peremptory_a soever_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v in_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o their_o supreme_a power_n in_o civil_a affair_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o seem_v modest_a and_o diffident_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n and_o dare_v scarce_o own_o their_o legislative_a power_n in_o religious_a affair_n only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o saucy_a pretence_n of_o ungovernable_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n one_o notorious_a instance_n whereof_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v the_o jejunium_fw-la cecilianum_fw-la the_o wednesday_n fast_o that_o be_v enjoin_v with_o this_o clause_n of_o exception_n that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v impose_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n he_o shall_v be_v punish_v like_o the_o spreader_n of_o false_a news_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o as_o a_o late_a learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o own_o observe_n a_o direct_a artifice_n to_o evacuate_v the_o whole_a law_n for_o as_o he_o excellent_o argue_v all_o humane_a power_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o bind_v upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o power_n not_o by_o man_n he_o that_o say_v it_o shall_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o law_n it_o shall_v have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o then_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n then_o to_o break_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o keep_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n so_o that_o a_o law_n without_o such_o a_o intention_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o law_n which_o bind_v only_o if_o we_o please_v and_o we_o may_v obey_v when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o to_o so_o much_o we_o be_v tie_v before_o the_o constitution_n but_o then_o if_o by_o such_o a_o declaration_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o to_o keep_v such_o fasting-day_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o direct_a commandment_n from_o god_n that_o be_v god_n have_v not_o require_v they_o by_o himself_o immediate_o and_o so_o it_o be_v abstract_v from_o that_o law_n no_o duty_n evangelical_n it_o have_v be_v below_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n pretend_v it_o no_o man_n say_v it_o no_o man_n think_v it_o and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o law_n be_v none_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o matter_n indeed_o of_o this_o law_n be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o declaration_n annex_v to_o it_o prove_v of_o a_o fatal_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n for_o when_o once_o the_o unruly_a conscience_n of_o the_o puritan_n be_v get_v loose_a from_o the_o restraint_n of_o authority_n nothing_o can_v give_v check_n to_o their_o giddy_a and_o furious_a zeal_n but_o they_o soon_o break_v out_o into_o the_o most_o impudent_a affront_v and_o indignity_n against_o the_o law_n and_o run_v themselves_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o disloyal_a outrage_n against_o the_o state_n as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n and_o practice_n of_o cartwright_n goodman_n whittingham_n gilby_n whitehead_n travers_n and_o other_o lead_a rabbi_n of_o the_o holy_a faction_n who_o treatise_n be_v stuff_v with_o as_o rail_v spiteful_a and_o malicious_a speech_n both_o against_o their_o prince_n the_o clergy_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n the_o judge_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n as_o be_v ever_o public_o vent_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o traitor_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o method_n of_o their_o polity_n it_o be_v plain_o no_o more_o than_o this_o first_o to_o reproach_v the_o church_n with_o infamous_a and_o abusive_a dialogue_n and_o then_o to_o libel_v the_o state_n with_o bitter_a and_o scurrilous_a pamphlet_n to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o dislike_n and_o jealousy_n about_o public_a affair_n whisper_v about_o reproachful_a and_o slanderous_a report_n inveigle_v the_o people_n with_o a_o thousand_o little_a and_o malicious_a story_n enter_v into_o secret_a league_n and_o confederacy_n foment_n discontent_n and_o sedition_n and_o in_o every_o straight_a and_o exigence_n of_o state_n threaten_v and_o beleaguer_v authority_n in_o fine_a the_o scope_n of_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v their_o party_n that_o if_o prince_n refuse_v to_o reform_v religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n with_o direction_n of_o their_o godly_a minister_n i._n e._n themselves_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o by_o violent_a and_o forcible_a course_n and_o whither_o this_o principle_n in_o process_n of_o time_n lead_v they_o the_o story_n be_v too_o long_o too_o sad_a and_o too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v here_o repeat_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o improve_v itself_o into_o the_o great_a villainy_n &_o conclude_v in_o the_o black_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v upon_o this_o island_n §_o 22._o well_o then_o to_o sum_n up_o the_o result_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o be_v evident_a we_o see_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n what_o a_o powerful_a influence_n religion_n have_v upon_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o kingdom_n that_o nothing_o so_o effectual_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o so_o easy_o work_v its_o disturbance_n and_o ruin_n as_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_a administration_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v some_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o due_a conduct_n and_o settlement_n that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n which_o because_o he_o can_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o power_n and_o conduct_n of_o religion_n its_o government_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v seat_v in_o he_o and_o none_o else_o so_o that_o those_o person_n who_o will_v exempt_v conscience_n and_o all_o religious_a matter_n from_o the_o prince_n power_n must_v make_v he_o either_o a_o tyrant_n or_o a_o impotent_a prince_n for_o if_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o tie_v law_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o conscience_n then_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n he_o usurp_v a_o unlawful_a dominion_n violate_v the_o fundamental_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o invade_v the_o throne_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o if_o he_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v then_o do_v he_o clear_o pass_v away_o the_o bige_a security_n of_o his_o government_n and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o villainy_n that_o can_v put_v on_o the_o mask_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v any_o prince_n through_o unhappy_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o state_n be_v bring_v into_o such_o straits_n and_o exigence_n of_o affair_n as_o that_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o headstrong_a inclination_n of_o his_o subject_n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o raise_v such_o commotion_n and_o disturbance_n as_o perhaps_o he_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o allay_v and_o so_o shall_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o to_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o fancy_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n yet_o unless_o he_o will_v divest_v himself_o of_o a_o more_o material_a and_o more_o necessary_a part_n of_o his_o authority_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v grant_v away_o his_o power_n of_o the_o militia_n or_o his_o prerogative_n of_o ratify_v all_o civil_a law_n unless_o i_o say_v he_o will_v thus_o hazard_v his_o crown_n and_o make_v himself_o too_o weak_a for_o government_n by_o renounce_v the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o must_v lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o person_n to_o who_o he_o grant_v this_o their_o religious_a freedom_n to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a favour_n and_o indulgence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o power_n to_o govern_v all_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n that_o be_v either_o conducive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o declaration_n they_o will_v but_o confess_v themselves_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a person_n by_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o refuse_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n have_v just_a power_n to_o impose_v chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sovereign_a power_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n the_o content_n the_o parallel_n between_o matter_n relate_v to_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n moral_a virtue_n the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n this_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n 2._o by_o a_o particular_a induction_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o mankind_n a_o scheme_n of_o religion_n reduce_v all_o its_o branch_n either_o to_o the_o virtue_n or_o
instrument_n of_o morality_n of_o the_o villainy_n of_o those_o man_n religion_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o distinguish_v between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n they_o exchange_v the_o substance_n of_o true_a goodness_n for_o mere_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n metaphor_n the_o only_a cause_n of_o our_o present_a schism_n and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o the_o different_a subdivision_n among_o the_o schismatic_n themselves_o the_o vnaccountableness_n of_o man_n conceit_n that_o when_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v undoubted_o subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o eager_a to_o exempt_v its_o mean_n and_o circumstance_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v determine_v new_a instance_n of_o virtue_n how_o much_o more_o new_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o he_o may_v enjoin_v any_o thing_n in_o morality_n that_o contradict_v not_o the_o end_n of_o morality_n so_o may_v be_v in_o religious_a worship_n if_o he_o oppose_v not_o its_o design_n he_o may_v command_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n practice_n or_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o the_o subordinate_a duty_n both_o of_o morality_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v equal_o subject_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a authority_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n sufficient_o make_v out_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n shall_v be_v vest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v viz._n that_o those_o who_o will_v deprive_v the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n of_o its_o authority_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v force_v to_o allow_v it_o in_o other_o more_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v both_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n and_o objection_n where_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o state_n the_o true_a extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n over_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o divine_a worship_n by_o show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o his_o power_n over_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o it_o strike_v i_o with_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n to_o consider_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o shy_a of_o grant_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n a_o power_n over_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o ritual_n and_o external_n circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o free_a of_o force_v it_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o essential_a duty_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a and_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o please_v to_o god_n and_o as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o any_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v both_o perfective_a of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n consist_v in_o live_v suitable_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n &_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o main_a design_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n as_o become_v creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o in_o way_n suitable_a to_o rational_a being_n to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o mankind_n may_v live_v happy_o here_o and_o happy_o hereafter_o so_o to_o this_o end_n nothing_o contribute_v more_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n which_o will_v effectual_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o advance_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n every_o particular_a virtue_n be_v therefore_o such_o because_o it_o be_v a_o resemblance_n and_o imitation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n so_o that_o moral_a virtue_n have_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n viz._n man_n happiness_n it_o be_v not_o only_a its_o most_o material_a and_o useful_a part_n but_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o its_o other_o duty_n and_o all_o true_a religion_n can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o either_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n itself_o or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o instrument_n that_o contribute_v to_o it_o §_o 2._o and_o this_o beside_o the_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o appear_v with_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n from_o the_o best_a of_o demonstration_n i._n e._n a_o induction_n of_o all_o particular_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n refer_v either_o to_o his_o creator_n or_o his_o neighbour_n or_o himself_o all_o that_o concern_v the_o two_o last_o be_v confess_o of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o all_o that_o concern_v the_o first_o consist_v either_o in_o praise_v of_o god_n or_o pray_v to_o he_o the_o former_a be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o gratitude_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o thankful_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n greatness_n in_o