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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
book_n great_a part_n time_n 3,297 5 3.1639 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A76788 Endevors aiming at the glory of God, that peace & truth may meet together: wherein is contained the excellency, benefit, and necessity of good government and governors: a loving reply to Mr William Prynnes speech made to the House of Commons, and afterwards published. Some matters are propounded to the consideration of the ministry; and also to particular (and to all) opinions. The first, purest, best and most blessed form and manner of government, prescribed by God, (and recorded in Gods sacred word;) together with the way of entrance, or Gods calling of persons to places of chief government, the great consequence thereof. Wherein is shewed, that government by succession, from the father to the son, was none of Gods institution, in the first and purest times. And also the government by Judges is plainly proved to be the best form of government, being Gods immediate direction, most blessed and approved for Gods glory, and for a peoples greatest good, comfort, and safety. / By John Blackleach. Blackleach, John. 1650 (1650) Wing B3074; Thomason E590_5; ESTC R206330 147,760 171

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and_o so_o do_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n i_o shall_v refer_v these_o matter_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a if_o any_o lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a i_o strive_v not_o to_o contend_v but_o contend_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o seek_v for_o peace_n and_o truth_n and_o now_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n touch_v the_o lawyer_n god_n law_n if_o we_o observe_v they_o well_o be_v pithy_a and_o short_a they_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o little_a room_n if_o we_o subtract_v the_o historical_a matter_n or_o matter_n which_o show_v god_n act_n and_o man_n act_n which_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o law_n but_o rather_o show_v god_n glory_n and_o man_n conversation_n from_o the_o direct_a commandment_n of_o god_n in_o what_o a_o little_a volume_n will_v god_n law_n be_v contain_v which_o show_v the_o purity_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o of_o god_n law_n the_o law_n of_o some_o country_n 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bless_v for_o ever_o i_o do_v humble_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o the_o learned_a acknowledge_v i_o be_o but_o a_o weak_a frail_a man_n of_o myself_o i_o may_v err_v therefore_o if_o any_o man_n can_v and_o will_v show_v we_o any_o error_n provide_v that_o they_o bring_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n sacred_a word_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o sincere_a meaning_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v god_n will_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n willing_o not_o constrain_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o error_n i_o ever_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o we_o can_v please_v god_n better_o nor_o bring_v more_o true_a honour_n and_o safety_n to_o ourselves_o then_o by_o hunble_a unfeigned_a and_o willing_a acknowledgement_n of_o any_o of_o our_o error_n in_o some_o proportion_n suitable_a to_o our_o offence_n receive_v nothing_o from_o i_o further_o than_o you_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o in_o what_o ever_o i_o have_v here_o in_o this_o book_n write_v i_o have_v set_v god_n always_o in_o my_o sight_n i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o ever_o in_o his_o sight_n to_o who_o i_o must_v give_v account_n for_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o account_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a moment_n to_o write_v any_o book_n neither_o have_v i_o write_v if_o i_o have_v not_o believe_v god_n call_v i_o to_o it_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v do_v no_o good_a matter_n but_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o this_o writing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n i_o be_o strengthen_v protect_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o the_o true_a and_o everliving_a god_n to_o who_o i_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o give_v as_o be_v god_n due_a and_o my_o duty_n all_o praise_n and_o service_n glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n because_o god_n be_v worthy_a of_o it_o for_o he_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o his_o will_n sake_n they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v create_v rev._n 4.11_o now_o belove_v and_o approve_a commander_n and_o soldier_n you_o that_o have_v be_v helper_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a although_o i_o have_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o your_o name_n in_o this_o little_a treatise_n yet_o you_o be_v in_o my_o eye_n as_o man_n of_o precious_a esteem_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v you_o be_v in_o god_n account_n precious_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o out_o of_o godly_a zeal_n and_o true_a love_n have_v act_v in_o these_o war_n