give_v in_o a_o public_a edict_n for_o liberty_n of_o worship_n not_o only_o to_o deprive_v and_o banish_v those_o of_o the_o clergy_n that_o profess_a arianism_n but_o even_o to_o put_v all_o man_n to_o death_n on_o who_o any_o of_o arius_n his_o work_n be_v find_v 6._o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o christian_a priest_n in_o the_o first_o general_n council_n and_o all_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v for_o persecution_n there_o must_v be_v some_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o influence_n they_o i_o answer_v just_o as_o much_o as_o influence_n the_o jewish_a priest_n not_o to_o own_o jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n for_o as_o they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o he_o because_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o advance_v their_o temporal_a power_n so_o the_o christian_a priest_n have_v be_v as_o much_o prejudice_v against_o those_o gospel-method_n of_o love_n gentleness_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o pride_n ambition_n and_o that_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n they_o so_o much_o affect_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o own_o history_n which_o represent_v they_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n ever_o since_o persecution_n prevail_v as_o one_o will_v imagine_v he_o be_v read_v a_o story_n of_o devil_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n these_o shall_v prevail_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n when_o barbarity_n and_o cruelty_n be_v superad_v and_o not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a history_n but_o the_o best_a of_o the_o clergy_n almost_o as_o soon_o as_o persecution_n be_v in_o use_n give_v a_o very_a scandalous_a character_n of_o their_o body_n as_o st._n jerom_n st._n basil_n st._n ambrose_n st._n hilary_n who_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o psalm_n scruple_n not_o to_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n who_o in_o his_o first_o oration_n among_o other_o thing_n say_v they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o they_o look_v on_o the_o priesthood_n not_o as_o a_o ministry_n of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n but_o as_o a_o magistracy_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o no_o examination_n that_o no_o charity_n be_v observe_v in_o they_o but_o only_a anger_n and_o passion_n that_o their_o piety_n do_v only_o consist_v in_o condemn_v the_o impiety_n of_o other_o man_n who_o conduct_n they_o observe_v not_o to_o reclaim_v but_o to_o defame_v that_o they_o blame_v or_o praise_v man_n not_o because_o of_o their_o good_a or_o bad_a life_n but_o according_a to_o the_o party_n they_o embrace_v that_o they_o admire_v in_o themselves_o what_o they_o sharp_o censure_v in_o another_o party_n that_o they_o wrangle_v about_o trifle_n on_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o defend_v the_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v abhor_v by_o the_o heathen_a and_o despise_v by_o all_o good_a man_n among_o the_o christian_n 7._o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n from_o human_a authority_n for_o persecution_n because_o that_o destroy_v any_o argument_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o authority_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o persecutor_n themselves_o for_o ask_v they_o why_o the_o council_n of_o ariminum_n which_o be_v double_a in_o number_n to_o that_o of_o nice_n and_o which_o even_o the_o nicene_n father_n themselves_o subscribe_v be_v not_o of_o any_o authority_n the_o answer_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o a_o free_a council_n but_o be_v overawe_v by_o the_o emperor_n but_o if_o persecution_n destroy_v their_o authority_n the_o reason_n will_v hold_v against_o any_o other_o council_n or_o meet_v of_o man_n ever_o since_o force_n have_v be_v in_o fashion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o nicene_n father_n who_o be_v so_o divide_v into_o party_n and_o faction_n and_o full_a of_o heat_n feud_n and_o quarrel_n as_o marvel_n in_o that_o small_a but_o admirable_a essay_n of_o creed_n and_o council_n full_o show_v shall_v revenge_v themselves_o on_o their_o adversary_n on_o pretence_n of_o advance_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o that_o the_o arian_n when_o they_o have_v be_v so_o provoke_v shall_v serve_v they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o that_o the_o different_a party_n after_o these_o precedent_n which_o must_v necessary_o increase_v their_o hatred_n and_o animosity_n shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o for_o persecute_v one_o the_o other_o but_o more_o than_o enough_o of_o human_a authority_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v examine_v what_o they_o urge_v from_o reason_n for_o the_o magistrate_n use_v force_n which_o may_v be_v conclude_v under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o that_o it_o cause_v people_n impartial_o to_o consider_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o make_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n 2._o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o error_n 3._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n oblige_v the_o magistrate_n not_o to_o permit_v different_a profession_n of_o religion_n chap._n iii_o object_n that_o compulsion_n tend_v to_o make_v people_n impartial_o consider_v examine_v 1._o i_o agree_v with_o they_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o more_o apparent_o the_o duty_n of_o rational_a creature_n than_o to_o make_v a_o strict_a inquisition_n in_o their_o advance_a and_o capable_a year_n into_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o of_o all_o the_o use_v reason_n be_v design_v for_o the_o chief_a no_o doubt_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o happiness_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o practice_v be_v by_o mere_a accident_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o industry_n and_o reason_v for_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o as_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o consequent_o our_o reward_n from_o he_o will_v be_v in_o a_o just_a proportion_n to_o the_o use_n we_o make_v of_o our_o reason_n this_o be_v premise_v it_o be_v evident_a nothing_o can_v well_o be_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o to_o hinder_v people_n from_o a_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o say_v nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o do_v than_o punishment_n and_o reward_n for_o what_o can_v bias_n and_o prejudice_n more_o than_o punishment_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o not_o only_a protection_n but_o the_o prospect_n of_o preferment_n and_o advantage_n for_o as_o much_o weight_n as_o they_o carry_v in_o man_n mind_n so_o much_o will_v they_o be_v influence_v by_o they_o and_o to_o put_v discountenance_n and_o punishment_n in_o one_o scale_n and_o impunity_n and_o preferment_n in_o the_o other_o be_v as_o