a_o serious_a expostulation_n with_o that_o party_n in_o scotland_n common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o whig_n wherein_o be_v modest_o and_o plain_o lay_v open_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o their_o practice_n i._o with_o the_o safety_n of_o humane_a society_n ii_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n iii_o their_o two_o covenant_n be_v historical_o relate_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v no_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o what_o they_o do_v iv._o their_o new_a doctrine_n of_o a_o pretend_a forfeiture_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v groundless_a london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxii_o a_o serious_a expostulation_n with_o that_o party_n in_o scotland_n common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o whig_n with_o what_o horror_n must_v one_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o this_o wretched_a kingdom_n these_o 45_o year_n since_o the_o unhappy_a principle_n of_o subject_n take_v arm_n against_o the_o lawful_a magistrate_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n first_o prevail_v among_o we_o shall_v i_o here_o impartial_o set_v down_o the_o strange_a distraction_n that_o tear_v we_o in_o piece_n the_o rivers_z of_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v and_o the_o manifold_a misery_n that_o we_o and_o our_o father_n for_o many_o year_n groan_v under_o i_o may_v seem_v perhaps_o to_o affect_v the_o writing_n a_o tragedy_n or_o the_o raise_n transport_v of_o passion_n in_o my_o reader_n breast_n but_o alas_o the_o dismal_a effect_n of_o those_o convulsion_n be_v still_o so_o visible_a that_o as_o they_o will_v justify_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a so_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o make_v it_o needless_a when_o we_o have_v fight_v ourselves_o into_o bondage_n in_o the_o late_a unnatural_a war_n and_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o remove_v the_o just_a scourge_v of_o rebellion_n beside_o our_o prayer_n and_o tear_n which_o at_o length_n obtain_v of_o god_n the_o recovery_n of_o our_o ancient_a government_n right_n and_o property_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o fresh_a remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v feel_v will_v have_v fright_v at_o least_o the_o present_a generation_n from_o all_o thought_n of_o renew_v our_o suffering_n and_o have_v keep_v our_o sovereign_n reign_n as_o free_v from_o blood_n as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v his_o restauration_n but_o woeful_a experience_n have_v prove_v how_o soon_o so_o great_a a_o deliverance_n be_v forget_v before_o the_o cicatrice_n of_o the_o late_a wound_n be_v well_o close_v we_o make_v haste_n to_o open_v it_o again_o pentland_n hill_n and_o bothwell-bridge_n will_v stand_v for_o last_a monument_n both_o of_o our_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n and_o of_o our_o disloyalty_n to_o his_o vicegerent_n nor_o do_v we_o only_o adhere_v to_o those_o wicked_a principle_n which_o have_v already_o cost_v the_o nation_n so_o dear_a but_o even_o outdo_v they_o by_o new_a and_o more_o dangerous_a position_n our_o father_n without_o cast_v off_o all_o reverence_n for_o the_o government_n insist_v only_o upon_o some_o pretend_a excess_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o redress_v but_o some_o among_o we_o of_o late_a by_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o lay_v aside_o he_o who_o have_v undoubted_a right_n to_o govern_v do_v strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o whole_a ancient_a constitution_n at_o one_o blow_n they_o set_v up_o for_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o sanctity_n and_o reformation_n which_o we_o have_v unhappy_o bring_v into_o such_o a_o corruption_n of_o moral_n as_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o know_v among_o christian_n be_v not_o assassination_n teach_v as_o well_o as_o practise_v among_o we_o and_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o base_a of_o murder_n be_v they_o not_o cry_v up_o for_o martyr_n be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o debauch_a to_o that_o strange_a degree_n as_o to_o glory_n in_o opinion_n and_o die_v for_o doctrine_n which_o other_o can_v hear_v mention_v without_o horror_n do_v not_o man_n pretend_v to_o no_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o christianity_n every_o day_n commit_v and_o allow_v of_o action_n whereof_o heathen_n will_v be_v ashamed_a and_o in_o one_o word_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v so_o wicked_o contrive_v by_o those_o of_o the_o party_n as_o not_o to_o be_v cloak_v with_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o zeal_n for_o christ_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o atheist_n and_o profane_a person_n take_v occasion_n to_o scoff_n at_o our_o holy_a religion_n a_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o bring_v upon_o the_o reformation_n which_o always_o charge_v popery_n with_o rebellion_n the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n look_v upon_o we_o as_o enemy_n and_o contemner_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a tie_n of_o religion_n and_o society_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o such_o brutal_a tenet_n and_o practice_n our_o land_n will_v again_o become_v a_o field_n of_o blood_n for_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o the_o government_n will_v thus_o give_v way_n to_o its_o own_o dissolution_n or_o suffer_v we_o to_o go_v on_o in_o course_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o public_a safety_n when_o soft_a method_n prove_v ineffectual_a will_v it_o not_o be_v force_v to_o defend_v itself_o by_o proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a severity_n and_o i_o dread_v to_o think_v how_o when_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o injure_a prince_n shall_v at_o length_n pursue_v we_o for_o our_o unaccountable_a obstinacy_n we_o can_v any_o where_o expect_v either_o refuge_n or_o pity_n this_o terrible_a prospect_n of_o what_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v have_v so_o wrought_v upon_o i_o in_o my_o retirement_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o circumstance_n of_o my_o present_a condition_n which_o secure_v i_o as_o much_o from_o any_o share_n in_o my_o native_a country_n be_v danger_n as_o my_o conscience_n do_v from_o its_o guilt_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a and_o of_o a_o faithful_a patriot_n in_o lay_v open_a my_o thought_n upon_o this_o occasion_n now_o that_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n this_o discourse_n be_v undertake_v may_v both_o the_o better_o understand_v and_o the_o less_o partial_o read_v it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o fit_v my_o stile_n to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o to_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a all_o sharpness_n of_o expression_n be_v of_o myself_o most_o incline_v to_o lenitive_n and_o have_v often_o observe_v that_o gentle_a treatment_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o affect_v noble_a temper_n i_o shall_v therefore_o beg_v of_o my_o countryman_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o consider_v fair_o with_o i_o these_o four_o thing_n i._o if_o such_o course_n be_v not_o real_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o safety_n of_o any_o government_n ii_o if_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n iii_o if_o what_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o late_a covenant_n be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o what_o we_o do_v iv._o if_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o the_o new_a doctrine_n of_o a_o pretend_a forfeiture_n which_o some_o among_o we_o insist_v upon_o first_o consideration_n it_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o civil_a constitution_n that_o the_o action_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v direct_v towards_o the_o public_a good_n but_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o steer_v their_o course_n only_o by_o the_o compass_n of_o interest_n the_o wisdom_n of_o no_o government_n have_v hitherto_o find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n to_o support_v itself_o than_o by_o establish_v such_o a_o authority_n as_o may_v see_v to_o every_o man_n perform_v his_o part_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o public_a this_o last_o resort_n of_o power_n as_o the_o very_a life_n of_o the_o government_n have_v still_o be_v account_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a have_v have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o law_n in_o its_o behalf_n have_v every_o where_o be_v arm_v against_o the_o attempt_n of_o malice_n faction_n or_o ambition_n nor_o have_v any_o thing_n be_v want_v that_o may_v enable_v it_o to_o answer_v the_o great_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n either_o to_o administer_v justice_n secure_a property_n or_o maintain_v peace_n and_o order_n in_o whatever_o hand_n this_o sovereign_a power_n be_v lodge_v as_o with_o we_o it_o be_v undoubted_o in_o the_o king_n be_v there_o all_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o pay_v a_o humble_a deference_n not_o only_o to_o countenance_v authority_n when_o it_o promote_v our_o private_a interest_n but_o even_o when_o it_o seem_v least_o favourable_a to_o we_o to_o own_o that_o it_o have_v power_n to_o punish_v as_o well_o as_o reward_v there_o be_v no_o less_o reason_n for_o man_n submit_v to_o what_o authority_n think_v proper_a to_o inflict_v upon_o their_o
