say_v retort_v the_o argument_n for_o compulsion_n upon_o pretence_n of_o advance_v the_o true_a religion_n i_o shall_v next_o examine_v what_o be_v say_v for_o it_o upon_o a_o civil_a account_n but_o before_o i_o do_v that_o i_o must_v beg_v leave_n to_o show_v since_o it_o be_v for_o protestant_n this_o discourse_n be_v chief_o design_v first_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o compulsion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o second_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o true_a method_n consonant_n to_o protestant_a principle_n of_o destroy_v maugre_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n not_o only_o schism_n and_o heresy_n but_o all_o hatred_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o bring_v people_n to_o true_a christian_a love_n and_o friendship_n which_o will_v in_o a_o manner_n prevent_v all_o that_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o compulsion_n upon_o a_o civil_a account_n chap._n v._n that_o all_o force_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a religion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v persecution_n that_o advance_v popery_n so_o it_o be_v freedom_n and_o toleration_n that_o ruin_v it_o and_o establish_a protestantism_n the_o essence_n of_o which_o consist_v in_o every_o one_o have_v a_o impartial_a right_n to_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o which_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o it_o act_v according_a to_o that_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o very_a worthy_a person_n say_v a_o persecutor_n be_v no_o where_o at_o home_o but_o at_o rome_n the_o papist_n in_o persecute_v act_n consistent_a with_o their_o own_o principle_n but_o protestant_n whilst_o they_o persecute_v any_o condemn_v themselves_o the_o former_a pretend_v there_o be_v doubt_n and_o difficulty_n in_o all_o even_o the_o most_o important_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v say_v they_o some_o ultimate_a and_o external_a judge_n to_o appeal_v to_o by_o who_o decisive_a judgement_n all_o person_n must_v be_v conclude_v otherwise_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n and_o the_o church_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o controversy_n and_o confusion_n the_o protestant_n on_o the_o contrary_n say_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o judge_n but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o and_o to_o act_v according_a to_o that_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o since_o they_o judge_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unlawful_a they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o in_o form_v religious_a assembly_n of_o their_o own_o and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v as_o many_o convert_v as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v this_o when_o the_o government_n be_v against_o they_o as_o well_o as_o when_o it_o be_v for_o they_o in_o q._n mary_n day_n as_o well_o as_o q._n elizabeth_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o hold_v their_o religious_a assembly_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_v of_o the_o heathen_a government_n grant_v i_o these_o principle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o justify_v the_o reformation_n if_o you_o can_v and_o show_v i_o then_o how_o any_o man_n or_o body_n of_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o judge_n for_o other_o and_o by_o force_n endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o profess_v their_o sentiment_n nay_o can_v the_o persecute_v protestant_n any_o otherwise_v justify_v themselves_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o by_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n their_o brethren_n who_o desire_v but_o the_o same_o liberty_n from_o they_o that_o they_o claim_v from_o the_o papist_n make_v their_o defence_n with_o against_o who_o they_o can_v allege_v no_o other_o reason_n than_o the_o papist_n use_v against_o all_o of_o they_o than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o disingenuous_a and_o what_o be_v it_o but_o mock_v both_o god_n and_o man_n first_o to_o bid_v man_n use_v their_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n then_o punish_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o to_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n and_o yet_o excommunicate_a imprison_v and_o fine_a they_o for_o so_o do_v be_v a_o most_o fulsome_a contradiction_n with_o what_o face_n can_v the_o clergy_n tell_v their_o hearer_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n but_o impartial_o examine_v the_o reason_n on_o all_o side_n and_o yet_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o hinder_v the_o preach_n or_o print_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o make_v for_o their_o own_o side_n the_o author_n of_o the_o persuasive_a to_o a_o ingenuous_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n say_v pag._n 28._o they_o that_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n need_v no_o disingenuous_a art_n they_o will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v by_o denounce_v damnation_n against_o they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v their_o book_n but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o reason_n and_o sophistry_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n in_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v this_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n apparent_o discernible_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n both_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o enemy_n they_o desire_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v say_v for_o we_o and_o against_o we_o and_o whatsoever_o guide_v of_o a_o party_n do_v otherwise_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o unwilling_a to_o have_v they_o examine_v it_o be_v bad_a sign_n when_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o have_v their_o opinion_n see_v in_o the_o day_n but_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n whether_o this_o last_o do_v not_o agree_v to_o that_o church_n which_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v any_o thing_n from_o be_v preach_v or_o print_v that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o side_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o with_o what_o conscience_n he_o can_v make_v such_o a_o panegyric_n on_o that_o church_n who_o persecution_n in_o that_o very_a book_n he_o attempt_v to_o justify_v let_v the_o reader_n judge_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o divert_v be_v it_o not_o on_o such_o a_o subject_a to_o observe_v the_o miserable_a shift_n the_o clergy_n make_v to_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o justify_v their_o own_o which_o as_o well_o as_o the_o papist_n claim_v a_o legislative_a and_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n 2._o but_o they_o say_v the_o papist_n sorbid_v the_o people_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o hinder_v they_o from_o judge_v for_o themselves_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v which_o be_v worse_o to_o give_v man_n leave_v by_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o then_o use_v force_n to_o make_v they_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n or_o to_o make_v they_o follow_v their_o guide_n with_o a_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n the_o one_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a the_o other_o downright_a hypocrite_n and_o villain_n if_o man_n be_v above_o force_n they_o will_v neither_o blind_o follow_v their_o pretend_a guide_n nor_o act_n against_o their_o conscience_n but_o however_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n use_v the_o mean_n that_o natural_o tend_v to_o effect_v these_o wicked_a ends._n beside_o i_o ask_v these_o protestant_a persecutor_n whether_o they_o think_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n alone_o without_o hear_v or_o read_v some_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o party_n sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o understand_v the_o controvert_v point_n if_o they_o own_o they_o ought_v to_o hear_v they_o why_o not_o the_o opposite_a side_n if_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v neither_o they_o will_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o form_v a_o true_a judgement_n than_o to_o hear_v the_o study_a and_o elaborate_a argument_n on_o one_o side_n only_o if_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o hear_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v on_o all_o side_n for_o fear_v of_o take_v a_o different_a opinion_n from_o the_o license_a guide_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v more_o trust_v with_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o they_o may_v apprehend_v in_o a_o sense_n different_a from_o that_o of_o their_o guide_n except_o you_o say_v that_o as_o long_o as_o these_o alone_o have_v the_o interpret_n of_o it_o and_o have_v the_o force_n of_o the_o magistrate_n on_o their_o side_n they_o may_v impose_v what_o opinion_n they_o please_v on_o the_o people_n in_o short_a do_v the_o priest_n of_o any_o protestant_a