likely_a a_o way_n to_o make_v a_o man_n judge_v impartial_o for_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v to_o bribe_v and_o threaten_v a_o judge_n to_o make_v he_o judge_v so_o for_o other_o in_o a_o word_n what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o way_n to_o make_v man_n consider_v calm_o and_o without_o prejudice_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o require_v their_o utmost_a attention_n be_v to_o provoke_v they_o to_o passion_n by_o ill_a usage_n and_o to_o distract_v they_o on_o one_o hand_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o punishment_n and_o to_o agitate_v they_o as_o strong_o on_o the_o other_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n 2._o it_o be_v usual_o say_v man_n be_v careless_a and_o negligent_a and_o of_o themselves_o unapt_a to_o make_v a_o strict_a inquisition_n into_o religion_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v force_v but_o force_n will_v make_v they_o but_o more_o so_o and_o instead_o of_o remedy_v increase_v the_o malady_n for_o man_n will_v then_o be_v afraid_a to_o examine_v the_o magistrate_n religion_n for_o fear_n of_o find_v it_o false_a and_o any_o other_o for_o fear_n of_o find_v it_o true_a both_o which_o will_v equal_o subject_v they_o to_o punishment_n in_o such_o circumstance_n if_o they_o examine_v at_o all_o it_o will_v be_v very_o slight_o and_o partial_o for_o a_o small_a a_o very_a small_a reason_n will_v make_v most_o man_n profess_v a_o religion_n on_o which_o their_o worldly_a happiness_n depend_v and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a one_o indeed_o that_o they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o own_o rather_o than_o be_v all_o their_o life_n subject_a to_o punishment_n in_o short_a what_o can_v be_v more_o unnatural_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o to_o terrify_v people_n into_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n be_v a_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o examine_v impartial_o the_o different_a persuasion_n than_o to_o let_v they_o free_o examine_v and_o as_o free_o profess_v what_o upon_o examination_n they_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n 3._o if_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v influence_v in_o
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
or_o indeed_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o do_v not_o invade_v the_o right_n of_o other_o or_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v harass_n man_n about_o these_o thing_n which_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o civil_a society_n though_o not_o sufficient_a to_o erect_v court_n of_o judicature_n about_o they_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o so_o to_o molest_v they_o about_o nice_a controversy_n speculative_a point_n mere_a ceremony_n or_o form_n of_o outward_a worship_n in_o which_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o society_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o punish_v for_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o not_o for_o other_o what_o other_o rule_n can_v there_o be_v to_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o what_o not_o but_o that_o about_o those_o thing_n of_o religion_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o civil_a society_n he_o be_v to_o use_v the_o force_n of_o the_o society_n and_o that_o what_o do_v not_o ought_v whole_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o the_o party_n concern_v for_o as_o it_o be_v absurd_a that_o the_o force_n of_o the_o society_n shall_v be_v employ_v about_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v very_o unjust_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o act_v as_o he_o judge_v best_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o no_o other_o have_v a_o interest_n but_o his_o own_o eternal_a good_a or_o ill_n be_v only_o concern_v 11._o god_n who_o do_v not_o require_v of_o man_n to_o be_v infallible_a but_o to_o do_v their_o best_a to_o discover_v truth_n can_v never_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v willing_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o invincible_a error_n but_o the_o magistrate_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o man_n part_n and_o apprehension_n do_v not_o know_v what_o error_n be_v invincible_a and_o what_o not_o can_v but_o punish_v unjust_o since_o he_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o person_n he_o punish_v suppose_v he_o in_o a_o error_n be_v in_o a_o fault_n or_o if_o in_o a_o fault_n can_v know_v what_o degree_n of_o weakness_n or_o wilfulness_n it_o have_v or_o how_o to_o proportion_v his_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o different_a ability_n of_o every_o individual_a person_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v since_o where_o much_o be_v give_v much_o be_v require_v and_o where_o little_o be_v give_v as_o little_a be_v require_v but_o as_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o do_v this_o so_o he_o can_v tell_v after_o he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a but_o that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o guilty_a of_o a_o much_o great_a fault_n than_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o correct_v by_o force_v they_o to_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n all_o which_o no_o less_o than_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o qualify_v and_o therefore_o not_o ordain_v to_o punish_v such_o offence_n but_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n the_o great_a and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o man_n who_o alone_o discern_v all_o the_o power_n and_o work_n of_o man_n mind_n when_o they_o sincere_o seek_v after_o truth_n or_o by_o what_o if_o by_o any_o default_n they_o miss_v it_o and_o who_o alone_o know_v who_o to_o punish_v and_o how_o to_o proportion_v his_o punishment_n 12._o to_o suppose_v god_n have_v constitute_v the_o supreme_a power_n to_o judge_n not_o only_o concern_v civil_a crime_n for_o which_o he_o have_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o but_o also_o mere_o religious_a one_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v so_o very_o unjust_a and_o foolish_a a_o thing_n of_o a_o king_n on_o earth_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v constitute_v for_o his_o vicegerent_n those_o of_o who_o he_o certain_o know_v not_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o but_o will_v punish_v his_o faithful_a subject_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o and_o reward_v those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o how_o then_o can_v we_o suppose_v so_o very_o absurd_a a_o thing_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n that_o he_o shall_v appoint_v they_o for_o his_o vicar_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o arm_v they_o with_o a_o coercive_a power_n to_o punish_v those_o offence_n that_o relate_v sole_o to_o himself_o who_o as_o he_o can_v not_o but_o infallible_o foreknow_v will_v