The carnality of religious contention in two sermons preached at the merchant's lecture in…The carnality of religious contention in two sermons preach'd at the merchant's lecture in…

To judge other Men's Consciences, is of so near affinity with governing them, that they that can allow themselves to do the former, want only Power, not Will or Inclination, to offer at the other too. Which puts the matter out of ⟨p. 69⟩doubt, that when Men of this Temper complain of such Usurpation, 'tis not that they think it an Offence in it's self, but against them only; and that no Consciences ought to be free, but their own. The Proof of an honest and equal Mind herein is, when we judge this to be Evil, not being hurt by it; or abhor to hurt others in this kind, when we have Power to do it. Upon which account that Passage is memorable of the Emperor Maximilian II. to a certain Prelate, that there was no Sin, no Tyranny more grievous than to affect Dominion over men's Consciences; and that they who do so, go about to invade the Tower of Heaven. A considerable Saying from so great a Prince, that lived and died in the Roman Communion. What shall be thought of any such Protestants, that without any colour or shadow of a ground, besides differing from them in some very disputable and unimportant Opinions, shall presume to judge of other Men's Consciences, (and consequently of their States God-ward) which such a one as he thought it so presumptuous Wickedness ⟨p. 70⟩to attempt to over-rule or govern?

To judge other Men's Consciences, is of so near affinity with governing them, that they that can allow themselves to do the former, want only Power, not Will or Inclination, to offer at the other too. Which puts the matter out of ⟨p. 69⟩doubt, that when Men of this Temper complain of such Usurpation, 'tis not that they think it an Offence in it's self, but against them only; and that no Consciences ought to be free, but their own. The Proof of an honest and equal Mind herein is, when we judge this to be Evil, not being hurt by it; or abhor to hurt others in this kind, when we have Power to do it. Upon which account that Passage is memorable of the Emperor Maximilian II. to a certain Prelate, that there was no Sin, no Tyranny more grievous than to affect Dominion over men's Consciences; and that they who do so, go about to invade the Tower of Heaven. A considerable Saying from so great a Prince, that liv'd and dy'd in the Roman Communion. What shall be thought of any such Protestants, that without any colour or shadow of a ground, besides differing from them in some very disputable and unimportant Opinions, shall presume to judge of other Men's Consciences, (and consequently of their States God-ward) which such a one as he thought it so presumptuous Wickedness