and_o wolvish_a nature_n and_o a_o certain_a sign_n that_o such_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n these_o be_v the_o bitter_a expression_n which_o our_o sweet-natured_a and_o tender-hearted_a answerer_n have_v not_o meet_v with_o among_o his_o socinian_n acquaintance_n and_o which_o his_o meek_a and_o gentle_a spirit_n can_v bear_v against_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o reverend_n and_o pious_a dr._n more_o far_a tell_v we_o 166._o that_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n to_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n who_o be_v style_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o signal_n and_o capital_a antichristianism_n that_o any_o policy_n can_v be_v corrupt_v with_o and_o the_o most_o gross_o and_o visible_o opposite_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n which_o bear_v all_o thing_n and_o endure_v all_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o be_v over_o severe_a to_o the_o wicked_a much_o less_o cruel_a to_o the_o good_a 72._o and_o also_o to_o the_o description_n of_o christ_n government_n who_o be_v say_v 40._o to_o redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o needy_a from_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o that_o their_o blood_n be_v precious_a in_o his_o sight_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a pastor_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n to_o be_v thus_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o sheep_n but_o such_o as_o thwack_v and_o beat_v they_o and_o violent_o drive_v they_o instead_o of_o go_v before_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o christian_a example_n these_o be_v not_o shepherd_n but_o butcher_n and_o will_v easy_o drive_v they_o to_o the_o shambles_n and_o see_v their_o throat_n cut_v without_o remorse_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n as_o he_o true_o say_v of_o the_o true_a christian_a pastor_n to_o be_v thus_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o sheep_n what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o those_o who_o not_o only_o thwack_v and_o beat_v and_o violent_o drive_v they_o but_o be_v so_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o persecutor_n they_o can_v bear_v their_o be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o and_o how_o impertinent_a be_v we_o here_o tell_v while_o inquire_v only_o after_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o who_o persecute_v upon_o the_o accowt_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o enact_v law_n to_o punish_v those_o that_o violate_v and_o deflower_v religion_n as_o if_o to_o persecute_v for_o religion_n and_o punish_v the_o violator_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o dissuade_v not_o as_o he_o insinuate_v inflict_v punishment_n upon_o sensual_a and_o unrighteous_a person_n such_o as_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o either_o table_n and_o be_v far_o from_o think_v christian_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n inconsistent_a with_o clemency_n and_o lenity_n of_o spirit_n yet_o be_v it_o neither_o just_a nor_o righteous_a to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v style_v the_o shepherd_n of_o soul_n and_o as_o he_o say_v that_o title_n import_v that_o he_o will_v have_v not_o only_o his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n feed_v but_o grievous_a wolf_n watch_v and_o their_o mouth_n stop_v too_o when_o they_o devour_v the_o flock_n and_o teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n '_o be_v sake_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n who_o endeavour_v what_o he_o can_v that_o christ_n flock_n shall_v be_v devour_v teach_v notorious_a untruth_n and_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucer_n sake_n nor_o will_v it_o i_o doubt_v advantage_n he_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o meek_a saviour_n to_o return_v sinner_n so_o he_o be_v a_o terrible_a judge_n to_o apostate_n and_o evil_a doer_n while_o he_o continue_v a_o persecutor_n since_o against_o such_o as_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o his_o arrow_n be_v ordain_v and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o begin_v to_o execute_v vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n by_o raise_v up_o man_n of_o undaunted_a spirit_n who_o make_v righteousness_n the_o girdle_n of_o their_o loin_n and_o judgement_n their_o robe_n and_o diadem_n to_o succour_v his_o church_n support_v his_o worship_n and_o punish_v his_o enemy_n yet_o such_o will_v never_o persecute_v for_o religion_n nor_o think_v those_o to_o give_v ill_a example_n unto_o other_o or_o to_o become_v schismatical_a and_o disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o judge_v any_o evil_a doer_n for_o render_v unto_o he_o the_o homage_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n see_v by_o this_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o the_o enemy_n to_o reproach_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n whatever_o occasion_n some_o cainish_a or_o ishmalitish_n spirit_n may_v thence_o take_v so_o to_o do_v but_o for_o such_o as_o have_v err_v and_o stray_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n or_o neglect_v the_o christian_a duty_n he_o require_v of_o they_o let_v the_o magistrate_n in_o god_n name_n and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o appointment_n reduce_v or_o otherwise_o punish_v they_o no_o good_a christian_n will_v certain_o ever_o be_v displease_v thereat_o but_o say_v our_o answerer_n it_o be_v no_o indication_n of_o any_o such_o nature_n as_o the_o query_n mention_n to_o punish_v evil_a doer_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o nor_o do_v the_o query_n say_v it_o be_v but_o to_o persecute_v on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n as_o cain_n persecute_v abel_n ishmael_n isaac_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o their_o follower_n at_o this_o day_n persecute_v such_o as_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o be_v a_o indication_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o the_o query_n mention_n and_o now_o if_o magistrate_n will_v not_o do_v as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o he_o declare_v they_o wicked_o unjust_a and_o all_o those_o terrible_a epithet_n mention_v in_o the_o query_n to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o then_o be_v it_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o break_v the_o jawbone_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o pluck_v the_o spoil_n out_o of_o their_o tooth_n so_o will_v every_o honest_a and_o good_a man_n to_o repay_v man_n according_a to_o their_o deed_n fury_n to_o his_o adversary_n and_o recompense_v to_o his_o enemy_n and_o who_o desire_v not_o the_o same_o to_o employ_v their_o power_n for_o his_o honour_n from_o who_o it_o descend_v nothing_o sure_o be_v more_o just_a not_o to_o permit_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o a_o thousand_o sect_n and_o faction_n and_o wolf_n to_o prey_n upon_o christ_n flock_n this_o above_o all_o be_v indeed_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v they_o will_v careful_o observe_v it_o and_o not_o suffer_v much_o less_o assist_v any_o to_o impose_v their_o thought_n or_o fancy_n in_o the_o agenda_fw-la and_o credenda_fw-la of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o other_o but_o permit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o all_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o be_v