make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n to_o encourage_v even_o their_o rebel_n against_o he_o by_o set_v up_o of_o false_a god_n in_o his_o stead_n for_o idolatry_n be_v every_o where_o quick_o the_o public_a religion_n of_o their_o dominion_n except_o among_o god_n own_o people_n the_o jew_n and_o even_o there_o very_o often_o it_o be_v the_o national_a religion_n and_o after_o their_o captivity_n until_o constantine_n time_n not_o one_o of_o god_n suppose_v vicar_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n but_o be_v themselves_o idolater_n and_o do_v all_o of_o they_o discountenance_n and_o several_a of_o they_o persecute_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o when_o the_o christian_n if_o persecutor_n deserve_v that_o name_n make_v use_v of_o force_n upon_o christian_n what_o do_v it_o produce_v but_o popish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 13._o persecution_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o promote_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o it_o must_v necessary_o hinder_v its_o progress_n because_o the_o infidel_n must_v think_v themselves_o as_o much_o oblige_v to_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o as_o the_o christian_n their_o religion_n here_o and_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o pray_v for_o their_o conversion_n whilst_o we_o assert_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o will_v not_o let_v we_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v here_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n nor_o they_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o have_v this_o doctrine_n of_o promote_a the_o true_a religion_n by_o force_n be_v believe_v by_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v have_v oblige_v they_o to_o have_v extirpate_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o certain_o that_o can_v scarce_o be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o if_o practise_v will_v have_v destroy_v the_o very_a name_n of_o christian._n 14._o it_o may_v be_v say_v no_o persecution_n can_v extirpate_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o the_o severe_a method_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v it_o that_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o its_o increase_n the_o fast_o not_o to_o mention_v if_o this_o be_v so_o and_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o persecute_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o increase_v and_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n use_v a_o contrary_a method_n with_o false_a religion_n i_o say_v that_o persecution_n if_o it_o continue_v but_o a_o short_a time_n will_v make_v any_o religion_n to_o increase_v and_o flourish_v the_o more_o because_o the_o bravery_n the_o courage_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v prepare_v people_n to_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o suffer_v for_o but_o if_o it_o continue_v for_o a_o age_n or_o age_n so_o that_o the_o old_a professor_n be_v all_o destroy_v the_o succeed_a generation_n will_v all_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v educate_v in_o thus_o we_o find_v christianity_n by_o the_o continue_a cruelty_n of_o its_o enemy_n root_v out_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o africa_n and_o other_o place_n it_o entire_o possess_v and_o shall_v the_o persecution_n in_o france_n continue_v the_o next_o generation_n will_v be_v all_o papist_n as_o they_o be_v in_o spain_n and_o portugal_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o persecution_n have_v not_o the_o like_a effect_n under_o the_o pagan_a emperor_n be_v because_o god_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o continue_v long_o at_o a_o time_n and_o not_o without_o great_a intermission_n but_o have_v all_o those_o emperor_n be_v for_o promote_a by_o force_n what_o according_a to_o their_o sentiment_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o have_v utter_o extirpate_v the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o christian_n 15._o nay_o have_v the_o heathen_a emperor_n abhor_v persecution_n as_o all_o but_o what_o be_v monster_n do_v yet_o they_o have_v be_v under_o a_o indispensible_a duty_n as_o they_o value_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o of_o their_o subject_n in_o particular_a to_o root_v out_o a_o religion_n which_o when_o it_o get_v power_n into_o its_o hand_n will_v have_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n than_o its_o own_o interest_n and_o will_v deprive_v man_n though_o never_o so_o strict_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o society_n of_o their_o property_n and_o
the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o no_o other_o motive_n than_o that_o of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o right_o can_v the_o magistrate_n have_v to_o make_v they_o do_v otherwise_o by_o the_o awe_v and_o bribe_n of_o this_o world_n to_o pretend_v to_o establish_v a_o church_n by_o penal_a law_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a society_n that_o meet_v for_o no_o other_o intent_n than_o to_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will._n if_o man_n therefore_o associate_v not_o for_o this_o consideration_n but_o because_o of_o penal_a law_n they_o may_v be_v call_v any_o thing_n soon_o than_o a_o church_n 4._o if_o worldly_a awe_v and_o bribe_n be_v away_o there_o can_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o prejudice_n man_n in_o their_o grand_a choice_n education_n will_v not_o then_o make_v half_a so_o deep_a a_o impression_n for_o it_o be_v persecution_n that_o be_v the_o occasion_n that_o people_n of_o different_a persuasion_n contract_v so_o early_o and_o so_o great_a a_o aversion_n one_o for_o the_o other_o that_o it_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n part_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o make_v it_o so_o very_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hear_v with_o tolerable_a patience_n what_o their_o adversary_n have_v to_o offer_v but_o be_v they_o teach_v to_o have_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o be_v due_a from_o different_a sect_n to_o each_o other_o and_o instead_o of_o be_v frighten_v from_o be_v hearty_o advise_v to_o examine_v and_o impartial_o consider_v other_o persuasion_n beside_o those_o they_o be_v breed_v in_o education_n can_v create_v little_a or_o no_o prejudice_n in_o man_n mind_n who_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o in_o a_o error_n as_o what_o think_v man_n do_v not_o discover_v some_o imbibe_v in_o their_o green_a year_n will_v then_o as_o free_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o do_v now_o their_o diet_n or_o physic_n when_o they_o judge_v the_o health_n of_o their_o body_n require_v it_o nor_o will_v other_o then_o be_v more_o disturb_v or_o concern_v at_o the_o one_o than_o at_o the_o other_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v more_o reason_n to_o change_v in_o one_o case_n than_o in_o the_o other_o since_o the_o profess_v a_o opinion_n