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and_o to_o abstain_v from_o come_v to_o our_o church_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o strange_a paradox_n in_o politic_n in_o those_o day_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o toleration_n of_o those_o the_o government_n do_v so_o much_o fear_n but_o however_o this_o compulsion_n do_v not_o prove_v in_o the_o least_o ruinous_a or_o destructive_a to_o this_o kingdom_n and_o when_o that_o party_n fall_v into_o dangerous_a erterprise_n the_o law_n grow_v still_o more_o and_o more_o severe_a in_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o the_o establish_a religion_n the_o puritan_n be_v as_o little_o indulge_v by_o that_o queen_n as_o the_o papist_n as_o her_o law_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o all_o her_o time_n by_o due_a execution_n of_o law_n that_o faction_n be_v low_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o the_o care_v take_v then_o to_o suppress_v they_o seem_v to_o proceed_v rather_o from_o the_o foresight_n of_o such_o trouble_n as_o this_o faction_n may_v create_v to_o succeed_a prince_n than_o any_o apprehension_n of_o present_a danger_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v those_o anabaptist_n and_o wild_a fanatic_n that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o her_o time_n not_o so_o much_o i_o conceive_v for_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o crime_n against_o the_o state_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o toleration_n in_o those_o day_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o serene_a as_o prosperous_a as_o happy_a as_o any_o pass_v over_o the_o head_n of_o this_o nation_n at_o leastwise_o during_o the_o late_a usurpation_n which_o be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o toleration_n in_o this_o kingdom_n if_o we_o can_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o those_o observation_n which_o our_o republican_n and_o dissenter_n have_v make_v of_o the_o original_a of_o the_o late_a confusion_n we_o owe_v they_o all_o to_o a_o pretend_a toleration_n or_o some_o secret_a connivance_n which_o they_o suspect_v and_o from_o this_o root_n they_o deduce_v all_o that_o follow_v true_a or_o false_a real_a or_o pretend_a the_o enemy_n of_o the_o government_n make_v much_o more_o advantage_n of_o it_o than_o either_o the_o government_n or_o those_o for_o who_o the_o favour_n be_v say_v to_o be_v intend_v i_o may_v instance_n in_o monarchy_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n that_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v no_o great_a prejudice_n by_o not_o grant_v a_o toleration_n for_o all_o sect_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a persecutor_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v fall_v into_o extraordinary_a decay_n we_o may_v impute_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o resist_v the_o truth_n with_o so_o great_a cruelty_n and_o not_o for_o deny_v licence_n to_o every_o thing_n or_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o pretence_n or_o cant_n of_o religion_n beside_o in_o those_o country_n some_o that_o have_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o decay_n have_v observe_v several_a other_o false_a measure_n much_o more_o pernicious_a than_o the_o deny_v of_o toleration_n the_o last_o exception_n i_o shall_v make_v be_v from_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o never_o flourish_v more_o than_o when_o there_o be_v no_o toleration_n never_o be_v in_o worse_a condition_n than_o when_o there_o be_v and_o this_o instance_n have_v something_o more_o of_o authority_n than_o the_o rest_n because_o this_o people_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n own_o law_n and_o sometime_o more_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o person_n and_o yet_o during_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o theocracy_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o indulgence_n or_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o record_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v his_o government_n from_o any_o such_o thing_n that_o he_o make_v a_o perpetual_a decree_n that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o city_n or_o tribe_n shall_v fall_v away_o from_o his_o worship_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n the_o rest_n instead_o of_o indulge_v or_o neglect_v the_o error_n be_v to_o prosecute_v they_o to_o utter_v destruction_n now_o lest_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o under_o theocracy_n this_o may_v be_v just_a because_o idolatry_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o high_a treason_n but_o in_o other_o government_n the_o reason_n cease_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o same_o law_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n who_o be_v not_o only_o commend_v by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n but_o observe_v to_o have_v be_v bless_v with_o unusual_a prosperity_n for_o those_o prosecution_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o recommend_v these_o proceed_n as_o precedent_n to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o christian_a prince_n it_o be_v only_o upon_o the_o question_n of_o fact_n that_o i_o produce_v this_o instance_n to_o show_v there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o prosperous_a kingdom_n or_o common_a wealth_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o general_a