perform_v how_o can_v such_o person_n examine_v nice_a question_n about_o church-government_n according_a to_o scripture_n which_o have_v divide_v the_o learned_a world_n and_o yet_o the_o vulgar_a be_v to_o judge_v of_o such_o see_v by_o those_o rule_n they_o swear_v to_o proceed_v nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o shift_n unless_o we_o allow_v they_o to_o resign_v their_o judgement_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o their_o teacher_n which_o make_v no_o decent_a evasion_n for_o a_o reform_a church_n the_o second_o article_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o exception_n with_o the_o former_a they_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v popery_n prelacy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n this_o i_o take_v to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n for_o every_o one_o to_o perform_v and_o more_o certain_o than_o aught_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o plain_a beyond_o controversy_n as_o all_o such_o point_n be_v not_o then_o among_o they_o for_o we_o find_v that_o one_o minister_n do_v often_o inveigh_v against_o opinion_n as_o savour_v of_o popery_n which_o another_o as_o positive_o deny_v charge_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o lead_v to_o schism_n and_o ignorant_a person_n who_o under_o pain_n of_o perjury_n be_v equal_o engage_v against_o schism_n and_o popery_n must_v have_v find_v strange_a storm_n raise_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o tender_a conscience_n dreadful_o rack_v while_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v which_o of_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n they_o may_v safe_o embrace_v though_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o three_o article_n concern_v thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n yet_o the_o objection_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n by_o that_o all_o be_v engage_v to_o defend_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n but_o alas_o who_o can_v expect_v that_o common_a people_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o determine_v such_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o debate_n start_v frequent_o concern_v privilege_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o great_a senator_n be_v scarce_o able_a to_o accommodate_v and_o seldom_o be_v it_o so_o do_v as_o to_o answer_v all_o objection_n or_o satisfy_v every_o member_n suppose_v a_o parliament_n so_o divide_v that_o it_o come_v to_o a_o breach_n to_o what_o party_n must_v the_o people_n then_o adhere_v who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v which_o of_o the_o two_o real_o maintain_v their_o privilege_n where_o both_o with_o confidence_n pretend_v it_o and_o back_o their_o pretence_n with_o plausible_a reason_n nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n than_o that_o a_o great_a reverence_n have_v be_v keep_v up_o for_o vow_n and_o oath_n by_o not_o make_v they_o too_o common_a but_o see_v our_o father_n will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v without_o engage_v person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o oath_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o ordinary_a people_n have_v only_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o their_o station_n to_o obey_v those_o who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v set_v over_o they_o not_o to_o countenance_v division_n and_o faction_n nor_o turn_v statesman_n and_o censurer_n of_o their_o superior_n for_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a engagement_n there_o have_v only_o be_v a_o further_a tie_v lay_v upon_o they_o to_o perform_v easy_a plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n suitable_a to_o their_o capacity_n without_o meddle_v in_o matter_n beyond_o their_o reach_n whereas_o our_o late_a covenant_n do_v unadvised_o raise_v such_o person_n above_o themselves_o enjoin_v they_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o discharge_v and_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n spur_v those_o on_o to_o be_v troublesome_a who_o stand_v more_o in_o need_n of_o a_o bridle_n to_o check_v their_o natural_a fierceness_n and_o the_o ill-grounded_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n by_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o three_o article_n the_o subject_n allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o if_o prince_n right_n whatever_o they_o be_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o restriction_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a diminution_n of_o the_o king_n be_v just_a power_n and_o greatness_n and_o consequent_o inconsistent_a with_o what_o they_o swear_v before_o in_o the_o national_a covenant_n but_o how_o ill_o they_o intend_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o maintain_v the_o king_n power_n and_o greatness_n their_o position_n as_o well_o as_o their_o practice_n do_v declare_v if_o we_o look_v critical_o into_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n we_o see_v manifest_a gradation_n in_o their_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o royal_a authority_n at_o their_o first_o enter_v into_o the_o national_a covenant_n it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n consist_v of_o church_n and_o state_n may_v unite_v to_o resist_v the_o king_n some_o year_n after_o when_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o two_o kingdom_n be_v so_o vehement_o carry_v on_o it_o be_v declare_v lawful_a to_o assist_v our_o neighbour_n in_o extort_v from_o our_o sovereign_n the_o same_o term_n for_o they_o which_o of_o his_o royal_a bounty_n he_o have_v former_o vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v we_o at_o last_o we_o advance_v a_o step_n high_o and_o bold_o maintain_v that_o a_o few_o associate_n county_n may_v take_v arm_n against_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o that_o have_v power_n they_o want_v not_o right_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o curb_v the_o excess_n of_o government_n now_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o extravagant_a proceed_n of_o some_o western_a county_n upon_o these_o seditious_a principle_n fix_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o whig_n which_o contemptible_a mark_n of_o distinction_n be_v for_o many_o year_n appropriate_v to_o we_o till_o of_o late_a that_o to_o the_o grief_n of_o all_o man_n it_o be_v become_v more_o universal_a and_o have_v now_o unlucky_o creep_v into_o the_o next_o kingdom_n and_o notwithstanding_o its_o infamous_a rise_n be_v there_o too_o liberal_o bestow_v upon_o some_o and_o too_o much_o glory_v in_o by_o other_o thus_o the_o barbarous_a name_n of_o guelph_n which_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v give_v to_o those_o in_o germany_n that_o oppose_v the_o emperor_n be_v at_o length_n fatal_o transplant_v from_o its_o native_a soil_n into_o italy_n a_o warm_a climate_n where_o it_o take_v deep_a root_n and_o become_v for_o many_o age_n the_o fomenter_n of_o terrible_a disorder_n but_o i_o hope_v our_o prince_n wisdom_n will_v think_v fit_a to_o give_v a_o early_a and_o effectual_a check_n to_o this_o and_o all_o other_o name_n of_o faction_n which_o insensible_o undermine_v the_o government_n alienate_v man_n affection_n from_o one_o another_o make_v wicked_a man_n more_o desperate_a when_o they_o see_v themselves_o discover_v especial_o when_o by_o the_o same_o mean_v they_o be_v enable_v to_o discover_v the_o strength_n and_o number_n of_o their_o party_n beside_o many_o other_o unforeseen_a inconvenience_n which_o may_v help_v to_o bring_v we_o back_o into_o our_o former_a dreadful_a confusion_n the_o four_o article_n do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o set_v up_o a_o new_a inquisition_n sufficient_a to_o make_v all_o tremble_v that_o be_v disaffect_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a their_o violent_a course_n give_v too_o much_o ground_n for_o this_o complaint_n such_o as_o out_o of_o real_a conscience_n towards_o god_n or_o sense_n of_o duty_n towards_o their_o prince_n refuse_v to_o sign_n the_o covenant_n be_v after_o a_o strange_a manner_n declare_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n proceed_v against_o as_o traitor_n and_o force_v either_o to_o undergo_v banishment_n or_o languish_v in_o prison_n while_o their_o estate_n become_v a_o prey_n to_o those_o who_o appear_v most_o zealous_a in_o persecute_v they_o this_o inevitable_a danger_n oblige_v many_o to_o disguise_n themselves_o into_o a_o seem_a compliance_n to_o what_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o do_v detest_v and_o these_o method_n be_v then_o make_v use_n of_o to_o settle_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o we_o no_o wonder_n if_o there_o be_v more_o of_o hypocrisy_n than_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o profession_n or_o if_o god_n be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o disow_v we_o and_o our_o cause_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o nation_n for_o many_o year_n to_o groan_v under_o a_o heavy_a bondage_n the_o five_o article_n which_o be_v for_o execute_v justice_n upon_o all_o wilful_a opposer_n fall_v under_o the_o same_o exception_n with_o the_o former_a and_o may_v be_v illustrate_v with_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o cruelty_n which_o those_o time_n afford_v we_o how_o be_v our_o scaffold_n die_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n who_o oppose_v