that_o which_o have_v tear_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o piece_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o sect_n and_o faction_n and_o which_o give_v opportunity_n unto_o wolf_n to_o prey_n upon_o christ_n flock_n and_o to_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n to_o sport_n themselves_o in_o her_o ruin_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o their_o addition_n and_o bring_v scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o all_o the_o office_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o whole_a ministry_n thereof_o let_v all_o man_n say_v the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n main_fw-fr believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_a and_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o require_v no_o more_o of_o other_o and_o they_o shall_v find_v this_o not_o only_o a_o better_a but_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o restore_v unity_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n sincere_o and_o endeavour_n to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o if_o no_o more_o than_o this_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o church_n communion_n than_o all_o man_n so_o qualify_v though_o they_o be_v different_a in_o opinion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o any_o such_o difference_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n one_o in_o communion_n and_o if_o as_o he_o
so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o carnal_a weapon_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n but_o such_o of_o her_o degenerate_a and_o base_a son_n only_o as_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o their_o mother_n for_o as_o he_o have_v well_o observe_v humane_a violence_n may_v make_v man_n counterfeit_n but_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o which_o shall_v make_v it_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a by_o all_o sincere_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o decrye_v and_o so_o high_o condemn_v blind_a obedience_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_v any_o therein_o against_o their_o light_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a of_o blind_a obedience_n for_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n whatever_o a_o man_n do_v against_o his_o faith_n or_o conscience_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o so_o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n neither_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n and_o much_o less_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v therein_o require_v to_o do_v aught_o against_o their_o light_n or_o judgement_n which_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n so_o she_o as_o little_a allow_v or_o approve_v of_o persecute_v or_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o trouble_v any_o for_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o any_o true_o christian_a exercise_n of_o religien_n nor_o i_o dare_v presume_v to_o say_v do_v any_o law_n of_o england_n allow_n or_o countenance_n much_o less_o command_n or_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n though_o too_o many_o have_v misconstrue_v and_o misapply_v the_o late_a act_n for_o prevent_v and_o supress_v seditious_a conventicle_n to_o the_o disturb_v and_o punish_v i_o may_v say_v ruine_v of_o many_o peaceable_a and_o pious_a people_n for_o meet_v only_o real_o and_o true_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o act_n do_v not_o say_v if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n above_o such_o a_o number_n shall_v meet_v to_o worship_n god_n true_o and_o sincere_o in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n they_o shall_v incur_v the_o penalty_n mention_v but_o where_o any_o person_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a etc._n etc._n the_o act_n certain_o do_v not_o prohibit_v or_o punish_v any_o real_a and_o true_o christian_a exercise_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la null_n and_o void_a as_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v it_o appear_v not_o whether_o their_o worship_n be_v sincere_a or_o pretend_a only_a and_o the_o law_n prohibit_v such_o a_o number_n to_o meet_v under_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o punish_v those_o that_o transgress_v the_o same_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o all_o pretence_n ought_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v believe_v where_o no_o overact_n discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a charity_n among_o man_n let_v it_o be_v show_v wherein_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o some_o have_v be_v please_v to_o punish_v by_o virtue_n or_o colour_n rather_o of_o that_o law_n be_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o act_n say_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v ever_o allow_v man_n to_o pray_v even_o in_o public_a in_o other_o word_n than_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v say_v unto_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 9_o therefore_o pray_v you_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n 1._o where_o their_o prayer_n be_v often_o record_v that_o they_o ever_o pray_v by_o that_o form_n etc._n but_o in_o other_o word_n 10._o agree_v for_o matter_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v accept_v 4._o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o i_o hope_v will_v say_v they_o disobey_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n by_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o teach_v and_o command_v they_o because_o they_o pray_v not_o by_o that_o form_n no_o more_o do_v they_o transgress_v the_o law_n against_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o pray_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n while_o they_o pray_v in_o other_o word_n agree_v with_o it_o for_o matter_n what_o pretence_n then_o can_v any_o have_v to_o charge_v the_o author_n of_o these_o query_n with_o libel_v the_o church_n and_o state_n since_o they_o reflect_v on_o neither_o nor_o cinsure_n or_o by_o any_o undue_a surmise_n condemn_v aught_o that_o they_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o unreasonable_a to_o account_v that_o a_o crime_n in_o any_o one_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o viz._n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n that_o all_o that_o will_v may_v lead_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v who_o be_v force_v to_o profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o practise_v what_o they_o approve_v not_o which_o be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a lie_n the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o whether_o what_o be_v require_v of_o any_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a but_o whether_o they_o who_o judge_v it_o so_o be_v it_o through_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o can_v without_o sin_v conform_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o question_n but_o that_o many_o may_v and_o do_v live_v godly_a holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o to_o other_o will_v be_v damnable_a for_o to_o he_o who_o esteem_v a_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o may_v be_v pure_a so_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v while_o other_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o may_v safe_o use_v their_o liberty_n plead_v therefore_o against_o force_n in_o religion_n we_o neither_o