the_o antithelemite_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o certain_a quaeres_fw-la by_o the_o d._n of_o b._n and_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o unknown_a author_n concern_v toleration_n this_o may_v be_v print_v june_n 12._o 1685._o r.l.s._n london_n print_v for_o sam._n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o his_o majesty_n gracious_a declaration_n to_o maintain_v the_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v and_o the_o opinion_n all_o good_a man_n have_v of_o the_o affection_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n to_o those_o law_n by_o which_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v fence_v on_o every_o side_n may_v seem_v to_o render_v the_o labour_n of_o a_o private_a hand_n on_o their_o behalf_n useless_a and_o superfluous_a yet_o since_o some_o have_v open_o other_o in_o disguise_n invade_v these_o fence_n and_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o confidence_n as_o to_o recommend_v the_o attempt_n to_o the_o parliament_n now_o assemble_v it_o may_v be_v expect_v perhaps_o that_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o protection_n of_o those_o law_n shall_v not_o leave_v they_o all_o defenceless_a under_o the_o odious_a imputation_n of_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n to_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o first_o establishment_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o present_a government_n our_o adversary_n will_v then_o be_v think_v just_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o despair_v of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o of_o approve_v it_o by_o reason_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a man_n therefore_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o cavil_n for_o i_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o too_o much_o indulgence_n shall_v i_o give_v they_o the_o style_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n against_o the_o prosecution_n of_o dissenter_n according_a to_o law_n and_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o great_a sin_n or_o public_a inconvenience_n in_o a_o general_n toleration_n yet_o the_o plea_n that_o recommend_v it_o be_v so_o mean_v that_o they_o who_o may_v not_o be_v afraid_a may_v yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o allow_v it_o upon_o such_o miserable_a motive_n yet_o i._o must_v confess_v that_o the_o advocate_n for_o toleration_n have_v one_o considerable_a advantage_n in_o this_o dispute_n that_o they_o be_v on_o the_o popular_a part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o seem_a good_a nature_n of_o the_o plea_n without_o much_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v it_o whereas_o all_o punishment_n be_v odious_a to_o the_o people_n and_o neither_o law_n nor_o reason_n nor_o necessity_n can_v perfect_o reconcile_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v madness_n then_o to_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n out_o of_o their_o humanity_n that_o be_v out_o of_o their_o nature_n and_o he_o true_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a severity_n that_o can_v take_v delight_n in_o it_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o shall_v we_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n and_o subscribe_v to_o a_o toleration_n nothing_o less_o and_o that_o because_o in_o our_o circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o civil_a prudence_n but_o also_o to_o charity_n and_o compassion_n it_o be_v not_o always_o mercy_n to_o indulge_v nor_o cruelty_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n unless_o we_o conclude_v that_o a_o father_n who_o correct_v his_o child_n have_v not_o so_o much_o tenderness_n for_o he_o as_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o servant_n that_o intercede_v for_o his_o pardon_n but_o if_o clemency_n must_v take_v place_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o public_a challenge_n it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v judge_v merciful_a who_o to_o humour_n and_o indulge_v one_o party_n will_v expose_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n if_o this_o be_v tender_a mercy_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o