one_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v he_o good_a that_o that_o alone_o turn_v it_o to_o rank_a poison_n which_o be_v otherwise_o in_o physic_n where_o a_o man_n may_v be_v cure_v by_o a_o medicine_n he_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o force_n be_v so_o far_o from_o cause_v people_n impartial_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o can_v only_o serve_v either_o to_o prejudice_v they_o as_o they_o become_v capable_a of_o judge_v or_o else_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v make_v they_o act_v against_o their_o judgement_n 5._o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n himself_o his_o use_v force_n will_v contribute_v to_o make_v other_o to_o be_v so_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o consider_v since_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n so_o to_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n that_o make_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n that_o the_o magistrate_n use_v force_n when_o he_o be_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n tend_v to_o make_v other_o profess_v it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o be_v by_o make_v they_o impartial_o consider_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v since_o we_o find_v it_o as_o effectual_a to_o make_v they_o embrace_v a_o false_a as_o a_o true_a religion_n else_o the_o french_a tyrant_n have_v not_o force_v above_o a_o million_o to_o turn_v papist_n and_o therefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o number_n of_o the_o erroneous_a magistrate_n be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o orthodox_n by_o so_o much_o more_o it_o cause_v the_o profession_n of_o false_a persuasion_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v what_o may_v by_o what_o have_v already_o happen_v not_o only_o before_o but_o since_o christ_n come_n it_o be_v as_o probable_a that_o all_o magistrate_n may_v use_v force_n to_o promote_v error_n as_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o propagate_v truth_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v persecution_n make_v man_n impartial_o consider_v because_o they_o general_o look_v on_o it_o as_o so_o just_a a_o prejudice_n against_o any_o religion_n that_o use_v it_o that_o it_o tempt_v they_o without_o any_o further_a look_v into_o it_o to_o conclude_v it_o want_v reason_n to_o support_v itself_o and_o therefore_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o have_v recourse_n to_o brutal_a force_n to_o uphold_v it_o and_o the_o way_n that_o persecutor_n take_v to_o make_v man_n hate_v their_o person_n be_v a_o very_a improper_a way_n to_o take_v off_o the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v to_o their_o opinion_n and_o as_o suffer_v prejudices_fw-la they_o against_o the_o religion_n that_o cause_v it_o so_o it_o strange_o endear_v to_o they_o the_o religion_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o think_v nothing_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n can_v cause_v they_o to_o adhere_v so_o firm_o to_o their_o religion_n and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v the_o persecution_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o convince_v they_o they_o have_v suffer_v for_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o 7._o as_o to_o the_o spectator_n it_o will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o horror_n and_o indignation_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o man_n as_o go_v about_o to_o ruin_v innocent_a person_n for_o serve_a god_n according_a to_o conscience_n and_o make_v they_o judge_n as_o favourable_o of_o the_o sufferer_n for_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a compassion_n that_o follow_v all_o in_o misery_n which_o create_v likeness_n of_o affection_n and_o this_o very_a often_o likeness_n of_o persuasion_n especial_o when_o they_o suppose_v the_o sufferer_n will_v not_o expose_v themselves_o to_o those_o punishment_n which_o by_o a_o compliance_n they_o may_v easy_o avoid_v be_v they_o not_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o quaker_n to_o give_v no_o other_o instance_n have_v not_o be_v so_o very_o numerous_a have_v not_o the_o suffering_n which_o they_o general_o bear_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a resolution_n create_v in_o many_o of_o the_o bystander_n not_o only_o a_o aversion_n for_o the_o church_n that_o persecute_v they_o but_o a_o very_a great_a esteem_n of_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n of_o their_o opinion_n 8._o that_o violent_a and_o rough_a method_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o make_v prejudice_v person_n impartial_o consider_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o contrary_a method_n that_o all_o man_n take_v when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v and_o they_o be_v but_o little_o acquaint_v with_o mankind_n who_o do_v not_o know_v how_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n by_o all_o insinuate_a way_n to_o ingratiate_v himself_o with_o those_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o falseness_n of_o a_o opinion_n they_o have_v a_o long_a time_n imbibe_v nay_o i_o desire_v no_o body_n to_o go_v further_o than_o his_o own_o breast_n for_o a_o experiment_n whether_o ever_o violence_n gain_v any_o thing_n on_o his_o opinion_n or_o whether_o argument_n manage_v but_o with_o heat_n do_v not_o lose_v somewhat_o of_o their_o efficacy_n and_o have_v not_o make_v he_o even_o the_o more_o obstinate_a in_o his_o opinion_n so_o much_o concern_v be_v human_a nature_n to_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o that_o part_n wherein_o lie_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n which_o can_v it_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o force_n will_v make_v he_o but_o very_o little_a different_a from_o a_o beast_n the_o proper_a mean_n to_o maintain_v any_o thing_n be_v those_o that_o first_o make_v it_o grow_v if_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n have_v owe_v its_o first_o increase_n and_o progress_n to_o force_n that_o have_v be_v still_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o support_v it_o but_o since_o it_o be_v nurse_v and_o grow_v up_o by_o fair_a mean_n they_o must_v be_v the_o fit_a to_o preserve_v it_o the_o apostle_n in_o conquer_a the_o almost_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n make_v use_v of_o all_o those_o endear_n method_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o force_v and_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a converter_n of_o the_o gentile_n become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v some_o and_o he_o tell_v timothy_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o must_v be_v gentle_a to_o all_o man_n