condemn_v nor_o censure_v this_o or_o that_o religion_n which_o teach_v not_o that_o sanguinary_a doctrine_n but_o will_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o religion_n he_o embrace_v and_o profess_v be_v what_o god_n will_v and_o require_v of_o he_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o faithin_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n it_o be_v indeed_o hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o be_v of_o a_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v wish_v then_o hope_v for_o while_o there_o be_v man_n true_o fear_v god_n 187._o and_o those_o who_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n there_o be_v say_v our_o lerrned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n but_o two_o way_n that_o may_v be_v conceive_v probable_a to_o reduce_v christian_n to_o unity_n of_o communion_n the_o one_o by_o take_v away_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n the_o other_o by_o show_v that_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o their_o unity_n in_o communion_n now_o the_o former_a of_o these_o say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o who_o judgement_n all_o man_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o other_o way_n must_v be_v take_v and_o christian_n must_v be_v teach_v to_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o these_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n wherein_o they_o agree_v than_o upon_o those_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o
all_o those_o act_n flow_v from_o conscience_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a strange_a thing_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o who_o tell_v he_o that_o no_o coercieve_v power_n must_v be_v use_v against_o those_o criminal_n who_o action_n flow_v from_o conscience_n or_o who_o question_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n to_o punish_v such_o as_o blaspheme_v god_n or_o christ_n or_o religion_n or_o that_o they_o who_o speak_v lie_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o preach_v and_o teach_v they_o in_o hypocrasie_n may_v not_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o when_o prove_v against_o they_o but_o we_o still_o say_v that_o to_o execute_v before_o conviction_n and_o judgement_n be_v against_o all_o rule_n and_o form_n of_o justice_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a off_o but_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o discourse_n be_v ground_v on_o this_o absurdity_n which_o the_o query_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o viz._n that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o what_o they_o do_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n which_o no_o man_n sure_a in_o his_o sense_n ever_o affirm_v every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v proceed_v against_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrateâ—_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o offence_n be_v it_o never_o so_o much_o according_a to_o his_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o every_o christian_a be_v to_o act_v out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o which_o no_o man_n sure_a ever_o doubt_v off_o nor_o do_v any_o rational_a man_n ever_o say_v that_o conscience_n be_v a_o sufficient_a plea_n against_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o king_n the_o magistrate_n may_v certain_o enact_v penal_a law_n against_o murder_n felony_n and_o the_o like_a moral_a evil_n whatever_o he_o may_v do_v against_o infidelity_n schism_n heresy_n or_o error_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o force_v or_o compel_v any_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o act_v against_o their_o light_n and_o conscience_n the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v use_v his_o coercive_a power_n to_o punish_v for_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o may_v compel_v man_n to_o sin_n as_o most_o certain_o they_o do_v who_o compel_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n than_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o require_v of_o they_o query_n xv._n whether_o to_o require_v conformity_n in_o practice_n where_o there_o be_v difference_n in_o judgement_n be_v not_o to_o command_v a_o man_n to_o act_v against_o light_n and_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o to_o sin_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n to_o the_o question_n he_o propose_v i_o answer_v the_o superior_a not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o take_v care_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o inferior_a to_o practise_v according_a to_o his_o which_o be_v yet_o no_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o cause_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v those_o under_o his_o charge_n to_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o so_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o command_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o manner_n as_o they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o not_o according_a to_o god_n institution_n and_o appointment_n he_o ought_v indeed_o to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n by_o all_o due_a and_o just_a mean_n who_o he_o judge_v in_o any_o kind_n to_o err_v but_o not_o to_o force_v they_o to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n against_o their_o judgement_n since_o as_o have_v be_v often_o inculcate_v whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o as_o he_o say_v conceive_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o such_o way_n and_o method_n as_o be_v diametrical_o contrary_a to_o god_n will_v and_o subversive_a to_o the_o magistrate_n government_n let_v they_o be_v implead_v and_o punish_v after_o due_a conviction_n and_o judgement_n but_o not_o before_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o a_o governor_n may_v think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o command_v what_o a_o inferior_a may_v be_v persuade_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v the_o superior_n conscience_n be_v as_o certain_a a_o rule_n in_o command_v as_o the_o inferior_n can_v be_v to_o he_o in_o disobey_v but_o with_o our_o answerer_n good_a leave_n this_o be_v not_o as_o he_o say_v the_o case_n between_o the_o king_n of_o england_n and_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n his_o majesty_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o late_a gracious_a declaration_n of_o indulgence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o against_o his_o conscience_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o dissenter_n but_o how_o f_o will_v he_o insinuate_v here_o that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o coronation_n oath_n so_o to_o do_v in_o that_o he_o say_v his_o majesty_n swear_v that_o he_o will_v defend_v and_o preserve_v to_o the_o clergy_n all_o canonical_a privilege_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o this_o oath_n can_v be_v perform_v unless_o the_o clergy_n have_v now_o the_o like_a privilege_n as_o heretofore_o to_o burn_v masacre_n and_o destroy_v the_o faithful_a servant_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n may_v possible_o as_o he_o say_v be_v past_o his_o power_n to_o conceive_v and_o determine_v for_o nothing_o less_o it_o seem_v will_v satisfy_v he_o then_o all_o the_o canonical_a privilege_n and_o free-franchise_n grant_v to_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o glorious_a st._n edward_n and_o other_o