cruelty_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o a_o steady_a and_o discreet_a execution_n of_o the_o law_n against_o dissenter_n may_v happy_o have_v be_v a_o much_o more_o merciful_a conduct_n even_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o than_o the_o remissness_n or_o connivance_n that_o tempt_v they_o to_o presumptuous_a sin_n the_o dissenter_n have_v be_v very_o industrious_a to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o government_n and_o they_o that_o this_o constitution_n stand_v no_o long_o when_o they_o have_v strength_n and_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v it_o many_o of_o they_o be_v under_o a_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v the_o subversion_n of_o this_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o reformation_n and_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o renounce_v that_o conspiracy_n and_o therefore_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o now_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o execute_v their_o vow_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v recover_v those_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o take_v it_o but_o the_o dissenter_n you_o will_v say_v be_v divide_v upon_o this_o point_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v in_o that_o part_n that_o concern_v their_o own_o establishment_n but_o they_o be_v unanimous_a in_o vow_v our_o destruction_n and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o poor_a comfort_n to_o a_o town_n that_o neglect_v to_o make_v a_o timely_a defence_n to_o see_v the_o conqueror_n that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o assault_n afterward_o to_o fall_v out_o at_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o plunder_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v suspect_v to_o surmise_v groundless_a and_o imaginary_a danger_n from_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o party_n that_o have_v devote_v we_o to_o ruin_n and_o that_o beside_o by_o a_o unnatural_a and_o fortunate_a rebellion_n by_o the_o deliberate_a and_o solemn_a murder_n of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o merciful_a prince_n by_o a_o heavy_a and_o tedious_a tyranny_n of_o many_o year_n by_o several_a conspiracy_n since_o the_o restauration_n by_o association_n against_o the_o succession_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o a_o form_a project_n of_o rebellion_n which_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v not_o yet_o whole_o disconcert_v and_o in_o short_a by_o the_o incessant_a work_n of_o a_o turbulent_a spirit_n have_v give_v we_o much_o great_a demonstration_n of_o our_o danger_n than_o we_o can_v have_v wish_v and_o he_o that_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o all_o this_o to_o apprehend_v danger_n to_o the_o government_n from_o the_o toleration_n of_o such_o man_n must_v sure_o be_v desirous_a of_o those_o event_n we_o apprehend_v and_o wish_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o fear_v toleration_n therefore_o can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o be_v the_o nurse_n of_o a_o faction_n that_o be_v implacable_a which_o as_o it_o grow_v up_o will_v more_o and_o more_o despise_v this_o infant_n dispensation_n and_o contend_v for_o mastery_n nor_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v acquiesce_v here_o when_o they_o have_v get_v strength_n to_o attempt_v far_o no_o more_o than_o that_o a_o gang_n of_o sturdy_a beggar_n will_v compound_v for_o a_o small_a alm_n when_o they_o have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o rob._n the_o advocate_n for_o toleration_n reply_n that_o it_o be_v not_o faction_n but_o conscience_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v than_o it_o be_v to_o separate_v those_o two_o thing_n experience_n have_v find_v they_o to_o be_v inseparable_a companion_n in_o the_o body_n of_o our_o dissenter_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v make_v a_o thousand_o abstraction_n that_o be_v impracticable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o philosopher_n may_v distinguish_v between_o the_o leaven_n and_o the_o mass_n infect_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v never_o able_a to_o part_v they_o but_o when_o one_o dissenter_n plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o faction_n he_o will_v recommend_v for_o the_o dissenter_n differ_v as_o much_o in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n among_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v judge_v to_o recommend_v those_o error_n and_o practice_n for_o toleration_n which_o they_o themselves_o judge_v sinful_a and_o dam_v able_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n nor_o do_v those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o power_n think_v it_o either_o lawful_a or_o fit_a to_o permit_v all_o the_o rest_n what_o spiritual_a kindred_n i_o pray_v have_v a_o presbyterian_a with_o a_o quaker_n or_o a_o independent_a with_o a_o muggletonian_a or_o a_o anabaptist_n with_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o though_o they_o make_v disserent_fw-la sect_n in_o religion_n yet_o they_o make_v but_o one_o faction_n this_o be_v the_o centre_n wherein_o they_o all_o unite_v at_o a_o election_n or_o a_o riot_n they_o make_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o never_o fail_v to_o go_v one_o way_n or_o if_o you_o will_v view_v they_o in_o