breach_n of_o the_o law_n than_o for_o their_o lay_v claim_n to_o protection_n and_o other_o benefit_n while_o they_o observe_v they_o no_o severity_n in_o the_o prince_n can_v cancel_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o subject_n nor_o put_v they_o in_o commission_n to_o make_v violent_a resistance_n see_v this_o be_v a_o take_n upon_o they_o to_o reject_v that_o judge_n and_o deny_v that_o authority_n which_o the_o law_n the_o government_n and_o they_o themselves_o as_o member_n of_o it_o have_v already_o own_a to_o be_v supreme_a upon_o earth_n nothing_o here_o below_o can_v be_v so_o perfect_o contrive_v as_o not_o to_o retain_v some_o inconvenience_n and_o i_o shall_v grant_v a_o probability_n or_o a_o possibility_n at_o least_o of_o particular_a person_n suffer_v sometime_o unjust_o to_o be_v a_o inconvenience_n which_o necessary_o accompany_v the_o chief_a authority_n in_o all_o government_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o shun_v it_o than_o by_o allow_v violent_a resistance_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o such_o case_n the_o remedy_n will_v questionless_a prove_v much_o worse_a than_o the_o disease_n if_o with_o the_o many_o law_n in_o the_o prince_n behalf_n there_o be_v but_o one_o to_o countenance_v resist_v he_o this_o one_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n destroy_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o reduce_v his_o authority_n to_o a_o empty_a name_n or_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v lawful_a for_o subject_n only_o to_o resist_v in_o some_o case_n who_o must_v judge_v when_o these_o fall_n out_o the_o prince_n can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o give_v sentence_n against_o himself_o to_o wound_v his_o power_n by_o release_n man_n from_o their_o allegiance_n and_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o subject_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o determination_n will_v be_v high_o partial_a on_o their_o side_n the_o case_n of_o lawful_a resistance_n will_v then_o turn_v frequent_a obedience_n will_v be_v rare_a unless_o support_v by_o interest_n and_o subject_n will_v at_o this_o rate_n only_o be_v such_o to_o who_o and_o when_o they_o please_v this_o principle_n of_o resistance_n be_v once_o allow_v it_o necessary_o open_v a_o door_n to_o subvert_v all_o authority_n and_o render_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o government_n ineffectual_a how_o can_v the_o public_a peace_n be_v secure_v if_o there_o be_v way_n leave_v for_o particular_a person_n lawful_o to_o rebel_v difference_n can_v never_o be_v decide_v but_o by_o grant_v a_o sentence_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n back_v with_o a_o power_n of_o execute_v without_o danger_n of_o opposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n be_v it_o leave_v to_o private_a man_n to_o desert_n their_o station_n to_o turn_v judge_n where_o they_o be_v party_n and_o to_o call_v ruler_n to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o administration_n if_o we_o leave_v kingly_a government_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o most_o popular_a constitution_n which_o be_v raise_v but_o one_o step_n above_o anarchy_n even_o there_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n be_v only_o accountable_a to_o the_o whole_a body_n for_o their_o action_n nor_o can_v any_o part_n of_o this_o body_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o rest_n meddle_v with_o those_o that_o have_v their_o authority_n from_o all_o let_v we_o suppose_v authority_n in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v mistake_v or_o biased_a in_o its_o decision_n without_o doubt_n we_o may_v expect_v much_o great_a error_n and_o partiality_n be_v every_o man_n leave_v to_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o performance_n if_o we_o think_v it_o inconvenient_a that_o the_o prince_n shall_v be_v enable_v by_o his_o power_n to_o injure_v any_o particular_a person_n much_o worse_o will_v it_o be_v to_o put_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v power_n to_o be_v unjust_a to_o the_o prince_n to_o be_v short_a the_o supreme_a power_n fall_v sometime_o into_o no_o good_a hand_n do_v not_o frustrate_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o government_n but_o if_o discontent_a spirit_n may_v find_v way_n lawful_o to_o make_v opposition_n nothing_o can_v keep_v it_o from_o be_v dissolve_v it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o subject_n right_n be_v rather_o secure_v than_o endanger_v by_o the_o prince_n not_o be_v accountable_a for_o his_o action_n and_o that_o they_o will_v soon_o find_v themselves_o at_o a_o loss_n by_o be_v allow_v to_o resist_v for_o as_o man_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o complain_v and_o be_v always_o partial_a enough_o to_o think_v themselves_o most_o hard_o deal_v with_o so_o if_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o government_n in_o help_v to_o weaken_v that_o they_o will_v wound_v their_o own_o security_n the_o whole_a body_n must_v feel_v the_o blow_n which_o the_o head_n receive_v life_n may_v be_v preserve_v with_o the_o hazard_n or_o loss_n of_o several_a member_n but_o when_o the_o head_n be_v affect_v every_o part_n languish_v and_o with_o it_o all_o die_v the_o great_a foundation_n then_o of_o the_o subject_n safety_n be_v shake_v by_o violate_v the_o prince_n right_n interest_n itself_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o they_o and_o never_o to_o offer_v at_o destroy_v that_o which_o appear_v perhaps_o inconvenient_a in_o one_o respect_n but_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o many_o if_o it_o trouble_v we_o to_o be_v at_o the_o prince_n mercy_n we_o may_v remember_v we_o be_v likewise_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o so_o need_v apprehend_v none_o beside_o and_o this_o i_o humble_o conceive_v be_v a_o condition_n much_o more_o desirable_a than_o by_o renounce_v our_o allegiance_n unh_v the_o government_n and_o get_v thus_o without_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o imaginary_a danger_n to_o draw_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o violence_n of_o every_o one_o that_o have_v strength_n or_o wickedness_n enough_o to_o hurt_v we_o and_o true_o our_o country_n be_v at_o little_a behold_v to_o we_o for_o resist_a authority_n as_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o for_o in_o shake_v off_o all_o duty_n to_o our_o prince_n we_o encourage_v other_o to_o do_v the_o same_o this_o must_v involve_v the_o government_n in_o constant_a trouble_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o peace_n upon_o which_o we_o can_v set_v too_o high_a a_o value_n if_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v good_a our_o petty_a right_n can_v we_o imagine_v our_o prince_n will_v tame_o pass_v from_o his_o which_o be_v so_o great_a and_o at_o this_o rate_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v a_o civil_a war_n with_o all_o its_o fatal_a consequence_n which_o will_v fall_v much_o heavy_a upon_o the_o public_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o sort_v of_o man_n can_v suffer_v the_o government_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o prince_n be_v infinite_o preferable_a to_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n where_o guilty_a and_o innocent_a be_v equal_o obnoxious_a to_o danger_n where_o no_o man_n prudence_n virtue_n or_o merit_n can_v give_v he_o sanctuary_n rome_n feel_v itself_o much_o more_o at_o ease_n under_o a_o caligula_n a_o nero_n a_o domitian_n or_o a_o commodus_n than_o amid_o the_o terrible_a alarm_n of_o a_o civil_a war._n this_o in_o a_o few_o day_n spill_v more_o of_o rome_n best_a blood_n banish_v more_o senator_n and_o ruine_v more_o family_n than_o any_o of_o those_o tyrant_n do_v in_o several_a year_n but_o if_o it_o go_v better_a with_o the_o public_a while_o such_o monster_n sit_v at_o the_o helm_n who_o be_v themselves_o govern_v and_o govern_v other_o by_o no_o better_a law_n than_o what_o cruelty_n avarice_n ambition_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o unbridled_a passion_n suggest_v i_o be_o willing_a still_o to_o believe_v that_o none_o of_o we_o be_v so_o much_o our_o own_o and_o our_o country_n be_v enemy_n to_o prefer_v anarchy_n before_o the_o easy_a yoke_n of_o our_o indulgent_a prince_n who_o be_v reign_n have_v never_o yet_o be_v stain_v with_o one_o act_n of_o his_o cruelty_n who_o envy_n itself_o can_v charge_v as_o gratify_v his_o avarice_n or_o ambition_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o his_o subject_n fortune_n or_o life_n but_o who_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v hitherto_o make_v good_a what_o he_o have_v be_v please_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a often_o to_o declare_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o true_o we_o must_v allow_v it_o reasonable_a that_o all_o his_o subject_n follow_v this_o royal_a pattern_n and_o make_v the_o law_n likewise_o the_o sandard_n of_o their_o action_n or_o if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v this_o length_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o at_o least_o they_o learn_v patient_o to_o submit_v without_o tax_v their_o prince_n of_o severity_n or_o injustice_n for_o require_v they_o to_o observe_v those_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o be_v govern_v but_o if_o nothing_o beside_o our_o own_o private_a