king_n and_o what_o they_o be_v may_v deserve_v consideration_n but_o as_o he_o very_o well_o say_v every_o prince_n owe_v a_o strict_a account_n to_o god_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o government_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o place_n oblige_v he_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o people_n which_o certain_o he_o do_v not_o who_o permit_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n under_o the_o pretext_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o trample_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n mankind_n under_o their_o foot_n even_o prince_n themselves_o where_o they_o be_v able_a which_o if_o seemly_a in_o their_o eye_n be_v not_o so_o i_o hope_v in_o other_o whether_o differnce_n in_o judgement_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n from_o inconformity_n in_o practice_n he_o advise_v his_o reader_n to_o consider_v the_o strict_a account_n christ_n call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n to_o 20._o for_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v his_o servant_n and_o will_v be_v resolve_v whether_o the_o bishop_n or_o angel_n may_v not_o have_v excuse_v his_o own_o neglect_n by_o plead_v for_o jezabel_n that_o her_o judgement_n differ_v from_o he_o and_o to_o make_v her_o practice_n thing_n quite_o contrary_a to_o her_o judgement_n be_v that_o christ_n never_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n it_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o constrain_a of_o they_o to_o act_v against_o their_o own_o light_n and_o consequent_o to_o sin_n risum_fw-la tenaatis_fw-la amici_n can_v any_o forbear_v laughter_n at_o such_o ridiculous_a reason_n be_v not_o this_o answerer_n able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o command_v to_o sin_n and_o restrain_v from_o sin_n have_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o jezabels_n nonconformity_n such_o a_o plea_n may_v have_v be_v pertinent_a but_o his_o crime_n be_v not_o the_o make_v her_o practice_n thing_n contrary_a to_o her_o judgement_n which_o yet_o to_o have_v do_v may_v have_v be_v a_o crime_n but_o the_o suffer_v she_o to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v without_o control_v without_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o oppose_v it_o to_o her_o error_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o constrain_a she_o to_o act_v against_o her_o light_n but_o the_o enlight_v she_o sound_a doctrine_n diligent_o and_o due_o teach_v be_v sufficient_a against_o seducer_n we_o have_v not_o else_o hear_v of_o many_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v neither_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jezabel_n nor_o long_o after_o any_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n to_o protect_v or_o defend_v they_o what_o the_o reverend_a mr._n perking_n say_v of_o restrain_v error_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o query_n which_o oppose_v only_o the_o compel_v to_o sin_n yet_o we_o will_v as_o much_o as_o any_o
against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a command_v by_o superior_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v agreeable_a with_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 7._o none_o may_v judge_v for_o another_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v true_o tell_v we_o proceed_v according_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n must_v therein_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n query_n xvii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o walk_v together_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o in_o other_o thing_n wait_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o differ_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n our_o answerer_n acknowledge_v what_o none_o can_v reasonable_o deny_v that_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o frame_v and_o order_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o he_o be_v so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v force_v beyond_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o for_o where_o any_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n to_o do_v it_o to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v sin_n though_o the_o thing_n itself_o may_v not_o be_v unlawful_a nor_o be_v every_o one_o who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o superior_n opinion_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o this_o answerer_n as_o wilful_a in_o retain_v error_n or_o opiniotive_n in_o despise_v those_o who_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o superior_n may_v err_v and_o god_n approve_v not_o of_o blind_a obedience_n because_o he_o will_v not_o as_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n tell_v we_o hold_v they_o excuse_v 6._o who_o with_o a_o blind_a zeal_n follow_v their_o leader_n but_o who_o be_v they_o this_o answerer_n term_v weak_a christian_n and_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n if_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n and_o action_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n dare_v not_o conform_v to_o what_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v weak_a they_o will_v one_o day_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o wise_a christian_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o 13_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o protection_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v those_o babe_n to_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o thing_n he_o have_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a what_o he_o say_v of_o child_n be_v cccker_v and_o uphold_v in_o their_o humour_n be_v extreme_o impertinent_a here_o and_o nothing_o to_o this_o query_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o man_n will_v live_v up_o to_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o walk_v together_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceive_v it_o their_o duty_n total_o to_o forsake_v their_o parochial_a church_n and_o think_v it_o a_o arbitrary_a indifferent_a matter_n whether_o they_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n or_o infidel_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o total_o to_o forsake_v their_o parochial_a church_n i_o know_v it_o there_o be_v those_o who_o though_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o every_o parochial_a church_n nor_o yet_o with_o any_o parochial_a church_n in_o every_o thing_n be_v yet_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o all_o christian_a office_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n separate_v from_o those_o circumstance_n or_o adjunct_n of_o worship_n of_o humane_a institution_n of_o who_o lawfulness_n they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v who_o do_v not_o therefore_o total_o forsake_v they_o much_o less_o think_v it_o a_o arbitrary_a indifferent_a matter_n whether_o they_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n or_o infidel_n though_o they_o believe_v not_o all_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o consist_v in_o communicate_v with_o parochial_a church_n as_o for_o his_o scorner_n and_o infidel_n chair_n it_o may_v very_o well_o have_v be_v spare_v here_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o of_o these_o query_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n unto_o such_o or_o that_o any_o shall_v go_v unpunished_a for_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o