a_o just_a and_o righteous_a plea_n present_v unto_o the_o king_n of_o england_n and_o his_o council_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n true_o demonstrate_v and_o just_o plead_v on_o their_o behalf_n for_o the_o true_a information_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n that_o they_o may_v well_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o verity_n of_o doubtful_a case_n and_o may_v show_v just_a judgement_n and_o mercy_n and_o this_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o six_o particular_n viz_o 1._o concern_v swear_v at_o all_o and_o particular_o of_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n 2._o concern_v meeting_n together_o to_o worship_n god_n 3._o concern_v tithe_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n and_o why_o we_o refuse_v to_o pay_v they_o at_o this_o day_n 4._o concern_v give_n security_n by_o bond_n to_o live_v peaceable_o or_o to_o answer_v accusation_n then_o and_o there_o etc._n etc._n 5._o concern_v government_n itself_o and_o particular_o of_o this_o present_a government_n 6._o concern_v persecution_n what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o how_o great_a a_o enemy_n it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n lay_v down_o in_o ten_o particular_n all_o which_o case_n be_v true_o state_v and_o plead_v and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o innocent_a vindicate_v and_o this_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n that_o they_o may_v be_v just_a and_o righteous_a and_o perfect_o according_a to_o god_n by_o a_o friend_n to_o just_a authority_n edw._n borroughs_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n oh_o friend_n this_o be_v your_o day_n that_o god_n have_v give_v you_o to_o try_v you_o and_o to_o prove_v you_o what_o you_o will_v do_v and_o whether_o you_o will_v rule_v and_o judge_n and_o exercise_v your_o power_n for_o god_n or_o against_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o hour_n of_o your_o trial_n and_o the_o live_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n behold_v you_o and_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o you_o and_o he_o wait_v for_o justice_n true_a judgement_n mercy_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n to_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o you_o in_o the_o land_n that_o he_o may_v bless_v you_o and_o prosper_v you_o but_o and_o if_o the_o contrary_n be_v abound_v and_o bring_v forth_o and_o exercise_v through_o you_o blessing_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o curse_n and_o the_o just_a god_n will_v deal_v with_o you_o after_o your_o desert_n for_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v just_a and_o equal_a unto_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n even_o according_a to_o their_o way_n and_o work_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o you_o nor_o of_o any_o be_v determine_v by_o he_o but_o according_o as_o he_o be_v serve_v obey_v and_o fear_v or_o the_o contrary_n and_o see_v you_o have_v a_o day_n to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o forsake_v all_o evil_a to_o do_v justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o contrary_a if_o that_o you_o do_v the_o thing_n you_o ought_v not_o and_o leave_v undo_v what_o god_n require_v of_o you_o to_o do_v and_o trifle_v away_o your_o time_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o value_n and_o spend_v your_o day_n in_o pleasure_n &_o vanity_n and_o neglect_v mercy_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o oppress_a to_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o cruel_a persecution_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o you_o in_o this_o your_o day_n who_o shall_v stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o prevent_v the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o break_v out_o or_o who_o shall_v plead_v for_o you_o in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o reward_n when_o god_n himself_o arise_v unto_o just_a judgement_n to_o judge_v all_o flesh_n and_o to_o deliver_v the_o innocent_a oh_o friend_n be_v this_o nothing_o to_o you_o be_v there_o no_o cause_n unto_o you_o of_o consideration_n in_o this_o matter_n ought_v you_o not_o to_o lay_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n why_o sure_o you_o be_v but_o man_n and_o your_o breath_n be_v in_o your_o nostril_n and_o your_o substance_n but_o dissolvable_a clay_n and_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o you_o and_o concern_v you_o if_o you_o please_v he_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o you_o but_o if_o the_o contrary_a he_o can_v answer_v you_o do_n with_o a_o equal_a reward_n and_o none_o can_v prevent_v he_o and_o here_o be_v a_o cry_n and_o a_o very_a great_a cry_n of_o persecution_n under_o your_o authority_n the_o prison_n fill_v with_o upright_o and_o innocent_a person_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o person_n wife_n and_o family_n if_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o prevent_v more_o than_o the_o justice_n of_o man_n thousand_o within_o these_o few_o month_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o goal_n and_o dungeon_n and_o nasty_a hole_n and_o divers_a have_v finish_v their_o life_n and_o die_v in_o prison_n many_o be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o house_n and_o from_o their_o lawful_a calling_n and_o many_o take_v out_o of_o meeting_n where_o they_o have_v be_v wait_v upon_o god_n and_o cruel_a suffering_n inflict_v upon_o they_o and_o all_o this_o for_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o for_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n when_o as_o no_o plot_v or_o evil-dealing_a towards_o the_o king_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o subject_n can_v be_v just_o charge_v and_o prove_v against_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o innocent_a have_v be_v make_v a_o prey_n to_o profane_a person_n and_o their_o suffering_n have_v be_v woeful_a and_o all_o this_o under_o and_o by_o your_o authority_n and_o be_v these_o thing_n nothing_o to_o you_o or_o do_v you_o judge_v this_o be_v well_o do_v be_v this_o justice_n and_o true_a judgement_n be_v this_o for_o your_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n let_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n judge_v in_o this_o matter_n between_o this_o people_n and_o you_o for_o the_o cry_n of_o their_o suffering_n be_v very_o loud_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v be_v lay_v before_o you_o and_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v relieve_v they_o and_o ease_v their_o heavy_a burden_n and_o show_v justice_n pity_n and_o love_n and_o this_o will_v have_v make_v for_o your_o happiness_n but_o if_o that_o you_o always_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o of_o the_o oppress_a yet_o god_n