o believe_v any_o theological_a point_n as_o of_o free_a will_n merit_n of_o work_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o political_a affair_n there_o can_v be_v one_o precedent_n find_v in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o all_o our_o court_n of_o judicature_n though_o we_o can_v show_v many_o out_o of_o that_o legend_n as_o he_o call_v bishop_n fox_n martyrology_n who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n without_o any_o other_o crime_n than_o that_o they_o