himself_o and_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o devotion_n issue_v from_o the_o same_o virtuous_a quality_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o other_o resentment_n and_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n only_o those_o act_n of_o it_o that_o be_v terminate_v on_o god_n as_o their_o object_n be_v style_v religious_a and_o therefore_o gratitude_n and_o devotion_n be_v not_o divers_a thing_n but_o only_o different_a name_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n devotion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o virtue_n of_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n the_o latter_a viz._n prayer_n be_v either_o put_v up_o in_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n behalf_n if_o for_o other_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o that_o virtue_n we_o call_v kindness_n or_o charity_n if_o for_o ourselves_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o unless_o they_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v some_o or_o other_o virtuous_a quality_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a and_o direct_a use_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o virtue_n of_o morality_n so_o that_o all_o duty_n of_o devotion_n except_v only_o our_o return_n of_o gratitude_n be_v not_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o it_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n and_o their_o goodness_n be_v derive_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o moral_a virtue_n to_o which_o they_o contribute_v and_o in_o the_o same_o proportion_n they_o be_v conducive_a to_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v to_o be_v value_v among_o the_o ministery_n of_o religion_n all_o religion_n then_o i_o mean_v the_o practical_a part_n be_v either_o virtue_n itself_o or_o some_o of_o its_o instrument_n and_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o be_v virtuous_a and_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v he_o beside_o be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o what_o else_o do_v we_o find_v enforce_v and_o recommend_v in_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n beside_o height_n of_o morality_n what_o do_v st._n paul_n discourse_n of_o to_o felix_n but_o moral_a matter_n righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o man_n set_v up_o against_o morality_n but_o a_o few_o figurative_a expression_n of_o itself_o that_o without_o it_o be_v utter_o insignificant_a it_o be_v not_o enough_o say_v they_o to_o be_v complete_o virtuous_a unless_o we_o have_v grace_n too_o but_o when_o we_o have_v set_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n let_v they_o tell_v i_o what_o remain_v to_o be_v call_v grace_n and_o give_v i_o any_o notion_n of_o it_o distinct_a from_o all_o morality_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o right_a order_n and_o government_n of_o our_o action_n in_o all_o our_o relation_n and_o so_o comprehend_v all_o our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o if_o grace_n be_v not_o include_v in_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o phantasm_n and_o a_o imaginary_a thing_n so_o that_o if_o we_o strip_v those_o definition_n that_o some_o man_n of_o late_a have_v bestow_v upon_o it_o of_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n it_o will_v plain_o signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o virtuous_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n intend_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o virtuous_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v therefore_o style_v grace_n because_o they_o be_v derive_v pure_o from_o god_n
unaccountable_a that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o the_o subordinate_a ministery_n to_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v allow_v in_o all_o commonwealth_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a act_n and_o instance_n of_o these_o virtue_n themselves_o for_o example_n justice_n be_v a_o prime_n and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o yet_o its_o particular_a case_n depend_v upon_o humane_a law_n that_o determine_v the_o bound_n of_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la the_o divine_a law_n restrain_v titius_n from_o invade_v caius_n right_a and_o propriety_n but_o what_o that_o be_v and_o when_o it_o be_v invade_v only_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o can_v determine_v and_o there_o be_v some_o case_n that_o be_v act_n of_o injustice_n in_o england_n that_o be_v not_o so_o in_o italy_n otherwise_o all_o place_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o one_o nation_n must_v be_v so_o to_o all_o the_o world_n whereas_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o nature_n determine_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o most_o virtue_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n leave_v that_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o national_a law_n they_o in_o general_n forbid_v theft_n incest_n murder_n and_o adultery_n but_o what_o these_o crime_n be_v they_o determine_v not_o in_o all_o case_n but_o be_v in_o most_o particular_n to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o whatsoever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n reckon_v among_o these_o crime_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o nature_n forbid_v and_o now_o be_v it_o not_o strange_o humoursome_a to_o say_v that_o magistrate_n be_v entru_v with_o so_o great_a a_o power_n over_o man_n conscience_n in_o these_o great_a and_o weighty_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o be_v trust_v to_o govern_v the_o indifferent_a or_o at_o least_o less_o material_a circumstance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o no_o other_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o be_v mean_v serviceable_a to_o moral_a purpose_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o make_v that_o a_o particular_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o determine_v the_o use_n of_o a_o indifferent_a circumstance_n because_o forsooth_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v it_o in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o impower_v to_o declare_v new_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o introduce_v new_a duty_n in_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o declare_v the_o use_n and_o decency_n of_o a_o few_o circumstance_n in_o its_o subservient_fw-fr and_o less_o material_a concern_v §_o 5._o the_o whole_a state_n of_o affair_n be_v brief_o this_o man_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o live_v happy_o here_o and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o pious_a devotion_n and_o wherein_o these_o main_o consist_v almighty_a goodness_n have_v declare_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n but_o because_o in_o both_o there_o be_v changeable_a case_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n therefore_o have_v god_n appoint_v his_o trustee_n and_o official_o here_o on_o earth_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o both_o according_a to_o all_o accident_n and_o emergency_n of_o affair_n to_o assign_v new_a particular_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o declare_v new_a bound_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v limit_v because_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v the_o circumstance_n and_o outward_a expression_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v variable_a according_a to_o the_o accident_n of_o time_n and_o place_n entrust_v with_o less_o danger_n of_o error_n with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o what_o ceremony_n this_o appoint_v unless_o they_o be_v apparent_o repugnant_a to_o their_o prime_a end_n become_v religious_a rite_n as_o what_o particular_a action_n it_o constitute_v in_o any_o species_n of_o virtue_n become_v new_a instance_n of_o that_o virtue_n unless_o they_o apparent_o contradict_v its_o nature_n and_o tendency_n now_o the_o two_o primary_n design_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v either_o to_o express_v our_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n so_o that_o no_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n can_v be_v esteem_v unlawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o account_n that_o any_o rite_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n become_v criminal_o superstitious_a and_o such_o be_v the_o lupercalia_n the_o eleusinian_n mystery_n the_o feast_n of_o bacchus_n flora_n and_o venus_n because_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o festival_n of_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n and_o such_o be_v the_o savage_a and_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o saturn_n bellona_n moloch_n baal-peor_n and_o all_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o ancient_a paganism_n because_o they_o suppose_v the_o divine_a be_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o torture_n of_o its_o creature_n and_o such_o be_v all_o idolatry_n in_o that_o it_o either_o give_v right_a worship_n to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o wrong_a worship_n to_o a_o right_a one_o or_o at_o least_o represent_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n by_o image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o finite_a thing_n and_o so_o reflect_v disparagement_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n by_o fasten_v dishonourable_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n no_o humane_a power_n can_v command_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o any_o lawful_a authority_n may_v as_o well_o enjoin_v they_o as_o it_o may_v adopt_v any_o action_n whatsoever_o into_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o morality_n §_o 6._o but_o a_o little_a far_o to_o illustrate_v this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o matter_n both_o of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a worship_n there_o be_v some_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a obligation_n and_o these_o can_v never_o be_v prejudice_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n arise_v from_o a_o necessity_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v as_o perpetual_a as_o that_o but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o rule_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v alterable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a accident_n change_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o depend_v chief_o upon_o contract_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o kingdom_n these_o suffer_v variety_n because_o their_o matter_n and_o their_o reason_n do_v so_o thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o murder_n there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o a_o unalterable_a nature_n and_o other_o that_o be_v changeable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a provision_n of_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n be_v forbid_v by_o such_o a_o indispensable_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v any_o way_n direct_o or_o indirect_o make_v it_o become_v lawful_a in_o that_o no_o positive_a law_n can_v so_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v this_o instance_n of_o villainy_n cease_v to_o be_v mischievous_a to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v capital_a in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o particular_a case_n of_o this_o crime_n that_o depend_v upon_o positive_a law_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n be_v liable_a to_o change_v according_a to_o the_o different_a constitution_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n man_n live_v in_o thus_o though_o in_o england_n it_o be_v murder_n for_o a_o injure_a husband_n to_o kill_v a_o adulteress_n take_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncleanness_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o old_a roman_n it_o be_v not_o because_o their_o law_n permit_v it_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o may_v punish_v the_o crime_n with_o death_n he_o may_v appoint_v who_o he_o please_v to_o be_v his_o executioner_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o reference_n to_o divine_a worship_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o
war._n it_o enervate_v all_o its_o own_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o sound_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n upon_o mere_a self-interest_n which_o false_a and_o absurd_a principle_n be_v remove_v all_o that_o be_v base_a or_o peculiar_a in_o the_o whole_a hypothesis_n be_v utter_o cashier_v §_o 1._o when_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v apparent_o and_o intrinsical_o evil_a be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o humane_a law_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v here_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n no_o circumstance_n can_v alter_v the_o rule_n of_o prime_n and_o essential_a rectitude_n their_o goodness_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o therefore_o in_o all_o such_o action_n disobedience_n to_o humane_a law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o it_o become_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n where_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o a_o action_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n no_o positive_a humane_a law_n can_v take_v off_o its_o morality_n because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o repugnant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n &_o by_o consequence_n as_o unchangeable_a as_o that_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o providence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o law_n can_v no_o more_o bind_v than_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v command_v a_o man_n to_o murder_v his_o father_n or_o to_o ravish_v his_o mother_n because_o the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o all_o such_o law_n be_v antecedent_o rescind_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o more_o indispensable_a obligation_n and_o thus_o have_v every_o man_n a_o natural_a right_n to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o no_o authority_n whatsoever_o can_v deny_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o act_v virtuous_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o foul_a tyranny_n and_o injustice_n not_o so_o much_o because_o subject_n be_v in_o any_o thing_n free_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n on_o earth_n as_o because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o superior_a in_o heaven_n and_o they_o be_v only_o then_o