a_o essay_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o right_n of_o mankind_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n with_o some_o reason_n in_o particular_a for_o the_o dissenter_n not_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v the_o sacramental_a test_n but_o in_o their_o own_o church_n and_o for_o a_o general_n naturalisation_n together_o with_o a_o postscript_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n to_o a_o convocation-man_n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o andrew_n bell_n at_o the_o cross-keys_n and_o bible_n in_o cornhill_n 1697._o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n part_n i._n chap._n 1._o that_o government_n be_v from_o the_o people_n who_o have_v a_o right_a to_o invest_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o power_n in_o those_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v a_o influence_n on_o humane_a society_n but_o not_o in_o other_o that_o be_v mere_o religious_a or_o have_v no_o such_o influence_n page_n 1_o chap._n 2._o that_o god_n have_v not_o either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o his_o positive_a law_n give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o power_n in_o matter_n mere_o religious_a pag._n 17_o chap._n 3._o that_o a_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v force_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n tend_v to_o man_n eternal_a ruin_n pag._n 27_o chap._n 4._o that_o compulsion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o all_o those_o duty_n that_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n temporal_a happiness_n require_v of_o one_o towards_o another_o p._n 30_o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o compulsion_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n pag._n 47_o part_n ii_o chap._n 1._o a_o answer_n to_o argument_n from_o scripture_n on_o behalf_n of_o persecution_n pag._n 68_o chap._n 2._o argument_n from_o humane_a authority_n answer_v pag._n 78_o chap._n 3._o object_n that_o compulsion_n tend_v to_o make_v people_n impartial_o consider_v examine_v pag._n 87_o chap._n 4._o object_n that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o right_a to_o use_v force_n to_o prevent_v the_o increase_n to_o those_o erroneous_a opinion_n that_o a_o toleration_n will_v produce_v examine_v pag._n 103_o chap._n 5._o that_o all_o force_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a religion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n pag._n 117_o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o method_n to_o destroy_v not_o only_a schism_n and_o heresy_n but_o hatred_n and_o vncharitableness_n among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o different_a opinion_n pag._n 124_o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n oblige_v the_o magistrate_n to_o hinder_v different_a profession_n of_o religion_n examine_v pag._n 144_o chap._n 8._o some_o few_o reason_n for_o the_o dissenter_n not_o take_v the_o sacramental_a test_n but_o in_o their_o own_o church_n and_o for_o a_o general_n naturalisation_n pag._n 168_o postscript_n pag._n 176_o errata_fw-la page_n 28._o line_n 5._o for_o truth_n read_v lawfulness_n p._n 42._o l._n 12._o r._n seventy_o time_n p._n 48._o l._n ult_n r._n notion_n p._n 73._o l._n 21._o r._n one_o p._n 99_o l._n 19_o r._n betray_v he_o p._n 103._o l._n 22._o r._n if_o force_n shall_v p._n 144._o l._n 1._o r._n chap._n vii_o p._n 190._o l._n 10._o r._n create_v a_o essay_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n that_o government_n be_v from_o the_o people_n who_o have_v a_o right_a to_o invest_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o power_n in_o those_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v a_o influence_n on_o humane_a society_n but_o not_o in_o other_o that_o be_v mere_o religious_a or_o have_v no_o such_o influence_n 1._o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n can_v be_v unseasonable_a whilst_o so_o many_o instead_o of_o show_v their_o gratitude_n to_o the_o government_n for_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o apparent_a danger_n of_o popish_a persecution_n be_v so_o disaffect_v for_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o persecute_v their_o brethren_n that_o they_o have_v rather_o run_v the_o risk_a of_o the_o nation_n be_v be_v ruin_v by_o the_o french_a and_o themselves_o under_o popish_a persecution_n than_o to_o be_v without_o that_o power_n and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o do_v in_o their_o daily_a invective_n discourse_n and_o sermon_n beside_o a_o great_a many_o other_o malicious_a insinuation_n pretend_v the_o church_n now_o to_o be_v near_o its_o ruin_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o late_a reign_n i_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a i_o incur_v a_o great_a hazard_n of_o expose_v myself_o by_o write_v on_o a_o subject_a in_o a_o manner_n whole_o exhaust_v by_o the_o three_o incomparable_a letter_n concern_v toleration_n which_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o do_v than_o be_v want_v in_o my_o endeavour_n to_o encourage_v impartial_a liberty_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n which_o instead_o of_o ruine_v be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v both_o church_n and_o state_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a motive_n that_o engage_v i_o in_o this_o design_n for_o intend_v to_o write_v concern_v what_o be_v common_o call_v church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a power_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o better_a handle_v that_o subject_a first_o to_o examine_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n lest_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n shall_v in_o my_o discourse_n what_o in_o the_o world_n they_o frequent_o do_v clash_n one_o with_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o without_o further_a preface_v attempt_v to_o show_v what_o power_n the_o magistrate_n have_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o to_o prevent_v all_o occasion_n of_o mistake_n or_o cavil_v i_o shall_v first_o explain_v those_o term_n 2._o by_o the_o magistrate_n i_o mean_v the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o in_o every_o society_n have_v the_o supreme_a power_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a to_o make_v law_n and_o by_o force_n without_o which_o all_o law_n will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o oblige_v the_o unwilling_a and_o disobedient_a to_o govern_v their_o action_n according_a to_o they_o 3._o by_o religion_n i_o understand_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o result_n from_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o ourselves_o and_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o and_o our_o fellow_n creature_n or_o in_o short_a whatever_o appear_v to_o we_o from_o any_o convince_a evidence_n to_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v or_o practice_v 4._o in_o thing_n relate_v to_o ourselves_o or_o what_o be_v in_o our_o disposal_n any_o action_n be_v lawful_a where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o forbid_v it_o but_o there_o be_v