preamble_n whereof_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o recite_v the_o calamity_n of_o the_o war_n declare_v that_o all_o the_o sequester_a estate_n shall_v be_v apply_v towards_o the_o supportation_n of_o the_o great_a charge_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o the_o first_o instruction_n to_o the_o committee_n they_o be_v charge_v to_o use_v their_o best_a care_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o speedy_a execution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o sequestration_n as_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a necessity_n and_o importance_n for_o the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o army_n 511._o and_o observe_v some_o slowness_n in_o the_o committee_n the_o earl_n of_o manchester_n a_o commander_n in_o chief_a be_v empower_v to_o execute_v that_o ordinance_n and_o the_o sequestrator_n command_v to_o pay_v the_o money_n they_o raise_v to_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o army_n one_o other_o argument_n there_o be_v that_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o parliament_n intend_v this_o ordinance_n only_o as_o a_o provision_n in_o those_o distract_a time_n and_o not_o as_o a_o stand_a law_n for_o ever_o else_o sure_o they_o will_v never_o have_v put_v into_o their_o commission_n so_o slight_a a_o thing_n as_o a_o bailiff_n of_o a_o corporation_n be_v it_o handsome_a that_o the_o mayor_n of_o rising_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o thatch_v some_o trivial_a alehouse_n to_o tender_v the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n to_o the_o noble_a earl_n of_o arundel_n or_o indeed_o how_o shall_v a_o common_a tradesman_n who_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n we_o may_v presume_v can_v neither_o write_v nor_o read_v know_v what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o command_v other_o to_o forswear_v such_o hard_a long_a word_n as_o supremacy_n purgatory_n and_o transubstantiation_n what_o shall_v we_o that_o accuse_v the_o papist_n of_o blind_a obedience_n say_v to_o ourselves_o when_o our_o very_a leader_n be_v so_o shortsighted_a it_o be_v true_a all_o these_o fair_a and_o just_a exception_n be_v full_o answer_v by_o this_o one_o word_n necessity_n a_o heteroclyte_n that_o have_v no_o rule_n no_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v without_o law_n to_o be_v judge_v without_o law_n but_o then_o at_o least_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o itself_o that_o be_v confine_v to_o circumstance_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o during_o the_o furious_a violence_n and_o career_n of_o war_n such_o summary_a proceed_n to_o prove_v without_o witness_n and_o condemn_v without_o juror_n may_v easy_o find_v excuse_n but_o be_v restore_v now_o to_o a_o perfect_a calm_a and_o universal_a peace_n we_o be_v certain_o oblige_v to_o return_v again_o to_o the_o know_a english_a trial_n by_o indictment_n and_o conviction_n and_o not_o continue_v still_o throw_v our_o neighbour_n good_n overboard_o so_o long_o after_o the_o storm_n be_v end_v if_o any_o object_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o necessity_n remain_v now_o no_o long_o since_o the_o gate_n of_o westminster_n hall_n be_v open_a and_o the_o old_a crowd_n of_o suitor_n march_v peaceable_o there_o under_o the_o scotch_a colour_n yet_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o render_v no_o other_o account_n of_o their_o act_n than_o the_o french_a king_n of_o his_o edict_n which_o always_o close_o with_o this_o frank_n and_o resolute_a period_n car_n tel_fw-fr est_fw-fr nostre_fw-fr plaisir_fw-fr i_o reply_v first_o that_o such_o objection_n seem_v rather_o to_o accuse_v the_o government_n of_o tyranny_n then_o faithful_o defend_v its_o authority_n no_o sound_n approach_v so_o nigh_o antipathy_n to_o a_o english_a ear_n as_o that_o of_o be_v under_o a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a master_n whether_o that_o boundless_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o single_a person_n of_o a_o king_n or_o the_o multiply_v of_o a_o council_n when_o by_o the_o change_n of_o circumstance_n any_o law_n become_v unfit_a to_o be_v continue_v we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o represent_v even_o to_o the_o high_a power_n our_o reason_n for_o a_o repeal_v if_o we_o carry_v our_o address_n with_o such_o regard_n that_o they_o appear_v to_o intend_v a_o reformation_n of_o the_o error_n not_o correction_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o which_o respect_n never_o do_v any_o parliament_n give_v such_o high_a hope_n of_o a_o thorough_a redress_n as_o that_o which_o late_o sit_v by_o erect_v so_o careful_o those_o two_o grand_a committee_n for_o regulate_v the_o law_n