excuse_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_n when_o they_o can_v give_v it_o without_o rebellion_n against_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o original_o any_o right_n of_o their_o own_o that_o exempt_v they_o from_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v pure_o god_n right_a of_o govern_v his_o own_o creature_n that_o magistrate_n than_o invade_v when_o they_o make_v edict_n to_o violate_v or_o control_v his_o law_n and_o those_o who_o will_v take_v off_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o those_o of_o humane_a law_n instead_o of_o make_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n supreme_a absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a they_o utter_o enervate_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o set_v their_o subject_n at_o perfect_a liberty_n from_o all_o their_o command_n for_o if_o we_o once_o remove_v all_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n man_n will_v be_v no_o further_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o law_n than_o only_o as_o themselves_o shall_v see_v convenient_a and_o if_o they_o be_v under_o no_o other_o restraint_n it_o will_v be_v their_o wisdom_n to_o rebel_v as_o oft_o as_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n in_o that_o the_o law_n of_o superior_n pass_v no_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n they_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v under_o any_o strong_a engagement_n to_o subjection_n than_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o the_o penalty_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n may_v despise_v its_o obligation_n whenever_o they_o can_v hope_v to_o escape_v its_o punishment_n now_o how_o must_v this_o weaken_v the_o power_n and_o supplant_v the_o throne_n of_o prince_n if_o every_o subject_a may_v despise_v their_o law_n or_o invade_v their_o sovereignty_n whenever_o he_o can_v hope_v to_o build_v his_o own_o fortune_n upon_o their_o ruin_n how_o will_v it_o expose_v their_o sceptre_n to_o the_o continual_a attempt_n of_o rebel_n and_o usurper_n when_o every_o one_o that_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o wrest_v it_o out_o of_o his_o prince_n hand_n have_v right_o and_o title_n enough_o to_o hold_v it_o what_o security_n can_v prince_n have_v of_o their_o subject_n loyalty_n that_o will_v own_v their_o power_n as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o interest_n and_o when_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o call_v it_o tyranny_n how_o shall_v they_o ever_o be_v secure_v by_o any_o promise_n oath_n and_o covenant_n of_o allegiance_n that_o have_v no_o other_o band_n but_o self-security_n or_o hope_v of_o exemption_n from_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n will_v not_o the_o most_o sacred_a bond_n and_o compact_n leave_v they_o in_o as_o insecure_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o find_v they_o in_o in_o that_o self-advantage_n will_v have_v keep_v their_o subject_n loyal_a and_o obedient_a without_o oath_n and_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v it_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v add_v no_o new_a obligation_n to_o that_o of_o interest_n for_o if_o to_o perform_v their_o covenant_n be_v advantageous_a they_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n without_o the_o oath_n as_o much_o as_o with_o it_o if_o disadvantageous_a no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v they_o in_o that_o interest_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v the_o only_a enforcement_n of_o all_o their_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o when_o that_o tie_n happen_v to_o cease_v their_o obligation_n become_v null_a and_o void_a and_o they_o may_v observe_v they_o if_o they_o please_v and_o if_o they_o please_v break_v they_o §_o 2._o but_o the_o vanity_n and_o groundlesness_n of_o this_o opinion_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o discover_v the_o lamentable_a foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v and_o that_o be_v a_o late_a wild_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o original_a of_o government_n which_o be_v brief_o this_o that_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o state_n and_o posture_n of_o war_n of_o every_o man_n against_o every_o man_n in_o that_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o equality_n they_o have_v all_o a_o equal_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o all_o can_v enjoy_v all_o hence_o every_o man_n become_v a_o enemy_n to_o every_o man_n in_o which_o state_n of_o hostility_n there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o any_o man_n to_o secure_v himself_o so_o reasonable_a as_o anticipation_n that_o be_v by_o force_n or_o wiles_n to_o master_v the_o person_n of_o all_o man_n he_o can_v till_o he_o see_v no_o other_o power_n great_a enough_o to_o endanger_v himself_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n all_o man_n must_v be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o contrive_v in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o security_n one_o another_o destruction_n but_o because_o in_o this_o condition_n mankind_n must_v for_o ever_o groan_v under_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n therefore_o they_o have_v wise_o choose_v by_o mutual_a consent_n to_o enter_v into_o contract_n and_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a trust_n in_o which_o every_o man_n have_v in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o security_n be_v content_a to_o relinquish_v his_o natural_a and_o unlimited_a right_n to_o every_o thing_n and_o hereby_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o government_n in_o which_o every_o man_n engage_v by_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o public_a law_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o private_a safety_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o right_n or_o wrong_a antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o all_o man_n be_v at_o absolute_a liberty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v and_o how_o cruel_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o one_o another_o they_o can_v never_o be_v injurious_a there_o be_v nothing_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o what_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n to_o which_o all_o its_o member_n covenant_n to_o submit_v when_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o this_o hypothesis_n as_o odd_a as_o it_o be_v be_v become_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o modern_a politic_n by_o which_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o real_a law_n of_o wisdom_n and_o subtlety_n must_v square_v their_o action_n and_o therefore_o be_v swallow_v down_o with_o as_o much_o greediness_n as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o wild_a and_o giddy_a people_n of_o the_o age._n and_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o fop_n and_o raw-brained_a fellow_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o complexion_n of_o humane_a nature_n now_o it_o be_v but_o labour_n in_o vain_a
that_o distinguish_v their_o party_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o they_o when_o he_o neglect_v and_o discountenance_n his_o best_a subject_n only_o because_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a party_n for_o so_o every_o party_n be_v to_o itself_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o profess_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n and_o they_o will_v be_v wonderful_o forward_a to_o assist_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o these_o be_v the_o soft_a word_n that_o different_a sect_n can_v afford_v one_o another_o and_o withal_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o lie_v perpetual_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o little_o better_a than_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n permit_v different_a party_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n however_o he_o carry_v himself_o towards_o they_o he_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o all_o party_n discontent_v but_o one_o for_o if_o himself_o be_v of_o any_o he_o displease_v all_o but_o that_o if_o of_o none_o he_o displease_v all_o and_o zealous_a and_o religious_a people_n of_o all_o sort_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_o in_o love_n with_o a_o atheist_n and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v at_o least_o be_v think_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o distinct_a and_o visible_a profession_n chap._n vi_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o content_n the_o mystery_n of_o puritanism_n lie_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wildness_n novelty_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o make_v mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n sinful_a it_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n it_o be_v the_o main_a pretence_n of_o all_o pious_a villainy_n it_o cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a and_o impracticable_a it_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v seditious_a in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o have_v not_o some_o custom_n and_o usage_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o all_o that_o pretend_v this_o principle_n do_v and_o must_v act_v contrary_a to_o it_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o yield_a and_o condescension_n to_o the_o man_n that_o plead_v it_o unsafe_a and_o impolitic_a wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o distinction_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n execute_v but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o the_o dangerous_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v who_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o any_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o various_a the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o puritan_n upbraid_v with_o mr._n hooker_n book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o challenge_v to_o answer_v it_o their_o outcry_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n retort_v upon_o themselves_o the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n propose_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v impose_v thing_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a this_o objection_n lie_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n our_o inquiry_n be_v after_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v thing_n not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v though_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o it_o be_v then_o less_o mischievous_a than_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o tyranny_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o rebellion_n or_o anarchy_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la confute_v that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o for_o their_o sinfulness_n but_o for_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a this_o apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a conscience_n sect._n 1_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o be_v not_o already_o determine_v as_o to_o their_o morality_n i._n e._n that_o be_v not_o make_v necessary_a duty_n by_o be_v command_v or_o sinful_a action_n by_o be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v either_o way_n by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_n be_v tie_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o such_o determination_n this_o assertion_n i_o lay_v down_o to_o oppose_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o nonconformity_n and_o wherein_o as_o one_o observe_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o puritanism_n consist_v viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o complete_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v only_o to_o see_v that_o execute_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o religion_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o nothing_o of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v tie_v up_o neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v neither_o in_o the_o matter_n nor_o manner_n so_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v in_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v by_o a_o divine_a command_n how_o innocent_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o it_o present_o upon_o that_o account_n lose_v not_o only_o its_o liberty_n but_o its_o lawfulness_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o christian_a practice_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a shall_v still_o be_v keep_v indifferent_a as_o thing_n necessary_a be_v hold_v necessary_a this_o very_a principle_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o puritanism_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o derive_v and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v at_o last_o resolve_v a_o pretence_n so_o strange_o wild_a and_o humorsom_a that_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o equal_a wonder_n either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o serious_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o thus_o long_a and_o thus_o confident_o to_o pretend_v it_o when_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o foundation_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o till_o some_o man_n have_v make_v a_o unreasonable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v force_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o as_o unreasonable_a pretence_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o incredible_a than_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a shall_v become_v sinful_a upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o their_o be_v command_v i._n e._n that_o mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v make_v innocent_a action_n criminal_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o if_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v so_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o be_v obedience_n so_o that_o if_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o awkard_n a_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n make_v it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o christian_a rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o bind_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o forbid_v thing_n under_o that_o formality_n because_o authority_n command_v they_o now_o what_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o sedition_n what_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v so_o much_o incline_v man_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o authority_n as_o their_o be_v conscientious_a what_o a_o perverse_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o but_o opposition_n to_o government_n can_v secure_v our_o liberty_n and_o