more_o than_o this_o require_v to_o invest_v a_o man_n with_o a_o right_a to_o deprive_v other_o of_o their_o natural_a freedom_n and_o make_v law_n that_o in_o conscience_n oblige_v they_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o this_o must_v have_v a_o commission_n either_o from_o god_n or_o man_n but_o there_o be_v no_o person_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o god_n therefore_o they_o that_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o any_o magistrate_n power_n not_o on_o a_o humane_a but_o a_o divine_a right_n destroy_v all_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n when_o he_o can_v neither_o show_v nor_o ever_o have_v any_o such_o commission_n and_o there_o be_v none_o of_o his_o subject_n but_o what_o have_v as_o good_a a_o pretence_n that_o be_v just_o none_o at_o all_o to_o a_o divine_a right_n therefore_o since_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v a_o immediate_a right_n from_o heaven_n all_o the_o right_n that_o one_o more_o than_o another_o have_v to_o command_v must_v be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o govern_v either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o give_v but_o it_o be_v say_v the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n which_o may_v very_o fit_o and_o just_o be_v say_v since_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o appoint_v by_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n from_o god_n to_o choose_v they_o but_o be_v absolute_o require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o self-preservation_n imprint_v by_o god_n on_o their_o nature_n to_o avoid_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o unsafe_a state_n of_o nature_n by_o place_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o in_o one_o or_o more_o hand_n in_o such_o form_n and_o under_o such_o agreement_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o suppose_v the_o power_n that_o be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o from_o god_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o the_o people_n make_v by_o they_o and_o for_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o contradict_v st._n peter_n who_o call_v government_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o creature_n or_o contrivance_n of_o man_n but_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n wherein_o man_n have_v contrive_v and_o frame_v various_a sort_n
doubt_n will_v instruct_v they_o in_o their_o own_o religion_n whether_o paganism_n judaisme_n or_o mahometism_n yet_o no_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o can_v just_o use_v force_n on_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n to_o make_v they_o embrace_v those_o religion_n or_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o case_n between_o the_o magistrate_n and_o his_o subject_n be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o parent_n and_o child_n in_o their_o nonage_n because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o in_o those_o matter_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o his_o subject_n understanding_n for_o a_o time_n but_o his_o power_n reach_v to_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o capacity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o reason_n that_o subject_n child_n in_o their_o nonage_n to_o the_o use_n of_o force_n do_v not_o all_o concern_v man_n at_o year_n of_o discretion_n 10._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n have_v no_o right_a to_o judge_n in_o matter_n simple_o religious_a how_o then_o come_v a_o christian_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o obtain_v this_o charter_n since_o that_o law_n allow_v one_o magistrate_n no_o more_o power_n than_o another_o and_o what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o competent_a authority_n though_o not_o right_a yet_o be_v valid_a ratum_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la rectum_fw-la and_o as_o civil_a power_n be_v every_o where_o the_o same_o so_o let_v i_o add_v church-power_n be_v so_o too_o so_o that_o the_o church_n can_v give_v any_o new_a power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n by_o his_o become_v a_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o magistrate_n any_o new_a power_n to_o the_o church_n by_o his_o come_n into_o it_o 11._o it_o be_v say_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n oblige_v every_o one_o in_o his_o station_n to_o promote_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o magistrate_n be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v a_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n mere_o religious_a the_o magistrate_n no_o doubt_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n in_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o his_o station_n but_o mere_o religious_a one_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v do_v not_o as_o to_o those_o he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o private_a person_n nay_o the_o clergy_n can_v own_v he_o for_o more_o without_o destroy_v their_o own_o supremacy_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a which_o include_v mere_o religious_a one_o except_o there_o can_v be_v more_o than_o one_o supreme_a in_o the_o same_o thing_n chap._n iii_o that_o a_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v force_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n tend_v to_o man_n eternal_a ruin_n 1._o but_o if_o the_o magistrate_n have_v any_o such_o power_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o must_v be_v because_o it_o tend_v to_o promote_v either_o the_o eternal_a or_o temporal_a good_a of_o mankind_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o to_o take_v away_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o any_o right_n upon_o these_o pretence_n i_o shall_v show_v first_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o a_o power_n be_v destructive_a of_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n 2_o of_o his_o temporal_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o those_o law_n that_o for_o our_o mutual_a good_a god_n require_v of_o we_o 3_o that_o it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v of_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o make_v they_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n for_o since_o force_n can_v no_o more_o work_v a_o change_n or_o alteration_n on_o the_o mind_n than_o argument_n can_v on_o matter_n all_o that_o it_o can_v do_v be_v to_o make_v man_n unwilling_a to_o lie_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o which_o they_o have_v no_o way_n of_o avoid_v but_o by_o act_v as_o the_o magistrate_n will_v have_v they_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o force_n be_v whole_o unapt_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o and_o can_v only_o produce_v a_o outward_a compliance_n the_o conscience_n still_o remain_v averse_a for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o where_o a_o thing_n be_v whole_o impertinent_a to_o convince_v the_o conscience_n as_o violence_n be_v and_o yet_o it_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o act_v it_o oblige_v he_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o if_o he_o that_o act_v when_o he_o doubt_v be_v damn_v he_o can_v certain_o be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n who_o whole_o revolt_v from_o his_o conscience_n and_o base_o lie_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n 3._o the_o true_a religion_n itself_o can_v neither_o judge_v nor_o punish_v but_o the_o magistrate_n by_o the_o true_a religion_n mean_v his_o own_o and_o since_o all_o magistrate_n think_v themselves_o in_o the_o right_n they_o if_o force_n be_v to_o be_v use_v must_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o use_v it_o and_o consequent_o if_o one_o use_v force_n to_o make_v people_n profess_v a_o true_a doctrine_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v at_o least_o five_o hundred_o who_o will_v use_v it_o to_o make_v people_n contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n profess_v a_o false_a religion_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o impious_a nor_o will_v the_o matter_n be_v