and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n by_o invite_v so_o solemn_o all_o that_o will_v offer_v their_o proposal_n to_o come_v into_o their_o assistance_n and_o as_o the_o whole_a nation_n remain_v infinite_o bind_v to_o the_o solicitude_n of_o the_o army_n for_o who_o satisfaction_n both_o those_o committee_n be_v establish_v so_o be_v we_o all_o no_o less_o oblige_v to_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o general_n by_o who_o personal_a presence_n every_o day_n at_o that_o of_o religion_n it_o receive_v so_o great_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o entertain_v the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o these_o few_o thought_n of_o i_o shall_v beget_v any_o offence_n since_o they_o aim_v only_o to_o propose_v the_o unsuitableness_n of_o this_o new_a uncharitable_a oath_n of_o abjuration_n to_o the_o ancient_a and_o best_a law_n of_o the_o land_n even_o the_o pope_n admit_v his_o subject_n when_o they_o apprehend_v some_o error_n in_o the_o proceed_n to_o appeal_v from_o himself_o misinform_v to_o himself_o better_o inform_v and_o yet_o we_o call_v his_o absolute_a ness_n a_o tyranny_n and_o their_o obedience_n blindness_n how_o much_o more_o than_o may_v those_o true_a lover_n of_o their_o country_n happiness_n promise_v themselves_o security_n if_o not_o acceptance_n from_o the_o parliament_n who_o either_o by_o humble_a petition_n or_o other_o modest_a and_o untumultuous_a way_n represent_v to_o their_o consideration_n any_o mis-practiseor_n inconvenience_n which_o in_o time_n may_v prove_v a_o dangerous_a precedent_n to_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o their_o country_n what_o ever_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v by_o absolute_a prerogative_n command_n yet_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o this_o have_v always_o disclaim_v such_o arbitrary_a dominion_n as_o tyrannical_a and_o often_o engage_v by_o most_o solemn_a declaration_n for_o the_o perpetual_a continuance_n to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o among_o which_o as_o there_o be_v none_o more_o fundamental_a and_o singular_a to_o the_o nation_n then_o the_o ancient_a trial_n by_o witness_n and_o verdict_n so_o we_o shall_v still_o endeavour_v to_o make_v more_o evident_a so_o important_a a_o truth_n by_o propose_v a_o short_a parallel_n between_o this_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n and_o that_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la in_o the_o grand_a petition_n sign_v by_o the_o 9_o 1640._o lord_n and_o present_v to_o the_o late_a king_n at_o york_n we_o find_v this_o record_v as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a grievance_n that_o many_o innovation_n in_o oath_n and_o canon_n have_v be_v late_o impose_v upon_o the_o clergy_n and_o other_o his_o majesty_n subject_n etc._n etc._n in_o redress_n of_o which_o mischievous_a encroachment_n upon_o our_o just_a liberty_n caroli_fw-la the_o late_a long_a parliament_n enact_v that_o no_o person_n exercise_v any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o authority_n shall_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la or_o at_o the_o instance_n or_o promotion_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o urge_v enforce_v tender_a give_v or_o minister_v to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o any_o oath_n whereby_o he_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v charge_v to_o confess_v or_o accuse_v himself_o of_o any_o crime_n offence_n delinquency_n misdemeanour_n matter_n or_o thing_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o any_o penalty_n or_o punishment_n whatsoever_o before_o which_o statute_n viz._n 1607._o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o illegality_n of_o that_o oath_n have_v be_v clear_o convince_v by_o a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o oath_n purposely_o write_v against_o it_o as_o also_o by_o m._n fuller_n in_o his_o argument_n at_o the_o than_o king_n bench_n against_o some_o branch_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n both_o which_o pursue_v their_o point_n so_o efficacious_o that_o the_o grievance_n they_o oppose_v be_v unanimous_o condemn_v as_o intolerable_a abuse_n and_o certain_o no_o mathematical_a demonstration_n can_v bear_v a_o high_a and_o clear_a evidence_n then_o that_o the_o principal_a reason_n which_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v out_o of_o both_o those_o treatise_n against_o that_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la be_v more_o strong_o appiable_a to_o this_o of_o abjuration_n thus_o than_o they_o begin_v their_o just_a charge_n upon_o that_o unjust_a oath_n first_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o nation_n the_o party_n examine_v be_v thereby_o force_v to_o swear_v against_o himself_o in_o a_o criminal_a cause_n before_o he_o know_v his_o
ourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o destroy_v man_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v of_o our_o faith_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o the_o people_n speak_v of_o ireland_n what_o thought_n they_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n i_o can_v reach_v but_o think_v be_v my_o duty_n if_o they_o walk_v honest_o and_o peaceable_o not_o to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o 5._o but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v patient_o and_o in_o love_n towards_o they_o to_o see_v if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v they_o another_o or_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o then_o governor_n of_o rosse_n in_o ireland_n 1649._o his_o excellency_n speak_v of_o religion_n say_v he_o meddle_v not_o with_o any_o man_n private_a conscience_n the_o army_n further_o declare_v 1649._o that_o they_o do_v not_o empower_v or_o intrust_v their_o representative_n to_o continue_v in_o force_n or_o make_v any_o law_n oath_n or_o covenant_n whereby_o to_o compel_v by_o penalty_n or_o otherwise_o any_o person_n to_o any_o thing_n 5._o in_o or_o about_o matter_n of_o faith_n religion_n or_o god_n worship_n or_o to_o restrain_v any_o person_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n or_o excercise_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n or_o to_o punish_v any_o person_n for_o refuse_v to_o answer_v to_o question_n in_o criminal_a cause_n these_o declaration_n of_o the_o army_n be_v second_v by_o a_o petition_n from_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n 1648._o and_o burrow_n of_o southwark_n to_o the_o parliament_n in_o these_o word_n that_o they_o will_v exempt_v matter_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n worship_n from_o the_o compulsive_a and_o restrictive_a power_n of_o any_o authority_n upon_o earth_n and_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o that_o the_o parliament_n will_v not_o proceed_v in_o make_v ordinance_n or_o law_n or_o in_o appoint_v punishment_n concerning_o opinion_n wherein_o themselves_o may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v etc._n etc._n on_o all_o opportunity_n thus_o have_v the_o army_n declare_v what_o be_v the_o light_n they_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o dark_a thorny_a way_n of_o their_o precedent_a danger_n and_o in_o the_o endeavour_n that_o every_o conscience_n may_v have_v a_o comfortable_a repose_n they_o continue_v constant_a still_o and_o vigorous_a nor_o can_v there_o be_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o stray_v from_o these_o religious_a principle_n have_v for_o their_o guide_n his_o excellency_n who_o have_v fight_v his_o enemy_n as_o much_o into_o confusion_n by_o a_o unexampled_a regularity_n of_o manner_n and_o holy_a encourage_n to_o piety_n by_o frequent_a exhortation_n tear_n and_o prayer_n as_o by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o sword_n and_o a_o courage_n ever_o invincible_a our_o next_o progress_n shall_v be_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o army_n against_o the_o enforce_n of_o oath_n and_o coercion_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v clear_o establish_v upon_o that_o sure_a foundation_n the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o which_o three_o word_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n than_o three_o thousand_o volume_n of_o man_n discourse_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o and_o hope_v to_o content_v my_o reader_n with_o the_o citation_n of_o these_o few_o text_n one_o witness_n shall_v not_o rise_v up_o against_o a_o man_n for_o any_o iniquity_n 15._o fault_n etc._n etc._n much_o less_o shall_v a_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o himself_o but_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v the_o matter_n be_v establish_v which_o rule_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o gospel_n 16._o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v every_o word_n be_v establish_v and_o our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o say_v to_o the_o woman_n accuse_v of_o adultery_n 11._o where_o be_v thy_o accuser_n if_o they_o condemn_v thou_o not_o neither_o do_v i_o in_o the_o proceed_n upon_o this_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n there_o be_v no_o accuser_n no_o witness_n the_o party_n himself_o must_v be_v both_o against_o himself_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o opposite_a to_o scripture_n than_o such_o enforcement_n and_o that_o carnal_a man_n and_o they_o who_o build_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o academic_a learning_n may_v see_v how_o abhor_v