christianity_n a_o inferior_n differ_v in_o judgement_n from_o his_o superior_a aught_o to_o excite_v his_o utmost_a â—are_n and_o diligence_n to_o search_v and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o will_v not_o warrant_v his_o yield_a blind_a obedience_n to_o any_o of_o he_o dictate_v 23._o be_v you_o 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n be_v a_o divine_a precept_n which_o must_v take_v place_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o no_o where_o yet_o ought_v not_o any_o to_o condemn_v a_o whole_a church_n or_o withdraw_v from_o its_o communion_n but_o where_o there_o be_v so_o great_a corruption_n and_o defect_n in_o it_o and_o those_o too_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o may_v justify_v both_o his_o charge_n and_o separation_n but_o of_o they_o the_o party_n separate_a must_v still_o judge_n it_o be_v the_o high_a usurpation_n say_v the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n to_o rob_v man_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n 118_o that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o against_o the_o papist_n be_v that_o all_o man_n have_v eye_n in_o their_o head_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pope_n that_o every_o one_o have_v a_o judicium_fw-la privatae_fw-la discretionis_fw-la which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o practice_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o though_o we_o free_o allow_v a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n in_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o extend_v not_o to_o a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o go_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n their_o power_n be_v only_a directive_n and_o declarative_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n can_v bind_v no_o more_o than_o reason_n and_o evidence_n bring_v from_o scripture_n by_o they_o do_v though_o in_o all_o age_n christian_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n wherein_o they_o agree_v which_o be_v but_o what_o this_o query_n call_v for_o yet_o they_o never_o communicate_v with_o one_o another_o at_o least_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o those_o thing_n they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o superstitious_a nor_o force_v each_o other_o thereunto_o but_o the_o orthodox_n the_o arian_n and_o the_o novatian_o may_v lawful_o enough_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n where_o their_o error_n be_v not_o mix_v with_o their_o prayer_n and_o make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o in_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n it_o be_v evident_a though_o the_o worshipper_n many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a corruption_n and_o impiety_n yet_o their_o worship_n itself_o be_v free_a from_o they_o they_o can_v not_o else_o have_v communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o worship_n and_o not_o have_v communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o corruption_n and_o impiety_n which_o be_v blasphemous_a to_o imagine_v and_o though_o our_o bless_a saviour_n encourage_v all_o due_a reverence_n and_o ohedience_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o public_a law_n and_o governor_n in_o command_v the_o multitude_n to_o do_v whatever_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n 23._o who_o sit_v in_o moses_n seat_n bid_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o according_a to_o moses_n law_n not_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o add_v â—o_o or_o diminish_v fâ—om_n what_o god_n have_v appoint_v or_o be_v implicity_n to_o be_v obey_v he_o have_v elsewhere_o charge_v his_o disciple_n to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n 16._o i._n e._n doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o of_o the_o sadducee_n so_o that_o though_o all_o due_a rererence_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o public_a law_n and_o governor_n yet_o be_v not_o blind_a obedience_n to_o be_v yield_v unto_o either_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o gospel_n precept_n which_o command_v we_o to_o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v as_o 6._o and_o as_o have_v be_v say_v 23_o that_o we_o be_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n for_o that_o every_o ome_z must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n 12_o when_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v sufficient_a discovery_n of_o
his_o bless_a will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n what_o we_o do_v he_o mean_a for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o all_o man_n duty_n with_o the_o psalmist_n still_o to_o pray_v 18._o that_o god_n will_v open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o his_o law_n there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n necessary_a for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o revelation_n this_o answerer_n be_v yet_o unacquainted_a with_o for_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v the_o save_a truth_n thereof_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v this_o query_n therefore_o ground_v on_o tâ—e_v apostle_n advice_n to_o the_o philippian_n 3._o intend_v only_o the_o revelation_n there_o mention_v which_o we_o hope_v be_v no_o enthusiasm_n by_o say_v in_o doubt_n relate_v to_o religion_n man_n will_v do_v better_a to_o 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self-directive_a judgement_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o not_o only_a aught_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n recommend_v to_o they_o by_o their_o teacher_n but_o even_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o teacher_n themselves_o between_o the_o true_a and_o the_o false_a between_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o antichrist_n so_o far_a be_v it_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o any_o shall_v pin_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o teacher_n sleeve_n captivate_v their_o judgement_n unto_o they_o and_o believe_v and_o do_v whatever_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a it_o be_v indeed_o happy_a if_o man_n can_v receive_v satisfaction_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n as_o those_o which_o shall_v keep_v knowledge_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o too_o many_o of_o they_o in_o our_o day_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a 9_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n nant_fw-la of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o have_v i_o also_o make_v you_o contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o all_o the_o people_n according_a as_o you_o have_v not_o keep_v my_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n query_n xviii_o whether_o in_o these_o duty_n whereon_o eternity_n depend_v it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a absurdity_n to_o force_v any_o against_o their_o own_o light_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o other_o who_o be_v not_o infallible_a reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n it_o be_v no_o very_a please_a employment_n to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o either_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o understand_v the_o question_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o answer_v but_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v be_v content_a with_o in_o this_o contest_v what_o this_o answerer_n find_v in_o this_o