i_o shall_v for_o brevitie_n sake_n confine_v myself_o to_o two_o or_o three_o instance_n when_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o samaritan_n village_n refuse_v to_o entertain_v our_o saviour_n luke_o 9_o v_o 54._o two_o of_o his_o disciple_n not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v this_o affront_n ask_v leave_v to_o command_v fire_n down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v they_o as_o elias_n 2_o kin._n 1._o v._n 10_o 12._o have_v do_v but_o we_o find_v he_o answer_v they_o with_o this_o sharp_a rebuke_n you_o know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v they_o do_v imagine_v it_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o imitate_v the_o prophet_n forget_v that_o they_o be_v now_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o in_o that_o of_o moses_n many_o thing_n be_v allow_v but_o especial_o to_o those_o call_v zealot_n by_o which_o character_n elias_n then_o act_v which_o can_v not_o take_v place_n under_o this_o new_a dispensation_n the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o lenity_n and_o meekness_n man_n be_v to_o be_v charm_v and_o not_o fright_v into_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o to_o be_v introduce_v with_o violence_n or_o hazard_v to_o their_o life_n see_v the_o design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v be_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o luke_n 9_o v_o 56._o the_o next_o instance_n shall_v be_v that_o of_o st._n peter_n who_o when_o the_o soldier_n come_v to_o apprehend_v christ_n math._n 26._o v._n 51_o 52._o draw_v his_o sword_n and_o smite_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o high-priest_n and_o out_o off_o his_o ear_n but_o instead_o of_o receive_v thanks_o for_o his_o zeal_n in_o his_o master_n defence_n he_o be_v command_v to_o put_v up_o his_o sword_n with_o this_o threat_n that_o all_o they_o who_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n have_v urge_v this_o as_o a_o plain_a argument_n against_o subject_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o oppose_v magistrate_n or_o those_o who_o act_n by_o their_o commission_n and_o the_o cavil_v which_o some_o make_v as_o if_o the_o threaten_v be_v here_o direct_v rather_o to_o the_o jew_n than_o to_o st._n peter_n will_v with_o impartial_a person_n always_o pass_v for_o a_o violent_a wrest_v the_o word_n from_o their_o genuine_a sense_n a_o ancient_a father_n theophilact_v do_v express_o say_v that_o christ_n here_o teach_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o use_v the_o sword_n though_o by_o so_o do_v he_o may_v seem_v to_o vindicate_v or_o defend_v god_n himself_o another_o of_o the_o ancient_n origen_n do_v conclude_v from_o christ_n command_n to_o peter_n to_o put_v up_o his_o sword_n that_o we_o must_v not_o draw_v it_o unless_o we_o will_v perish_v by_o it_o and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o peace_n but_o be_v mover_n of_o sedition_n shall_v perish_v in_o the_o war_n which_o they_o occasion_n and_o to_o give_v you_o the_o comment_n of_o st._n austin_n here_o for_o all_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o these_o word_n sufficient_o check_v st._n peter_n fact_n when_o he_o say_v put_v up_o again_o thy_o sword_n for_o he_o that_o use_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o he_o use_v it_o who_o when_o no_o superior_a nor_o lawful_a power_n do_v allow_v make_v use_n of_o arm_n against_o the_o blood_n of_o another_o it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a to_o set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a modern_a divine_n who_o agree_v that_o peter_n action_n and_o christ_n reproof_n aught_o to_o discourage_v all_o private_a person_n from_o rise_v up_o against_o authority_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v the_o word_n of_o one_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a commentator_n grotius_n in_o 26_o math._n upon_o this_o place_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o some_o have_v false_o challenge_v his_o testimony_n from_o other_o of_o his_o write_n to_o weaken_v this_o evangelical_n doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n this_o admonition_n say_v he_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o peter_n but_o indeed_o to_o all_o christian_n who_o public_a authority_n offer_v to_o punish_v for_o their_o profession_n and_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v then_o give_v testimony_n to_o all_o the_o world_n of_o our_o christian_a patience_n and_o commit_v our_o soul_n unto_o he_o as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n 1_o pet._n 2._o v._n 9_o for_o what_o say_v he_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o for_o we_o to_o lay_v out_o our_o life_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o he_o from_o who_o we_o have_v they_o nor_o must_v the_o natural_a right_n of_o self-defence_n be_v here_o plead_v for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n say_v he_o in_o use_v this_o right_n against_o robber_n or_o such_o like_a person_n where_o we_o have_v the_o law_n on_o our_o side_n or_o against_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n which_o though_o unjust_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o for_o as_o he_o afterward_o observe_v man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v partial_a in_o what_o immediate_o concern_v themselves_o if_o once_o private_a person_n be_v allow_v to_o make_v violent_a opposition_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o magistrate_n the_o world_n will_v soon_o be_v fill_v with_o tumult_n and_o the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o judicial_a procedure_n will_v be_v make_v void_a reason_n therefore_o itself_o oblige_v we_o to_o grant_v some_o power_n which_o must_v not_o be_v resist_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a say_v he_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v teach_v we_o to_o suffer_v patient_o any_o violence_n offer_v we_o by_o those_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n now_o consider_v all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o st._n peter_n we_o shall_v scarce_o meet_v with_o such_o another_o act_n of_o hostility_n that_o may_v seem_v so_o excusable_a justice_n duty_n religion_n seem_v all_o to_o countenance_v what_o he_o do_v violence_n be_v here_o offer_v to_o a_o person_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v most_o innocent_a and_o in_o who_o no_o other_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v than_o what_o malice_n false_o suggest_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o peter_n think_v fit_a to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o rescue_v he_o what_o he_o do_v be_v in_o defence_n of_o a_o master_n and_o one_o who_o beside_o the_o common_a tie_n of_o duty_n and_o gratitude_n which_o may_v prompt_v the_o disciple_n have_v deserve_v likewise_o well_o of_o he_o by_o many_o special_a act_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n express_v towards_o he_o and_o last_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a zeal_n for_o religion_n in_o this_o attempt_n for_o he_o see_v they_o be_v go_v to_o put_v the_o messiah_n to_o death_n purposely_o to_o stifle_v the_o great_a miracle_n they_o have_v see_v he_o work_n to_o disgrace_v the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o to_o render_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n ineffectual_a beside_o there_o be_v other_o circumstance_n to_o plead_v for_o he_o as_o they_o be_v no_o magistrate_n who_o come_v to_o seize_v upon_o jesus_n so_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o understand_v not_o by_o what_o authority_n they_o act_v and_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o with_o some_o allege_v that_o the_o high-priest_n commission_n under_o the_o roman_a government_n be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o such_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o peter_n look_v upon_o those_o who_o come_v as_o the_o people_n emissary_n and_o their_o come_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o popular_a rage_n last_o for_o his_o intention_n in_o what_o he_o do_v it_o clear_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v only_o in_o defence_n of_o christ_n person_n without_o the_o least_o design_n of_o give_v any_o further_a disturbance_n to_o the_o government_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o he_o his_o attempt_n be_v censure_v by_o he_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o serve_v in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v record_v as_o a_o warn_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o resist_a authority_n even_o when_o their_o action_n aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o the_o defence_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o last_o and_o great_a instance_n be_v christ_n own_o carriage_n at_o his_o trial_n in_o which_o he_o full_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v he_o by_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 53._o v._n 7._o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n as_o a_o sheep_n before_o the_o shearer_n so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o question_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o pilate_n he_o summon_v not_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o come_v to_o his_o assistance_n but_o meek_o and_o humble_o submit_v to_o a_o most_o unjust_a sentence_n he_o have_v propose_v