hear_v and_o take_v notice_n and_o though_o this_o people_n shall_v have_v no_o helper_n in_o the_o earth_n yet_o he_o be_v their_o helper_n and_o their_o cause_n be_v commit_v unto_o he_o can_v these_o thing_n stand_v and_o can_v you_o be_v happy_a in_o these_o proceed_n while_o the_o innocent_a suffer_v under_o you_o be_v it_o in_o your_o heart_n to_o destroy_v the_o heritage_n of_o god_n do_v you_o think_v to_o extinguish_v a_o innocent_a people_n from_o off_o the_o earth_n must_v none_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o pray_v to_o he_o but_o after_o your_o prescription_n and_o limitation_n and_o will_v you_o kill_v and_o destroy_v all_o such_o as_o do_v not_o who_o can_v for_o good_a conscience_n sake_n conform_v to_o every_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o religion_n impose_v but_o must_v wait_v upon_o god_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o pray_v to_o he_o according_a as_o his_o spirit_n teach_v and_o guide_v will_v you_o i_o say_v destroy_v all_o such_o be_v it_o in_o your_o heart_n to_o effect_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v not_o prosper_v you_o in_o such_o purpose_n will_v you_o force_v man_n to_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o their_o god_n wherein_o they_o have_v find_v his_o presence_n will_v you_o persecute_v man_n for_o their_o religion-sake_n while_o yet_o they_o walk_v upright_o in_o their_o conversation_n among_o man_n oh_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o justice_n and_o true_a judgement_n thus_o to_o do_v it_o please_v not_o god_n neither_o do_v it_o unite_v the_o heart_n of_o subject_n in_o true_a love_n and_o unity_n but_o it_o have_v contrary_a effect_n and_o that_o you_o may_v find_v indeed_o according_a to_o my_o judgement_n such_o proceed_n be_v not_o good_a policy_n nor_o humane_a wisdom_n for_o you_o to_o seek_v to_o establish_v one_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o kind_n of_o religion_n and_o impose_v that_o by_o force_n and_o persecute_v and_o seek_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v if_o they_o will_v not_o deny_v their_o principle_n and_o conscience_n and_o conform_v this_o seem_v i_o say_v no_o good_a policy_n among_o man_n for_o if_o it_o do_v gratify_v one_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o their_o desire_n it_o discontent_v and_o dissatisfi_v many_o more_o and_o it_o break_v love_n and_o unity_n among_o subject_n and_o your_o safety_n be_v in_o
man_n we_o must_v be_v obedient_a by_o do_v and_o not_o withhold_v our_o just_a obedience_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o of_o worship_n faith_n and_o religion_n towards_o he_o we_o must_v only_o be_v obedient_a to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o teach_v and_o require_v obedience_n in_o all_o those_o thing_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v command_v of_o we_o by_o the_o present_a authority_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o equity_n justice_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o we_o must_v in_o such_o case_n obey_v god_n only_o and_o deny_v active_a obedience_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o patient_o suffer_v what_o be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o for_o such_o our_o disobedience_n to_o man_n and_o we_o must_v choose_v obedience_n to_o god_n rather_o than_o man_n though_o we_o suffer_v because_o thereof_o and_o this_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v our_o practice_n to_o obey_v authority_n by_o do_v or_o suffer_v not_o dispute_v whether_o the_o authority_n in_o itself_o be_v absolute_a of_o god_n or_o not_o yet_o be_v a_o authority_n over_o we_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v it_o either_o by_o do_v or_o suffer_v because_o it_o be_v a_o authority_n and_o not_o to_o plot_v rebel_n or_o rise_v up_o with_o carnal_a weapon_n against_o it_o and_o thus_o must_v our_o obedience_n be_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n and_o if_o that_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o king_n we_o can_v be_v obedient_a for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o when_o aught_o be_v require_v different_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o have_v example_n hereof_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o many_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o can_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n and_o commandment_n of_o king_n when_o they_o require_v aught_o to_o be_v obey_v contrary_a to_o their_o pure_a conscience_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o three_o child_n dan._n 3._o they_o can_v not_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o the_o king_n though_o it_o be_v absolute_a but_o refuse_v obedience_n and_o suffer_v for_o it_o and_o daniel_n also_o himself_o disobey_v the_o king_n law_n and_o command_n dan._n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o when_o they_o be_v command_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o city_n and_o country_n to_o preach_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act._n 4._o 17_o 18._o they_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o ruler_n in_o that_o case_n but_o go_v on_o and_o preach_v jesus_n in_o disobedience_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o exumple_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o it_o be_v justifiable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o former_a age_n even_o disobedience_n to_o king_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o case_n command_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o their_o example_n may_v justify_v such_o now_o in_o the_o same_o practice_n in_o the_o same_o case_n if_o they_o walk_v therein_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n v._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o if_o we_o at_o any_o time_n be_v find_v not_o in_o full_a obedience_n by_o do_v in_o all_o case_n and_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o contempt_n unto_o or_o rebellion_n against_o the_o king_n person_n or_o government_n it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v on_o that_o account_n but_o for_o good_a conscience_n sake_n and_o because_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n when_o and_o where_o their_o command_n stand_v in_o opposition_n the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o may_v keep_v our_o conscience_n clear_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n from_o disobedience_n against_o he_o which_o be_v our_o care_n and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n and_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o can_v do_v with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n such_o command_v we_o can_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o wilfulness_n stubornness_n contempt_n or_o rebellion_n