to_o truth_n all_o force_n and_o violence_n offer_v to_o the_o conscience_n be_v let_v their_o patience_n go_v a_o little_a forward_a and_o find_v what_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n none_o be_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n 94._o by_o imprisonment_n or_o loss_n of_o good_n the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o force_v no_o man_n to_o subscribe_v article_n concerning_o religion_n 428._o but_o that_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o every_o one_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v direct_v the_o magistrate_n misuse_v his_o power_n 33._o if_o he_o impose_v law_n upon_o our_o conscience_n for_o paul_n do_v not_o subject_a the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n to_o human_a law_n 18._o but_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n man_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v to_o religion_n by_o reason_n 1638._o not_o compel_v thereunto_o by_o punishment_n the_o gospel_n allow_v not_o the_o law_n of_o compulsion_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o conscience_n 118._o but_o only_o of_o council_n and_o exhortation_n the_o scripture_n command_v that_o they_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o until_o the_o lord_n shall_v reveal_v unto_o they_o all_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v not_o punish_v 7._o all_o man_n err_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v reclaim_v by_o fatherly_a exhortation_n 65._o hear_v the_o word_n and_o good_a instruction_n not_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n the_o lord_n have_v definitive_o declare_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o fit_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 161._o and_o therefore_o have_v interdict_v they_o all_o use_n of_o such_o jurisdiction_n and_o reserve_v it_o to_o himself_o who_o at_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o angel_n shall_v separate_v the_o tare_n from_o the_o wheat_n 477._o god_n alone_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o have_v leave_v it_o free_a from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n beside_o his_o word_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o so_o that_o to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n or_o to_o obey_v such_o command_n out_o of_o conscience_n be_v to_o betray_v our_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o require_n of_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n be_v to_o destroy_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n also_o faith_n have_v no_o relation_n unto_o 270._o nor_o dependency_n at_o all_o upon_o compulsion_n and_o commandment_n but_o only_o upon_o certainty_n and_o probability_n of_o argugument_n draw_v from_o reason_n or_o from_o something_o which_o man_n believe_v already_o therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v any_o for_o not_o believe_v 271._o since_o paul_n himself_o profess_v we_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n 2._o faith_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n and_o of_o the_o assent_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o man_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o by_o promise_n of_o reward_n nor_o menace_n of_o torture_n 26â—_z there_o be_v no_o coercive_a power_n leave_v by_o our_o saviour_n upon_o earth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o a_o power_n to_o proclaim_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o persuade_v man_n to_o submit_v themselves_o thereunto_o and_o by_o precept_n and_o good_a counsel_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o have_v submit_v what_o to_o do_v that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o it_o come_v etc._n etc._n q._n elâ—z_o eliz._n in_o her_o own_o private_a judgement_n often_o declare_v that_o she_o never_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o conscience_n of_o her_o subject_n ought_v to_o be_v enforce_v 11._o albeit_o the_o bishop_n prevail_v with_o she_o against_o her_o own_o judgement_n to_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v more_o against_o religion_n â—hâ—llâ—ngworth_n then_o to_o force_v religion_n for_o as_o paul_n say_v the_o weapon_n of_o christian_a warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a 167._o human_a violence_n may_v make_v man_n counterfeit_a but_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o and_o infinite_a prejudice_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v follow_v thereby_o such_o who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n who_o serve_v no_o high_a state_n then_o