toleration_n as_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o quere_z have_v not_o the_o contrary_a practice_n be_v always_o successful_a to_o those_o country_n where_o it_o have_v be_v use_v either_o in_o monarchy_n or_o common_a wealth_n i_o think_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v many_o kingdom_n or_o common_a wealth_n where_o a_o general_a toleration_n have_v be_v use_v some_o have_v endure_v one_o or_o perhaps_o two_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n in_o religion_n but_o this_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o those_o queres_fw-la or_o of_o the_o consideration_n which_o be_v universal_a toleration_n but_o have_v not_o those_o be_v most_o successful_a that_o have_v tolerate_v most_o this_o be_v not_o certain_a for_o i_o think_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a usurpation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o sect_n permit_v to_o use_v their_o several_a way_n but_o the_o success_n god_n be_v thank_v be_v such_o as_o honest_a man_n do_v wish_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o have_v too_o great_a success_n indeed_o at_o first_o against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o toleration_n be_v scarce_o begin_v or_o design_v there_o be_v then_o but_o one_o rule_n of_o uniformity_n the_o covenant_n be_v impose_v upon_o all_o and_o the_o independent_n do_v for_o a_o good_a while_n dissemble_v their_o exception_n but_o afterward_o when_o every_o sect_n demand_v the_o liberty_n of_o its_o own_o way_n and_o religion_n be_v multiply_v beyond_o computation_n the_o fruit_n of_o toleration_n do_v quick_o appear_v every_o sect_n as_o it_o gather_v a_o little_a strength_n from_o a_o state_n of_o toleration_n begin_v to_o affect_v dominion_n and_o this_o do_v quick_o so_o disunite_v and_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o those_o tyrant_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o long_o to_o subsist_v and_o so_o make_v way_n to_o that_o glorious_a revolution_n who_o influence_n make_v we_o still_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a and_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o this_o case_n whether_o a_o government_n be_v rightful_a or_o usurp_v the_o same_o method_n of_o indulgence_n will_v have_v the_o same_o consequence_n only_a usurper_n have_v more_o excuse_n for_o allow_v toleration_n because_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o they_o than_o for_o a_o rightful_a and_o long_o establish_v dominion_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a course_n they_o must_v take_v it_o because_o they_o have_v no_o better_a to_o take_v i_o know_v the_o example_n of_o the_o unite_a privince_n be_v often_o recommend_v by_o our_o dissenter_n and_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o consideration_n and_o indeed_o it_o equal_o serve_v both_o their_o occasion_n for_o a_o common_a wealth_n and_o toleration_n however_o i_o believe_v this_o instance_n be_v common_o swallow_v down_o whole_a without_o consider_v the_o particular_a reason_n or_o circumstance_n that_o may_v induce_v they_o to_o tolerate_v some_o religion_n which_o may_v render_v their_o case_n very_o different_a from_o we_o some_o religion_n i_o say_v because_o they_o do_v not_o tolerate_v all_o or_o whatever_o they_o do_v at_o this_o time_n they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n so_o far_o from_o allow_v a_o universal_a toleration_n that_o they_o exceed_v all_o their_o protestant_a neighbour_n in_o violence_n and_o severity_n against_o those_o that_o dissent_v from_o their_o establish_v religion_n though_o in_o matter_n very_o obscure_a and_o of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n however_o since_o this_o example_n of_o the_o dutch_a be_v insist_v upon_o by_o all_o the_o advocate_n for_o toleration_n as_o a_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o course_n i_o will_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o determine_v they_o to_o indulgence_n and_o the_o security_n they_o take_v a_o against_o all_o the_o civil_a consequence_n of_o it_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o government_n in_o the_o first_o place_n their_o common_a wealth_n be_v original_o make_v up_o of_o several_a religion_n or_o sect_n which_o be_v