against_o the_o authority_n but_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n and_o cause_n that_o we_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o god_n nor_o against_o our_o own_o conscience_n by_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o lest_o we_o shall_v bring_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n right_o consider_v it_o do_v appear_v 1._o that_o we_o acknowledge_v magistracy_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o execute_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n among_o man_n 2._o that_o just_o and_o righteous_a man_n be_v the_o only_a person_n fit_a to_o execute_v just_a law_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o earth_n 3._o that_o we_o acknowledge_v this_o present_a government_n of_o king_n charles_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n it_o be_v now_o set_v up_o 4._o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v obedient_a by_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n as_o the_o supreme_a authority_n 5._o that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n we_o be_v disobedient_a thereunto_o and_o can_v whole_o perform_v every_o command_n by_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v for_o conscience_n sake_n to_o god_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o he_o and_o not_o out_o of_o rebellion_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o king_n or_o his_o power_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n true_o consider_v if_o we_o do_v suffer_v tribulation_n affliction_n and_o imprisonment_n under_o and_o by_o this_o present_a authority_n for_o and_o because_o of_o our_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n without_o evil_a or_o wrong_n do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n person_n or_o estate_n though_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o conscience_n obey_v active_o this_o present_a authority_n yet_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o so_o we_o receive_v our_o suffering_n and_o not_o as_o for_o contempt_n or_o denial_n of_o authority_n or_o as_o rebellious_a against_o it_o but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n to_o god_n our_o suffering_n be_v and_o our_o unjust_a persecution_n will_v be_v upon_o our_o enemy_n in_o the_o effect_n and_o reward_v thereof_o with_o great_a indignation_n and_o wrath_n from_o the_o lord_n god_n that_o reward_v all_o according_a to_o their_o work_n thus_o much_o about_o government_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o persecution_n be_v in_o itself_o chap._n vi_o concern_v persecution_n what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o how_o great_a a_o enemy_n it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n 1._o persecution_n be_v when_o a_o person_n or_o a_o people_n do_v suffer_v tribulation_n affliction_n imprisonment_n bond_n or_o death_n whether_o by_o a_o law_n or_o without_o the_o law_n for_o and_o because_o of_o his_o or_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n as_o when_o a_o person_n or_o a_o people_n be_v reproach_v false_o accuse_v imprison_a or_o put_v to_o death_n only_o for_o and_o because_o of_o their_o religion_n sake_n when_o as_o no_o evil-dealing_a in_o the_o thing_n between_o man_n and_o man_n can_v be_v just_o charge_v and_o prove_v against_o they_o but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o way_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o in_o its_o profaneness_n and_o in_o its_o formal_a profession_n also_o of_o religion_n and_o because_o thereof_o suffering_n be_v impose_v upon_o they_o while_o yet_o they_o walk_v just_o innocent_o and_o harmless_o towards_o all_o man_n this_o be_v persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o such_o be_v persecute_v if_o so_o be_v they_o suffer_v for_o and_o because_o of_o righteonsness_n sake_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o deny_v their_o principle_n nor_o profession_n of_o religion_n nor_o conform_v to_o time_n nor_o law_n contrary_a to_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o suffer_v because_o hereof_o this_o be_v persecution_n 2._o persecution_n be_v when_o a_o person_n or_o a_o people_n be_v afflict_v and_o any_o kind_n of_o suffering_n impose_v upon_o they_o whether_o by_o any_o authority_n or_o without_o authority_n and_o only_o because_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n though_o yet_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o god_n nor_o by_o the_o exercise_n
of_o that_o spirit_n of_o god_n rule_v in_o their_o conscience_n in_o such_o their_o religion_n yet_o if_o they_o suffer_v only_o for_o their_o religion_n sake_n while_o yet_o they_o walk_v upright_o as_o man_n in_o all_o outward_a affair_n relate_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n this_o also_o be_v persecution_n and_o such_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o religion_n sake_n though_o not_o whole_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o none_o ought_v to_o suffer_v as_o such_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o king_n prince_z or_o power_n but_o if_o such_o do_v suffer_v as_o i_o have_v say_v and_o that_o for_o their_o religion_n sake_n only_o so_o though_o yet_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v persecute_v and_o this_o be_v persecution_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v in_o short_a describe_v and_o define_v what_o persecution_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v persecute_v and_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v how_o great_a a_o enemy_n persecution_n for_o conscience_n and_o religion_n sake_n be_v unto_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o for_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o person_n and_o government_n of_o the_o king_n it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o destroy_n and_o devour_a enemy_n and_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o may_v work_v terrible_a destruction_n yea_o this_o enemy_n persecution_n have_v often_o wrought_v overthrow_n in_o kingdom_n let_v the_o king_n strive_v to_o be_v deliver_v speedy_o from_o this_o great_a enemy_n which_o be_v fierce_a and_o cruel_a and_o may_v work_v woeful_a effect_n in_o this_o kingdom_n also_o and_o the_o king_n may_v be_v more_o bless_a in_o his_o person_n and_o government_n if_o he_o remove_v far_o from_o he_o this_o enemy_n persecution_n i._o it_o be_v his_o enemy_n because_o its_o effect_n be_v to_o eat_v out_o the_o affection_n of_o many_o good_a and_o sober_a people_n from_o the_o king_n and_o may_v make_v their_o love_n and_o affection_n die_v to_o the_o king_n government_n when_o they_o behold_v and_o consider_v the_o persecution_n of_o many_o good_a and_o peaceable_a people_n for_o righteousness_n and_o good_a conscience_n sake_n when_o as_o no_o evil_a do_v between_o man_n and_o man_n can_v