barbarous_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v they_o thus_o martyr_n for_o the_o next_o best_a cause_n after_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o it_o now_o without_o doubt_n the_o many_o edict_n which_o emperor_n pass_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v ground_v chief_o upon_o such_o consideration_n see_v upon_o strict_a enquiry_n they_o have_v never_o find_v they_o engage_v in_o any_o plot_n against_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v particular_o observe_v of_o severus_n that_o the_o kindness_n he_o show_v to_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o reign_n proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o dutiful_a carriage_n in_o difficult_a time_n both_o towards_o himself_o and_o the_o former_a emperor_n in_o fine_a the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o their_o religion_n can_v not_o deny_v they_o this_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o sharp_a persecution_n when_o they_o be_v only_o suffer_v to_o live_v to_o prolong_v their_o torment_n when_o a_o simple_a death_n not_o accompany_v with_o those_o horrid_a cruelty_n which_o be_v then_o practise_v pass_v for_o no_o small_a favour_n when_o the_o street_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o carcase_n of_o martyr_n and_o the_o river_n die_v with_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v never_o be_v tempt_v to_o rebel_v nor_o be_v there_o true_o any_o thing_n in_o which_o their_o enemy_n do_v more_o industrious_o labour_n than_o through_o despair_n to_o draw_v they_o into_o rebellion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v have_v the_o better_a excuse_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o it_o grieve_v the_o roman_a emperor_n to_o employ_v their_o axe_n and_o not_o their_o sword_n and_o to_o give_v their_o executioner_n so_o much_o work_n while_o their_o legion_n be_v idle_a and_o spill_v so_o much_o blood_n with_o so_o little_a reputation_n but_o christian_n know_v their_o duty_n too_o well_o to_o give_v they_o any_o advantage_n in_o this_o point_n for_o the_o renounce_v their_o religion_n or_o their_o alledgiance_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o gratify_v their_o prince_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v many_o instance_n in_o confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o say_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o pitch_v upon_o that_o famous_a history_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n which_o tho_o common_o know_v yet_o can_v never_o be_v either_o too_o much_o admire_v nor_o too_o often_o repeat_v all_o the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n of_o this_o noble_a legion_n have_v be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n by_o zambdas_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n during_o their_o winter-quarter_n in_o those_o part_n be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o dioclesian_n persecution_n send_v from_o the_o east_n to_o reinforce_v the_o army_n of_o maximianus_n herculeus_n in_o france_n and_o understanding_n upon_o their_o arrival_n in_o the_o imperial_a camp_n that_o a_o new_a military_a oath_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o at_o a_o heathen_a altar_n purposely_o to_o pollute_v they_o with_o idolatry_n the_o whole_a legion_n do_v thereupon_o retire_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o army_n when_o maximianus_n command_v they_o back_o mauritius_n and_o exâ—perius_n the_o chief_a officer_n answer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o return_v and_o fight_v against_o his_o enemy_n but_o be_v christian_n they_o can_v not_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o go_n this_o answer_n do_v so_o enrage_v the_o emperor_n that_o he_o sentence_v every_o ten_o man_n of_o the_o legion_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n which_o be_v according_o do_v none_o offer_v to_o make_v the_o least_o resistance_n and_o when_o the_o same_o cruel_a order_n be_v renew_v mauritius_n have_v so_o prepare_v they_o by_o applaud_v their_o former_a behaviour_n that_o they_o all_o answer_v they_o be_v caesar_n soldier_n that_o they_o have_v never_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o the_o imputation_n of_o cowardice_n nor_o desert_v their_o colour_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o obey_v the_o emperor_n in_o every_o thing_n but_o in_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o that_o their_o body_n he_o may_v dispose_v of_o as_o he_o please_v only_o their_o soul_n they_o reserve_v to_o christ_n then_o exuperius_n confirm_v they_o in_o their_o generous_a resolution_n say_v that_o they_o do_v now_o engage_v in_o a_o new_a war_n and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o fight_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n with_o their_o sword_n tell_v the_o emperor_n say_v he_o that_o despair_v itself_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o engage_v we_o against_o he_o we_o have_v arm_n but_o we_o will_v not_o resist_v because_o we_o be_v will_v rather_o to_o suffer_v than_o conquer_v prefer_v much_o a_o innocent_a death_n before_o a_o life_n stain_v with_o gild_n and_o afterward_o make_v good_a their_o own_o and_o their_o officer_n word_n in_o imitation_n of_o their_o bless_a master_n they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v as_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o receive_v every_o one_o a_o glorious_a crown_n of_o martyrdom_n if_o we_o compare_v the_o meek_a and_o christian_a behaviour_n of_o these_o stout_a officer_n and_o soldier_n with_o that_o of_o our_o great_a professor_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o bewail_v the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v as_o scarce_o retain_v any_o tincture_n of_o this_o primitive_a spirit_n what_o excuse_n can_v we_o bring_v for_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o embrace_v the_o sacred_a function_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o appear_v in_o arm_n surround_v with_o troop_n in_o opposition_n to_o christian_a authority_n when_o we_o find_v the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n of_o a_o legion_n here_o throw_v down_o their_o arm_n rather_o than_o oppose_v a_o heathen_a persecutor_n what_o can_v mr._n welsch_n or_o the_o captain_n of_o his_o guard_n have_v allege_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n have_v they_o hear_v maunitius_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o his_o legion_n rejoice_v at_o the_o patient_a suffering_n of_o those_o who_o die_v in_o the_o first_o decimation_n and_o exhort_v they_o that_o survive_v to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o not_o to_o dishonour_v their_o profession_n with_o the_o gild_n of_o rebellion_n how_o much_o more_o christian_a be_v the_o death_n of_o exuperius_n who_o strip_v himself_o of_o his_o arm_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o emperor_n commission_n be_v produce_v than_o that_o of_o mr._n cameron_n who_o die_v with_o a_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n resist_v his_o prince_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o mr._n cameron_n and_o this_o noble_a officer_n seem_v to_o act_v each_o other_o part_n see_v exuperius_n true_o perform_v his_o own_o and_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v celebrate_v by_o all_o posterity_n for_o a_o christian_a hero_n but_o i_o hope_v m._n cameron_n great_a friend_n will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o i_o if_o i_o declare_v that_o in_o my_o humble_a opinion_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n do_v give_v no_o great_a lustre_n to_o his_o former_a action_n for_o whatever_o reputation_n it_o may_v be_v to_o a_o man_n fight_v against_o turk_n and_o infidel_n in_o defence_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v say_v to_o have_v sell_v his_o life_n at_o a_o dear_a rate_n yet_o in_o give_v the_o character_n of_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v think_v it_o much_o for_o his_o honour_n to_o mention_v that_o he_o die_v as_o we_o know_v m._n cameron_n do_v bold_o fight_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o authority_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a how_o uncharitable_a some_o have_v be_v in_o affirm_v that_o the_o submission_n pay_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n flow_v chief_o from_o their_o want_n of_o power_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o oppose_v their_o domitian_n nor_o their_o dioclesian_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o rebellion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o most_o malicious_a as_o well_o as_o a_o false_a suggestion_n only_o to_o sully_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o to_o deprive_v many_o martyr_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o precious_a jewel_n in_o their_o crown_n by_o make_v that_o submission_n force_v which_o be_v most_o voluntary_a this_o be_v direct_o to_o tax_v those_o sincere_a christian_n with_o disingenuity_n as_o if_o they_o have_v pretend_v conscience_n for_o what_o proceed_v chief_o from_o fear_n or_o weakness_n while_o indeed_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n make_v they_o good_a subject_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o the_o gild_n than_o the_o punishment_n of_o rebel_n those_o that_o be_v know_v to_o pray_v every_o day_n for_o a_o long_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a reign_n to_o their_o emperor_n can_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o harbour_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o give_v they_o disturbance_n and_o have_v their_o inclination_n be_v at_o all_o mutinous_a by_o join_v with_o a_o disaffect_v party_n which_o