himself_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o another_o judgement_n but_o examine_v himself_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o that_o be_v against_o this_o freedom_n maintain_v such_o opinion_n for_o the_o more_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o have_v their_o opinion_n examine_v the_o more_o absurd_a it_o be_v likely_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o any_o opinion_n be_v ground_v in_o reason_n the_o more_o willing_a the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o undergo_v the_o test_n it_o be_v only_o those_o with_o flaw_n in_o they_o that_o like_o crack_a title_n can_v bear_v a_o scrutiny_n if_o the_o berean_o be_v for_o ever_o ennoble_v by_o st._n paul_n for_o not_o rely_v on_o what_o he_o say_v though_o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n but_o for_o try_v whether_o those_o thing_n he_o affirm_v be_v so_o or_o not_o there_o be_v certain_o as_o much_o reason_n now_o to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o we_o be_v slave_n where_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o free_a in_o our_o noble_a part_n our_o understanding_n and_o if_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n the_o more_o any_o thing_n be_v scan_v the_o more_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o reason_n appear_v that_o make_v for_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o weakness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o error_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n since_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n as_o we_o do_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n by_o their_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o our_o common_a notion_n especial_o consider_v religion_n be_v no_o obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a thing_n but_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a that_o it_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o i_o wondrous_a strange_a that_o any_o shall_v have_v so_o ill_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o of_o the_o impotency_n of_o those_o rational_a faculty_n god_n have_v give_v man_n on_o purpose_n to_o judge_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o prefer_v it_o be_v they_o not_o prejudice_v by_o temporal_a motive_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o men._n it_o be_v say_v the_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n be_v apt_a to_o cause_v a_o man_n if_o the_o magistrate_n by_o force_n do_v not_o restrain_v he_o to_o wander_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o what_o charm_n can_v there_o be_v in_o be_v think_v not_o only_o ignorant_a and_o mistake_v but_o also_o despise_v and_o hate_v as_o he_o too_o certain_o be_v that_o differ_v in_o his_o sentiment_n from_o his_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o sign_n that_o a_o man_n think_v of_o religion_n but_o that_o he_o be_v very_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o it_o when_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o a_o constant_a disgrace_n and_o disrepute_n by_o it_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o be_v stiff_a and_o insensible_a enough_o to_o bear_v the_o perpetual_a dislike_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o those_o he_o be_v force_v to_o converse_v with_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o force_n to_o make_v man_n profess_v the_o public_a religion_n which_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o do_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o careless_a and_o negligent_a but_o the_o immoral_a and_o vicious_a be_v general_o of_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o law_n where_o they_o can_v best_o indulge_v their_o vice_n as_o have_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n of_o the_o magistrate_n 5._o another_o argument_n they_o usual_o urge_v be_v that_o man_n lust_n and_o passion_n will_v make_v they_o prefer_v false_a religion_n before_o the_o true_a have_v not_o the_o magistrate_n a_o right_a to_o hinder_v they_o by_o force_n but_o not_o to_o mention_v that_o since_o the_o magistrate_n be_v as_o much_o govern_v as_o their_o subject_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v by_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n force_v in_o their_o hand_n will_v more_o likely_a promote_v than_o hinder_v false_a religion_n i_o answer_v as_o to_o the_o mere_o religious_a or_o speculative_a point_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n man_n lust_n or_o passion_n since_o these_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v how_o those_o be_v hold_v do_v not_o incline_v they_o to_o prefer_v falsehood_n before_o truth_n and_o as_o for_o those_o part_n of_o religion_n wherein_o man_n lust_n and_o passion_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o sway_v they_o those_o i_o own_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o my_o adversary_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n jurisdiction_n and_o all_o man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o common_a good_a be_v oblige_v to_o get_v they_o believe_v and_o practise_v for_o it_o be_v equal_o the_o interest_n of_o governor_n and_o govern_v to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n contrive_v by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n for_o god_n as_o he_o can_v not_o envy_v his_o creature_n any_o enjoyment_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o he_o have_v forbid_v they_o nothing_o but_o what_o natural_o tend_v to_o their_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o persecution_n and_o those_o opinion_n support_v by_o it_o which_o interest_v man_n have_v tack_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o have_v long_o before_o now_o be_v the_o universal_a profession_n of_o mankind_n 6._o as_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a liberty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o promote_v truth_n so_o where_o persecution_n prevail_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o error_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n must_v do_v so_o too_o because_o man_n when_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o exercise_v their_o reason_n by_o be_v force_v blind_o to_o follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o become_v ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v any_o absurd_a impression_n and_o the_o priest_n themselves_o where_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v people_n profess_v what_o they_o please_v will_v not_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o consequent_o by_o degree_n grow_v very_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o spain_n italy_n portugal_n and_o other_o popish_a place_n where_o the_o inquisition_n be_v settle_v though_o in_o france_n where_o till_o of_o late_o more_o liberty_n have_v be_v allow_v they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o generality_n be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a it_o be_v very_o true_a what_o a_o late_a author_n observe_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v more_o learned_a more_o diligent_a and_o more_o exemplary_a where_o a_o government_n carry_v itself_o equal_o to_o the_o different_a party_n than_o if_o one_o party_n be_v absolute_a master_n shall_v therefore_o