query_n infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n in_o all_o guide_n and_o governor_n whether_o sacred_a or_o civil_a we_o be_v yet_o to_o seek_v there_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v some_o difference_n between_o be_v guide_v in_o duty_n of_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o be_v fallible_a which_o we_o never_o think_v unreasonable_a and_o be_v force_v to_o follow_v they_o therein_o against_o a_o man_n own_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o question_v it_o be_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n only_o and_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o these_o a_o man_n act_v against_o his_o own_o light_n and_o conscience_n and_o only_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n that_o this_o query_n oppose_v and_o where_o have_v this_o be_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o before_o answer_v or_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o here_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v no_o high_a absurdity_n in_o these_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a minister_n and_o much_o more_o by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o national_a church_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o the_o priest_n mouth_n who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n since_o we_o never_o deny_v either_o but_o say_v that_o blind_a obedience_n be_v never_o to_o be_v yield_v unto_o any_o much_o less_o that_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v in_o any_o religious_a duty_n against_o their_o own_o light_n the_o priest_n lip_n indeed_o shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n but_o as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v they_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n so_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o always_o to_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v unto_o they_o 16._o their_o direction_n and_o instruction_n therefore_o with_o this_o answerer_n good_a leave_n may_v sometime_o be_v reject_v and_o since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v himself_o command_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o examine_v the_o authority_n and_o mission_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o to_o query_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o who_o the_o false_a who_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n who_o of_o antichrist_n that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o one_o and_o reject_v the_o other_o with_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n if_o upon_o trial_n they_o square_v not_o with_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o prove_v they_o yet_o do_v not_o this_o render_v as_o he_o say_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n much_o less_o all_o office_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n void_a and_o useless_a it_o only_a caution_n christian_n not_o to_o esteem_v of_o they_o above_o what_o be_v meet_v in_o yield_v that_o blind_a obedience_n the_o gospel_n prohibit_n and_o which_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o give_v when_o therefore_o god_n command_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o 17_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v so_o far_o forth_o only_o as_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n their_o authority_n as_o we_o have_v before_o tell_v you_o from_o the_o reverend_n dr._n stillingfleet_n be_v only_a directive_n and_o declarative_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n can_v bind_v no_o far_o than_o reason_n and_o evidence_n bring_v from_o scripture_n by_o they_o do_v but_o he_o go_v on_o with_o his_o infallibility_n and_o say_v the_o argument_n hold_v as_o much_o against_o any_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n in_o the_o civil_a concern_v of_o humane_a life_n as_o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o may_v be_v therein_o mistake_v for_o it_o be_v all_o man_n interest_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o civil_a judicatories_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o humane_a life_n how_o erroneous_a or_o unjust_a soever_o they_o may_v apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o great_a good_a public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a but_o that_o will_v never_o make_v it_o reasonable_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o compensation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o other_o who_o perhaps_o see_v no_o better_o it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o as_o himself_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v
christian_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o query_n xxiii_o whether_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v or_o they_o who_o give_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n the_o schismatic_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o have_v here_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answerer_n in_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o not_o they_o who_o separate_v but_o they_o who_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n be_v the_o schismatic_n but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o st._n paul_n have_v as_o clear_o and_o full_o determine_v this_o query_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o his_o day_n though_o you_o will_v find_v he_o here_o as_o well_o as_o elsewhere_o to_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o 2d_o for_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o place_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n exhort_v those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n to_o count_v their_o master_n though_o infidel_n worthy_a of_o all_o honour_n and_o not_o to_o depise_v their_o believe_a master_n because_o they_o be_v brethren_n but_o rather_o do_v they_o service_n because_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o belove_a and_o these_o thing_n he_o direct_v timothy_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o then_o subjoin_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o etc._n etc._n he_o be_v proud_a etc._n etc._n where_o observe_v how_o instead_o of_o master_n he_o foist_n in_o superior_a a_o word_n of_o a_o more_o extensive_a signification_n for_o though_o every_o master_n be_v a_o superior_a every_o superior_a be_v not_o a_o master_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o obedience_n may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o superior_n of_o any_o kind_n christianity_n lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n immaginable_a upon_o its_o professor_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o superior_n but_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a so_o neither_o aught_o the_o obedience_n of_o inferior_n to_o be_v blind_a or_o brutish_a both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o supreme_a power_n for_o where_o superior_n have_v no_o right_a to_o command_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o inferior_n to_o obey_v so_o that_o whether_o conformist_n in_o command_v or_o nonconformist_n in_o not_o obey_v be_v the_o schismatic_n depend_v on_o the_o former_n have_v right_a and_o authority_n to_o require_v what_o the_o latter_a judge_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a to_o observe_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o present_a question_n we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v