transubstantiation_n one_o of_o the_o article_n to_o be_v abjure_v which_o a_o 75â—_z calvin_n say_v be_v more_o rational_a than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o yet_o this_o the_o lutheran_n our_o brethren_n unanimous_o hold_v b_o 754._o hospinian_n another_o protestant_a writer_n say_v the_o like_a and_o c_o 216._o beza_n acknowledge_v transubstantiation_n to_o be_v a_o inevitable_o consequent_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n which_o all_o lutheran_n maintain_v and_o be_v not_o against_o this_o oath_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o real_a presence_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v lawful_o at_o least_o safe_o maintain_v which_o many_o protestant_n herein_o england_n do_v and_o all_o lutheran_n everywhere_o yet_o under_o most_o severe_a penalty_n the_o intrinsic_a belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n must_v be_v abjure_v which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o famous_a reformer_n be_v a_o inevitable_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o more_o rational_a than_o the_o opinion_n of_o consubstantiation_n yet_o this_o may_v be_v defend_v without_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o least_o question_n nay_o more_o there_o be_v no_o oath_n nor_o penalty_n against_o the_o public_a profess_n of_o consubstantiation_n no_o nor_o against_o the_o public_a practice_n according_a to_o that_o opinion_n and_o yet_o the_o very_a inward_a belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v make_v so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n so_o severe_o punishable_a that_o they_o who_o be_v but_o looker_n on_o and_o only_o see_v the_o burden_n lay_v upon_o refuser_n of_o this_o oath_n feel_v in_o their_o breast_n a_o certain_a instinct_n by_o which_o they_o protest_v themselves_o secret_o and_o strange_o enforce_v to_o grieve_v and_o sigh_v at_o the_o cruel_a and_o rigorous_a proceed_n even_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o that_o this_o compassion_n towards_o sufferer_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n rise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o softness_n of_o nature_n as_o from_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v certain_o find_v a_o easy_a belief_n if_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o flock_n of_o tame_a and_o weep_a woman_n we_o can_v pick_v out_o a_o army_n of_o victorious_a soldier_n who_o courage_n neither_o know_v to_o fear_v the_o face_n of_o such_o as_o threaten_v war_n nor_o conscience_n endure_v to_o force_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o will_v live_v in_o peace_n of_o which_o too_o evident_a truth_n if_o any_o deny_v the_o first_o let_v he_o read_v their_o past_a victory_n if_o doubt_v of_o the_o second_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o peruse_v their_o follow_a declaration_n now_o to_o the_o comfort_n and_o even_a amazement_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v we_o contemplate_v the_o constant_a pious_a intention_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o army_n no_o soon_o have_v their_o many_o victory_n render_v they_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n our_o own_o as_o fearful_o as_o neighbour_a nation_n expect_v what_o great_a design_n of_o blood_n they_o next_o will_v enterprise_n but_o they_o throw_v aside_o the_o cruelty_n and_o ostentation_n of_o conquest_n and_o take_v into_o themselves_o the_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n they_o present_o look_v round_o about_o they_o on_o their_o afflict_a christian_a brethren_n and_o know_v nothing_o more_o precious_a nothing_o more_o comfortable_a to_o the_o godly_a than_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n by_o their_o frequent_a declaration_n to_o the_o world_n and_o zealous_a address_n to_o the_o late_a parliament_n they_o manifest_v how_o unalterable_a they_o be_v in_o their_o holy_a principle_n no_o licentious_a avarice_n embolden_v they_o to_o divide_v the_o spoil_n no_o wantonness_n provoke_v they_o to_o surfeit_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o land_n they_o have_v subdue_v so_o far_o from_o grow_v insolent_a with_o success_n that_o even_o their_o enemy_n have_v confess_v there_o be_v never_o in_o any_o age_n know_v so_o great_a a_o modesty_n in_o so_o continue_v a_o victory_n nor_o such_o excellent_a discipline_n in_o a_o conquer_a army_n their_o own_o interest_n never_o regard_v by_o themselves_o only_o to_o improve_v the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o the_o conscientious_a be_v their_o endeavour_n which_o they_o pursue_v with_o so_o religious_a a_o noble_a courage_n that_o they_o take_v their_o life_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o with_o the_o great_a hazard_n to_o self-preservation_n remove_v that_o power_n which_o grow_v slothful_a and_o halt_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o