so_o much_o be_v human_a frailty_n more_o apt_a to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o prosperity_n than_o by_o all_o other_o snare_n together_o abandon_v itself_o to_o licentiousness_n ignorance_n idleness_n and_o superstition_n and_o this_o hold_v not_o only_o in_o popish_a but_o protestant_a country_n also_o in_o which_o the_o less_o there_o be_v of_o liberty_n the_o more_o error_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n abound_v 7._o beside_o when_o man_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o profess_v any_o doctrine_n but_o what_o the_o priest_n in_o their_o convocation_n shall_v decree_v will_v not_o these_o be_v tempt_v to_o establish_v such_o opinion_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o promote_v their_o own_o power_n and_o dominion_n though_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o this_o be_v no_o strange_a supposition_n consider_v how_o fond_a in_o general_a mankind_n be_v to_o advance_v their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o do_v not_o the_o protestant_a clergy_n own_o that_o popery_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o politic_a design_n to_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n though_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n but_o as_o rome_n itself_o be_v not_o build_v in_o a_o day_n so_o it_o be_v not_o but_o by_o a_o long_a steady_a and_o uniform_a design_n for_o many_o age_n that_o the_o clergy_n by_o degree_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o power_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o long_o before_o the_o pope_n usurp_v such_o superiority_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n they_o be_v carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o aggrandize_v themselves_o and_o tyrannize_v over_o those_o they_o call_v the_o laity_n in_o a_o word_n it_o have_v be_v the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o force_n and_o violence_n that_o by_o their_o mean_n and_o instigation_n the_o persecute_v magistrate_n have_v use_v on_o the_o people_n to_o
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
for_o judge_v for_o other_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o not_o act_v according_o to_o their_o judgement_n be_v unwilling_a that_o other_o when_o the_o scale_n of_o authority_n be_v turn_v shall_v judge_n for_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n though_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o they_o can_v plead_v for_o themselves_o but_o what_o before_o they_o condemn_v in_o other_o and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o ridiculous_a to_o request_v those_o that_o they_o before_o ill_o use_v to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o justice_n as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o those_o scythian_n who_o sacrifice_v all_o stranger_n to_o their_o god_n to_o desire_v other_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o hospitality_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o do_v as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o do_v not_o hold_v because_o one_o magistrate_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o other_o not_o and_o consequent_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o right_n himself_o have_v a_o right_a to_o judge_n but_o not_o vice_fw-la versa_fw-la answ._n but_o since_o the_o dispute_n be_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o say_v he_o that_o be_v only_a in_o the_o right_o have_v a_o power_n to_o judge_n except_o there_o be_v some_o superior_a to_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o superior_a every_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o who_o to_o be_v sure_o will_v judge_v himself_o in_o the_o right_n and_o consequent_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o the_o wrong_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o one_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o another_o have_v not_o a_o right_n to_o judge_n since_o that_o right_o be_v found_v in_o be_v a_o magistrate_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o the_o orthodox_n punish_v schismatic_n heretic_n mahometan_n jew_n pagan_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o will_v equal_o oblige_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v orthodox_n to_o punish_v those_o that_o real_o be_v so_o therefore_o the_o defender_n of_o any_o persecution_n be_v guilty_a of_o encourage_v and_o abet_v all_o persecution_n whatsoever_o even_o that_o under_o which_o themselves_o suffer_v since_o they_o can_v frame_v no_o argument_n to_o justify_v the_o use_v force_n to_o promote_v the_o true_a religion_n but_o what_o will_v equal_o serve_v in_o behalf_n of_o any_o religion_n that_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v true_a as_o we_o find_v the_o loose_a harangue_n of_o austin_n upon_o that_o subject_n be_v urge_v by_o the_o patron_n of_o persecution_n of_o what_o sect_n or_o denomination_n soever_o and_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prosecute_v error_n but_o what_o will_v be_v turn_v upon_o truth_n itself_o let_v the_o persecutor_n themselves_o judge_v whither_o it_o be_v not_o better_a to_o leave_v all_o such_o disputable_a point_n to_o the_o only_a just_a judge_n than_o to_o take_v they_o into_o their_o own_o hand_n who_o be_v they_o whole_o ignorant_a in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o world_n their_o station_n be_v to_o be_v will_v be_v glad_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o persecution_n rather_o than_o run_v the_o risk_a of_o be_v persecute_v themselves_o which_o show_v that_o even_o they_o look_v on_o it_o in_o general_a as_o a_o ill_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v better_a certain_o that_o a_o particular_a inconvenience_n suppose_v toleration_n to_o be_v such_o shall_v be_v permit_v than_o such_o a_o universal_a mischief_n as_o persecution_n be_v shall_v prevail_v it_o be_v say_v do_v as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o law_n to_o warrant_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v about_o but_o only_o a_o rule_n to_o direct_v we_o what_o measure_v we_o ought_v to_o observe_v in_o our_o act_n with_o other_o when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v lawful_a which_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o for_o a_o man_n to_o judge_n which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n all_o agree_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o a_o duty_n because_o all_o agree_v themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v so_o and_o therefore_o if_o i_o desire_v this_o liberty_n for_o myself_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o my_o brother_n see_v he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o i_o be_o no_o more_o and_o therefore_o no_o more_o infallible_a than_o he_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n can_v have_v no_o more_o right_o to_o persecute_v he_o into_o my_o opinion_n than_o he_o have_v to_o force_v i_o into_o he_o for_o between_o