terrible_a manner_n that_o king_n ahaziah_n do_v which_o be_v send_v against_o the_o prophet_n but_o hitherto_o those_o that_o have_v appear_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o evidence_n of_o god_n fight_v for_o they_o or_o authorise_v their_o proceed_n by_o miracle_n that_o he_o rather_o have_v seem_v to_o disow_v they_o by_o cast_v a_o damp_n upon_o their_o spirit_n when_o they_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n i_o appeal_v to_o those_o who_o be_v at_o any_o of_o those_o unhappy_a engagement_n against_o their_o prince_n whether_o they_o do_v not_o find_v that_o heat_n and_o flame_n which_o upon_o other_o occasion_n they_o be_v able_a to_o express_v sudden_o quench_v when_o they_o be_v just_a about_o to_o act_v have_v not_o some_o of_o their_o teacher_n upbraid_v they_o in_o the_o psalmist_n word_n that_o like_o the_o child_n of_o ephraim_n psal_n 78._o v._n 9_o be_v arm_v and_o carry_v bow_n they_o turn_v back_o in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n have_v not_o the_o troop_n that_o be_v send_v against_o they_o confess_v they_o can_v not_o much_o glory_n in_o their_o victory_n because_o they_o be_v so_o easy_o obtain_v to_o be_v plain_a i_o be_o afraid_a we_o be_v become_v equal_o the_o object_n of_o the_o world_n contempt_n and_o of_o its_o hatred_n our_o late_a behaviour_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o the_o imputation_n of_o cowardice_n as_o well_o as_o disloyalty_n three_o consideration_n if_o the_o person_n for_o who_o i_o undertake_v this_o argument_n think_v fit_a to_o read_v what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o the_o first_o two_o point_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o give_v over_o here_o but_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o consider_v with_o i_o in_o the_o three_o place_n whether_o any_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o from_o the_o late_a covenant_n be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o what_o we_o do_v now_o the_o best_a method_n i_o can_v propose_v in_o this_o be_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o both_o covenant_n with_o some_o impartial_a reflection_n upon_o they_o in_o which_o if_o my_o reader_n will_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v he_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n at_o least_o give_v he_o to_o think_v i_o tedious_a our_o late_a sovereign_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o no_o church_n do_v approach_v so_o near_o the_o primitive_a purity_n in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n as_o that_o of_o england_n be_v resolve_v to_o make_v his_o native-countrey_n share_v in_o what_o he_o judge_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o have_v a_o liturgy_n and_o a_o book_n of_o canon_n publish_v for_o the_o use_n of_o scotland_n where_o he_o be_v unhappy_o make_v believe_v he_o shall_v meet_v with_o approbation_n from_o the_o better_a sort_n and_o with_o compliance_n from_o all_o but_o the_o people_n insolent_a and_o mutinous_a behaviour_n in_o affront_a and_o disturb_v the_o person_n who_o be_v order_v to_o read_v the_o service_n in_o the_o church_n of_o edinburgh_n do_v show_v how_o ill_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o receive_v it_o this_o popular_a tumult_n the_o first_o sunday_n be_v soon_o after_o back_v with_o petition_n and_o other_o mark_n of_o their_o dislike_n which_o oblige_v the_o council_n to_o advance_v slow_o until_o they_o give_v the_o court_n advice_n of_o what_o have_v past_a and_o before_o the_o king_n can_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n such_o as_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o the_o government_n not_o only_o venture_v to_o publish_v their_o dissatisfaction_n and_o to_o inflame_v the_o kingdom_n with_o strange_a jealousy_n of_o popery_n and_o arbitrary_a power_n but_o likewise_o form_v themselves_o into_o several_a table_n as_o they_o call_v they_o of_o nobleman_n gentleman_n minister_n and_o citizen_n and_o by_o a_o new_a authority_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o the_o grievance_n which_o they_o intend_v shall_v be_v redress_v and_o though_o his_o majesty_n not_o urge_v the_o liturgy_n upon_o that_o kingdom_n when_o he_o see_v it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n may_v have_v quiet_v all_o their_o mind_n yet_o find_v their_o party_n strong_a beyond_o expectation_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o let_v slip_n so_o favourable_a a_o juncture_n but_o bold_o resolve_v to_o secure_v themselves_o against_o all_o attempt_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o national_a covenant_n in_o which_o they_o pretend_v only_o to_o renew_v that_o which_o have_v be_v swear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n james_n those_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o king_n interest_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o proceed_v which_o appear_v equal_o disingenuous_a and_o undutiful_a the_o discontent_a party_n allege_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n the_o precedent_n give_v they_o in_o the_o late_a reign_n which_o the_o other_o thought_n do_v no_o way_n favour_v their_o cause_n see_v the_o covenant_n then_o take_v be_v stamp_v with_o royal_a authority_n whereas_o they_o now_o seem_v direct_o opposite_a to_o it_o for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v the_o least_o pretence_n to_o the_o king_n consent_n which_o they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o desire_v it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v upon_o the_o humble_a motion_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n that_o the_o former_a king_n council_n have_v order_v the_o national_a covenant_n to_o be_v take_v the_o last_o time_n with_o a_o bond_n to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o king_n person_n but_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n motion_n which_o they_o lay_v hold_v on_o be_v so_o far_o from_o justify_v that_o it_o rather_o condemn_v their_o proceed_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o general_a assembly_n not_o enjoin_v the_o covenant_n till_o they_o have_v first_o obtain_v his_o majesty_n consent_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o assembly_n judgement_n the_o oath_n can_v not_o be_v renew_v without_o that_o authority_n which_o first_o impose_v it_o nor_o can_v they_o expect_v any_o sanctuary_n from_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v by_o more_o than_o one_o that_o all_o who_o league_v themselves_o together_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o sovereign_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o mover_n of_o sedition_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n beside_o their_o want_n of_o authority_n they_o lay_v themselves_o open_a to_o another_o most_o dangerous_a censure_n while_o under_o colour_n of_o copy_v a_o covenant_n and_o bond_n allow_v of_o in_o the_o late_a reign_n it_o plain_o appear_v they_o have_v not_o take_v their_o measure_n by_o that_o standard_n but_o have_v explain_v many_o thing_n rather_o according_a to_o their_o own_o than_o king_n james_n mind_n and_o have_v also_o add_v several_a new_a article_n of_o most_o pernicious_a consequence_n both_o to_o the_o king_n person_n and_o the_o establish_a government_n the_o king_n person_n be_v endanger_v in_o so_o far_o as_o by_o their_o new_a bond_n they_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a defence_n of_o one_o another_o against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o without_o except_v his_o majesty_n this_o the_o royal_a party_n say_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v that_o if_o he_o offer_v to_o thwart_v they_o they_o must_v then_o oppose_v he_o by_o adhere_v to_o their_o covenant_n nor_o be_v they_o more_o favourable_a to_o the_o establish_a government_n in_o which_o they_o make_v a_o wide_a breach_n by_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cancel_v all_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o of_o general_a assembly_n that_o authorize_v the_o high_a commission_n the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n or_o the_o sit_v of_o bishop_n in_o judicature_n now_o by_o these_o and_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n it_o seem_v strange_a with_o what_o face_n they_o can_v make_v their_o covenant_n and_o bond_n pass_v for_o the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a king_n see_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v presume_v that_o the_o father_n design_v to_o lessen_v either_o his_o own_o or_o his_o son_n authority_n nor_o to_o teach_v his_o subject_n how_o to_o combine_v without_o be_v rebel_n nor_o yet_o to_o favour_v the_o extirpate_v the_o article_n of_o perth_n and_o other_o thing_n after_o his_o death_n which_o in_o his_o life_n he_o have_v so_o industrious_o promote_v whatever_o influence_n these_o pretence_n may_v have_v upon_o undiscerning_a people_n or_o such_o as_o give_v a_o implicit_a credit_n to_o whatever_o their_o pastor_n teach_v they_o the_o world_n abroad_o have_v much_o different_a thought_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o endeavour_n that_o be_v use_v to_o win_v many_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o france_n to_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o such_o course_n for_o they_o have_v long_o inveigh_v against_o that_o wicked_a association_n at_o home_n call_v the_o holy_a league_n find_v their_o mouth_n now_o stop_v when_o the_o protestant_n contrary_a