just_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o only_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o such_o suffer_v cruel_a imprisonment_n unjust_a fines_n and_o grievous_a vexation_n for_o such_o cause_n it_o may_v weaken_v and_o eat_v out_o the_o affection_n of_o good_a people_n and_o divert_v their_o love_n and_o good_a desire_n from_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n in_o which_o such_o persecution_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o that_o which_o divert_v the_o people_n love_n from_o the_o king_n be_v his_o great_a enemy_n and_o such_o be_v persecution_n ii_o persecution_n be_v the_o king_n be_v great_a enemy_n because_o it_o may_v kindle_v heartburning_n envy_n strife_n and_o murmur_n among_o his_o subject_n while_o some_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o other_o persecute_v and_o imprison_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o deal_n exercise_v the_o king_n subject_n in_o harsh_a deal_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o give_v great_a occasion_n for_o quarrel_v envy_n debate_v and_o malice_n one_o against_o another_o even_o when_o some_o execute_v persecution_n upon_o other_o hale_v they_o to_o prison_n spoil_v their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o kind_n of_o deal_v i_o say_v whilst_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o land_n persecute_v one_o sort_n of_o the_o king_n subject_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o it_o tend_v much_o to_o great_a division_n and_o distraction_n among_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o king_n safety_n but_o for_o his_o great_a dishonour_n and_o disadvantage_n every_o way_n to_o have_v the_o people_n divide_v into_o heartburning_n and_o quarrelling_n against_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o persecution_n be_v the_o king_n be_v great_a enemy_n because_o it_o work_v such_o evil_a effect_n iii_o it_o be_v his_o great_a enemy_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o trust_n which_o god_n have_v repose_v in_o he_o in_o promote_a he_o to_o be_v king_n over_o these_o people_n for_o god_n have_v not_o commit_v power_n to_o he_o to_o judge_v in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n conscience_n and_o to_o persecute_v any_o because_o of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o this_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n or_o the_o other_o yet_o live_v peaceable_o and_o upright_o as_o man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o persecute_v any_o nor_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v persecute_v by_o nor_o under_o his_o authority_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o defend_v and_o preserve_v all_o man_n person_n and_o estate_n in_o their_o just_a right_n from_o the_o violence_n each_o of_o other_o without_o respect_n to_o what_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o if_o the_o contrary_n be_v bring_v forth_o it_o be_v contrary_a and_o not_o answerable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n restore_a he_o to_o these_o kingdom_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o what_o god_n have_v just_o call_v he_o unto_o but_o otherwise_o this_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o such_o be_v persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o just_a government_n and_o wherefore_o god_n have_v restore_v he_o and_o therefore_o this_o persecution_n be_v a_o utter_a enemy_n both_o to_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n iv._o it_o be_v his_o enemy_n because_o it_o provoke_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n over_o all_o to_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o he_o be_v provoke_v and_o vex_v because_o of_o the_o persecution_n of_o his_o people_n in_o this_o age_n as_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o if_o the_o king_n be_v guilty_a thereof_o it_o incur_v god_n great_a displeasure_n against_o he_o for_o god_n be_v ever_o offend_v with_o king_n ruler_n and_o whosoever_o that_o be_v persecuter_n and_o he_o be_v the_o same_o at_o this_o day_n and_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o provoke_v god_n to_o anger_n against_o the_o king_n that_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o such_o be_v persecution_n of_o people_n for_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o as_o no_o evil_a can_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o in_o thing_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o king_n beware_v of_o this_o woeful_a enemy_n that_o wait_v to_o wound_v he_o for_o if_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v provoke_v against_o he_o how_o great_a be_v that_o enemy_n which_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v v._o it_o be_v the_o king_n enemy_n because_o it_o not_o only_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_n but_o to_o judgement_n persecution_n be_v the_o cause_n wherefore_o god_n bring_v grievous_a judgement_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o whosoever_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o persecution_n be_v plague_n and_o misery_n and_o it_o incense_v god_n to_o anger_n and_o also_o to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o let_v the_o king_n beware_v of_o such_o a_o deadly_a enemy_n as_o shall_v cause_v god_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o such_o a_o enemy_n be_v persecution_n of_o god_n people_n for_o conscience_n sake_n it_o draw_v down_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o king_n and_o kingdom_n upon_o rich_a and_o poor_a upon_o high_a and_o low_a that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o other_o sin_n and_o it_o hasten_v to_o bring_v destruction_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a and_o this_o effect_n it_o will_v work_v upon_o the_o king_n even_o this_o his_o enemy_n persecution_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o from_o it_o and_o overcome_v it_o and_o banish_v it_o from_o he_o for_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o both_o inward_a and_o outward_a of_o both_o internal_a and_o external_a plague_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n vi_o persecution_n it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o king_n because_o it_o will_v work_v to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o just_a and_o sober_a and_o righteous_a man_n it_o will_v weaken_v their_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o it_o make_v their_o heart_n sad_a and_o woe_n be_v unto_o they_o that_o make_v sad_a their_o heart_n who_o god_n do_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o this_o do_v persecution_n and_o it_o do_v not_o only_o weaken_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o sober_a person_n but_o it_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o rude_a ungodly_a and_o profane_a through_o the_o land_n and_o that_o which_o strengthen_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o rude_a multitude_n in_o wantonness_n scorn_v and_o profaneness_n that_o be_v the_o king_n enemy_n but_o such_o be_v persecution_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n sake_n