equal_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o equal_a measure_n now_o by_o nature_n all_o man_n be_v equal_a and_o have_v a_o equal_a and_o natural_a right_n of_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o think_v best_a and_o no_o accidental_a difference_n as_o to_o other_o matter_n can_v deprive_v they_o of_o this_o right_n in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n but_o what_o will_v equal_o destroy_v it_o in_o any_o other_o but_o 6._o persecution_n destroy_v not_o only_o natural_a equity_n and_o justice_n but_o break_v all_o the_o tie_v of_o kindred_n blood_n gratitude_n merit_n because_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o one_o of_o persecute_v principle_n or_o have_v do_v he_o all_o the_o important_a kindness_n imaginable_a or_o have_v never_o so_o much_o merit_n be_v never_o so_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a or_o be_v never_o so_o exemplary_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o will_v but_o the_o soon_o expose_v he_o to_o suffer_v not_o only_o because_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v influence_v by_o such_o a_o one_o but_o because_o according_a to_o the_o persecutor_n principle_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o harass_n he_o soon_o than_o another_o out_o of_o pure_a love_n to_o he_o it_o be_v the_o kind_a thing_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v he_o so_o that_o without_o a_o figure_n it_o may_v just_o be_v say_v of_o all_o persecutor_n that_o their_o very_a mercy_n and_o kindness_n be_v cruelty_n but_o 7._o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o doctrine_n of_o compulsion_n annul_v all_o obligation_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a oath_n for_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v oblige_v by_o god_n to_o use_v force_n on_o his_o dissent_v subject_n no_o promise_n to_o indemnify_v they_o though_o swear_v to_o with_o the_o most_o solemn_a oath_n aught_o to_o be_v keep_v because_o all_o such_o oath_n be_v void_a from_o the_o beginning_n the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o a_o prio_fw-la obligation_n to_o god_n which_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o to_o punish_v they_o which_o must_v make_v all_o quarrel_n between_o the_o magistrate_n and_o his_o dissent_v subject_n immortal_a since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o security_n give_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o religion_n whenever_o it_o be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o article_n and_o covenant_n that_o town_n or_o country_n make_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n upon_o their_o submit_v themselves_o be_v null_n and_o void_a and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n which_o popish_a king_n have_v make_v to_o their_o protestant_a subject_n because_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o punish_v heretic_n which_o they_o suppose_v protestant_n to_o be_v and_o consequent_o can_v but_o think_v their_o oath_n unlawful_a and_o all_o our_o late_a law_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v in_o themselves_o void_a because_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v require_v by_o god_n law_n which_o no_o human_a one_o can_v supersede_n to_o punish_v dissenter_n from_o the_o true_a church_n and_o if_o all_o these_o obligation_n be_v void_a in_o themselves_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o those_o between_o sovereign_n and_o sovereign_n shall_v be_v more_o firm_a when_o either_o of_o they_o judge_v the_o break_v they_o will_v tend_v to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n since_o as_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o tenderness_n for_o the_o right_n of_o foreigner_n as_o of_o their_o own_o subject_n so_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v equal_o dishonour_v by_o false_a religion_n in_o one_o place_v as_o in_o another_o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n that_o look_v no_o far_a than_o such_o a_o lake_n river_n or_o mountain_n the_o usual_a boundary_n of_o kingdom_n which_o will_v be_v the_o way_n to_o set_v all_o mankind_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n but_o 8._o suppose_v it_o shall_v not_o always_o have_v that_o effect_n yet_o it_o must_v necessary_o destroy_v all_o trade_n and_o commerce_n between_o nation_n of_o different_a persuasion_n for_o who_o will_v venture_v into_o a_o foreign_a nation_n except_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n
with_o they_o if_o they_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o punish_v man_n for_o false_a religion_n or_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o for_o theft_n and_o murder_n &_o c_o which_o must_v necessary_o discourage_v all_o commerce_n and_o make_v nation_n most_o inhospitable_a and_o barbarous_a and_o if_o persecutor_n do_v not_o follow_v this_o method_n it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n 9_o which_o root_n out_o all_o mercy_n and_o take_v from_o the_o magistrate_n all_o power_n of_o pardon_v any_o crime_n whatever_o and_o from_o all_o private_a person_n the_o forgive_a their_o enemy_n for_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o act_v as_o the_o representative_a of_o the_o civil_a society_n only_o but_o also_o to_o punish_v offence_n against_o god_n mere_o as_o such_o though_o he_o may_v forgive_v any_o crime_n against_o himself_o or_o pardon_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o own_o law_n yet_o these_o be_v also_o sin_n against_o god_n he_o be_v oblige_v upon_o god_n account_n to_o punish_v man_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o infidelity_n or_o heresy_n and_o all_o private_a person_n though_o they_o must_v forgive_v their_o brethren_n not_o only_o seven_o but_o seven_o time_n seven_o yet_o the_o not_o punish_v they_o by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v whole_o put_v out_o of_o their_o power_n because_o it_o oblige_v they_o to_o show_v their_o zeal_n for_o god_n honour_n in_o get_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v they_o who_o by_o injure_v their_o brethren_n offend_v against_o god_n 10._o in_o a_o word_n this_o doctrine_n of_o force_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o all_o god_n law_n wherein_o man_n be_v concern_v one_o with_o another_o which_o be_v their_o mutual_a good_a as_o for_o instance_n the_o forbid_a murder_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o security_n of_o man_n great_a good_n their_o life_n which_o will_v be_v strange_o defeat_v if_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v to_o punish_v with_o death_n those_o they_o judge_v do_v dishonour_n god_n with_o their_o false_a worship_n because_o it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o blood_n and_o slaughter_n since_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o be_v as_o opposite_a in_o their_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n as_o in_o the_o fable_n the_o man_n two_o wife_n be_v where_o his_o old_a one_o pluck_v out_o his_o black_a hair_n and_o his_o young_a