have_v moddele_v such_o a_o government_n as_o shall_v intend_v chief_o to_o give_v balsam_n to_o the_o many_o wound_n of_o the_o afflict_a this_o relief_n be_v the_o expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o many_o conscience_n now_o in_o anguish_n and_o tribulation_n who_o can_v but_o with_o comfort_n remember_v how_o the_o army_n ever_o have_v that_o compassion_n which_o the_o clergy_n want_v and_o the_o military_a piety_n have_v be_v still_o eminent_a above_o the_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a what_o their_o godliness_n will_v be_v we_o cheerful_o and_o confident_o expect_v what_o hitherto_o it_o have_v these_o ensue_a expression_n will_v declare_v it_o be_v humble_o desire_v by_o the_o army_n 12_o that_o according_a to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o parliament_n promise_v a_o provision_n for_o tender_a conscience_n there_o may_v be_v some_o effectual_a course_n take_v according_a to_o the_o intent_n thereof_o and_o that_o such_o as_o upon_o conscientious_a ground_n differ_v from_o the_o establish_a form_n may_v not_o for_o that_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o common_a right_n liberty_n and_o benefit_n equal_o belong_v to_o all_o as_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n 11._o while_o they_o live_v sober_o and_o inoffensive_o to_o other_o and_o peaceable_o and_o faithful_o to_o the_o state_n likewise_o that_o sufficient_a care_n be_v take_v for_o the_o liberty_n and_o protection_n of_o those_o who_o can_v submit_v to_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o this_o nation_n though_o otherwise_o conformable_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n thereof_o they_o desire_v 1647._o that_o a_o act_n may_v be_v pass_v to_o take_v away_o all_o coercive_a power_n extend_v to_o any_o civil_a penalty_n upon_o any_o for_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o express_o that_o papist_n be_v subject_a to_o punishment_n only_o for_o disturb_v the_o state_n 7._o and_o that_o man_n may_v not_o be_v compel_v to_o take_v any_o oath_n against_o their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n 1647._o but_o that_o all_o order_n and_o ordinance_n to_o that_o purpose_n may_v be_v repeal_v that_o none_o may_v be_v compel_v by_o penalty_n to_o answer_v to_o question_n tend_v to_o accuse_v themselves_o 8._o and_o that_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v of_o all_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n 10._o impose_v any_o oath_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v either_o repeal_v or_o at_o least_o so_o qualify_v that_o they_o may_v not_o extend_v or_o be_v construe_v to_o the_o molestation_n or_o punishment_n of_o religious_a and_o peaceable_a people_n for_o nonconformity_n to_o fix_a form_n bound_n and_o limit_n thereby_o to_o confine_v god_n holy_a spirit_n as_o if_o religion_n consist_v more_o in_o such_o outward_a form_n and_o rite_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n then_o in_o power_n and_o virtue_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n again_o 1647._o that_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o by_o they_o entrust_v to_o any_o human_a power_n because_o therein_o they_o can_v remit_v or_o exceed_v a_o tittle_n of_o what_o their_o conscience_n dictate_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o wilful_a sin_n nevertheless_o the_o public_a way_n of_o instruct_v the_o nation_n so_o it_o be_v not_o compulsive_a be_v refer_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o parliament_n 9_o his_o excellency_n and_o council_n of_o war_n declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o enforce_v 1647._o nor_o any_o penalty_n impose_v on_o the_o refuser_n whereby_o man_n may_v be_v constrain_v to_o take_v it_o against_o their_o judgement_n but_o that_o all_o order_n and_o ordinance_n to_o that_o purpose_n may_v be_v repeal_v that_o consideration_n be_v have_v of_o statute_n 13_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o corporation_n impose_v any_o oath_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v either_o repeal_v or_o so_o qualify_v that_o they_o may_v not_o extend_v or_o be_v construe_v to_o the_o molestation_n or_o ensnare_n of_o religious_a and_o peaceable_a people_n mere_o for_o a_o nonconformity_n in_o religion_n again_o his_o excellency_n thus_o learned_o and_o religious_o if_o outward_a thing_n may_v not_o be_v contend_v for_o 1650._o much_o less_o may_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v endeavour_v by_o unsuitable_a mean_n he_o that_o bid_v we_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n tell_v we_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o build_v up_o ourselves_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n 3._o not_o pin_v it_o upon_o other_o man_n sleeve_n keep_v