render_v evil_a for_o evil_a to_o any_o but_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n active_o or_o passive_o upon_o the_o condition_n aforemention_v and_o we_o renounce_v all_o foreign_a authority_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o else_o from_o have_v any_o supremacy_n whatsoever_o over_o the_o king_n or_o any_o the_o good_a subject_n of_o england_n and_o this_o we_o declare_v acknowledge_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o who_o we_o and_o all_o mankind_n must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o that_o without_o secret_a equivocation_n or_o any_o deceitful_a mental_a reservation_n two_o but_o as_o for_o all_o oath_n and_o swear_v we_o utter_o deny_v for_o conscience_n sake_n towards_o god_n because_o christ_n jesus_n have_v command_v we_o not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o mat._n 5._o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o jam._n 5._o and_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o divers_a holy_a martyr_n even_o some_o of_o the_o protestant_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n in_o all_o age_n not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o any_o case_n so_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o saint_n in_o former_a age_n we_o do_v refuse_v to_o swear_v in_o this_o case_n of_o allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o can_v swear_v at_o all_o though_o the_o truth_n and_o verity_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o all_o case_n so_o far_o as_o know_v to_o we_o and_o as_o occasion_n require_v we_o can_v acknowledge_v and_o testify_v with_o yea_o and_o nay_o as_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o with_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n as_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o acknowledge_v just_a allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v peaceable_o and_o not_o plot_n nor_o rebel_n against_o he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o safe_a conscience_n but_o without_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v at_o all_o for_o we_o may_v not_o break_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n nor_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o saint_n by_o swear_v though_o we_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o because_o thereof_o and_o it_o be_v our_o know_a principle_n and_o practice_n ever_o since_o we_o be_v a_o people_n that_o in_o no_o case_n whatsoever_o though_o of_o great_a dependency_n ofttimes_o to_o ourselves_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o also_o in_o avoid_v of_o suffering_n we_o have_v not_o take_v any_o oath_n nor_o swear_v at_o all_o whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o our_o refuse_v chief_o to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v that_o oath_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o oath_n and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n we_o can_v swear_v at_o all_o iii_o and_o thus_o the_o state_n of_o our_o present_a case_n about_o this_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n be_v different_a from_o some_o other_o from_o all_o such_o who_o can_v swear_v and_o take_v oath_n in_o other_o case_n to_o who_o take_v of_o a_o oath_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o conscience_n but_o as_o for_o we_o we_o make_v conscience_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o upon_o just_a ground_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v and_o therefore_o our_o refusal_n of_o this_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n give_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o of_o doubt_n or_o suspicion_n concern_v we_o as_o if_o we_o will_v not_o live_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o under_o this_o government_n or_o as_o if_o we_o will_v rebel_v against_o or_o plot_n to_o destroy_v the_o king_n person_n or_o authority_n and_o so_o deny_v to_o take_v this_o oath_n as_o if_o we_o will_v leave_v ourselves_o clear_a to_o proceed_v in_o such_o way_n this_o judgement_n can_v just_o be_v give_v of_o we_o because_o we_o deny_v to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o all_o case_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o that_o we_o can_v swear_v in_o other_o case_n and_o not_o in_o this_o than_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o just_o suspect_v that_o we_o have_v a_o reserve_n against_o the_o king_n person_n and_o government_n and_o our_o live_a peaceable_a may_v be_v the_o more_o doubt_v of_o but_o be_v our_o know_a principle_n and_o practice_n always_o not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o this_o remove_v all_o ground_n of_o jealousy_n or_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n of_o we_o in_o this_o case_n and_o also_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o confess_v all_o just_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o the_o king_n to_o declare_v obedience_n thereunto_o solemn_o and_o sincere_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_o under_o his_o government_n and_o not_o to_o plot_n or_o rebel_n against_o he_o and_o this_o to_o confirm_v by_o yea_o and_o nay_o our_o testimony_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v as_o just_o be_v take_v and_o stand_v as_o effectual_a and_o be_v as_o faithful_o perform_v as_o the_o oath_n of_o any_o other_o for_o we_o make_v conscience_n to_o perform_v what_o we_o say_v in_o yea_o and_o nay_o as_o much_o as_o any_o do_v to_o perform_v what_o they_o swear_v and_o this_o be_v know_v of_o we_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o enemy_n so_o that_o in_o good_a conscience_n and_o just_a reason_n and_o equal_a justice_n we_o be_v excusable_a from_o all_o penalty_n and_o forfeiture_n in_o that_o behalf_n of_o deny_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n iu._n and_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n be_v not_o the_o less_o safe_a and_o secure_a though_o we_o refuse_v to_o swear_v obedience_n to_o they_o nor_o can_v they_o be_v any_o safe_a or_o secure_a if_o we_o contrary_a to_o our_o principle_n and_o conscience_n be_v force_v by_o penalty_n to_o swear_v allegiance_n for_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n which_o keep_v we_o from_o swear_v and_o by_o which_o we_o deny_v it_o we_o must_v be_v preserve_v to_o live_v peaceable_o and_o not_o to_o plot_n nor_o rebel_n against_o the_o king_n and_o if_o we_o renounce_v our_o principle_n and_o our_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v induce_v to_o swear_v against_o our_o