world_n may_v easy_o seign_v a_o warrant_n from_o god_n and_o so_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o authority_n that_o very_a resolution_n of_o adhere_v to_o their_o covenant_n which_o make_v they_o fierce_o oppose_v the_o king_n and_o reject_v his_o act_n of_o grace_n prompt_v they_o to_o join_v with_o his_o motion_n for_o a_o general_n assembly_n because_o from_o thence_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o draw_v some_o advantage_n and_o though_o the_o king_n may_v just_o have_v refuse_v to_o make_v good_a his_o proffer_v when_o they_o have_v so_o undutiful_o reject_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o yet_o be_v willing_a to_o gratify_v his_o subject_n in_o every_o thing_n the_o commissioner_n have_v order_n to_o appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n no_o soon_o be_v they_o sure_a of_o a_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n the_o 21_o of_o november_n 1638._o but_o engine_n be_v set_v on_o work_n to_o dispose_v thing_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o marquis_n of_o hamilton_n be_v to_o preside_v there_o for_o his_o majesty_n propose_v some_o preliminary_n to_o regulate_v election_n and_o to_o prevent_v such_o disorder_n and_o dispute_n as_o be_v like_a to_o arise_v if_o they_o observe_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o method_n every_o where_o these_o the_o table_n will_v not_o hear_v of_o allege_v that_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v do_v without_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o king_n commissioner_n preliminary_n be_v reject_v they_o themselves_o dare_v adventure_v to_o agree_v upon_o eight_o article_n or_o direction_n to_o presbytery_n wherein_o they_o determine_v the_o member_n that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v the_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v and_o the_o manner_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o assembly_n in_o every_o one_o of_o which_o all_o indifferent_a person_n think_v the_o table_n guilty_a of_o a_o more_o open_a encroachment_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o church_n than_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o marquis_n for_o his_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a proposal_n among_o other_o unwarrantable_a method_n none_o be_v more_o remarkable_a than_o their_o direct_n lay-elder_n from_o every_o parish_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o member_n for_o the_o assembly_n nor_o can_v these_o roll_a elder_n fail_v to_o carry_v the_o election_n as_o they_o please_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o six_o minister_n be_v declare_v candidate_n in_o every_o presbytery_n be_v oblige_v to_o retire_v as_o have_v no_o vote_n in_o choose_v or_o reject_v themselves_o and_o then_o the_o remain_a minister_n be_v lessen_v after_o this_o manner_n in_o number_n be_v plain_o out-voted_n everywhere_o by_o the_o elder_n sure_o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o ever_o secular_a man_n have_v the_o name_v a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n nor_o need_v they_o have_v question_v the_o success_n where_o the_o business_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o no_o other_o than_o their_o own_o creature_n yet_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o former_a assembly_n in_o scotland_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o church_n and_o age_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o go_v and_o sit_v member_n themselves_o in_o the_o assembly_n not_o only_o to_o advise_v in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n for_o which_o they_o may_v perhaps_o have_v bring_v a_o precedent_n but_o also_o to_o decide_v controvert_v point_n in_o divinity_n for_o which_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o many_o of_o they_o be_v very_o ill_o qualify_v by_o their_o education_n and_o now_o let_v the_o whole_a world_n judge_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o partiality_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v for_o they_o to_o cry_v out_o upon_o bishop_n and_o clergy-men_n meddle_v in_o secular_a affair_n and_o do_v now_o raise_v such_o a_o outery_n against_o the_o king_n supremacy_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n when_o they_o themselves_o who_o be_v secular_a person_n do_v so_o manifest_o invade_v the_o most_o undoubted_a prerogative_n of_o the_o ministry_n heavy_a complaint_n be_v give_v in_o of_o the_o insupportable_a yoke_n of_o prelacy_n but_o in_o truth_n that_o of_o secular_a man_n lord_v it_o then_o over_o god_n inheritance_n be_v much_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o former_a nor_o be_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o minister_n among_o they_o insensible_a of_o this_o usurpation_n only_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o complain_v much_o of_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o those_o chain_n wherewith_o they_o have_v help_v to_o fetter_v themselves_o if_o the_o brevity_n which_o i_o propose_v will_v allow_v i_o it_o may_v be_v suitable_a enough_o with_o my_o design_n to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o what_o pass_v in_o that_o memorable_a assembly_n and_o show_v how_o they_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n there_o by_o the_o same_o method_n by_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o set_v on_o foot_n and_o have_v hitherto_o be_v carry_v on_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a at_o present_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o certain_a prospect_n of_o a_o fatal_a issue_n both_o to_o king_n and_o government_n if_o not_o timely_o prevent_v oblige_v the_o king_n commissioner_n to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n within_o a_o few_o day_n after_o their_o meeting_n and_o when_o he_o expect_v compliance_n he_o find_v they_o ready_a with_o a_o protestation_n to_o continue_v their_o session_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o have_v finish_v the_o glorious_a work_n for_o which_o they_o meet_v however_o their_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o king_n command_n signify_v to_o they_o by_o his_o commissioner_n be_v perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o what_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o they_o have_v say_v some_o day_n before_o at_o the_o open_v the_o assembly_n for_o than_o they_o express_v in_o several_a harangue_n their_o sense_n of_o the_o king_n bounty_n and_o tenderness_n in_o bring_v they_o thither_o and_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o he_o who_o only_o have_v authority_n to_o call_v they_o can_v also_o dissolve_v they_o at_o pleasure_n and_o though_o both_o be_v equal_o royal_a prerogative_n yet_o undoubted_o our_o prince_n have_v reason_n to_o set_v the_o high_a value_n upon_o their_o power_n of_o dissolve_v which_o have_v be_v useful_a to_o they_o upon_o many_o occasion_n nor_o do_v ever_o the_o crown_n receive_v so_o deep_a a_o wound_n as_o when_o our_o late_a sovereign_n part_v with_o this_o choice_a prerogative_n and_o so_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o parliament_n which_o the_o fear_n of_o dissolution_n can_v only_o have_v bridle_v and_o keep_v they_o within_o some_o compass_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o assembly_n when_o so_o great_a a_o contempt_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o king_n they_o go_v on_o in_o a_o most_o violent_a and_o illegal_a manner_n to_o excommunicate_v some_o of_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o depose_v all_o the_o rest_n many_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v rescind_v the_o determination_n of_o forty_o year_n assembly_n be_v declare_v void_a all_o person_n be_v enjoin_v to_o take_v the_o covenant_n under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n and_o to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o last_a instance_n of_o their_o modesty_n they_o conclude_v with_o a_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n justify_v their_o whole_a procedure_n and_o entreat_v he_o that_o he_o will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v no_o wonder_n if_o provocation_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n do_v beget_v suitable_a resentment_n in_o the_o king_n who_o after_o so_o much_o abuse_v indulgence_n have_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o maintain_v his_o right_n but_o by_o arm_n nor_o do_v the_o covenanter_n decline_v a_o breach_n have_v make_v early_a preparation_n for_o it_o so_o that_o before_o the_o king_n come_v to_o any_o act_n of_o hostility_n they_o seize_v upon_o his_o castle_n levy_a troop_n impose_v tax_n and_o cast_v off_o all_o manner_n of_o allegiance_n and_o even_o when_o his_o majesty_n be_v aversion_n from_o shed_v his_o subject_n blood_n make_v he_o upon_o the_o head_n of_o a_o brave_a and_o numerous_a army_n yield_v to_o term_n of_o as_o great_a condescension_n as_o necessity_n can_v have_v extort_a and_o send_v they_o home_o gratify_v in_o all_o their_o demand_n without_o fight_v yet_o new_a grievance_n arm_v they_o again_o and_o whereas_o at_o first_o they_o stop_v on_o the_o border_n now_o most_o bold_o they_o march_v into_o england_n force_v their_o passage_n at_o newburn_n and_o refuse_v to_o return_v until_o the_o king_n agree_v to_o come_v into_o scotland_n there_o to_o pass_v all_o his_o concession_n into_o act_n of_o parliament_n his_o majesty_n fail_v not_o to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o promise_v and_o have_v purchase_v their_o allegiance_n