as_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o constitution_n for_o they_o be_v not_o only_o preserve_v by_o stranger_n from_o england_n and_o france_n and_o germany_n that_o fight_v their_o battle_n but_o many_o out_o of_o germany_n and_o france_n flee_v thither_o as_o to_o a_o common_a refuge_n and_o be_v all_o as_o it_o be_v incorporate_v into_o this_o common_a wealth_n every_o one_o of_o these_o nation_n have_v their_o church_n not_o only_o tolerate_v but_o establish_v by_o authority_n and_o pay_v by_o the_o government_n so_o every_o nation_n and_o sect_n use_v their_o own_o form_n and_o language_n only_o the_o english_a be_v much_o degenerate_v partly_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n incline_v to_o the_o puritan_n way_n and_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o country_n partly_o by_o the_o care_n which_o the_o dutch_a do_v and_o have_v ever_o use_v to_o discourage_v episcopal_a minister_n make_v great_a scruple_n of_o admit_v any_o one_o they_o suspect_v to_o have_v episcopal_a ordination_n so_o toleration_n be_v at_o first_o the_o necessity_n not_o the_o choice_n of_o that_o people_n but_o after_o this_o establishment_n the_o measure_n of_o their_o toleration_n be_v full_a whoever_o oppose_v the_o religion_n establish_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o church_n find_v but_o very_o sorry_a quarter_n when_o the_o socinian_o appear_v first_o in_o those_o country_n the_o state_n take_v the_o alarm_n and_o banish_v those_o heretic_n out_o of_o all_o their_o dominion_n then_o arminius_n his_o scholar_n presume_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o dutch_a catechism_n which_o be_v their_o establish_v doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n and_o to_o divide_v communion_n upon_o it_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o the_o sentence_n be_v execute_v by_o the_o magistrate_n with_o so_o great_a severity_n that_o all_o the_o neighbour_a country_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o suffer_a remonstrant_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o active_a of_o who_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v their_o country_n or_o to_o endure_v close_a imprisonment_n at_o home_n so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v more_o different_a religion_n in_o their_o first_o constitution_n than_o we_o yet_o they_o endeavour_v we_o see_v to_o keep_v their_o first_o establishment_n entire_a as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v we_o by_o forcible_o suppress_v those_o that_o assault_v it_o nay_o they_o use_v great_a severity_n upon_o this_o occasion_n towards_o their_o dissenter_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v do_v to_o we_o yet_o during_o this_o prosecution_n of_o dissenter_n they_o have_v the_o best_a success_n that_o ever_o happen_v to_o that_o common_a wealth_n before_o that_o time_n they_o struggle_v for_o life_n but_o now_o they_o enlarge_v their_o frontier_n and_o their_o trade_n and_o advance_v so_o far_o in_o strength_n and_o reputation_n as_o to_o become_v the_o most_o powerful_a common_a wealth_n in_o europe_n not_o that_o their_o success_n and_o prosperity_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o this_o persecution_n but_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o instance_n that_o forcible_a mean_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n do_v not_o always_o ruin_n nor_o be_v the_o good_a success_n of_o a_o people_n in_o trade_n or_o war_n always_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o a_o general_a toleration_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o justify_v those_o proceed_n nor_o do_v i_o allege_v they_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o to_o show_v that_o dutch_a toleration_n have_v bound_n and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v prosperous_a while_o they_o prosecute_v a_o very_a considerable_a party_n both_o for_o number_n and_o interest_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n but_o beside_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o we_o there_o be_v several_a other_o circumstance_n in_o their_o government_n that_o render_v toleration_n less_o dangerous_a to_o they_o than_o it_o be_v to_o we_o 1._o the_o dutch_a populace_n have_v no_o voice_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o their_o magistrate_n there_o be_v neither_o mayor_n nor_o alderman_n nor_o sheriff_n nor_o common_a council_n nor_o knight_n and_o burgess_n for_o parliament_n to_o be_v elect_v by_o their_o commonalty_n there_o be_v no_o juries_n to_o judge_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o of_o right_n by_o way_n of_o concomitance_n in_o any_o cause_n criminal_a or_o civil_a so_o that_o though_o the_o number_n of_o any_o sect_n may_v increase_v yet_o have_v it_o but_o very_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n since_o it_o can_v have_v no_o hand_n in_o dispose_v of_o public_a office_n nor_o be_v the_o member_n of_o it_o capable_a of_o any_o whereas_o no_o sect_n can_v thrive_v with_o we_o but_o you_o present_o find_v the_o evil_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o our_o parliament_n in_o our_o jury_n and_o consequent_o in_o all_o the_o distribution_n of_o justice_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o government_n and_o temper_n