conscience_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o to_o perform_v such_o a_o force_a oath_n take_v contrary_a to_o our_o conscience_n and_o principle_n for_o if_o we_o swear_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n because_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o to_o save_v our_o estate_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o contrary_a to_o our_o conscience_n it_o may_v well_o be_v suspect_v of_o we_o that_o at_o opportunity_n we_o will_v break_v such_o oath_n for_o fear_v of_o man_n or_o some_o self_n end_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o have_v already_o renounce_v our_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o it_o more_o appear_v we_o shall_v perform_v good_a obedience_n to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n acknowledge_v by_o yea_o without_o a_o oath_n and_o in_o good_a conscience_n then_o by_o swear_v force_v on_o we_o contrary_a to_o our_o conscience_n therefore_o our_o yea_o may_v better_a be_v accept_v in_o this_o case_n then_o swear_v can_v be_v demand_v of_o we_o and_o also_o if_o we_o shall_v change_v with_o the_o time_n and_o renounce_v our_o principle_n and_o conscience_n and_o swear_v we_o shall_v make_v ourselves_o ridiculous_a and_o a_o scorn_n to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o a_o capacity_n not_o ever_o to_o be_v trust_v in_o any_o case_n if_o we_o shall_v bow_v and_o bend_v to_o time_n and_o power_n and_o for_o terror_n of_o man_n deny_v our_o religion_n as_o other_o hypocrite_n and_o i_o very_o well_o believe_v that_o the_o king_n will_v not_o trust_v we_o in_o our_o albegiance_n any_o whit_n the_o better_a but_o rather_o the_o worse_a though_o we_o do_v swear_v fawn_v and_o flatter_v with_o he_o contrary_a to_o our_o principle_n neither_o can_v he_o reasonable_o judge_v himself_o the_o safe_a not_o more_o happy_a not_o that_o we_o will_v be_v true_o subject_v the_o more_o to_o his_o authority_n if_o we_o swote_v and_o conform_v in_o thing_n by_o force_n contrary_a to_o our_o conscience_n and_o principle_n for_o himself_o know_v that_o oath_n and_o engagement_n make_v and_o take_v by_o force_n and_o for_o fear_n in_o strait_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o true_o perform_v but_o always_o break_v and_o of_o the_o like_a case_n there_o be_v large_a testimony_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o many_o that_o have_v swear_v promise_a and_o engage_v and_o sometime_o by_o force_n and_o fear_n to_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o another_o and_o yet_o at_o opportunies_n and_o for_o their_o own_o self-end_n have_v break_v all_o oath_n and_o engagement_n and_o rebel_v against_o the_o very_a person_n and_o authority_n to_o
the_o unite_n of_o people_n heart_n to_o you_o and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o love_n and_o liberty_n and_o not_o in_o the_o division_n and_o distraction_n of_o people_n sure_o this_o can_v be_v for_o your_o safety_n when_o as_o if_o you_o do_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o that_o be_v peaceable_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n to_o god-ward_n this_o will_v cause_v all_o to_o love_v you_o and_o none_o to_o be_v discontent_v with_o you_o in_o good_a reason_n if_o one_o sort_n of_o people_n have_v as_o much_o liberty_n as_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o mean_v and_o none_o more_o than_o other_o this_o doubtless_o will_v increase_v content_a among_o subject_n and_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o you_o and_o your_o authority_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o that_o way_n which_o may_v keep_v the_o people_n in_o love_n and_o unity_n one_o with_o another_o and_o to_o youward_n this_o be_v good_a 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duty_n to_o god-ward_n to_o all_o christian_a people_n equal_o in_o your_o dominion_n and_o not_o to_o persecute_v or_o destroy_v any_o in_o their_o person_n and_o estate_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o god-ward_n this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o your_o prosperity_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v the_o way_n of_o your_o destruction_n if_o that_o you_o persecute_v man_n for_o their_o conscience_n sake_n and_o exercise_v lordship_n and_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o if_o you_o prescribe_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o seek_v to_o destroy_v all_o that_o can_v conform_v thereunto_o if_o you_o do_v thus_o this_o be_v not_o good_a policy_n to_o establish_v you_o well_o i_o shall_v say_v little_o further_o but_o that_o these_o thing_n i_o write_v not_o as_o your_o enemy_n but_o as_o your_o friend_n who_o will_v have_v you_o save_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o not_o as_o in_o any_o kind_n of_o harshness_n in_o my_o spirit_n towards_o you_o do_v i_o write_v but_o in_o love_n and_o compassionateness_n to_o you_o and_o these_o kingdom_n and_o i_o have_v here_o in_o brief_a state_v and_o plead_v the_o case_n of_o the_o innocent_a people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v at_o this_o time_n under_o great_a affliction_n and_o tribulation_n by_o your_o authority_n and_o it_o have_v be_v in_o my_o heart_n divers_a time_n to_o declare_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o you_o but_o at_o the_o last_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o write_v my_o mind_n to_o present_a to_o you_o concern_v the_o matter_n very_o needful_a for_o you_o to_o be_v inform_v in_o and_o it_o be_v for_o your_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o i_o have_v do_v it_o that_o you_o may_v not_o run_v on_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o upon_o suspicion_n and_o accusation_n of_o other_o without_o hear_v our_o defence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v for_o the_o avoid_n and_o stop_v of_o persecution_n in_o the_o land_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o take_v in_o hand_n submissive_o and_o not_o presumptuous_o to_o state_n this_o plea_n before_o you_o and_o i_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o your_o consideration_n and_o can_v impose_v my_o faith_n upon_o you_o to_o believe_v as_o i_o believe_v but_o have_v lay_v the_o truth_n before_o you_o i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o justice_n mercy_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v bring_v they_o forth_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n i_o be_o a_o lover_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n â—_o b._n london_n the10_n the_o day_n of_o the_o second_o month_n 1661._o chap._n i._n the_o case_n state_v and_o plead_v concern_v swear_v at_o all_o and_o particular_o concern_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n i._o we_o do_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v freeborn_a