much_o mend_v if_o the_o magistrate_n force_v man_n to_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o yet_o be_v certain_o false_a to_o they_o whilst_o they_o believe_v it_o so_o and_o the_o force_a people_n to_o profess_v either_o a_o true_a or_o false_a religion_n be_v equal_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o consequent_o upon_o that_o account_n equal_o sinful_a because_o when_o man_n by_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n be_v bring_v to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o break_v those_o moral_a duty_n which_o all_o religion_n teach_v and_o in_o the_o observe_n of_o which_o man_n be_v mutual_a happiness_n consist_v therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o right_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o act_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o see_v they_o do_v not_o violate_v they_o though_o suppose_v never_o so_o erroneous_a and_o consequent_o all_o force_n be_v religious_o to_o be_v abstain_v from_o which_o as_o mr._n chillingworth_n chap._n 5._o n._n 96._o observe_v may_v make_v man_n counterfeit_v but_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v and_o therefore_o be_v fit_a to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a fatal_a consequence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o my_o next_o chap._n iu._n compulsion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o all_o those_o duty_n that_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n temporal_a happiness_n require_v of_o one_o towards_o another_o 1._o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o all_o those_o precept_n of_o love_n charity_n kindness_n gentleness_n meekness_n patience_n forbearance_n the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n compose_v of_o than_o man_n ill_o use_v one_o another_o for_o different_a sentiment_n in_o thing_n mere_o religious_a to_o pretend_v love_n kindness_n friendship_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o vex_v oppress_v and_o ruin_n be_v no_o better_a than_o mock_v and_o sport_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o we_o have_v so_o treat_v first_o to_o kiss_v and_o then_o betray_v be_v the_o base_a hypocrisy_n if_o that_o can_v pass_v for_o hypocrisy_n which_o open_o proclaim_v at_o how_o great_a a_o distance_n man_n word_n and_o action_n be_v the_o kind_a office_n one_o man_n can_v do_v to_o another_o be_v if_o he_o think_v he_o in_o a_o error_n to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o it_o who_o though_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o former_a opinion_n yet_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o other_o for_o his_o good_a intention_n still_o remain_v and_o this_o benefit_n he_o may_v obtain_v by_o it_o that_o by_o examine_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n he_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n yet_o shall_v he_o mistake_v after_o he_o have_v impartial_o examine_v the_o point_n his_o error_n will_v be_v whole_o innocent_a since_o he_o have_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o god_n require_v no_o more_o but_o to_o cause_v a_o person_n to_o be_v persecute_v for_o be_v instrumental_a in_o this_o be_v the_o most_o unnatural_a and_o diabolical_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v 2._o object_n it_o be_v usual_o say_v it_o be_v not_o want_n of_o charity_n but_o the_o great_a that_o can_v be_v to_o hinder_v man_n by_o force_n from_o profess_v such_o opinion_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o their_o soul_n answ._n but_o i_o say_v first_o that_o it_o be_v against_o charity_n for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v a_o real_a ill_a to_o
a_o pernicious_a example_n to_o other_o but_o if_o man_n out_o of_o conscience_n worship_v false_a god_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a of_o what_o be_v call_v material_a blasphemy_n the_o reason_n for_o punish_v they_o whole_o cease_v for_o force_n can_v convince_v but_o only_o make_v they_o false_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o will_v never_o be_v true_a to_o the_o public_a therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o right_a to_o hinder_v they_o from_o honour_v those_o false_a god_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o punish_v those_o who_o whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o worship_v they_o do_v dishonour_n they_o by_o blasphemy_n perjury_n or_o any_o other_o manifest_a contempt_n nay_o god_n himself_o will_v punish_v such_o contempt_n as_o if_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o consequent_o will_v punish_v the_o magistrate_n for_o hinder_v they_o from_o worship_v those_o false_a god_n when_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a one_o 2._o but_o as_o to_o christian_a magistrate_n punish_v for_o matter_n wherein_o conscientious_a person_n may_v and_o do_v differ_v it_o show_v their_o great_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n in_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o precept_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o mere_a human_a authority_n i_o may_v add_v contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n who_o we_o do_v not_o find_v but_o be_v all_o unanimous_a in_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o force_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v they_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o those_o frequent_a address_n they_o make_v to_o the_o heathen_a for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o than_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n as_o long_o as_o they_o reject_v what_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o punish_v they_o nor_o can_v they_o urge_v any_o thing_n for_o themselves_o but_o a_o shameless_a beg_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n which_o the_o magistrate_n the_o proper_a judge_n have_v determine_v against_o they_o and_o to_o hear_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o be_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o serve_v they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n can_v not_o but_o encourage_v the_o heathen_a in_o their_o persecution_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o such_o thought_n that_o even_o when_o the_o empire_n become_v christian_n the_o very_a heathen_a worship_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o sarum_n observe_v in_o his_o most_o excellent_a preface_n to_o lactantius_n be_v not_o only_o tolerate_v for_o a_o whole_a age_n together_o but_o the_o heathen_n continue_v to_o be_v in_o the_o chief_a employment_n of_o the_o empire_n 3._o compulsion_n be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o though_o the_o difference_n among_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n and_o wide_a than_o those_o among_o the_o christian_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o use_v force_n to_o compel_v one_o another_o socrates_n its_o true_a be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o religion_n but_o be_v not_o the_o people_n though_o still_o averse_a to_o his_o principle_n as_o soon_o as_o their_o fury_n be_v abate_v sensible_a of_o the_o crime_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o of_o the_o injury_n do_v he_o therefore_o to_o make_v he_o what_o amends_o they_o can_v they_o erect_v a_o statue_n to_o his_o memory_n and_o most_o of_o those_o that_o set_v they_o on_o be_v so_o abhor_v that_o this_o together_o with_o their_o own_o remorse_n make_v they_o become_v their_o own_o executioner_n but_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o heathen_a be_v about_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v better_a know_v than_o from_o the_o sentiment_n of_o gallio_n the_o town-clerk_n of_o ephesus_n agrippa_z and_o felix_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o so_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o heathen_n that_o we_o find_v themistius_n and_o other_o philosopher_n use_v all_o their_o eloquence_n to_o persuade_v the_o christian_a emperor_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o different_a sect_n of_o christian_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o bishop_n be_v urge_v