this_o answer_n to_o the_o queres_fw-la and_o consideration_n concern_v toleration_n i_o may_v from_o the_o same_o topic_n that_o be_v use_v to_o persuade_v to_o it_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o such_o a_o toleration_n as_o be_v there_o demand_v be_v consistent_a neither_o with_o christian_a religion_n right_a reason_n nor_o the_o safety_n and_o trade_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unchristian_a than_o to_o give_v wicked_a or_o infatuate_v man_n license_v to_o corrupt_v the_o gospel_n and_o blaspheme_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n what_o more_o uncharitable_a than_o to_o give_v leave_n to_o presumptuous_a man_n to_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o rash_a mistake_n or_o to_o seduce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v what_o more_o absurd_a or_o contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n then_o to_o give_v course_n to_o the_o most_o extravagant_a the_o most_o absurd_a opinion_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o common_a people_n who_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n mean_v better_o than_o they_o understand_v to_o the_o practice_n and_o solicitation_n of_o every_o tempt_a imposter_n and_o last_o what_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n than_o the_o cherish_n of_o a_o faction_n which_o have_v once_o already_o overthrow_v this_o monarchy_n and_o church_n and_o engage_v very_o late_o in_o the_o same_o design_n and_o if_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o government_n can_v consist_v with_o to_o leration_n trade_n to_o be_v sure_o can_v never_o strive_v under_o it_o for_o trader_n will_v quick_o leave_v a_o people_n who_o government_n be_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o a_o faction_n or_o at_o leastwise_o so_o much_o threaten_v with_o apprehension_n of_o change_n as_o to_o be_v in_o probable_a danger_n but_o i_o shall_v wave_v this_o advantage_n be_v content_a to_o keep_v upon_o the_o defensive_a however_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o part_n no_o less_o disadvantageous_a in_o controversy_n than_o it_o be_v in_o war_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o pursue_v the_o debate_n much_o far_o since_o it_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o presume_v that_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o our_o law_n be_v no_o less_o firm_a than_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o they_o be_v enact_v when_o the_o shall_v perceive_v that_o all_o the_o exception_n make_v now_o against_o they_o be_v either_o frivolous_a or_o false_a wherefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n allege_v why_o the_o law_n shall_v comply_v with_o the_o dissenter_n i_o will_v brief_o suggest_v some_o reason_n why_o the_o dissenter_n shall_v comply_v with_o the_o law_n without_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o keep_v myself_o only_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o such_o dissenter_n as_o may_v not_o only_o lawful_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o law_n require_v if_o their_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v but_o may_v yet_o comply_v for_o the_o most_o part_n even_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o conscience_n they_o profess_v and_o here_o i_o must_v treat_v with_o they_o a_o part_n as_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a religious_a tribe_n and_o gonventicle_n for_o when_o they_o be_v join_v in_o one_o politic_a and_o seditious_a rendezvous_n it_o be_v no_o fit_a place_n to_o speak_v of_o religion_n and_o 1._o why_o shall_v any_o presbyterian_a desire_n the_o law_n against_o conventicle_n shall_v be_v repeal_v upon_o his_o account_n since_o if_o he_o have_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o first_o principle_n he_o believe_v that_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v not_o only_o unnecessary_a but_o unlawful_a several_a of_o the_o old_a puritan_n from_o who_o our_o presbyterian_o own_v their_o descent_n have_v write_v as_o zealous_o against_o separation_n and_o the_o erect_n of_o dissent_v congregration_n as_o any_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o of_o they_o indeed_o pretend_v that_o they_o go_v to_o conventicle_n for_o great_a edification_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v more_o edify_v that_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n