people_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n the_o land_n of_o our_o nativity_n and_o we_o do_v assert_v that_o 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magistrate_n and_o governor_n over_o this_o kingdom_n and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n we_o be_v obedient_a and_o submissive_a to_o he_o as_o such_o in_o all_o his_o command_n either_o by_o do_v and_o perform_v of_o what_o he_o just_o require_v or_o by_o patient_a suffering_n under_o whatsoever_o be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n for_o which_o we_o can_v be_v obedient_a for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o any_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o we_o different_a from_o the_o just_a law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o subjection_n to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o such_o have_v ever_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n even_o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a and_o patient_a under_o every_o authority_n that_o be_v set_v over_o we_o and_o not_o in_o unrighteousness_n to_o plot_n or_o contrive_v or_o rebel_n against_o any_o governor_n or_o government_n nor_o to_o seek_v our_o own_o deliverance_n from_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o seek_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n by_o all_o just_a and_o lawful_a mean_n and_o not_o to_o rebel_v against_o he_o with_o carnal_a weapon_n and_o so_o far_o as_o his_o government_n be_v in_o justice_n mercy_n and_o righteousness_n we_o declare_v true_a and_o faithful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o and_o wherein_o it_o be_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v subject_a by_o patient_a suffering_n what_o be_v unequal_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o rebel_n in_o any_o turbulent_a way_n of_o conspiracy_n and_o insurrection_n for_o our_o principle_n be_v not_o for_o war_n but_o for_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v neither_o may_v we_o
and_o because_o it_o weaken_v the_o righteous_a in_o their_o good_a and_o upright_a way_n and_o strengthen_v the_o wicked_a in_o their_o evil_a way_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o the_o king_n vii_o persecution_n be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o he_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o render_v he_o dishonourable_a both_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n through_o the_o world_n for_o it_o will_v show_v that_o he_o be_v cruel_a and_o bitter_a and_o perverse_a and_o that_o he_o want_v humility_n meekness_n forbearance_n and_o patience_n if_o he_o be_v guilty_a and_o this_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o have_v and_o profess_v evil_a quality_n and_o property_n and_o to_o be_v without_o the_o good_a and_o by_o persecution_n this_o will_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o ever_o be_v in_o all_o age_n that_o the_o persecutor_n of_o good_a conscience_n gain_v unto_o themselves_o dishonour_v and_o reproach_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n after_o they_o 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can_v be_v just_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o only_o for_o and_o because_o of_o such_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n to_o persecute_v any_o because_o hereof_o this_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o king_n enemy_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o such_o be_v persecution_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o deadly_a mortal_a enemy_n which_o wound_v king_n prince_n and_o ruler_n that_o ever_o have_v have_v friendship_n with_o it_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o king_n avoid_v this_o great_a enemy_n lest_o its_o effect_n prove_v miserable_a ix_o it_o be_v the_o king_n enemy_n because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a king_n and_o ruler_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v through_o age_n and_o generation_n as_o of_o pharaoh_n ahab_n herod_n nero_n and_o many_o more_o who_o be_v persecutor_n of_o people_n for_o conscience_n sake_n who_o gain_v unto_o themselves_o thereby_o reproach_n infamy_n and_o misery_n from_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n be_v the_o king_n enemy_n and_o such_o be_v persecution_n if_o he_o shall_v persecute_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o about_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n then_o he_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o wicked_a king_n and_o this_o will_v be_v his_o enemy_n and_o will_v work_v woeful_a effect_n if_o so_o be_v he_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o persecutor_n of_o old_a and_o love_n that_o which_o be_v his_o enemy_n x._o persecution_n be_v the_o king_n enemy_n because_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v misery_n and_o destruction_n upon_o all_o that_o persecute_v the_o heritage_n of_o god_n what_o be_v pharaaoh_n end_n and_o herod_n end_n and_o nero_n end_n be_v not_o their_o end_n woeful_a and_o miserable_a to_o god_n and_o shameful_a to_o man_n and_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n will_v bring_v the_o same_o effect_n at_o this_o day_n the_o end_n of_o all_o 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affection_n one_o with_o another_o and_o to_o the_o king_n the_o more_o strong_a and_o safe_a and_o prosperous_a thereby_o be_v the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n and_o the_o more_o like_a for_o a_o long_a and_o happy_a continuance_n and_o establishment_n and_o it_o be_v the_o love_n and_o union_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o sober_a and_o grave_a and_o just_a and_o upright_a people_n and_o of_o the_o meek_a of_o the_o land_n that_o be_v the_o king_n strength_n and_o safety_n and_o will_v much_o tend_v to_o his_o prosperity_n and_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o government_n and_o authority_n and_o the_o king_n safety_n and_o strength_n and_o prosperity_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o affection_n and_o acclamation_n of_o the_o rude_a sort_n and_o of_o the_o wild_a multitude_n though_o such_o profess_v great_a subjection_n and_o cry_v up_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n and_o drink_v his_o health_n and_o swear_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o have_v much_o love_n and_o great_a union_n for_o the_o king_n and_o be_v for_o he_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v fidelity_n and_o engage_v themselves_o very_o high_o in_o word_n and_o gesture_n for_o the_o king_n yet_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n be_v no_o whit_n the_o safe_a nor_o more_o strong_a nor_o prosperous_a because_o hereof_o for_o his_o prosperity_n and_o establishment_n depend_v upon_o the_o love_n and_o good_a