forsake_v the_o common_a faith_n it_o have_v be_v no_o schism_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o she_o do_v so_o and_o so_o then_o that_o command_n in_o the_o revelation_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v applicable_a to_o our_o dissenter_n bâ—t_v this_o be_v still_o but_o pretend_v be_v against_o his_o principle_n of_o blind_a obedience_n and_o man_n resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n without_o leave_v they_o so_o much_o as_o a_o power_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v command_v for_o where_o that_o be_v there_o must_v likewise_o be_v allow_v a_o dissent_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o judge_v evil_a or_o unlawful_a and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v as_o much_o to_o dread_v the_o impose_v upon_o his_o judgement_n a_o assent_n to_o know_a error_n and_o upon_o his_o practice_n the_o act_n of_o know_a sin_n as_o the_o suffer_v the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n itself_o he_o do_v we_o doubt_v but_o equivocate_a alallow_v none_o to_o be_v know_v error_n or_o know_v sin_n but_o such_o as_o superior_n shall_v judge_v so_o for_o if_o he_o allow_v inferior_n to_o judge_v thereof_o and_o act_v according_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o but_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o what_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n do_v and_o first_o he_o say_v they_o question_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o that_o of_o king_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o own_o crown_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a christianity_n if_o such_o there_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a no_o sober_a or_o rational_a man_n will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v they_o in_o it_o that_o they_o make_v the_o people_n judge_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v have_v reason_n for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v command_v or_o distinguish_v between_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n but_o no_o sober_a man_n sure_o will_v allow_v any_o to_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_o ordain_v and_o aught_o to_o superintend_v over_o they_o that_o they_o forsake_v their_o old_a guide_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v but_o the_o old_a popish_a objection_n new_a vampt_a nor_o be_v such_o forsake_v criminal_a but_o where_o causeless_o and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o renounce_v in_o their_o assembly_n as_o he_o say_v the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o be_v in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o wherein_o lie_v the_o crime_n of_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n without_o expound_v they_o but_o sure_o they_o make_v it_o not_o indifferent_a to_o be_v of_o any_o communion_n who_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v they_o gather_v church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o all_o authority_n let_v he_o not_o be_v thereat_o trouble_v since_o every_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v 15._o shall_v be_v root_v up_o which_o be_v due_a or_o undue_a ordination_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v till_o we_o have_v a_o affirmative_a answer_n to_o the_o six_o query_n but_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o none_o who_o be_v not_o gift_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v empower_v to_o read_v sermon_n in_o the_o pulpit_n profane_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o as_o he_o say_v evacuate_v one_o main_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n beside_o himself_o and_o the_o papist_n all_o other_o believe_v their_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n but_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o one_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v only_o in_o god_n not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o it_o seem_v have_v resign_v up_o his_o faith_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o he_o shall_v talk_v of_o a_o yearly_o monthly_o and_o daily_a faith_n which_o his_o principle_n lead_v he_o to_o if_o he_o chance_v so_o oft_o to_o change_v his_o father_n or_o they_o their_o faith_n who_o they_o be_v that_o go_v out_o of_o their_o calling_n and_o station_n to_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v here_o yet_o i_o shall_v tell_v he_o what_o a_o reverend_a and_o learned_a prelate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n once_o answer_v to_o the_o like_a objection_n 535._o so_o long_o say_v he_o as_o they_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preach_v which_o they_o have_v bide_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o competent_a jurisdiction_n judicial_a cognition_n and_o legal_a decision_n to_o themselves_o for_o that_o as_o he_o true_o tell_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n first_o found_v and_o still_o gather_v his_o church_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n not_o by_o the_o summons_n of_o consistory_n and_o he_o that_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v may_v not_o hold_v his_o tongue_n and_o tarry_v till_o my_o lord_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o mitred_a father_n can_v intend_v to_o meet_v and_o list_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o ruin_n as_o they_o think_v of_o their_o dignity_n and_o liberty_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o answerer_n how_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o line_n of_o apostolical_a succession_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o do_v not_o they_o rather_o break_v both_o who_o make_v their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n will_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o find_v their_o ordination_n on_o uncertain_a tradition_n i_o know_v of_o no_o dissenter_n that_o obtrude_v oath_n and_o covenant_n as_o he_o say_v on_o their_o proselyte_n though_o it_o be_v no_o crime_n for_o christian_n to_o covenant_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v every_o man_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o be_v the_o
say_v to_o tolerate_v unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n who_o vent_v their_o idle_a fancy_n to_o corrupt_v and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o indication_n of_o more_o cruelty_n than_o to_o tolerate_v so_o many_o thief_n and_o murderer_n upon_o public_a road_n and_o highway_n this_o answerer_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v tolerate_v have_v manifest_v himself_o so_o unruly_a and_o vain_a a_o talker_n and_o deceiver_n as_o he_o have_v do_v query_n xxvii_o whether_o can_v any_o think_v that_o they_o who_o persecute_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n despoil_v they_o of_o their_o good_n and_o imprison_v their_o person_n and_o that_o too_o for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n to_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n will_v speed_v better_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n than_o those_o who_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o shall_v be_v then_o reject_v but_o for_o not_o visit_v and_o relieve_v his_o poor_a member_n when_o in_o want_n in_o sickness_n or_o any_o other_o adversity_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n instead_o of_o answer_v this_o query_n it_o be_v very_o judicious_o object_v it_o have_v many_o