they_o to_o persecute_v their_o brethren_n if_o the_o heathen_n will_v have_v persecute_v any_o it_o will_v have_v be_v the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o religion_n they_o most_o dislike_v yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o be_v so_o use_v by_o the_o various_a master_n they_o be_v under_o from_o their_o first_o be_v subject_n unto_o foreigner_n until_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o their_o being_n no_o long_o a_o nation_n but_o by_o the_o mad_a antiochus_n who_o at_o last_o grievous_o lament_v that_o crime_n nay_o nero_n himself_o the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n dare_v not_o do_v it_o barefaced_a but_o pretend_v they_o be_v incendiary_n and_o set_v rome_n on_o fire_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o enemy_n to_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v their_o be_v so_o represent_v that_o be_v more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o suffering_n for_o trajan_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o disobey_v no_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n but_o those_o that_o forbid_v their_o worship_n straight_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o inquire_v after_o and_o adrian_n under_o severe_a penalty_n forbid_v any_o to_o accuse_v they_o the_o same_o do_v antoninus_n pius_n and_o aurelius_n go_v further_o and_o make_v it_o death_n to_o inform_v against_o they_o nay_o commodus_n himself_o as_o great_a a_o tyrant_n as_o he_o be_v otherwise_o enact_v the_o same_o most_o just_a law_n so_o that_o it_o be_v then_o no_o less_o than_o a_o capital_a crime_n to_o cause_v any_o to_o be_v molest_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n though_o suppose_v never_o so_o false_a 4._o nay_o i_o think_v i_o may_v add_v that_o persecutor_n act_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n but_o their_o own_o sentiment_n for_o ask_v any_o of_o they_o why_o the_o swift_a and_o sudden_a increase_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n for_o its_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v for_o that_o of_o the_o christian_n they_o straightway_o answer_v that_o maugre_o its_o swift_a progress_n it_o be_v little_a less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n of_o its_o falsehood_n that_o it_o have_v the_o character_n of_o persecution_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o make_v use_v of_o violence_n as_o a_o lawful_a mean_n for_o its_o promotion_n which_o answer_v of_o they_o show_v that_o themselves_o believe_v force_v a_o unlawful_a mean_n of_o promote_a religion_n for_o how_o else_o can_v that_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o any_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v a_o mean_v ordain_v by_o god_n to_o promote_v the_o true_a and_o therefore_o the_o mahometan_n may_v just_o say_v how_o can_v the_o christian_n condemn_v they_o for_o use_v that_o method_n which_o themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o get_v power_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o mahometan_n can_v do_v it_o no_o soon_o practise_v with_o far_o great_a cruelty_n even_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o thus_o they_o give_v occasion_n for_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o triumph_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o confident_o by_o how_o much_o less_o christian_n suffer_v under_o they_o for_o religion_n than_o they_o do_v under_o one_o another_o 5._o nay_o i_o may_v go_v further_o and_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o party_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o have_v ever_o since_o persecution_n have_v be_v in_o use_n express_o condemn_v it_o and_o have_v write_v in_o defence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o though_o the_o orthodox_n make_v use_v of_o persecution_n as_o well_o as_o the_o arian_n yet_o they_o not_o only_o condemn_v it_o but_o think_v it_o so_o very_o odious_a that_o they_o suppose_v it_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o they_o can_v brand_v their_o adversary_n with_o and_o athanasius_n in_o epist._n ad_fw-la solit._n say_v persecution_n alone_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n that_o they_o the_o arian_n have_v neither_o piety_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o add_v he_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o piety_n not_o to_o force_v any_o in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o come_v with_o violent_a mean_n and_o the_o synod_n of_o alexandria_n condemn_v all_o force_n in_o religion_n and_o reproach_n the_o arian_n as_o the_o inventor_n and_o promoter_n of_o it_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o very_o forgetful_a as_o not_o to_o mind_v that_o the_o nicene_n father_n over-persuade_v constantine_n contrary_a to_o his_o faith_n
be_v rule_v by_o demetrius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o silversmith_n in_o punish_v paul_n who_o preach_v spoil_v their_o trade_n 8._o do_v the_o clergy_n but_o consider_v the_o ill_a effect_n that_o persecution_n have_v all_o along_o have_v on_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o emperor_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n there_o never_o be_v a_o council_n but_o what_o be_v a_o imperial_a machine_n either_o for_o or_o against_o a_o trinity_n or_o worship_v of_o image_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o seem_v good_a not_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o those_o emperor_n and_o when_o the_o priest_n by_o their_o cunning_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n have_v by_o degree_n advance_v their_o own_o power_n above_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o their_o head_n have_v the_o summon_n of_o council_n then_o they_o be_v mere_a papal_a engine_n and_o in_o their_o synod_n vote_v and_o act_v as_o they_o be_v influence_v from_o the_o vatican_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o remote_a the_o english_a history_n afford_v we_o fresh_a example_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o henry_n the_o 8_o edward_n the_o 6_o mary_n and_o elizabeth_n how_o easy_o and_o how_o smooth_o do_v the_o clergy_n then_o change_v their_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n nay_o every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o those_o king_n and_o queen_n but_o we_o need_v not_o go_v so_o far_o back_o for_o example_n let_v we_o but_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o we_o can_v but_o see_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o much_o as_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n be_v every_o where_o such_o as_o the_o term_n of_o preferment_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n of_o each_o country_n require_v of_o they_o be_v they_o not_o in_o italy_n and_o in_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o spain_n zealous_a and_o thorough_a roman-catholic_n in_o france_n catholic_n though_o with_o reserve_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gallican_n church_n and_o the_o regality_n or_o rather_o be_v they_o not_o whatever_o that_o absolute_a king_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v as_o we_o see_v by_o their_o act_n with_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o be_v they_o not_o in_o one_o half_a of_o germany_n papist_n in_o the_o other_o protestant_n in_o denmark_n and_o sweedland_n lutheran_n in_o the_o alps_n calvinist_n &_o c._n this_o be_v impossible_a shall_v so_o universal_o happen_v if_o interest_n have_v not_o too_o great_a a_o influence_n over_o they_o which_o make_v they_o very_o unfit_a instrument_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n or_o if_o find_v sincere_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v fit_a guide_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o trust_v to_o guide_v themselves_o but_o right_a or_o wrong_n be_v oblige_v to_o assert_v such_o opinion_n or_o else_o to_o starve_v which_o certain_o destroy_v all_o manner_n of_o argument_n from_o their_o authority_n since_o interest_v person_n be_v of_o no_o credit_n and_o therefore_o be_v every_o where_o repel_v from_o give_v their_o testimony_n but_o 