affection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o upright_a and_o temperate_a and_o meek_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o love_n of_o the_o rude_a multitude_n such_o can_v be_v a_o blessing_n to_o he_o in_o their_o vaunt_v and_o boast_v and_o rudeness_n nor_o can_v be_v stand_v by_o they_o but_o must_v stand_v in_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o government_n by_o the_o love_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n by_o the_o good_a affection_n of_o such_o and_o their_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n may_v the_o king_n be_v happy_a and_o bless_a therefore_o let_v he_o strive_v to_o please_v such_o and_o to_o gain_v their_o good_a affection_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o this_o may_v add_v to_o his_o long_a continuance_n ii_o it_o be_v the_o do_v of_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o allow_v all_o just_a and_o equal_a liberty_n to_o all_o people_n under_o his_o authority_n that_o will_v gain_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o just_a and_o good_a people_n and_o as_o righteousness_n mercy_n true_a judgement_n and_o truth_n be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o land_n and_o all_o the_o contrary_n limit_v in_o the_o king_n government_n this_o will_v gain_v much_o upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o good_a people_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o king_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o king_n prosperity_n and_o to_o make_v his_o government_n establish_v if_o so_o be_v that_o he_o exercise_v his_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o love_n and_o meekness_n and_o equal_a justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o love_v righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o hate_n and_o deny_v all_o the_o contrary_a and_o limit_v it_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o people_n in_o the_o kingdom_n will_v be_v subject_v and_o subdue_v under_o his_o power_n and_o he_o shall_v rule_v over_o they_o and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v establish_v prosperous_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o a_o happy_a government_n but_o if_o so_o be_v the_o king_n put_v on_o rigour_n and_o be_v fierce_a and_o cruel_a and_o think_v to_o subdue_v all_o under_o he_o by_o will_n and_o force_n without_o show_v justice_n and_o reason_n to_o answer_v the_o conscience_n of_o his_o subject_n in_o all_o his_o proceed_n this_o way_n can_v never_o be_v prosperous_a nor_o establish_v he_o in_o his_o authority_n but_o it_o will_v work_v the_o contrary_a effect_n for_o if_o oppression_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o heavy_a yoke_n lay_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o poor_a then_o will_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n be_v kindle_v against_o he_o and_o murmur_n strife_n and_o contention_n will_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o he_o and_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a will_v reach_v unto_o heaven_n and_o god_n will_v hear_v and_o revenge_v their_o cause_n so_o that_o it_o be_v rule_v and_o exercise_v authority_n in_o these_o kingdom_n in_o justice_n righteousness_n love_n and_o good_a reason_n that_o must_v gain_v the_o heart_n of_o people_n unto_o right_a subjection_n to_o make_v the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n happy_a and_o establish_v and_o rigour_n force_n and_o cruelty_n will_v never_o make_v the_o king_n happy_a but_o will_v work_v contrary_a for_o the_o people_n be_v wise_a and_o understanding_n will_v not_o long_o bear_v any_o degree_n of_o the_o yoke_n of_o slavery_n iii_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o people_n of_o these_o kingdom_n be_v divers_a and_o divide_v and_o contrary_a in_o judgement_n one_o to_o another_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v disunited_a into_o several_a opinion_n and_o party_n the_o king_n ought_v to_o rate_v in_o wisdom_n and_o love_n over_o they_o all_o and_o to_o show_v equal_a justice_n and_o liberty_n and_o to_o exercise_v righteousness_n towards_o they_o all_o alike_o notwithstanding_o their_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o judgement_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v give_v liberty_n to_o some_o and_o oppress_v other_o if_o he_o do_v join_v with_o one_o way_n and_o promote_v that_o and_o the_o man_n of_o one_o judgement_n be_v tolerate_v and_o all_o other_o way_n and_o all_o other_o that_o be_v different_a in_o judgement_n be_v persecute_v and_o oppress_v and_o seek_v to_o be_v destroy_v this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n for_o the_o king_n to_o prosper_v nor_o to_o be_v establish_v to_o perpetuity_n for_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o one_o way_n so_o strong_a or_o any_o one_o sort_n of_o people_n so_o many_o for_o the_o king_n to_o cleave_v to_o and_o allow_v and_o seek_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o rest_n because_o there_o be_v of_o other_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o balance_n that_o sort_n in_o opposition_n and_o so_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n seem_v not_o secure_a if_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o one_o sort_n of_o people_n only_o to_o stand_v thereby_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n persecute_v of_o they_o because_o there_o be_v many_o of_o other_o sect_n that_o will_v be_v discontent_v and_o murmur_v if_o not_o more_o so_o that_o the_o king_n safety_n be_v and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o give_v equal_a liberty_n and_o justice_n and_o show_v love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o all_o of_o all_o judgement_n and_o then_o he_o may_v stand_v by_o all_o and_o none_o will_v oppose_v he_o but_o all_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o defend_v and_o preserve_v he_o for_o he_o may_v stand_v establish_v and_o be_v happy_a in_o his_o government_n by_o engage_v all_o sort_n to_o he_o through_o love_n and_o righteousness_n and_o liberty_n towards_o all_o but_o he_o can_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n be_v establish_v nor_o prosperous_a if_o he_o choose_v only_o the_o man_n of_o one_o judgement_n to_o stand_v by_o and_o cleave_v only_o to_o that_o and_o persecute_v and_o seek_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v different_a and_o so_o only_o make_v one_o party_n his_o friend_n and_o disengage_v all_o other_o in_o love_n and_o affection_n this_o seem_v i_o say_v not_o the_o way_n of_o prosperity_n let_v the_o king_n consider_v it_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o a_o right_a understanding_n finis_fw-la london_n print_v for_o robert_n wilson_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n and_o windmill_n in_o martin_n l'_fw-fr grand_fw-fr 1661._o