england_n nor_o this_o neither_o any_o far_a than_o they_o serve_v themselves_o who_o think_v of_o no_o other_o happiness_n but_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v state_n but_o human_a policy_n and_o believe_v no_o other_o creed_n but_o regi_fw-la aut_fw-la civitati_fw-la imperium_fw-la habenti_fw-la nihil_fw-la injustum_fw-la quod_fw-la utile_fw-la such_o it_o may_v become_v to_o maintain_v by_o worldly_a power_n and_o violence_n their_o state-instrument_n religion_n but_o they_o who_o be_v indeed_o servant_n and_o lover_n of_o christ_n know_v that_o to_o no_o state_n any_o thing_n can_v be_v profitable_a which_o be_v unjust_a and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o unjust_a then_o to_o force_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o point_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o believe_v not_o they_o who_o run_v into_o extreme_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 7._o they_o who_o put_v down_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o they_o who_o declaim_v against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o that_o church_n and_o themselves_o exercise_v as_o great_a or_o great_a over_o other_o be_v the_o man_n that_o give_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o great_a advantage_n whereas_o man_n of_o more_o moderate_a spirit_n such_o as_o require_v of_o christian_n to_o believe_v only_o in_o christ_n upon_o such_o as_o these_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o fasten_v 100_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o way_n advantageous_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n that_o man_n without_o warrant_n from_o god_n shall_v usurp_v a_o tyranny_n over_o other_o man_n conscience_n and_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o without_o reason_n and_o sometime_o against_o reason_n 179._o what_o they_o shall_v believe_v we_o therefore_o be_v willing_a to_o leave_v all_o man_n to_o their_o liberty_n provide_v they_o improve_v it_o not_o to_o a_o tyranny_n over_o other_o this_o presumptuous_a impose_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 180._o and_o the_o special_a sense_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o general_a word_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v they_o upon_o man_n conscience_n together_o under_o severe_a penalty_n the_o deify_n of_o man_n own_o interpretation_n and_o tyrannical_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o the_o restrain_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n wherein_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n leave_v they_o free_a be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o church_n take_v away_o this_o persecute_n of_o man_n for_o not_o subscribe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o man_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v of_o christian_n only_o to_o believe_v christ_n in_o a_o word_n take_v away_o tyranny_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o support_v error_n and_o restore_v christian_n to_o their_o just_a and_o full_a liberty_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v hope_v by_o god_n blessing_n that_o universal_a liberty_n thus_o moderate_v may_v quick_o reduce_v christendom_n to_o truth_n and_o unity_n the_o contrary_a effect_n whereof_o happen_v by_o the_o tyrannous_a imposition_n of_o opinion_n upon_o other_o man_n conscience_n 198._o whereby_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v grievos_o exulcerate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v neither_o fit_a to_o convince_v nor_o able_a to_o compel_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n indeed_o worldly_a terror_n may_v prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v man_n profess_v a_o religion_n which_o they_o believe_v not_o such_o man_n who_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n provide_v for_o martyr_n and_o a_o hell_n for_o those_o that_o dissemble_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v profess_v but_o to_o force_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o know_v not_o or_o any_o honest_a man_n to_o dissemble_v what_o he_o do_v believe_v if_o god_n command_v he_o to_o profess_v it_o or_o to_o profess_v what_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o the_o sword_n in_o the_o world_n be_v too_o weak_a with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n to_o assist_v they_o 16._o it_o be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n for_o any_o man_n to_o profess_v a_o error_n against_o his_o conscience_n though_o the_o error_n in_o itself_o and_o to_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o damnable_a nay_o the_o profession_n not_o only_o of_o a_o error_n