the_o torrent_n and_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o royal_a interest_n how_o be_v prisoner_n of_o war_n most_o unhumane_o sentence_v and_o put_v to_o death_n and_o all_o that_o be_v like_a to_o create_v they_o any_o trouble_n destroy_v without_o mercy_n i_o need_v not_o descend_v to_o any_o particular_n which_o be_v still_o too_o well_o know_v and_o indeed_o as_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o make_v stranger_n acquaint_v with_o they_o so_o i_o wish_v there_o can_v be_v a_o curtain_n draw_v to_o hide_v such_o tragical_a piece_n from_o the_o view_n of_o after-age_n their_o six_o and_o last_o article_n be_v a_o bond_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o opposer_n without_o except_v the_o king_n and_o this_o alone_a may_v serve_v to_o render_v the_o whole_a void_a for_o if_o the_o oath_n of_o subject_n without_o the_o prince_n consent_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o public_a can_v never_o bind_v much_o less_o then_o if_o they_o direct_o encroach_v upon_o his_o authority_n if_o a_o vow_n can_v absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o duty_n or_o deprive_v the_o prince_n of_o his_o right_n than_o we_o shall_v only_o be_v subject_n till_o we_o vow_v the_o contrary_a and_o thus_o the_o world_n may_v find_v a_o compendious_a way_n to_o shake_v off_o all_o dependence_n but_o as_o the_o vow_v the_o violation_n of_o any_o man_n property_n do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o do_v it_o but_o only_o render_v our_o oath_n unlawful_a so_o where_o it_o be_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o prince_n every_o circumstance_n help_v to_o condemn_v we_o when_o those_o who_o retain_v any_o principle_n of_o loyalty_n insist_v upon_o this_o they_o do_v fly_v to_o their_o sincere_a intention_n towards_o the_o king_n but_o nothing_o can_v so_o well_o explain_v their_o mean_v as_o their_o practice_n afterward_o which_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o nation_n ought_v either_o to_o be_v bury_v in_o eternal_a oblivion_n or_o else_o so_o clear_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o guilty_a may_v only_o be_v infamous_a to_o posterity_n while_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n recover_v to_o it_o its_o native_a tincture_n of_o honesty_n and_o loyalty_n have_v give_v some_o short_a hint_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o enter_v into_o both_o covenant_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o design_n i_o be_o persuade_v there_o need_v no_o further_a evidence_n of_o their_o unlawfulness_n from_o the_o beginning_n or_o of_o their_o many_o other_o nullity_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o can_v lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o those_o very_a person_n who_o subscribe_v they_o and_o if_o not_o upon_o they_o much_o less_o upon_o we_o who_o be_v their_o child_n to_o stand_v to_o what_o they_o then_o do_v nor_o do_v i_o indeed_o find_v any_o formal_a tie_v upon_o posterity_n mention_v in_o either_o covenant_n for_o what_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o former_a where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o they_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o confess_v with_o their_o mouth_n that_o the_o present_a and_o subsequent_a generation_n in_o this_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v that_o national_a oath_n and_o subscription_n inviolable_a may_v prove_v perhaps_o that_o such_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o our_o father_n but_o can_v never_o make_v it_o obligatory_a with_o we_o see_v the_o grant_v this_o be_v to_o put_v it_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o entail_v his_o opinion_n upon_o those_o who_o come_v after_o he_o to_o which_o none_o of_o we_o i_o presume_v will_v be_v willing_a to_o yield_v but_o allow_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o positive_a oath_n make_v by_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o posterity_n yet_o this_o oath_n be_v by_o authority_n declare_v unlawful_a and_o we_o forbid_v to_o observe_v it_o the_o compliance_n we_o owe_v to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o cancel_v all_o obligation_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o our_o parent_n can_v lay_v upon_o we_o i_o shall_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o see_v our_o covenant_n be_v in_o so_o many_o respect_v unlawful_a from_o the_o beginning_n and_o see_v there_o be_v neither_o any_o formal_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o parent_n to_o obscure_v they_o nor_o yet_o their_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n allowable_a as_o interfere_v with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n there_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v in_o behalf_n of_o any_o that_o presume_v now_o to_o renew_v those_o covenant_n when_o the_o contrary_a be_v so_o plain_o enjoin_v we_o by_o our_o rescissory_a act_n of_o parliament_n but_o as_o such_o person_n proceed_v not_o upon_o rational_a ground_n so_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o reclaim_v they_o by_o force_n of_o argument_n the_o government_n must_v deal_v with_o this_o frenzy_n and_o in_o its_o wisdom_n find_v out_o a_o cure_n suitable_a to_o so_o dangerous_a a_o distemper_n before_o the_o infection_n spread_v itself_o wide_o four_o consideration_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o make_v a_o end_n here_o without_o mention_v the_o last_o objection_n not_o that_o i_o apprehend_v any_o difficulty_n in_o undertake_v to_o answer_v it_o but_o because_o i_o real_o blush_v to_o publish_v the_o pernicious_a and_o traitorous_a principle_n which_o some_o among_o we_o have_v of_o late_o take_v up_o and_o be_v not_o now_o ashamed_a to_o own_o that_o our_o sovereign_n have_v forfeit_v all_o right_n to_o his_o crown_n and_o that_o his_o subject_n be_v absolve_v they_o their_o allegiance_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o prince_n person_n and_o authority_n be_v more_o effectual_o secure_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o by_o all_o the_o contrivance_n of_o humane_a policy_n fear_v or_o interest_n among_o heathen_n be_v the_o chief_a motive_n to_o keep_v subject_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o make_v they_o submit_v because_o they_o dare_v not_o rebel_v prince_n have_v outward_a obedience_n pay_v they_o which_o be_v all_o they_o can_v then_o either_o challenge_v or_o expect_v but_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v fasten_v their_o crown_n much_o sure_a give_v they_o a_o new_a title_n to_o reign_v in_o their_o subject_n heart_n make_v subject_n dutiful_a more_o out_o of_o conscience_n than_o fear_n and_o by_o forbid_a resistance_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n lay_v a_o much_o strong_a tie_v upon_o man_n than_o the_o hazard_n of_o life_n and_o fortune_n or_o all_o other_o humane_a penalty_n can_v ever_o have_v do_v and_o no_o question_n have_v the_o roman_a emperor_n understand_v how_o much_o they_o be_v behold_v to_o christianity_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v it_o they_o will_v have_v protect_v and_o encourage_v it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o christian_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o maxim_n which_o christ_n leave_v they_o prince_n be_v true_o happy_a in_o such_o subject_n christ_n do_v indeed_o put_v a_o sword_n into_o his_o minister_n hand_n to_o punish_v notorious_a sinner_n when_o he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v or_o cut_v man_n off_o from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o exemption_n grant_v to_o any_o person_n king_n and_o emperor_n themselves_o be_v to_o fall_v under_o this_o heavy_a censure_n when_o their_o offence_n deserve_v it_o but_o though_o minister_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o shut_v they_o sometime_o out_o of_o church_n as_o st._n ambrose_n do_v theodosius_n the_o great_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o thrust_v they_o off_o their_o throne_n or_o wrest_v their_o sceptre_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o know_v that_o their_o authority_n be_v only_o spiritual_a and_o do_v not_o therefore_o meddle_v with_o those_o privilege_n which_o they_o enjoy_v as_o prince_n but_o ready_o obey_v in_o all_o other_o case_n those_o who_o they_o exclude_v from_o their_o assembly_n and_o thus_o they_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n for_o near_o a_o thousand_o year_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v afterward_o quite_o spend_v and_o religion_n have_v put_v on_o a_o new_a face_n the_o riches_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o roman_a hierarchy_n make_v they_o stretch_v their_o authority_n further_o than_o christ_n design_v it_o and_o then_o do_v they_o begin_v to_o declare_v that_o prince_n fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n do_v forfeit_v their_o crown_n and_o all_o other_o their_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a privilege_n the_o great_a advances_n gregory_n the_o seven_o and_o his_o successor_n make_v in_o several_a attempt_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o their_o vanity_n to_o see_v themselves_o on_o a_o sudden_a raise_v to_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n make_v they_o vigorous_o pursue_v such_o course_n and_o thunder_v their_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o forfeiture_n so_o liberal_o that_o