and_o occasional_a whereas_o those_o of_o obedience_n be_v of_o a_o prime_n absolute_a and_o eternal_a necessity_n prince_n be_v god_n deputy_n and_o lieutenant_n here_o on_o earth_n he_o ve_v they_o with_o their_o power_n and_o by_o his_o own_o law_n bind_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o though_o their_o decree_n pass_v no_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o the_o divine_a law_n direct_o and_o immediate_o bind_v their_o conscience_n to_o obey_v they_o and_o god_n have_v annex_v the_o same_o penalty_n to_o disobedience_n to_o their_o law_n as_o to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n because_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o his_o own_o immediate_a command_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o duty_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n that_o be_v of_o compliance_n with_o my_o neighbour_n weakness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v that_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n it_o be_v so_o too_o to_o take_v off_o the_o immediate_a obligation_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o when_o these_o two_o the_o public_a command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a and_o the_o private_a offence_n of_o a_o honest_a neighbour_n countermand_v each_o other_o if_o the_o latter_a prevail_v then_o may_v it_o forbid_v what_o god_n have_v make_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o disobey_v he_o out_o of_o compliance_n with_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n more_o severe_a and_o peremptory_a than_o those_o that_o command_v obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o may_v decline_v this_o duty_n only_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n why_o not_o any_o why_o not_o all_o this_o then_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o must_v be_v do_v and_o as_o for_o all_o its_o casual_a and_o equivocal_a event_n no_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v to_o provide_v against_o they_o and_o if_o other_o man_n will_v be_v offend_v because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n that_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o i_o and_o better_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n than_o the_o author_n of_o my_o own_o no_o man_n folly_n or_o ignorance_n can_v cancel_v my_o obligation_n to_o god_n or_o god_n vicegerent_n and_o in_o all_o case_n where_o there_o be_v any_o competition_n between_o scandal_n and_o a_o command_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o lawful_a authority_n there_o be_v no_o other_o difficulty_n to_o be_v resolve_v than_o whether_o i_o shall_v disobey_v god_n or_o displease_v my_o foolish_a neighbour_n and_o it_o be_v one_o will_v think_v past_o all_o dispute_n that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v positive_o determine_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o duty_n the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n in_o that_o particular_a be_v not_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n leave_v to_o any_o man_n choice_n and_o prudence_n as_o all_o matter_n of_o scandal_n be_v but_o it_o must_v become_v in_o all_o case_n and_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o a_o duty_n of_o a_o precise_a absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n and_o certain_o god_n have_v make_v but_o odd_a provision_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o shall_v allow_v one_o subject_a for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o lawful_a superior_n and_o permit_v they_o the_o liberty_n to_o disobey_v the_o command_n of_o governor_n rather_o than_o displease_v one_o another_o for_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o end_v in_o a_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o all_o government_n &_o devolve_v the_o supremacy_n entire_o upon_o every_o private_a man_n that_o either_o have_v or_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o weak_a and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n for_o if_o scandal_n to_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o rescind_v the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n than_o whoever_o either_o have_v or_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o weak_a conscience_n gain_v thereby_o a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o all_o his_o superior_n and_o ve_v himself_o with_o a_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o or_o evacuate_v their_o command_n so_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o pretence_n put_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o peevish_a or_o malevolent_a person_n to_o cancel_v all_o the_o decree_n of_o prince_n and_o make_v his_o own_o humour_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o polity_n and_o law_n of_o government_n and_o become_v superior_a to_o his_o own_o superior_n only_a by_o be_v ignorant_a or_o peevish_a how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v authority_n more_o cheap_a and_o contemptible_a if_o man_n will_v study_v to_o weaken_v and_o disgrace_v it_o than_o by_o make_v its_o command_n of_o less_o force_n than_o the_o folly_n or_o perverseness_n of_o every_o arrogant_a mechanic_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n than_o to_o make_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n less_o sacred_a than_o the_o whimsy_n of_o every_o fantastic_a zealot_n in_o brief_a the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o honest_a man_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v mighty_a well_o secure_v when_o disobedience_n shall_v be_v think_v the_o product_n of_o a_o more_o exact_a and_o tender_a conscience_n when_o to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o law_n and_o make_v scruple_n of_o obey_v they_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o specific_a character_n of_o the_o godly_a party_n and_o when_o giddy_a and_o humorous_a zeal_n shall_v not_o only_o excuse_v but_o hallow_v disobedience_n when_o every_o one_o that_o have_v pride_n enough_o to_o fancy_v himself_o a_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v licence_n to_o despise_v authority_n and_o do_v as_o he_o list_v what_o a_o irresistible_a temptation_n be_v this_o to_o proud_a and_o zealous_a enthusiast_n to_o affect_v be_v troublesome_a to_o government_n and_o disobedient_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o discipline_n when_o it_o shall_v pass_v for_o the_o result_n of_o a_o more_o extraordinary_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n what_o encouragement_n can_v man_n have_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n when_o to_o dispute_v and_o dislike_v their_o law_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o great_a holiness_n and_o a_o more_o exact_a integrity_n and_o what_o a_o resistless_a inducement_n be_v this_o to_o all_o proud_a and_o fantastic_a zealot_n to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o authority_n if_o thereby_o they_o may_v gain_v the_o renown_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o more_o conspicuous_a godliness_n if_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o and_o the_o like_a pretence_n they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v how_o fatal_o and_o unavoidable_o they_o lead_v to_o anarchy_n and_o a_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o all_o government_n which_o mischief_n as_o be_v notorious_o apparent_a from_o the_o premise_n all_o the_o world_n can_v never_o prevent_v if_o the_o scandal_n of_o private_a man_n may_v ever_o dispense_v with_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a law_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o tender_a and_o unsatisfied_a conscience_n the_o absurdity_n of_o plead_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o command_v of_o public_a authority_n the_o content_n this_o pretence_n be_v but_o a_o aftergame_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a dissolution_n of_o government_n it_o be_v a_o superannuated_a pretence_n and_o be_v become_v its_o own_o confutation_n old_a scruple_n proceed_v not_o from_o tenderness_n but_o stubborness_n of_o conscience_n this_o particular_o show_v in_o their_o scruple_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n they_o affect_v their_o scruple_n out_o of_o pride_n and_o vain-glory._n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o disobedience_n that_o it_o lay_v upon_o we_o the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v ever_o of_o a_o yield_a and_o pliable_a temper_n when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o humour_n or_o insolence_n and_o be_v usual_o hardy_a enough_o not_o to_o scruple_n the_o great_a villainy_n the_o command_v of_o public_a authority_n abrogate_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o determine_v all_o irresolution_n of_o conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o all_o scruple_n be_v too_o small_a to_o weigh_v against_o the_o sin_n and_o mischief_n of_o disobedience_n the_o apostle_n apology_n viz._n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n hold_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o apparent_a duty_n but_o not_o in_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a case_n nothing_o more_o easy_a than_o to_o raise_v scruple_n no_o law_n can_v escape_v they_o this_o particular_o show_v in_o our_o own_o law_n when_o two_o obligation_n interfere_v the_o great_a always_o cancel_v the_o less_o hence_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v obedience_n to_o public_a authority_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o
be_v modesty_n it_o be_v meekness_n it_o be_v humility_n it_o be_v love_n it_o be_v peacebleness_n it_o be_v ingenuity_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o pregnant_a with_o virtue_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o anything_o can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o who_o obligation_n it_o will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o appearance_n utter_o cancel_v and_o evacuate_v as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o ensue_a proposition_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o tender_a conscience_n if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n they_o will_v not_o desire_v liberty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o will_v not_o deserve_v it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a they_o will_v choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n rather_o than_o by_o thwart_v they_o do_v what_o in_o themselves_o lie_v to_o discompose_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v rather_o venture_v to_o embroil_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o contradict_v authority_n than_o forego_v their_o own_o peremptory_a determination_n and_o make_v their_o superior_n comply_v and_o bend_v to_o their_o confidence_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v criminal_o bold_a and_o imperious_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n too_o stubborn_a insolent_a and_o presumptuous_a to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o society_n of_o man_n sect._n 4._o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a warranty_n of_o disobedience_n that_o they_o be_v outweigh_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n for_o if_o i_o doubt_v concern_v the_o injustice_n of_o my_o action_n i_o must_v also_o of_o necessity_n doubt_v of_o the_o injustice_n of_o my_o disobedience_n and_o unless_o i_o be_o absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v evil_a i_o be_o sure_a disobedience_n to_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o always_o as_o forcible_o bind_v to_o obey_v a_o scruple_v law_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n as_o to_o disobey_v it_o for_o fear_v it_o command_v a_o essential_a evil_n so_o that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n must_v always_o at_o least_o as_o much_o fright_v we_o from_o disobey_v as_o from_o obey_v any_o humane_a law_n though_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v proper_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n perfect_o determine_v and_o evacuate_v all_o doubtfulness_n and_o irresolution_n of_o conscience_n for_o if_o it_o before_o hang_v in_o suspense_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o unresolved_a whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n as_o not_o have_v competent_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o authority_n cast_v its_o command_n into_o the_o scale_n if_o in_o some_o man_n conscience_n they_o weigh_v any_o thing_n they_o can_v but_o add_v weight_n more_o than_o enough_o to_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o incline_v the_o balance_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a before_o than_o thet_o side_n that_o gain_v this_o accession_n have_v most_o reason_n now_o so_o that_o law_n do_v not_o force_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o remove_v our_o doubt_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o require_v our_o obedience_n because_o they_o destroy_v the_o equal_a probability_n of_o the_o two_o opinion_n and_o determine_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o confidence_n of_o act_v by_o direct_v it_o to_o follow_v the_o safe_a and_o most_o probable_a persuasion_n in_o that_o no_o practice_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n or_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v of_o equal_a importance_n with_o the_o prime_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o humility_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v ever_o of_o too_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o consequence_n to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a mischief_n of_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n enjoin_v any_o thing_n absolute_o and_o apparent_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o great_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o exigent_n dam_fw-ge veniam_fw-la imperator_fw-la will_v be_v a_o fair_a and_o civil_a excuse_n but_o matter_n of_o a_o less_o importance_n will_v not_o pay_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o suffer_v for_o little_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n have_v but_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o own_o folly_n that_o will_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n or_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o metaphysical_a notion_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o optatus_n