A Discourse of the Religion of England, Section 20
SECT. XX. This Comprehensive State of Religion further considered, with respect to Three important Interests; …irst to that of the KING.
FOR the removing of all con…ved Prejudices, let this desired Latitude of Religion▪ be considered with respect to the several Interests of the King, of the Church and Clergy, and of the Nobility and Gentry. First let it be examined in reference to the Interest of Regal Majesty.
The Non-conformists, and other inclinable to their way, are by some charged with such Principles as detract much from Kingly Power and Dignity, and tend to advance Popular Faction. It is confessed, they have been eager Assertors of Legal Liberties; yet herein they were not singular, but in almost all PARLIAMENTS have had the concurrence of many good Patriots that were not touch'd with the least tincture of Puritanism. They profess much affection to MONARCHY, and the Royal Family; and think they have made it appear by their hazardous declaring against the designed Death of our late Soveraign, and their vigorous Actings for the Restitution of His Majesty that now is. They are so well satisfied, as none more, in the Ancient Fundamental Constitution of this Kingdom.
This Arraignment of their supposed Principles about Government, may haply proceed upon Mistake. There is reason enough to think, That the many late Disputes about Prerogative and Liberty, are Controversiae ortae non primae, that they had their rise from something else, which lyes at the bottom. Both former and present time▪ do shew, That the Anti-Puritan Interest, when occasion serves, and the urgency of Affairs requires, can contest with Princes, and pretend Conscience too, in crossing their Designs. Inclinations and Interests, more then Speculative Opinions, will be found to have born the sway, and caused those active motions on the one hand, and the other. These Dogmata or Problemes about Obedience and Government, do but little, where mens Affections and Concernments do not give them spirit and vigor. The practical Judgment of Inferiors, hath a bias in this case, according to their Superiors Benignity or Asperity towards them. High strains of speech may easily proceed from such as flatter their Governors, or know not themselves; but they are worthy of credit, that speak credible things.
The wise man saith, He that repeateth a matter, separateth very friends. A looking back to former discords, marrs the most hopeful Redintegration. Acts of Indempnity, are Acts of Oblivion also, and must be so observed. Let not the way of Peace be barr'd by the framing of such Tests as may perplex the minds of men, but add no real security to the Higher Powers. For as some set their wits a work in framing, so do others in evading the designs of such Engagements. And of those that devise how to evade them, some may deal seriously, and others perhaps may trifle with Conscience; but the internal Judgments of both remain what they were before. The common Evasions or Violations of such bonds among all parties in our times, do shew, That they are not the way to root out inveterate Opinions. But there is a surer way to obviate the evil tendency of such Opinions, and to render them ineffectual. For it is not this or that narrow conception or notion, but some greater thing, that rules the actions of humane life. The condition of the dissatisfied, may without damage, or just scandal to any, be made such, That their far greater number shall not long for changes, but gladly embrace present things; and then the implacably evil-minded would want matter to work upon, and rest without hope of disturbing the Publick Peace.
Moreover, all Loyal Principles are not inclosed in some Positions, in which may be much variety and uncertainty of opinion, and in which both Theological and Political Casuists (and they great Assertors of Monarchical Government) have written doubtfully. Men of different apprehensions in such things, may be indued with the same prudence, soberness, common charity, love of Publick Tranquility, reverence of Regal Majesty, conscience of Allegiance, and an awful regard of Divine and Humane Laws. Men of nicer Judgments, may have as loyal hearts as those of greater latitude. And why should the judgments of such men be rack'd, and their spirits vexed with curious scrutinies? The ancient Sacred Bonds of Fidelity, are not questioned; and if they do not, what others can oblige and awe the Conscience?
The extent of Prerogatives Royal, of the Priviledges of PARLIAMENTS, and of the Peoples Immunities, is not matter fit for common disquisition, but requires to be kept among the Secrets of Government. It might have been far better, if these points had been more gently and warily handled on all sides. The English (in general) are an ingenuous and open-hearted people; and if unlucky accidents discompose them not, they are of themselves disposed to have their Kings in great veneration; and doubtless their satisfaction and good estate, is their Soveraigns true repose.