wife_n his_o gray_a one_o but_o suppose_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o deprive_v people_n of_o their_o life_n but_o only_o of_o their_o property_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o even_o that_o will_v destroy_v great_a number_n by_o rob_v they_o of_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o law_n which_o forbid_v all_o kind_n of_o injury_n and_o require_v mutual_a assistance_n one_o towards_o another_o for_o their_o common_a good_a will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n destroy_v since_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n must_v be_v unavoidable_o miserable_a by_o be_v either_o at_o once_o or_o by_o degree_n deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o subsist_v happy_o and_o the_o rest_n will_v hold_v what_o they_o possess_v but_o by_o a_o precarious_a tenure_n since_o it_o will_v depend_v on_o their_o governor_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o many_o successive_o or_o their_o own_n not_o change_v their_o opinion_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o hinder_v whether_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v any_o thing_n or_o not_o therefore_o it_o show_v the_o great_a indiscretion_n in_o those_o who_o though_o they_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o legislature_n yet_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n themselves_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o persecute_v one_o because_o they_o can_v be_v sure_o but_o that_o they_o be_v contrive_v rod_n for_o their_o own_o back_n or_o for_o their_o child_n or_o near_a relation_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v few_o persecutor_n for_o all_o their_o zeal_n but_o will_v rather_o speculative_a point_n be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o merciful_a and_o wise_a judgement_n of_o god_n than_o to_o have_v their_o own_o family_n or_o friend_n ruin_v about_o they_o but_o to_o return_v in_o vain_a be_v the_o magistrate_n require_v not_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o and_o oppress_v their_o subject_n if_o they_o be_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o they_o it_o have_v be_v much_o happy_a for_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o eternal_a condition_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o let_v tyrant_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o not_o dare_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n in_o thing_n not_o relate_v to_o this_o life_n and_o people_n where_o they_o oppress_v one_o the_o other_o when_o the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n can_v be_v pretend_v may_v just_o be_v reckon_v in_o a_o worse_a state_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n viz._n of_o war_n which_o be_v never_o at_o a_o end_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n who_o can_v comply_v with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o out_o of_o ignorance_n superstition_n ambition_n etc._n etc._n be_v establish_v as_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n 11._o in_o a_o word_n can_v man_n oppress_v ruin_n and_o kill_v for_o god_n sake_n and_o destroy_v all_o moral_a honesty_n on_o pretence_n of_o religion_n which_o when_o it_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o inflame_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n on_o their_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v they_o ten_o time_n more_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o cruelty_n than_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n do_v sure_o lose_v its_o nature_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v religion_n for_o let_v man_n say_v worse_o of_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n if_o they_o can_v but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o ruine_v those_o that_o do_v nothing_o against_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o society_n become_v a_o act_n of_o piety_n when_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o extirpate_v a_o false_a religion_n or_o opinion_n there_o be_v no_o crime_n whatever_o but_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v become_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n if_o they_o be_v equal_o serviceable_a to_o the_o same_o pious_a end_n scelera_fw-la ipsa_fw-la nef_n asque_fw-la hâc_fw-la mercede_fw-la placent_fw-la and_o consequent_o it_o will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o make_v use_n of_o pious_a fraud_n to_o calumniate_v to_o lie_v to_o bear_v false_a witness_n to_o murder_v to_o assassinate_v even_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o 12._o thus_o whereas_o religion_n have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o the_o advancement_n of_o man_n happiness_n and_o god_n glory_n this_o persecute_v humour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o former_a that_o it_o be_v plain_o destructive_a of_o it_o for_o whereas_o in_o order_n to_o that_o good_a end_n the_o scripture_n have_v direct_v all_o station_n and_o relation_n of_o man_n so_o to_o act_v as_o may_v best_o tend_v to_o love_n and_o peace_n the_o true_a basis_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o society_n this_o drive_v they_o all_o to_o contrary_a motion_n for_o magistrate_n be_v incite_v to_o ruin_v those_o for_o who_o good_a they_o be_v institute_v subject_n be_v tempt_v to_o disobey_v their_o governor_n and_o retaliate_v persecution_n so_o much_o the_o more_o fierce_o by_o how_o much_o great_a influence_n their_o opinion_n and_o action_n have_v upon_o the_o community_n nor_o do_v it_o only_o destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o nation_n within_o its_o own_o bowel_n but_o it_o engage_v one_o nation_n against_o another_o and_o 13._o as_o it_o destroy_v all_o these_o public_a obligation_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o private_a one_o which_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o those_o owe_v to_o the_o public_a must_v cease_v so_o that_o it_o embroil_v private_a family_n subvert_v the_o mutual_a duty_n between_o parent_n and_o child_n husband_n and_o wife_n master_n and_o servant_n etc._n etc._n seduce_v they_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o the_o way_n to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o one_o another_o eternal_a interest_n be_v by_o be_v cruel_a to_o their_o temporal_a and_o consequent_o the_o more_o charity_n they_o owe_v one_o another_o the_o soon_o they_o be_v to_o use_v one_o another_o ill_a nor_o can_v there_o by_o any_o reason_n why_o the_o do_v this_o of_o themselves_o be_v not_o as_o effectual_a to_o promote_v each_o other_o eternal_a happiness_n as_o the_o do_v the_o very_a same_o at_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o fallible_a as_o they_o or_o why_o they_o need_v more_o to_o expect_v a_o command_n to_o use_v force_n than_o to_o give_v advice_n if_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o promote_v which_o be_v every_o one_o duty_n the_o good_a
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