to_o the_o donatist_n who_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o little_a schism_n be_v smart_a and_o severe_a 3._o nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la nega_fw-la deum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la incende_fw-la testamentum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la thus_o pone_fw-la aut_fw-la basilicas_fw-la dirue_fw-la istae_fw-la enim_fw-la res_fw-la solent_fw-la martyria_fw-la generare_fw-la matter_n wherein_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v direct_o concern_v be_v worth_a the_o die_n for_o and_o will_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o no_o indifferent_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n be_v of_o value_n enough_o to_o pay_v for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o zealot_n of_o the_o parson_n donati_n who_o be_v so_o ambitious_a to_o suffer_v imprisonment_n confiscation_n of_o good_n banishment_n and_o death_n itself_o out_o of_o a_o pertinacious_a resolution_n against_o some_o establish_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v reward_v in_o any_o other_o heaven_n but_o the_o paradise_n of_o fool_n thing_n that_o be_v essential_o evil_a no_o change_n or_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v make_v good_a and_o therefore_o no_o command_n of_o any_o superior_a can_v ever_o warrant_v or_o legitimate_a their_o practice_n but_o then_o these_o be_v always_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o weighty_a importance_n and_o of_o a_o apparent_a and_o palpable_a obliquity_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n murder_n injustice_n cruelty_n ingratitude_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v so_o clear_o and_o intrinsical_o evil_a that_o no_o end_n how_o good_a or_o great_a soever_o can_v ever_o carry_v with_o it_o goodness_n enough_o to_o abate_v or_o evacuate_v their_o malice_n but_o as_o for_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o so_o apparent_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n their_o morality_n be_v of_o so_o small_a importance_n that_o it_o can_v never_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o obligation_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n to_o preach_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 5._o 29._o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o of_o a_o express_a command_n from_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o apparent_a necessity_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o commission_n from_o its_o supreme_a governor_n to_o make_v law_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n from_o his_o great_a manifest_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a credential_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o can_v not_o but_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o give_v assent_n to_o his_o message_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o that_o out_o of_o duty_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n from_o who_o unquestionable_a law_n no_o other_o authority_n can_v ever_o derogate_v because_o it_o be_v all_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o case_n of_o certain_a absolute_a and_o notorious_a injustice_n to_o matter_n of_o a_o small_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a nature_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o quiet_a of_o government_n and_o infinite_o distant_a from_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o plea_n be_v in_o a_o case_n of_o great_a evident_a and_o unquestionable_a necessity_n but_o what_o warrant_n be_v that_o for_o my_o disobedience_n when_o i_o only_o fear_v or_o fancy_v the_o law_n to_o be_v unjust_a which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o of_o moment_n enough_o to_o weigh_v against_o the_o mischief_n and_o enormity_n that_o follow_v upon_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o doubtful_a and_o less_o considerable_a case_n that_o side_n on_o which_o obedience_n stand_v must_v ever_o carry_v it_o and_o no_o man_n that_o be_v either_o wise_a or_o good_a will_v ever_o trouble_v
conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o affair_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n i._n e._n a_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n but_o not_o of_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o inviolable_a freedom_n to_o examine_v the_o goodness_n of_o all_o law_n moral_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o their_o suitableness_n to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o as_o for_o the_o practice_n and_o all_o outward_a action_n either_o of_o virtue_n or_o devotion_n they_o be_v equal_o governable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o man_n may_v with_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o reason_n challenge_v a_o exemption_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o common_a honesty_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o they_o plead_v a_o liberty_n from_o all_o authority_n in_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n because_o they_o have_v a_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n in_o both_o but_o of_o practice_n in_o neither_o §_o 2._o and_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v found_v the_o duty_n or_o rather_o privilege_n of_o christian_n liberty_n viz._n to_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o a_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o humane_a nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v so_o high_o solicitous_a not_o to_o have_v it_o far_o restrain_v than_o needs_o must_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o pure_a speculation_n it_o leave_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n entire_o free_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v usurp_v upon_o by_o any_o authority_n whatsoever_o and_o whatsoever_o opinion_n any_o man_n entertain_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o injure_v no_o man_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o commence_v any_o quarrel_n with_o he_o for_o it_o every_o man_n here_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o not_o for_o other_o and_o matter_n of_o mere_a opinion_n have_v no_o reference_n to_o the_o public_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o public_a judgement_n to_o determine_v they_o but_o as_o for_o those_o action_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o public_a good_a or_o ill_a of_o mankind_n though_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a law_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v far_a than_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o in_o those_o very_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o have_v grant_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n a_o power_n over_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n it_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o exercise_v any_o authority_n over_o their_o judgement_n but_o leave_v they_o utter_o free_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v object_n of_o mere_a opinion_n and_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o hence_o though_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lawful_a superior_n may_v change_v indifferent_a thing_n into_o necessary_a duty_n yet_o they_o can_v restrain_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o judge_a thing_n thus_o determine_v to_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o do_v they_o be_v not_o fetch_v from_o any_o antecedent_n necessity_n in_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o superven_a command_n of_o authority_n to_o which_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o that_o christian_a liberty_n or_o the_o inward_a freedom_n of_o our_o judgement_n may_v be_v preserve_v inviolable_a under_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o be_v outward_a and_o concern_v only_o the_o action_n not_o judgement_n of_o man_n because_o the_o outward_a determination_n to_o one_o particular_a rather_o than_o another_o do_v not_o abrogate_v the_o inward_a indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n arise_v not_o from_o any_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o either_o from_o some_o emergent_a and_o changeable_a circumstance_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n or_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o absolute_a indispensableness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n therefore_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o christian_a liberty_n relate_v only_o to_o our_o inward_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o provide_v this_o be_v keep_v inviolate_a it_o matter_n not_o as_o to_o that_o concern_v what_o restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o our_o cutward_a action_n in_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v free_v our_o conscience_n from_o the_o power_n of_o thing_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o from_o that_o of_o government_n we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o matter_n but_o not_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o obey_v the_o determination_n of_o our_o superior_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o we_o retain_v the_o power_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o be_v still_o free_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n though_o not_o as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n §_o 3._o neither_o be_v this_o prerogative_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n so_o much_o any_o new_a favour_n grant_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o its_o natural_a privilege_n by_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n whereby_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n with_o as_o indispensable_a a_o obligation_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o essential_a goodness_n &_o equity_n during_o the_o whole_a period_n of_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n which_o be_v cancel_v by_o the_o gospel_n those_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v make_v necessary_a by_o a_o divine_a positive_a command_n return_v to_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v use_v or_o omit_v only_o as_o occasion_n shall_v direct_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o that_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v so_o earnest_a a_o assertor_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n never_o scruple_v to_o use_v they_o when_o ever_o he_o think_v it_o serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o circumcision_n of_o timothy_n to_o which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v condescend_v out_o of_o observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_n to_o do_v it_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n shall_v direct_v he_o and_o though_o in_o his_o discourse_n of_o christian_a liberty_n he_o instance_n only_o in_o circumcision_n meat_n and_o drink_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a ordinance_n which_o be_v then_o the_o particular_n most_o in_o dispute_n between_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o jew_n yet_o by_o the_o clear_a analogy_n of_o reason_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o judicial_a law_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n command_v by_o moses_n that_o be_v not_o either_o rule_n of_o eternal_a goodness_n or_o express_o establish_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v its_o clear_a and_o most_o important_a design_n to_o reprieve_v mankind_n from_o all_o the_o burdensome_a and_o arbitrary_a imposition_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o goodness_n than_o their_o be_v instance_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o tie_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o we_o than_o such_o who_o natural_a and_o intrinsic_a goodness_n shall_v carry_v with_o they_o their_o own_o eternal_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o our_o superior_n impose_v upon_o we_o whether_o in_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o any_o other_o duty_n of_o morality_n it_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o entrenchment_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o impose_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o §_o 4._o now_o the_o design_n of_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v upon_o this_o article_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o show_v the_o manifest_a impertinency_n of_o all_o those_o little_a objection_n man_n force_v from_o it_o against_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n jurisdiction_n over_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o religion_n whereas_o this_o relate_v entire_o to_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o the_o inward_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o withal_o my_o purpose_n be_v main_o by_o exempt_n all_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o