but_o of_o a_o truth_n if_o not_o believe_v be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n unless_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o if_o a_o papist_n be_v convince_v or_o persuade_v in_o conscience_n 19_o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v irroneous_a the_o profession_n of_o it_o though_o in_o itself_o most_o true_a will_v be_v to_o he_o damnable_a see_v his_o reason_n fol._n 132._o thus_o in_o a_o full_a speed_n i_o have_v run_v over_o all_o that_o i_o can_v observe_v to_o satisfy_v my_o spirit_n concerning_o the_o illegality_n of_o this_o oath_n in_o common_a law_n or_o common_a reason_n in_o ancient_a or_o modern_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o army_n when_o success_n have_v leave_v they_o no_o employment_n but_o their_o piety_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a reform_a divine_n and_o above_o all_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o charity_n i_o owe_v my_o afflict_a brethren_n have_v force_v i_o to_o communicate_v this_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o religious_a that_o they_o may_v with_o compassion_n reflect_v on_o those_o who_o eat_v their_o bread_n moisten_v with_o their_o tear_n and_o weep_v over_o their_o house_n become_v desolate_a because_o they_o will_v keep_v up_o their_o conscience_n from_o ruin_n i_o have_v collect_v this_o for_o information_n of_o such_o who_o have_v bowel_n and_o disdain_v a_o glory_n or_o benefit_n that_o may_v rise_v by_o tread_v on_o their_o neck_n who_o suffer_v only_o for_o religion_n who_o if_o they_o err_v err_v to_o their_o own_o temporal_a prejudice_n and_o can_v in_o their_o error_n have_v no_o design_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n who_o discover_v to_o have_v any_o conspiracy_n against_o government_n i_o will_v have_v most_o severe_o punish_v and_o who_o quiet_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o will_v have_v pity_v and_o relieve_v and_o this_o i_o serious_o desire_v all_o religious_a spirit_n to_o weigh_v in_o their_o most_o godly_a and_o most_o prudent_a thought_n that_o look_v back_o on_o the_o last_o hundred_o year_n they_o shall_v find_v every_o subversion_n of_o government_n in_o this_o nation_n either_o papal_a prelatical_a or_o presbyterian_a to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o too_o rigorous_a coercion_n of_o the_o conscience_n religion_n ever_o fall_v down_o to_o the_o dust_n when_o it_o lean_v too_o much_o on_o the_o weak_a treacherous_a prop_n of_o human_a policy_n or_o endeavour_n to_o stand_v only_o by_o punishment_n of_o their_o brethren_n modest_o dissent_v in_o some_o opinion_n and_o why_o may_v not_o i_o with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n lie_v down_o these_o observation_n at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n the_o parliament_n etc._n etc._n now_o sit_v at_o westminster_n why_o may_v i_o not_o solicit_v their_o mercy_n by_o contemplate_v what_o a_o series_n of_o providence_n have_v fettle_v they_o in_o the_o present_a power_n and_o redeem_v their_o conscience_n from_o a_o design_a slavery_n to_o take_v into_o their_o first_o consideration_n the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o the_o most_o oppress_v people_n in_o the_o world_n why_o may_v not_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o eternal_a justice_n execute_v on_o former_a government_n instruct_v they_o to_o meekness_n towards_o their_o brethren_n in_o such_o a_o sad_a forlorn_a affliction_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o their_o successor_n to_o a_o continue_a blessing_n by_o that_o hand_n which_o shake_v down_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o proud_a and_o uncompassionate_a and_o out_o of_o their_o rubbish_n build_v up_o a_o tabernacle_n of_o glory_n for_o the_o humble_a and_o merciful_a nor_o can_v i_o at_o any_o distance_n how_o remote_a soever_o though_o we_o squint_v on_o carnal_a interest_n discover_v whence_o any_o the_o least_o prejudice_n can_v reach_v the_o government_n in_o not_o offer_v violence_n by_o oath_n to_o the_o conscience_n unless_o we_o reckon_v on_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o rent_n be_v annual_o extort_a by_o violence_n from_o the_o conscience_n and_o how_o unhandsome_a and_o above_o that_o unchristian_a will_n it_o appear_v that_o we_o can_v tender_o maintain_v every_o congregation_n but_o only_o that_o the_o not_o protect_v which_o be_v for_o our_o temporal_a emolument_n and_o supply_n of_o the_o treasury_n in_o recompense_n whereof_o we_o may_v bring_v in_o the_o universal_a comfort_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n when_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v so_o general_a that_o in_o that_o harmony_n no_o one_o string_n shall_v be_v out_o of_o tune_n