of_o which_o sort_n i_o b●l●eve_v there_o be_v many_o among_o your_o army_n may_v i_o not_o account_v you_o among_o david_n worthy_n yes_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v and_o further_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o many_o of_o you_o revel_v 21.27_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o that_o you_o ver._n 24._o be_v of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o it_o ver._n 1._o that_o new_a heaven_n ver._n ●_o that_o holy_a city_n that_o new_a jerusalem_n god_n himself_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n with_o you_o verse_n 4._o and_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o your_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n be_v pass_v cha_n 22.12_o and_o behold_v i_o come_v short_o say_v god_n and_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o i_o to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n as_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v ver._n 14._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o their_o right_n may_v be_v in_o the_o tre●_n of_o life_n ver._n 11._o he_o that_o be_v righteous_a let_v he_o be_v righteous_a still_o and_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a let_v he_o be_v holy_a still_o have_v you_o be_v co-acter_n in_o fight_a god_n battle_n and_o shall_v i_o or_o my_o posterity_n be_v forgetful_a that_o you_o many_o of_o you_o have_v bear_v a_o mean_n that_o we_o enjoy_v god_n word_n free_o preach_v and_o that_o we_o still_o enjoy_v god_n sacred_a word_n in_o our_o own_o language_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o force_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o dumb_a idol_n to_o idolatry_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o those_o dark_a miserable_a noisome_a golgotha_n those_o place_n which_o have_v be_v the_o destruction_n of_o thousand_o where_o no_o eye_n can_v see_v or_o speak_v to_o they_o to_o pity_v they_o where_o they_o have_v be_v murder_v out_o of_o the_o view_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v those_o accurse_a inquisition_n house_n this_o comfort_n only_o they_o have_v which_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n can_v not_o take_v from_o they_o that_o there_o be_v one_o open_a place_n where_o the_o bright_a and_o beautiful_a eye_n like_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o morning_n
endeavour_n aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o peace_n &_o truth_n may_v meet_v together_o wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o excellency_n benefit_n and_o necessity_n of_o good_a government_n and_o governor_n a_o love_a reply_n to_o mr_n william_n prynnes_n speech_n make_v to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o afterward_o publish_v some_o matter_n be_v propound_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o also_o to_o particular_a and_o to_o all_o opinion_n the_o first_o pure_a best_a and_o most_o bless_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n prescribe_v by_o god_n and_o record_v in_o god_n sacred_a word_n together_o with_o the_o way_n of_o entrance_n or_o god_n call_v of_o person_n to_o place_n of_o chief_a government_n the_o great_a consequence_n thereof_o wherein_o be_v show_v that_o government_n by_o succession_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v none_o of_o god_n institution_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n and_o also_o the_o government_n by_o judge_n be_v plain_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o best_a form_n of_o government_n be_v god_n immediate_a direction_n most_o bless_a and_o approve_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o a_o people_n great_a good_a comfort_n and_o safety_n by_o john_n blackleach_n isai_n 1.26_o and_o i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thy_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o faithful_a city_n deut._n 28.1_o if_o thou_o shall_v obey_v diligent_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n than_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v set_v thou_o on_o high_a above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n gen._n 49.18_o o_o lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n london_n print_v by_o john_n macock_n for_o the_o author_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v in_o popes-head-alley_n 1656._o to_o my_o dear_o belove_a countryman_n of_o england_n and_o to_o all_o of_o what_o country_n soever_o namely_o to_o all_o such_o as_o love_v the_o true_a only_o glorious_a and_o bless_a god_n and_o endeavour_v unfeigned_o to_o do_v his_o will_n to_o such_o as_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o through_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n dear_o belove_v upon_o the_o serious_a and_o often_o consideration_n of_o that_o happy_a and_o bless_a condition_n and_o unparaleld_a benefit_n which_o the_o bless_a angel_n do_v and_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v to_o eternity_n in_o have_v god_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o their_o exceed_a great_a reward_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o for_o number_n and_o greatness_n far_o exceed_v what_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n have_v see_v or_o the_o