to_o be_v rogue_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v §_o 6._o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n mankind_n be_v leave_v in_o as_o ill_a a_o condition_n after_o they_o have_v by_o pact_n and_o covenant_n unite_v into_o society_n and_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n of_o war._n for_o all_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a trust_n be_v according_a to_o its_o own_o rule_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n invalid_a because_o under_o that_o man_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o their_o action_n but_o their_o interest_n and_o therefore_o as_o that_o may_v invite_v they_o in_o some_o circumstance_n to_o enter_v into_o bond_n and_o contract_n so_o it_o may_v in_o other_o to_o break_v they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o government_n all_o their_o promise_n oath_n and_o contract_n will_v prove_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n partly_o because_o the_o force_n of_o all_o contract_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o government_n arise_v from_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o first_o compact_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o it_o can_v have_v no_o validity_n partly_o because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o tie_n but_o that_o of_o self-interest_n and_o so_o can_v lay_v no_o other_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v they_o than_o they_o may_v have_v do_v before_o and_o therefore_o if_o mankind_n be_v once_o suppose_v in_o this_o natural_a state_n of_o war_n they_o can_v never_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o after_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n of_o peace_n they_o will_v remain_v as_o much_o as_o before_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o war_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o same_o danger_n and_o misery_n that_o will_v have_v annoy_v they_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n for_o if_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o law_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o nature_n no_o covenant_n be_v of_o power_n enough_o to_o bring_v we_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o they_o now_o have_v thus_o clear_o blow_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o be_v but_o labour_n in_o vain_a to_o make_v particular_a inquiry_n into_o all_o the_o flaw_n and_o folly_n of_o its_o superstructure_n see_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n stand_v and_o fall_v together_o for_o if_o its_o subsequent_a proposition_n be_v coherent_o deduce_v from_o these_o fundamental_a principle_n all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o premise_n be_v once_o convict_v of_o falsehood_n all_o pretence_n to_o truth_n in_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o vanish_v and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v true_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o but_o other_o principle_n thus_o though_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o assign_v may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n yet_o because_o upon_o those_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o assign_v they_o they_o will_v be_v no_o law_n that_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o error_n and_o vanity_n of_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n see_v how_o good_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o upon_o the_o principle_n and_o in_o the_o method_n in_o which_o he_o propose_v they_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o that_o self-interest_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n the_o interest_n of_o civil_a society_n come_v thereby_o to_o be_v no_o better_o secure_v with_o than_o without_o they_o because_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o force_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o compact_a all_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o act_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o think_v it_o advantageous_a and_o when_o they_o have_v the_o utmost_a force_n his_o principle_n can_v give_v they_o no_o man_n will_v think_v they_o oblige_v he_o when_o ever_o he_o apprehend_v they_o disadvantageous_a so_o that_o this_o malignant_a principle_n of_o mere_a self-interest_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a systeme_n and_o twist_v itself_o with_o every_o branch_n of_o his_o morality_n it_o do_v not_o only_o eat_v out_o and_o enervate_a its_o native_a life_n and_o vigour_n but_o withal_o envenom_v their_o natural_a truth_n and_o soundness_n with_o its_o own_o malignity_n which_o principle_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o influence_n it_o have_v on_o other_o part_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v prevent_v and_o withal_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v ruin_v viz._n his_o absurd_a and_o imaginary_a state_n of_o nature_n we_o have_v perhaps_o cashier_v all_o that_o be_v either_o base_a or_o peculiar_a in_o it_o and_o restore_v the_o true_a account_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o right_a reason_n viz._n that_o all_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o happiness_n from_o the_o very_a design_n of_o their_o creation_n that_o this_o can_v be_v acquire_v without_o mutual_a aid_n and_o friendship_n and_o therefore_o right_a reason_n dictate_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o concern_v for_o his_o neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o because_o this_o be_v make_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o mutual_a exchange_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n man_n support_v one_o another_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n chap._n v._n a_o confutation_n of_o the_o consequence_n that_o some_o man_n draw_v from_o mr._n hobs_n principle_n in_o behalf_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o content_n how_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o imposture_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v become_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o fashionable_a argument_n for_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n yet_o because_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v without_o it_o they_o be_v the_o most_o mischievous_a enemy_n to_o government_n that_o tell_v the_o world_n it_o be_v so_o religion_n be_v useful_a or_o dangerous_a in_o a_o state_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o mind_n it_o breed_v be_v peaceable_a or_o turbulent_a the_o dread_n of_o invisible_a power_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o awe_v people_n into_o subjection_n but_o tend_v more_o probable_o to_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n this_o large_o prove_v by_o the_o ungovernableness_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o temper_n of_o some_o sect_n fanaticism_n be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o common_a people_n as_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n and_o yet_o be_v more_o mischievous_a to_o government_n than_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n how_o the_o fanatic_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o sedition_n to_o permit_v different_a sect_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v only_o to_o keep_v up_o so_o many_o incurable_a pretence_n and_o occasion_n of_o public_a disturbance_n the_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n make_v toleration_n infinite_o unsafe_a toleration_n only_o cry_v up_o by_o oppress_a party_n because_o it_o give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o overturn_v the_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n every_o man_n that_o desire_v indulgence_n be_v engage_v by_o his_o principle_n to_o endeavour_v change_n and_o alteration_n a_o bare_a indulgence_n of_o man_n in_o any_o religion_n different_a from_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o worship_n do_v but_o exasperate_v they_o against_o the_o state_n §_o 1._o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o pursue_v this_o principle_n be_v because_o it_o be_v become_v the_o most_o powerful_a patron_n of_o the_o fanatic_a interest_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o indifferency_n or_o rather_o imposture_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v now_o make_v the_o most_o effectual_a not_o to_o say_v most_o fashionable_a argument_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o when_o man_n have_v once_o swallow_v this_o principle_n that_o mankind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o proceed_v suitable_o to_o its_o consequence_n to_o believe_v that_o no_o religion_n can_v obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n till_o it_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o supreme_a authority_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o law_n to_o any_o man_n till_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o no_o man_n be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n unless_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n require_v it_o and_o that_o set_v aside_o their_o command_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o believe_v our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o villainous_a and_o lewd_a impostor_n and_o that_o if_o the_o sovereign_a power_n will_v declare_v the_o alcoran_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o the_o
undetermined_a but_o because_o every_o action_n must_v be_v do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o be_v vest_v with_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o and_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v with_o fantastic_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o all_o the_o folly_n &_o indecency_n that_o ignorance_n and_o superstitious_a zeal_n will_v introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o the_o public_a law_n shall_v determine_v some_o circumstance_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o have_v at_o least_o this_o advantage_n that_o they_o provide_v against_o the_o mischief_n of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o we_o place_v no_o antecedent_n necessity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n but_o only_o think_v it_o high_o convenient_a if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o some_o be_v prescribe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o handsomeness_n and_o beauty_n in_o these_o that_o be_v prescribe_v and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o be_v determine_v and_o because_o these_o be_v rather_o than_o divers_a other_o already_o settle_v we_o think_v they_o have_v a_o indispensable_a necessity_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o consequent_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o authority_n no_o man_n affirm_v that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o without_o a_o surplice_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v but_o requisite_a that_o public_a worship_n shall_v be_v perform_v with_o beauty_n and_o solemnity_n and_o because_o the_o use_n of_o this_o vestment_n be_v but_o handsome_a and_o beautiful_a and_o prevent_v slovenliness_n and_o indecency_n it_o be_v but_o agreeable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v enjoin_v as_o any_o other_o decent_a habit_n may_v have_v be_v and_o when_o this_o be_v single_v out_o by_o authority_n it_o than_o become_v consequential_o necessary_a whereas_o those_o who_o forbid_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o sinful_a and_o lay_v obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v innocent_a and_o make_v that_o necessary_a not_o to_o be_v do_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o make_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v usurp_v upon_o man_n conscience_n by_o impose_v fetter_n on_o they_o where_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o free_a and_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o palpable_a piece_n of_o superstition_n by_o teach_v their_o own_o prohibition_n for_o doctrine_n and_o so_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o make_v it_o a_o mortal_a and_o damnable_a sin_n to_o do_v what_o be_v innocent_a and_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v or_o at_o least_o just_o may_v inflict_v eternal_a torment_n upon_o man_n for_o make_v their_o address_n to_o he_o rather_o in_o a_o cleanly_a white_a vestment_n than_o in_o a_o tailor_n cloak_n or_o perhaps_o in_o mechanical_a querpo_n sect._n ii_o and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o outcry_n against_o will-worship_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o against_o superstition_n for_o it_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o it_o and_o be_v criminal_a no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v superstitious_a now_o when_o they_o exclaim_v against_o superstition_n they_o mean_v only_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o consist_v in_o will-worship_n and_o when_o against_o will-worship_n it_o be_v only_a as_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o superstition_n so_o that_o these_o two_o impertinent_a clamour_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o different_a denomination_n and_o so_o amount_v but_o to_o one_o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o will-worship_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o than_o in_o man_n make_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o invention_n necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n whereby_o they_o make_v that_o requisite_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o require_v and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n whether_o this_o be_v do_v by_o injunction_n or_o prohibition_n and_o they_o that_o affirm_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o a_o action_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_a to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n and_o therefore_o if_o these_o man_n make_v it_o necessary_a to_o forbear_v what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v they_o teach_v their_o own_o fancy_n for_o doctrine_n and_o impose_v something_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n on_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n conscience_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o impose_v and_o withal_o so_o unworthy_o misrepresent_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o to_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v such_o a_o abhorrency_n to_o a_o thing_n so_o innocent_a as_o a_o white_a garment_n that_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o under_o his_o everlasting_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a be_v as_o well_o in_o their_o as_o our_o esteem_v mortal_a &_o damnable_a but_o then_o as_o for_o our_o own_o part_n they_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o guilty_a of_o this_o piece_n of_o folly_n than_o we_o be_v clear_a and_o innocent_a from_o its_o very_a suspicion_n because_o all_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o posture_n and_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n capable_a of_o be_v part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o use_v and_o impose_v they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v lamentable_o precarious_a to_o charge_v the_o determination_n of_o they_o with_o will-worship_n because_o that_o consist_v in_o make_v those_o thing_n part_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o so_o that_o when_o the_o church_n express_o declare_v against_o this_o use_n of_o they_o and_o only_o injoin_v they_o as_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o it_o can_v by_o impose_v they_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o provide_v that_o what_o god_n have_v require_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o orderly_a manner_n sect._n 12._o and_o then_o as_o for_o christian_a liberty_n why_o shall_v we_o suffer_v they_o so_o far_o to_o invade_v we_o as_o to_o renounce_v those_o thing_n as_o criminal_a which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v innocent_a and_o if_o thing_n indifferent_a when_o enjoin_v lose_v not_o only_o their_o liberty_n but_o their_o lawfulness_n then_o why_o not_o when_o forbid_v and_o that_o by_o a_o incompetent_a authority_n when_o our_o superior_n impose_v rule_n of_o decency_n and_o law_n of_o discipline_n they_o do_v not_o infringe_v our_o christian_a liberty_n because_o they_o do_v not_o abolish_v the_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o alone_o it_o consist_v and_o though_o they_o become_v thereby_o necessary_a duty_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n or_o some_o emergent_a reason_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n whereas_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o only_o abridge_v our_o liberty_n but_o also_o lay_v insolent_a confinement_n upon_o the_o supreme_a power_n by_o make_v thing_n indifferent_a so_o absolute_o unlawful_a that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o just_a command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v sinful_a how_o oft_o and_o how_o plain_o have_v they_o be_v tell_v that_o when_o authority_n injoin_v thing_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o encroach_a upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n that_o it_o rather_o confirm_v it_o in_o that_o this_o suppose_n that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v either_o do_v or_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o determine_v by_o public_a law_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v indifferent_a yet_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v not_o whereas_o when_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v their_o governor_n to_o enjoin_v these_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o do_v will_v not_o obey_v their_o injunction_n do_v they_o not_o apparent_o entrench_v upon_o our_o liberty_n by_o make_v what_o christ_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a necessary_a and_o under_o pretence_n of_o assert_v their_o christian_a liberty_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o confine_v the_o right_n of_o authority_n but_o to_o all_o this_o as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v they_o attend_v but_o they_o still_o deaf_o proceed_v in_o their_o old_a clamour_n which_o be_v too_o clear_a a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o dictate_v their_o exception_n but_o humour_n prejudice_n and_o peevishness_n sect._n 13