9_o the_o clergy_n have_v a_o quite_o different_a design_n by_o such_o imposition_n viz._n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o what_o they_o so_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o whether_o con_n or_o transubstantiation_n or_o any_o other_o such_o point_n which_o have_v have_v the_o design_a effect_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o great_a fault_n of_o the_o laity_n have_v be_v in_o pay_v a_o servile_a and_o blind_a deference_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o clergy_n or_o as_o mr._n hales_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o schism_n speak_v of_o the_o laity_n even_o of_o the_o second_o century_n express_v it_o through_o sloth_n and_o blind_a obedience_n they_o examine_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v teach_v but_o like_o beast_n of_o burden_n patient_o couch_v down_o and_o indifferent_o undergo_v whatever_o their_o superior_n lay_v upon_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o do_v the_o clergy_n of_o each_o sect_n object_n to_o the_o laity_n of_o those_o sect_n they_o differ_v with_o and_o though_o the_o laity_n be_v so_o much_o more_o numerous_a and_o it_o be_v their_o business_n as_o well_o as_o the_o clergy_n to_o examine_v into_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o practice_v yet_o if_o we_o look_v into_o history_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o error_n schism_n heresy_n that_o have_v confound_v the_o christian_a world_n have_v have_v their_o origin_n and_o chief_a support_n from_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o the_o laity_n have_v be_v with_o much_o ado_n pervert_v and_o as_o they_o have_v hold_v out_o long_a against_o false_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n so_o they_o have_v be_v always_o the_o first_o and_o most_o forward_o for_o a_o reformation_n 10._o it_o be_v to_o the_o clergy_n be_v every_o where_o oblige_v to_o defend_v the_o establish_a opinion_n we_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n owe_v that_o in_o the_o write_n of_o controversial_a point_n the_o word_n there_o use_v be_v much_o more_o obscure_a uncertain_a and_o undetermined_a than_o they_o be_v even_o in_o ordinary_a conversation_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o talk_v eternal_o in_o oppose_v or_o defend_v any_o proposition_n though_o never_o so_o absurd_a for_o man_n may_v wrangle_v perpetual_o if_o they_o affect_v a_o obscurity_n and_o a_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o word_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o whole_a learning_n of_o the_o school_n be_v only_o dispute_v about_o word_n there_o a_o man_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o several_a word_n without_o idea_n annex_v to_o they_o and_o nothing_o so_o common_a as_o distinction_n without_o any_o difference_n but_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o intolerable_a if_o this_o sort_n of_o jargon_n have_v be_v confine_v to_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o have_v not_o obscure_v the_o material_a truth_n of_o law_n and_o religion_n nor_o invade_v the_o concernment_n of_o human_a life_n and_o society_n bring_v confusion_n disorder_n and_o uncertainty_n into_o all_o affair_n of_o moment_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o on_o this_o point_n only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v imposition_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o excommunication_n for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o first_o bring_v in_o uncharitableness_n envy_n strife_n feud_n faction_n among_o christian_n and_o after_o that_o persecution_n not_o only_o heighten_v they_o but_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o prodigious_a increase_n of_o all_o other_o wickedness_n by_o force_v man_n to_o break_v the_o tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o immorality_n must_v abound_v whilst_o imposition_n prevail_v which_o eat_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o best_a make_v man_n profess_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o form_n whatever_o opinion_n they_o find_v necessary_a for_o their_o worldly_a convenience_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o execrableness_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o protestant_n who_o principle_n it_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a with_o chap._n iu._n that_o the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n oblige_v the_o magistrate_n to_o hinder_v different_a profession_n of_o religion_n examine_v 1._o and_o now_o i_o be_o at_o leisure_n to_o examine_v the_o only_a remain_a pretence_n for_o the_o magistrate_n use_v force_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n that_o without_o this_o power_n he_o will_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v tumult_n disturbance_n commotion_n war_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o a_o toleration_n not_o to_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v chap._n 1._o §_o 22._o or_o chapter_n the_o four_o of_o the_o horrible_a mischief_n of_o persecution_n nor_o to_o mention_v that_o what_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v can_v no_o wise_a contribute_v to_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o mankind_n i_o say_v if_o the_o profess_v of_o any_o religion_n that_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n be_v different_a from_o that_o establish_v by_o law_n will_v cause_v these_o dismal_a effect_n than_o the_o protestant_a persuasion_n in_o popish_a country_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a will_v produce_v they_o but_o if_o persecutor_n can_v affirm_v this_o it_o be_v false_a to_o say_v that_o any_o religion_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o public_a tend_v to_o create_v disturbance_n therefore_o if_o they_o have_v any_o value_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o
be_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o clergy_n i_o may_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v what_o i_o judge_v be_v either_o add_v change_a or_o diminish_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a all_o sect_n by_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o their_o own_o side_n do_v judge_v their_o adversary_n do_v add_v etc._n etc._n but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v a_o right_a to_o make_v i_o believe_v a_o thing_n whilst_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o change_v my_o mind_n before_o i_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o it_o may_v be_v say_v though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o believe_v as_o they_o will_v have_v i_o yet_o i_o may_v do_v as_o they_o command_v even_o whilst_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n but_o then_o to_o obey_v they_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o damn_v myself_o for_o he_o that_o act_v when_o he_o doubt_v be_v damn_v no_o law_n whether_o of_o god_n or_o man_n can_v scarce_o be_v of_o any_o use_n without_o apply_v it_o to_o particular_a case_n and_o deduce_a consequence_n from_o it_o and_o explain_v doubt_n that_o arise_v but_o if_o the_o laity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o all_o such_o case_n they_o must_v become_v brute_n and_o renounce_v their_o reason_n where_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o most_o use_n of_o it_o our_o author_n i_o confess_v say_v not_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v rest_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o deduce_a consequence_n in_o thing_n explicit_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o thing_n explicit_o determine_v i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v for_o though_o word_n be_v explicit_a yet_o the_o thing_n imply_v in_o those_o word_n be_v certain_o implicit_a and_o if_o the_o clergy_n can_v oblige_v man_n to_o follow_v right_a or_o wrong_n their_o determination_n in_o deduce_a consequence_n in_o thing_n implicit_o determine_v by_o scripture_n they_o may_v oblige_v man_n to_o add_v change_n or_o diminish_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o most_o point_n 3._o the_o popish_a priest_n never_o carry_v