be_v unlawful_a they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o way_n of_o reason_v knock_v a_o old_a heavy_a teacher_n on_o the_o head_n to_o make_v way_n for_o another_o that_o may_v be_v more_o powerful_a and_o edify_v therefore_o since_o a_o presbyterian_a conventicle_n be_v as_o much_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o conscience_n of_o presbyterian_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n why_o shall_v any_o body_n intercede_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o that_o which_o their_o principle_n disallow_v 2._o why_o shall_v any_o presbyterian_a desire_n toleration_n for_o not_o come_v to_o our_o church_n since_o by_o their_o principle_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n i._n e._n some_o time_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o common_a prayer_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o last_o and_o strict_a bond_n of_o communion_n which_o christian_n hold_v and_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o very_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o reason_n why_o that_o communion_n may_v not_o be_v as_o lawful_a to_o be_v use_v constant_o as_o it_o be_v upon_o occasion_n the_o most_o plausible_a excuse_n they_o make_v be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v pastor_n of_o their_o own_o before_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o we_o as_o those_o of_o one_o parish_n may_v go_v to_o a_o neighbour_a church_n upon_o occasion_n yet_o they_o can_v do_v it_o constant_o because_o of_o their_o antecedent_n obligation_n to_o their_o own_o pastor_n this_o excuse_n if_o it_o be_v admit_v will_v not_o serve_v half_o the_o turn_n for_o if_o this_o have_v any_o force_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o have_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v turn_v out_o illegal_o to_o make_v room_n for_o the_o presbyterian_o why_o be_v these_o loyal_a minister_n desert_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o those_o day_n when_o they_o be_v force_v by_o usurp_a power_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n beside_o there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o such_o minister_n now_o live_v so_o that_o the_o excuse_n serve_v but_o very_o few_o presbyterian_a assembly_n and_o there_o be_v few_o yet_o upon_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v minister_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a rebellion_n and_o therefore_o that_o relation_n cease_v which_o this_o excuse_n do_v suppose_v for_o why_o shall_v a_o company_n of_o presbyterian_o in_o london_n join_v themselves_o to_o one_o that_o teach_v in_o hull_n or_o york_n or_o perhaps_o in_o scotland_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v their_o former_a minister_n so_o this_o can_v be_v no_o excuse_n why_o that_o occasional_a communion_n which_o the_o presbyterian_o profess_v lawful_a to_o hold_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v not_o be_v improve_v into_o a_o constant_a one_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o toleration_n for_o those_o who_o by_o their_o own_o principle_n may_v communicate_v with_o we_o upon_o occasion_n especial_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o office_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v qualify_v by_o such_o communion_n 3._o the_o independent_n indeed_o hold_v a_o necessity_n of_o separate_n from_o our_o and_o all_o other_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o form_n and_o so_o their_o principle_n render_v their_o compliance_n with_o some_o of_o our_o law_n more_o impracticable_a yet_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v a_o toleration_n for_o conventicle_n since_o those_o that_o the_o law_n make_v such_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n for_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o a_o church_n make_v such_o conventicle_n as_o the_o law_n punish_v to_o be_v unnecessary_a for_o robinson_n affirm_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o people_n be_v gather_v there_o be_v a_o church_n cotton_n require_v a_o few_o more_o to_o make_v up_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o organic_n church_n i._n e._n 7_o or_o 8._o now_o the_o law_n make_v no_o assembly_n to_o be_v a_o conventicle_n that_o have_v not_o near_o this_o number_n beside_o the_o person_n of_o the_o family_n where_o this_o meeting_n be_v hold_v therefore_o if_o the_o law_n punish_v independent_a conventicle_n of_o great_a number_n it_o can_v true_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v persecute_v for_o conscience_n for_o that_o which_o the_o law_n make_v their_o crime_n i._n e._n their_o exceed_v such_o a_o number_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o opinion_n unnecessary_a 4._o if_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o in_o common-prayer_n