his_o governor_n with_o nice_a and_o curious_a dispute_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n stifle_v all_o scruple_n and_o trifle_a objection_n and_o thus_o where_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o find_v none_o more_o compliant_a and_o conformable_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o apostle_n free_o use_v any_o custom_n of_o the_o synagogue_n or_o jewish_a church_n that_o be_v not_o express_o cancel_v by_o some_o divine_a prohibition_n but_o further_a this_o their_o apology_n be_v as_o forcible_a a_o plea_n in_o concern_v of_o civil_a justice_n and_o common_a honesty_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o hold_v equal_o in_o both_o in_o case_n of_o a_o certain_a and_o essential_a injustice_n and_o fail_v equal_o in_o both_o in_o doubtful_a and_o less_o material_a case_n and_o be_v as_o fair_o urge_v by_o that_o famous_a lawyer_n papinian_n who_o upon_o this_o account_n when_o the_o emperor_n command_v he_o to_o defend_v and_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o parricide_n choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o patronize_v so_o monstrous_a a_o villainy_n here_o the_o wickedness_n be_v great_a and_o palpable_a but_o in_o matter_n more_o doubtful_a and_o less_o material_a where_o the_o case_n be_v nice_a and_o curious_a and_o not_o capable_a of_o any_o great_a interest_n or_o great_a reason_n there_o obedience_n outweigh_v and_o evacuate_v all_o doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n and_o what_o wise_a or_o honest_a man_n will_v offend_v or_o provoke_v his_o superior_n upon_o thin_a pretence_n and_o for_o little_a regard_n and_o if_o every_o man_n that_o can_v raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o nice_a exception_n against_o a_o law_n shall_v therefore_o set_v himself_o free_a from_o its_o obligation_n then_o farewell_n all_o peace_n and_o all_o government_n for_o what_o more_o easy_a to_o any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o fundamental_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o moral_a equity_n than_o to_o pick_v more_o material_a quarrel_n against_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n than_o our_o adversary_n can_v pretend_v to_o against_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o now_o shall_v a_o philosopher_n be_v excuse_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n because_o he_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o make_v exception_n to_o their_o prudence_n and_o convenience_n and_o to_o prove_v they_o not_o so_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n as_o himself_o can_v have_v contrive_v what_o if_o i_o be_o real_o persuade_v that_o i_o can_v raise_v much_o more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o littleton_n tenor_n than_o ever_o these_o man_n have_v or_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v against_o our_o ceremonial_a constitution_n though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o my_o conceit_n yet_o whether_o i_o be_o or_o be_o not_o it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o i_o be_o confident_a and_o now_o it_o will_v be_v mighty_o conducive_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o justice_n and_o public_a peace_n for_o i_o and_o all_o other_o of_o my_o fond_a persuasion_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o make_v remonstrance_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o petition_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n to_o leave_v we_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o discretion_n to_o follow_v the_o best_a light_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o setlement_n of_o our_o own_o estate_n because_o we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v it_o more_o exact_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a justice_n than_o if_o we_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o the_o land_n thus_o that_o groundless_a and_o arbitrary_a maxim_n of_o the_o law_n that_o inheritance_n may_v lineal_o descend_v but_o not_o lineal_o ascend_v whereby_o the_o father_n be_v make_v uncapable_a of_o be_v immediate_a heir_n to_o the_o son_n will_v be_v think_v by_o a_o philosopher_n prejudicial_a to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o equal_a and_o most_o ingenuous_a law_n of_o nature_n viz._n the_o gratitude_n of_o child_n to_o parent_n which_o this_o law_n seem_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o hinder_v by_o alienate_v those_o thing_n from_o they_o whereby_o we_o be_v best_a able_a to_o express_v it_o what_o if_o i_o have_v be_v happy_a in_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a father_n that_o have_v be_v strange_o solicitous_a to_o leave_v i_o furnish_v with_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n that_o decline_v not_o to_o forego_v any_o share_n of_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o happiness_n to_o procure_v i_o that_o have_v spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o care_n and_o industry_n to_o bless_v i_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o ability_n with_o a_o good_a fortune_n and_o a_o good_a education_n and_o have_v perhaps_o out_o of_o a_o overtend_a solicitude_n for_o my_o welfare_n reduce_v himself_o to_o great_a straits_n and_o exigence_n how_o monstrous_a &_o unnatural_a must_v the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o law_n appear_v to_o i_o that_o when_o the_o bounty_n of_o providence_n have_v blessed_v i_o with_o a_o fortune_n answerable_a to_o the_o good_a old_a man_n desire_n and_o endeavour_n if_o i_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o he_o by_o a_o untimely_a death_n all_o that_o whereby_o i_o be_o able_a to_o recompense_v his_o fatherly_a tenderness_n shall_v in_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o law_n be_v convey_v from_o he_o to_o another_o person_n the_o stream_n of_o who_o affection_n be_v confine_v to_o another_o channel_n and_o who_o be_v much_o concern_v for_o his_o own_o family_n can_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v but_o little_a concern_v for_o i_o what_o a_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a law_n be_v this_o that_o design_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o natural_a affection_n and_o dispose_v of_o our_o possession_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a first_o tendency_n and_o obligation_n of_o nature_n so_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o talk_v little_a plausibility_n against_o any_o law_n who_o obligation_n be_v positive_a and_o not_o of_o a_o prime_n and_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o yet_o downright_a rebellion_n it_o will_v be_v if_o i_o or_o any_o man_n else_o shall_v refuse_v subjection_n to_o these_o and_o the_o like_a law_n upon_o these_o &_o the_o like_a pretence_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v be_v the_o case_n all_o the_o way_n equal_a between_o law_n civil_a and_o law_n ecclesiastical_a in_o all_o matter_n great_o and_o notorious_o wicked_a the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n outweigh_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o in_o all_o case_n less_o certain_a and_o less_o material_a the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n outweigh_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v from_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o consideration_n great_a enough_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n to_o consider_v its_o authority_n and_o therefore_o sect._n 5._o as_o the_o object_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v of_o too_o mean_a importance_n to_o weigh_v against_o the_o mischief_n of_o disobedience_n so_o be_v its_o obligation_n too_o weak_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o command_n of_o public_a authority_n for_o when_o two_o contradictory_n obligation_n happen_v to_o encounter_v the_o great_a ever_o cancel_v the_o less_o because_o if_o all_o good_a be_v eligible_a then_o so_o be_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o goodness_n too_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o great_a good_a stand_v our_o duty_n must_v ever_o incline_v otherwise_o we_o despise_v all_o those_o degree_n of_o goodness_n it_o contain_v in_o it_o above_o the_o other_o for_o in_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o goodness_n there_o be_v great_a inequality_n and_o variety_n of_o degree_n some_o be_v prescribe_v for_o their_o own_o native_a excellency_n &_o usefulness_n and_o other_o pure_o for_o their_o subserviency_n to_o these_o now_o when_o a_o great_a &_o a_o lesser_a virtue_n happen_v to_o clash_v as_o it_o frequent_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o transaction_n of_o humane_a affair_n there_o the_o less_o always_o give_v place_n to_o the_o great_a because_o it_o be_v good_a only_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o where_o its_o subordination_n cease_v there_o its_o goodness_n cease_v and_o by_o consequence_n its_o obligation_n for_o no_o subordinate_a or_o instrumental_a duty_n be_v absolute_o command_v or_o commend_v but_o become_v good_a or_o evil_n by_o their_o accidental_a relation_n their_o goodness_n be_v not_o intrinsic_a but_o depend_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o end_n and_o their_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o good_a end_n if_o they_o be_v not_o intrinsical_o evil_a make_v they_o virtuous_a because_o their_o morality_n be_v entire_o relative_a and_o
changeable_a and_o so_o alter_v its_o colour_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n by_o its_o several_a aspect_n and_o posture_n to_o various_a and_o different_a end_n and_o therefore_o they_o never_o carry_v any_o obligation_n in_o they_o when_o they_o interfere_v with_o high_a &_o more_o useful_a duty_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v because_o though_o two_o inferior_a and_o subordinate_a duty_n may_v sometime_o happen_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o each_o other_o or_o with_o some_o duty_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o unalterable_a goodness_n yet_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o handsome_o contrive_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o thing_n shall_v ever_o happen_v so_o cross_o as_o to_o make_v two_o essential_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n stand_v at_o mutual_a opposite_a on_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v force_v to_o act_v against_o one_o out_o of_o compliance_n with_o the_o other_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o contrariety_n between_o a_o natural_a and_o instrumental_a duty_n there_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a evacuate_v the_o less_o if_o between_o two_o instrumental_a duty_n it_o can_v scarce_o so_o fall_v out_o but_o that_o some_o emergent_a circumstance_n shall_v make_v one_o of_o they_o the_o more_o necessary_a but_o if_o they_o be_v both_o equal_o eligible_a there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n and_o a_o man_n may_v do_v as_o he_o please_v it_o be_v indeed_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n by_o his_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n to_o entangle_v himself_o in_o this_o sad_a perplexity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o culpable_a error_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a and_o every_o sinful_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v voluntary_a and_o vincible_a and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o sinful_a error_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o avoid_v they_o and_o if_o they_o resolve_v to_o abuse_v themselves_o no_o wonder_n if_o their_o sin_n be_v unavoidable_a but_o then_o the_o necessity_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o so_o all_o sin_n be_v inevitable_a when_o the_o peremptory_a determination_n of_o the_o will_n have_v make_v it_o necessary_a but_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o goodness_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v so_o wise_o contrive_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a any_o circumstance_n shall_v ever_o fall_v out_o so_o awkardly_a as_o to_o make_v one_o sin_n the_o only_a way_n to_o escape_v another_o or_o a_o necessary_a passage_n to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o general_a rule_n of_o conscience_n to_o our_o particular_a case_n there_o be_v not_o any_o precept_n in_o the_o gospel_n set_v down_o in_o more_o positive_a and_o unlimited_a expression_n or_o urge_v with_o more_o vehement_a motive_n