their_o pretence_n high_a than_o this_o author_n do_v they_o have_v not_o the_o impudence_n to_o assert_v they_o can_v oblige_v people_n to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o determine_v those_o controversy_n that_o may_v arise_v among_o the_o faithful_a and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o none_o ought_v to_o begin_v to_o examine_v those_o point_n again_o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o every_o one_o have_v a_o right_a to_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o popish_a one_o of_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n do_v but_o this_o author_n be_v much_o more_o absurd_a than_o the_o papist_n in_o make_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n to_o be_v decide_v not_o by_o a_o infallible_a pope_n or_o council_n who_o decree_n be_v to_o bind_v the_o catholic_n church_n but_o by_o the_o cast_a voice_n of_o a_o fallible_a convocation_n in_o every_o nation_n which_o may_v in_o spain_n oblige_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v transubstantiation_n in_o sweden_n consubstantiation_n in_o england_n the_o real_a corporeal_a presence_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bind_v to_o change_v his_o sentiment_n with_o his_o habitation_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o degree_n or_o two_o may_v oblige_v he_o to_o opposite_a opinion_n and_o yet_o as_o absurd_a as_o this_o be_v since_o the_o clergy_n be_v so_o infinite_o divide_v among_o themselves_o the_o laity_n must_v either_o do_v so_o or_o else_o judge_v for_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o know_v which_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o 4._o the_o pamphleteer_n suppose_v this_o impossible_a and_o pag._n 18._o where_o he_o speak_v out_o he_o roundly_o tell_v the_o commons_o of_o england_n that_o it_o be_v a_o little_a too_o much_o to_o suppose_v country_n gentleman_n merchant_n or_o lawyer_n to_o be_v nice_o skilled_a in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o bible_n master_n of_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o father_n or_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o they_o must_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v who_o sit_v judge_n of_o religious_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o proper_a tribunal_n a_o convocation_n have_v people_n at_o the_o reformation_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n we_o may_v still_o have_v groan_v under_o the_o popish_a yoke_n for_o the_o majority_n of_o the_o clergy_n not_o only_o in_o england_n but_o every_o where_o else_o be_v as_o averse_a to_o this_o reformation_n which_o may_v just_o be_v call_v a_o lay_v one_o as_o the_o jewish_a priest_n be_v to_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o to_o be_v master_n of_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o father_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o judge_n of_o religious_a doctrine_n it_o be_v as_o necessary_a the_o laity_n shall_v understand_v they_o because_o the_o clergy_n be_v strange_o divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o they_o each_o sect_n pretend_v they_o be_v on_o their_o side_n which_o show_v that_o either_o the_o clergy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v with_o give_v we_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o father_n because_o they_o make_v they_o say_v any_o thing_n according_a as_o it_o serve_v their_o present_a interest_n or_o that_o the_o father_n talk_v forward_o and_o backward_o contradict_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o one_o another_o which_o if_o so_o show_v great_a disingenuity_n in_o the_o clergy_n not_o to_o own_v it_o and_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v mr._n chillingworth_n a_o man_n unsuspected_a of_o the_o least_o priestcraft_n he_o tell_v we_o chap._n 6._o that_o he_o see_v plain_o and_o that_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n that_o there_o be_v council_n against_o council_n some_o father_n against_o other_o the_o same_o father_n against_o themselves_o a_o consent_n of_o father_n of_o one_o age_n against_o a_o consent_n of_o father_n of_o another_o age_n the_o church_n of_o one_o age_n against_o the_o church_n of_o another_o age._n 5._o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v the_o christian_n to_o give_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o any_o number_n of_o fallible_a man_n that_o they_o command_v they_o all_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o reason_n in_o judge_v of_o religion_n commend_v those_o as_o the_o berean_o that_o do_v so_o and_o blame_v those_o that_o do_v not_o why_o have_v you_o not_o judge_v these_o thing_n of_o yourselves_o and_o if_o man_n be_v then_o oblige_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n because_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o now_o but_o have_v speak_v full_o to_o this_o point_n in_o ch._n 2._o par._n 1._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n authorise_v by_o common_a sense_n not_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n till_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_n nor_o can_v we_o without_o renounce_v our_o reason_n suppose_v god_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o nothing_o can_v reflect_v more_o on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v yet_o make_v it_o so_o obscure_a that_o not_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o because_o it_o depend_v upon_o skill_n in_o father_n critic_n church-history_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n may_v therefore_o just_o conclude_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o doctrine_n pretend_v as_o there_o be_v in_o most_o system_n the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o people_n judge_v of_o they_o alone_o demonstrate_v they_o come_v not_o from_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v able_a so_o his_o goodness_n make_v he_o willing_a to_o express_v truth_n so_o clear_o that_o all_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a may_v understand_v it_o in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o it_o will_v seem_v strange_a that_o god_n shall_v choose_v fisherman_n and_o such_o simple_a person_n to_o preach_v a_o religion_n intelligible_a only_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o philosopher_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o run_v to_o father_n critic_n etc._n etc._n for_o he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v know_v as_o our_o saviour_n john_n 7._o say_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o make_v i_o love_n reverence_n and_o honour_n god_n or_o be_v beneficial_a to_o man_n and_o a_o doctrine_n can_v show_v itself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n any_o
make_v they_o pay_v a_o blind_a submission_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o all_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n have_v happen_v in_o christendom_n but_o of_o the_o great_a corruption_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a and_o easy_a in_o itself_o and_o suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o people_n will_v never_o have_v be_v so_o much_o and_o so_o universal_o deprave_v have_v there_o be_v a_o entire_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o though_o upon_o several_a account_n such_o as_o prejudice_n of_o education_n mistake_v philosophy_n interest_n etc._n etc._n error_n may_v have_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o be_v establish_v by_o penal_a law_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o in_o all_o age_n who_o not_o be_v under_o the_o like_o prejudices_fw-la will_v have_v oppose_v they_o and_o consequent_o upon_o a_o free_a examination_n error_n can_v not_o long_o have_v withstand_v the_o power_n of_o truth_n luther_n calvin_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o successful_a than_o other_o who_o before_o they_o see_v the_o corruption_n the_o clergy_n have_v introduce_v only_o because_o they_o have_v better_a fortune_n in_o meeting_n with_o prince_n that_o allow_v they_o a_o liberty_n that_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o other_o 10._o one_o of_o