Truth and innocence vindicated in a survey of a discourse concerning ecclesiastical polity, and…

Authority, Laws, Privileges, and I know not what things wherein private men of whom alone we treat▪ have no pretence of Interest, were pleaded in those Affairs. He that would judge aright of these things, must set aside all other Considerations, and give his instance of the Tumults and Seditions that have ensued on the account of men's keeping their Consciences entire for God alone, without any ⟨p. 148⟩just Plea, or false pretence of Authority, and the interest of men in the Civil concerns of Nations.

Authority, Laws, Priviledges, and I know not what things wherein private men of whom alone we treat▪ have no pretence of Interest, were pleaded in those Affairs. He that would judge aright of these things, must set aside all other Considerations, and give his instance of the Tumults and Seditions that have ensued on the account of menskeeping their Consciences entire for God alone, without any ⟨p. 148⟩just Plea, or false pretence of Authority, and the interest of men in the Civil concerns of Nations.

However it cannot be pretended that Liberty of Conscience gave the least occasion unto any disorders in those days. For indeed there was none, but only that of Opinion and Judgement, which our Author placeth out of the Magistrates cognizance and dispose; and supposeth it is as a thing wherein the public peace neither is nor can be concerned. It is well if it prove so; but this Liberty of Judgement constantly pressed with a practice contrary to its own determinations, will I fear prove the most dangerous posture of the minds of men in reference to public tranquillity, that they can be well disposed into. However we may take a little nearer view of the certain Remedy provided for all these evils by our Author, and satisfy our selves in some Enquiries about it. Shall then according to this Expedient the Supreme Magistrate govern, rule, and oblige unto obedience the consciences of his Subjects universally in all things in Religion and the Worship of God, so that appoint what he please, forbid what he please, Subjects are bound in Conscience to observe them