and_o persuasion_n than_o obedience_n to_o government_n because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o duty_n of_o a_o weighty_a and_o more_o important_a necessity_n than_o this_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o god_n have_v enjoin_v it_o with_o such_o a_o absolute_a and_o unrestrained_a severity_n thereby_o to_o intimate_v that_o nothing_o can_v restrain_v the_o universality_n of_o its_o obligatory_a power_n but_o evident_a &_o unquestionable_a disobedience_n to_o himself_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o original_n and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o only_a advantage_n that_o distinguish_v government_n from_o anarchy_n this_o take_v away_o all_o dissension_n by_o reduce_v every_o man_n private_a will_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o public_a authority_n whereas_o without_o it_o every_o single_a person_n be_v his_o own_o governor_n and_o no_o man_n else_o have_v any_o power_n or_o command_v over_o his_o action_n i._n e._n he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o government_n and_o society_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v obedience_n and_o condescension_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o public_a authority_n one_o of_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o mankind_n as_o be_v so_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o humane_a society_n now_o a_o conscience_n that_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o its_o governor_n subvert_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o civil_a society_n that_o subsist_v upon_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o man_n submit_v their_o own_o judgement_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o authority_n in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o setlement_n without_o which_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v eternal_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o private_a conscience_n happen_v to_o thwart_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a law_n they_o in_o that_o case_n lose_v their_o bind_a power_n because_o if_o in_o that_o case_n they_o shall_v oblige_v it_o will_v unavoidable_o involve_v all_o society_n in_o perpetual_a tumult_n and_o disorder_n whereas_o the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o humane_a law_n be_v the_o prosperity_n and_o preservation_n of_o humane_a society_n so_o that_o where_o any_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o government_n and_o undermine_v of_o humane_a happiness_n though_o in_o other_o circumstance_n it_o be_v virtuous_a yet_o in_o this_o it_o become_v criminal_a as_o destroy_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a goodness_n than_o itself_o and_o hence_o though_o a_o doubtful_a and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n shall_v oblige_v in_o all_o other_o case_n yet_o when_o its_o command_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n there_o its_o obligatory_a power_n immediate_o cease_v because_o to_o act_v against_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o vast_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a purpose_n than_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o that_o every_o man_n that_o thwart_v and_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n do_v his_o part_n to_o disturb_v its_o public_a peace_n that_o be_v maintain_v by_o nothing_o else_o but_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o its_o law_n now_o this_o be_v manifest_o a_o big_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n than_o the_o forego_n of_o any_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n can_v amount_v to_o and_o therefore_o unless_o authority_n impose_v upon_o i_o something_o that_o carry_v with_o it_o more_o evil_a and_o mischief_n than_o there_o be_v convenience_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n i_o be_o indispensable_o bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o though_o i_o scrupulous_o fear_v lest_o the_o magistrate_n injunction_n shall_v be_v superstitious_a yet_o because_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a they_o be_v so_o and_o because_o a_o little_a irregularity_n in_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o divine_a worship_n carry_v with_o it_o less_o mischief_n and_o enormity_n than_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n i_o be_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o lay_v aside_o my_o doubt_n rather_o than_o disobey_v the_o law_n because_o to_o preserve_v it_o natural_o tend_v to_o vast_a mischief_n and_o confusion_n whereas_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o my_o act_n against_o it_o be_v but_o doubtful_a and_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a yet_o it_o be_v small_a and_o comparative_o inconsiderable_a and_o therefore_o to_o act_v against_o the_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v criminal_a that_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o imply_v in_o it_o beside_o its_o subserviency_n to_o the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o modesty_n peaceableness_n and_o humility_n and_o as_o for_o what_o some_o be_v forward_o enough_o to_o object_n that_o this_o be_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a exception_n and_o prevent_v in_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v in_o that_o that_o rule_n be_v concern_v only_o in_o thing_n absolute_o and_o essential_o evil_a who_o nature_n no_o case_n can_v alter_v no_o circumstance_n can_v extenuate_v and_o no_o end_n can_v sanctify_v but_o thing_n that_o be_v only_o subservient_o good_a or_o evil_n derive_v all_o their_o virtue_n from_o the_o great_a virtue_n they_o wait_v upon_o and_o therefore_o where_o a_o mean_a or_o a_o instrumental_a duty_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o a_o essential_a virtue_n its_o contrariety_n destroy_v its_o goodness_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v less_o virtuous_a become_v altogether_o sinful_a for_o though_o it_o have_v abstract_o some_o degree_n of_o goodness_n yet_o when_o it_o chance_v to_o oppose_v any_o duty_n that_o have_v more_o and_o more_o excellent_a degree_n it_o become_v evil_a and_o unreasonable_a by_o as_o many_o degree_n as_o that_o excel_v it_o and_o one_o will_v think_v this_o case_n shall_v be_v past_a dispute_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a controversy_n that_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o
any_o war_n be_v commence_v upon_o just_a and_o warrantable_a ground_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v their_o lawfulness_n all_o man_n here_o think_v their_o prince_n command_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o in_o case_n the_o cause_n prove_v to_o be_v unjust_a the_o fault_n liesentire_o upon_o he_o that_o command_v and_o not_o at_o all_o on_o he_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o obey_v and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o that_o no_o subject_a be_v bind_v to_o take_v up_o arm_n till_o himself_o have_v approve_v the_o justness_n of_o the_o cause_n commonwealth_n must_v be_v brave_o secure_v and_o their_o safety_n must_v lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o humoursome_a and_o pragmatical_a fellow_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o piece_n of_o arrogance_n do_v man_n tempt_v themselves_o when_o they_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v more_o godly_a than_o their_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o gallant_a thing_n to_o understand_v religion_n better_o than_o their_o superior_n and_o to_o pity_v their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o seem_v to_o compassionate_v their_o weakness_n to_o despise_v their_o authority_n but_o if_o prince_n will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v control_v by_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o these_o contentious_a zealot_n they_o do_v but_o tempt_v they_o to_o slight_v both_o their_o person_n and_o their_o government_n and_o if_o they_o will_v endure_v to_o be_v check_v in_o their_o law_n spiritual_a and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o every_o systematical_a theologue_n and_o most_o not_o to_o say_v the_o best_a of_o our_o adversary_n be_v little_o better_o they_o may_v as_o well_o bear_v to_o see_v themselves_o affront_v in_o their_o law_n civil_a and_o government_n of_o the_o state_n by_o every_o village-attorney_n and_o solicitor_n well_o then_o all_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o government_n be_v bind_v in_o all_o matter_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a to_o submit_v the_o dictate_v of_o private_a conscience_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o public_a authority_n nor_o do_v this_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o only_o by_o alter_v the_o case_n alter_v his_o persuasion_n i.e._n though_o every_o man_n consider_v absolute_o and_o by_o himself_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n then_o must_v be_v govern_v than_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v his_o own_o private_a thought_n to_o public_a determination_n and_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v not_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a that_o it_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o great_a &_o apparent_a necessity_n whatever_o be_v own_o private_a judgement_n of_o they_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o its_o governor_n in_o order_n to_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n for_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o eternal_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o passion_n of_o mankind_n as_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o pursue_v their_o difference_n and_o controversy_n with_o too_o much_o heat_n &_o vehemence_n and_o therefore_o unless_o whatever_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n be_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o order_n to_o its_o peace_n and_o setlement_n there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o avoid_v endless_a squabble_n and_o confusion_n and_o unless_o this_o be_v a_o fundamental_a rule_n &_o dictate_v of_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n to_o follow_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o best_a result_n of_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n where_o he_o neither_o have_v nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v any_o other_o guide_n or_o rule_v of_o his_o action_n so_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forego_v they_o all_o provide_v his_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n be_v secure_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a government_n of_o the_o society_n there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o peace_n or_o setlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o every_o conscience_n that_o be_v not_o thus_o persuade_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v reckon_v as_o seditious_a and_o unpeaceable_a and_o so_o to_o be_v treat_v according_o sect._n 7._o he_o that_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o confidence_n resign_v up_o his_o own_o reason_n to_o any_o superior_a on_o earth_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o he_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fool_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o will_v do_v it_o in_o nothing_o for_o as_o all_o man_n be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o god_n alone_o in_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a dispute_n so_o be_v they_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o put_v man_n upon_o that_o supreme_a folly_n of_o renounce_v the_o use_n and_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n out_o of_o obedience_n to_o any_o man_n infallibility_n for_o by_o reason_n we_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n make_v use_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o prudential_a method_n to_o guide_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o maxim_n and_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n but_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o any_o knowledge_n that_o may_v be_v gain_v by_o prudence_n experience_n and_o observation_n and_o hence_o right_a reason_n when_o it_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o prudent_a discreet_a and_o reasonable_a to_o forego_v his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n in_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o lawful_a superior_n because_o without_o this_o the_o world_n can_v never_o be_v govern_v and_o suppose_v man_n judgement_n and_o understanding_n to_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o command_v of_o god_n yet_o every_o man_n owe_v at_o least_o so_o much_o civility_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o country_n as_o to_o bring_v himself_o to_o a_o compliance_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o public_a judgement_n rather_o than_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n for_o the_o gratification_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n which_o be_v no_o enslave_v of_o his_o reason_n to_o any_o man_n usurpation_n over_o his_o faith_n and_o conscience_n but_o only_o a_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o modest_a compliance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n of_o subjection_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o peaceableness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o authority_n itself_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o clear_o derive_v from_o a_o high_a obligation_n that_o all_o man_n be_v under_o to_o advance_v the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o particular_o of_o that_o society_n they_o live_v in_o that_o be_v antecedent_n to_o those_o of_o government_n which_o be_v institute_v only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o therefore_o though_o our_o duty_n in_o such_o case_n can_v not_o be_v deduce_v from_o our_o obligation_n to_o any_o humane_a authority_n yet_o it_o clear_o arise_v from_o that_o duty_n of_o charity_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o submit_v our_o understand_n to_o any_o humane_a power_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o forego_v all_o more_o private_a and_o inferior_a obligation_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n notwithstanding_o he_o declaim_v with_o so_o much_o vehemence_n against_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o judaical_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n never_o scruple_v to_o use_v they_o as_o oft_o as_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n