the_o chief_a mean_n of_o corrupt_a religion_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n those_o pretender_n to_o science_n false_o so_o call_v who_o when_o they_o think_v it_o worth_a their_o while_n though_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o at_o first_o be_v convert_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o become_v governor_n and_o lead_a man_n in_o it_o bring_v in_o with_o they_o so_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o conquer_v the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n their_o absurd_a metaphysical_a notion_n whole_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o wrest_v to_o their_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o be_v then_o unwilling_a to_o make_v a_o mean_a figure_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o learning_n than_o they_o do_v former_o they_o blend_v together_o two_o very_o different_a thing_n christianity_n and_o that_o vain_a philosophy_n st._n paul_n so_o much_o caution_n people_n against_o and_o they_o that_o succeed_v they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o render_v religion_n more_o and_o more_o mysterious_a and_o unintelligible_a that_o the_o laity_n shall_v admire_v they_o for_o their_o profound_a knowledge_n in_o thing_n past_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o be_v whole_o govern_v by_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v above_o their_o apprehension_n and_o so_o get_v their_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o their_o estate_n in_o their_o disposal_n which_o design_n succeed_v according_o for_o we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o they_o to_o make_v what_o creed_n impose_v what_o opinion_n they_o think_v fit_a on_o the_o laity_n who_o whenever_o they_o assert_v their_o natural_a right_n of_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o act_v according_a to_o that_o judgement_n be_v by_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n always_o ready_a force_v to_o a_o compliance_n thus_o it_o be_v that_o priest-craft_n begin_v and_o persecution_n complete_v the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o method_n the_o clergy_n take_v in_o the_o most_o early_a time_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o suspect_v that_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n they_o be_v less_o in_o love_n with_o power_n and_o dominion_n 9_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n force_n be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v religion_n because_o for_o want_v of_o it_o the_o world_n be_v quick_o and_o universal_o overrun_v with_o idolatry_n i_o answer_v a_o right_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v force_n will_v in_o no_o wise_a have_v prevent_v idolatry_n except_o they_o have_v be_v against_o it_o when_o the_o people_n be_v incline_v to_o it_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o the_o king_n themselves_o as_o that_o great_a and_o good_a man_n the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n concern_v toleration_n plain_o show_v be_v the_o promoter_n of_o idolatry_n by_o introduce_v their_o predecessor_n into_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o the_o people_n to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o as_o descend_v from_o the_o god_n the_o great_a veneration_n from_o their_o subject_n and_o therefore_o erect_v such_o a_o worship_n and_o such_o a_o priesthood_n as_o may_v awe_v the_o seduce_a multitude_n into_o the_o obedience_n they_o desire_v and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o court_v by_o their_o instrument_n the_o priest_n and_o by_o their_o artifices_fw-la the_o fable_n of_o their_o god_n their_o mystery_n and_o oracle_n shall_v thus_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o king_n among_o the_o people_n for_o the_o end_n of_o ambition_n and_o power_n than_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v find_v out_o those_o refine_a way_n of_o do_v it_o and_o introduce_v they_o into_o court_n for_o enslave_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a monarch_n as_o the_o first_o introducer_n of_o idolatry_n be_v can_v impose_v what_o they_o please_v on_o their_o subject_n breed_v up_o in_o slavery_n and_o consequent_o in_o ignorance_n for_o where_o man_n be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o arbitrary_a power_n they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o examine_v into_o matter_n of_o religion_n their_o time_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o in_o provide_v necessary_a subsistence_n and_o consequent_o they_o must_v be_v gross_o ignorant_a and_o have_v mean_a low_a and_o abject_a thought_n suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o these_o emperor_n may_v by_o degree_n impose_v on_o they_o the_o worship_v their_o ancestor_n especial_o when_o they_o see_v the_o priest_n and_o courtier_n scarce_o forbear_v adore_v the_o present_a monarch_n which_o be_v almost_o unavoidable_a in_o arbitrary_a government_n witness_v the_o most_o fulsome_a and_o blasphemous_a flattery_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o the_o french_a king_n even_o by_o his_o christian_a subject_n nay_o how_o many_o instance_n have_v we_o of_o such_o monarch_n who_o impatience_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o stay_v till_o after_o their_o death_n for_o divine_a honour_n which_o then_o custom_n have_v in_o a_o manner_n make_v their_o right_n and_o 10._o one_o and_o not_o perhaps_o the_o least_o reason_v why_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v for_o preach_v up_o absolute_a arbitrary_a power_n to_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la be_v because_o that_o necessary_o cause_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n and_o thereby_o give_v they_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o impose_v on_o the_o people_n what_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o ignorance_n though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n to_o god_n it_o be_v certain_o so_o to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o priest_n call_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o they_o dread_v more_o than_o a_o know_a laity_n and_o to_o show_v all_o the_o art_n and_o method_n they_o have_v take_v to_o keep_v they_o ignorant_a will_v require_v a_o large_a history_n and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o clergy_n be_v most_o numerous_a potent_a and_o rich_a the_o people_n be_v most_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a as_o well_o as_o most_o enslave_v and_o where_o the_o clergy_n be_v few_o in_o number_n religion_n abound_v most_o as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n it_o be_v piedmont_n and_o some_o such_o barren_a place_n which_o can_v not_o well_o maintain_v many_o priest_n and_o where_o it_o be_v scarce_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o advance_v priest-craft_n that_o best_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o to_o go_v so_o far_o from_o home_n as_o nothing_o make_v way_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reformation_n as_o the_o deprive_v the_o priest_n of_o their_o monastery_n and_o other_o ill-gotten_a good_n so_o nothing_o have_v since_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o continue_v of_o it_o than_o those_o possession_n be_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o method_n by_o which_o they_o have_v general_o corrupt_v religion_n be_v by_o wheedle_v or_o force_v the_o people_n into_o a_o blind_a submission_n to_o what_o they_o impose_v on_o they_o and_o it_o be_v by_o these_o artifices_fw-la that_o the_o jewish_a priest_n and_o rabbi_n impose_v on_o that_o nation_n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v by_o this_o method_n that_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n support_v itself_o there_o be_v no_o debate_n nor_o discourse_n allow_v of_o what_o the_o mufti_n shall_v teach_v the_o people_n and_o every_o body_n know_v that_o the_o force_a people_n into_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v the_o bulwark_n of_o the_o popish_a religion_n and_o now_o have_v answer_v and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v