thing_n questionable_a in_o it_o and_o with_o as_o great_a judgement_n and_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n he_o likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o none_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o church_n for_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o his_o church_n his_o body_n and_o as_o he_o also_o judicious_o observe_v no_o one_o can_v be_v a_o member_n belong_v to_o the_o head_n unless_o he_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n but_o sure_a our_o answerer_n be_v the_o first_o pretend_v christian_n that_o ever_o question_v the_o soundness_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n or_o that_o a_o christian_n join_v to_o it_o may_v endanger_v his_o internal_a union_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v hâ—â—d_v and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o here_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o query_n neither_o deny_v nor_o question_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n unless_o to_o manifest_v his_o dialectic_a art_n in_o prove_v that_o whoever_o in_o any_o thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o any_o part_n of_o christ_n body_n cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o but_o in_o the_o least_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n belong_v not_o unto_o christ._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v with_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n out_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a pale_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o if_o any_o be_v punish_v for_o so_o cut_a themselves_o off_o from_o christ_n the_o head_n their_o punishment_n be_v no_o persecution_n quod_fw-la erat_fw-la demonstrandum_fw-la great_a wit_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n have_v short_a memory_n he_o can_v not_o else_o have_v so_o soon_o forget_v which_o he_o but_o now_o reprove_v the_o independent_n for_o viz._n their_o evacuate_a one_o main_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o as_o he_o say_v they_o restrain_v it_o to_o themselves_o whereas_o he_o so_o restrain_v it_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o that_o he_o allow_v of_o none_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n to_o belong_v unto_o christ_n the_o one_o main_a article_n therefore_o of_o his_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n be_v it_o seem_v faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o rather_o faith_n in_o whatever_o church_n be_v uppermost_a and_o though_o out_o of_o she_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n yet_o for_o argument_n sake_n he_o will_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n even_o in_o her_o very_a ceremony_n be_v notwithstanding_o such_o their_o separation_n real_a member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o he_o say_v be_v persecute_v for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o christ_n or_o the_o undoubted_a and_o plain_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n nor_o do_v the_o query_n say_v they_o be_v but_o suppose_v as_o he_o suppose_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o assemble_v together_o to_o pray_o or_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o will_v not_o such_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n but_o say_v our_o answerer_n let_v the_o gentleman_n produce_v one_o person_n that_o ever_o suffer_v for_o perform_v any_o essential_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o know_v not_o what_o he_o may_v esteem_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o be_v one_o with_o he_o who_o declare_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n 99_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v pray_v preach_a and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v essential_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o by_o all_o good_a christian_n they_o have_v hitherto_o be_v esteem_v he_o need_v not_o go_v beyond_o his_o own_o parish_n to_o meet_v with_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v and_o deep_o suffer_v even_o by_o his_o instigation_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n but_o for_o the_o disorderly_a and_o irregular_a way_n of_o perform_v they_o that_o they_o be_v punish_v very_o good_a by_o what_o rule_n then_o do_v he_o judge_v the_o way_n of_o their_o performance_n disorderly_a and_o irregular_a all_o order_n consist_v in_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o some_o rule_n now_o if_o he_o will_v tell_v we_o of_o any_o rule_n they_o therein_o transgress_v which_o he_o will_v abide_v by_o he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o not_o do_v they_o in_o that_o due_a manner_n as_o be_v enjoin_v they_o by_o their_o superior_n yet_o do_v not_o say_v the_o injunction_n of_o superior_n be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v query_n nay_o he_o say_v if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v command_v a_o worship_n that_o be_v idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a or_o do_v appoint_v vain_a foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n they_o be_v not_o therein_o to_o be_v comply_v with_o so_o that_o the_o injunction_n or_o command_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n this_o rule_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o be_v disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n and_o calling_n and_o for_o be_v disobedient_a to_o government_n and_o law_n if_o by_o be_v disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n and_o calling_n he_o mean_v as_o he_o elsewhere_o say_v their_o usurp_a the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n he_o have_v thereon_o already_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o as_o learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o divine_a as_o most_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v boast_v of_o and_o for_o their_o be_v disobedient_a though_o he_o have_v advise_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o whatever_o they_o shall_v or_o may_v command_v we_o so_o that_o neither_o can_v the_o command_n of_o governor_n nor_o law_n of_o superior_n be_v this_o rule_n nor_o indeed_o ought_v else_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n be_v the_o old_a rule_n and_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v still_o the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o orderly_a and_o disorderly_a performance_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n â—_o by_o and_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n be_v not_o according_a unto_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v indeed_o disorderly_a and_o irregular_a and_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n may_v be_v esteem_v a_o punishment_n rather_o than_o a_o persecution_n as_o may_v likewise_o their_o suffering_n who_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o man_n in_o all_o civil_a and_o secular_a matter_n and_o concern_v and_o they_o also_o who_o censure_n the_o action_n of_o authority_n usurp_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n endanger_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n and_o violate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o great_a violater_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n than_o they_o who_o impose_v on_o christ_n disciple_n other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n ever_o enjoin_v or_o require_v and_o so_o far_o i_o agree_v with_o