ear_n hear_v or_o what_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v among_o other_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v god_n to_o govern_v they_o who_o wisdom_n be_v most_o absolute_o perfect_a to_o lead_v they_o and_o to_o direct_v they_o revel_v 19.11_o john_n say_v i_o see_v heaven_n open_a and_o behold_v a_o white_a horse_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o he_o be_v call_v faithful_a and_o true_a and_o he_o judge_v and_o fight_v righteous_o verse_n 12._o and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o on_o his_o head_n be_v many_o crown_n and_o he_o have_v a_o name_n write_v that_o no_o man_n know_v but_o himself_o verse_n 13._o and_o he_o be_v clothe_v in_o a_o garment_n dip_v in_o blood_n and_o his_o name_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n verse_n 14._o and_o the_o host_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n follow_v he_o upon_o white_a horse_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 15._o and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o heathen_a and_o rule_v they_o etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n be_v full_a of_o consolation_n i_o shall_v only_o collect_v this_o one_o point_n of_o observation_n pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n by_o i_o intend_v namely_o that_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n the_o bless_a angel_n the_o saint_n and_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v this_o unmatchable_a this_o exceed_a great_a benefit_n namely_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n follow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o white_a horse_n which_o show_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a angel_n and_o saint_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o and_o subject_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v our_o own_o weakness_n in_o guide_v ourselves_o we_o all_o like_o sheep_n be_v apt_a to_o go_v astray_o and_o to_o run_v into_o many_o danger_n but_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a to_o direct_v we_o he_o be_v strong_a to_o protect_v we_o he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n abundant_a in_o mercy_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o 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they_o be_v endow_v with_o many_o other_o singular_a and_o great_a blessing_n from_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o their_o governor_n be_v corrupt_a the_o people_n be_v disturb_v oppress_a and_o afflict_a the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a so_o copious_a so_o evident_a in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o i_o shall_v spend_v the_o less_o time_n in_o quotation_n read_v the_o story_n of_o the_o judge_n the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o the_o chronicle_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o be_v bless_v to_o you_o by_o god_n will_v help_v you_o clear_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n will_v show_v that_o from_o good_a and_o evil_a governor_n proceed_v the_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n of_o the_o nation_n search_v the_o chronicle_n and_o record_n of_o the_o age_n and_o time_n from_o moses_n his_o time_n to_o these_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o from_o this_o principle_n from_o this_o root_n namely_o from_o government_n arise_v the_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o nation_n if_o we_o look_v but_o back_o from_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o we_o shall_v see_v this_o state_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o suitable_o to_o those_o person_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a governor_n and_o that_o both_o in_o religious_a duty_n and_o in_o other_o temporal_a matter_n the_o experience_n the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n do_v abundant_o testify_v be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a concernment_n government_n be_v of_o to_o render_v a_o people_n bless_v or_o despise_v of_o god_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o and_o more_o clear_o see_v the_o singular_a benefit_n that_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o good_a government_n i_o shall_v propound_v brief_o some_o particular_n to_o consideration_n for_o instance_n look_v upon_o the_o universal_a work_n the_o creation_n of_o god_n consider_v the_o sun_n how_o it_o go_v his_o due_a course_n not_o fail_v to_o perform_v his_o great_a journey_n round_o about_o this_o world_n in_o twenty_o four_o hour_n the_o sun_n know_v his_o rise_n and_o his_o go_v down_o not_o alter_v nor_o fail_v one_o minute_n of_o time_n nor_o fail_v one_o foot_n of_o ground_n in_o all_o his_o great_a and_o unwearied_a journey_n o_o how_o excellent_a be_v all_o thy_o work_n o_o god_n consider_v likewise_o those_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o operation_n with_o which_o the_o sun_n be_v beautify_v and_o enrich_v as_o namely_o first_o light_z which_o show_v man_n the_o way_n and_o work_v he_o be_v to_o perform_v without_o light_a man_n be_v miserable_a second_o the_o sun_n heat_v the_o air_n and_o comfort_v man_n and_o all_o creature_n three_o the_o sun_n cause_v the_o bud_n of_o the_o herb_n to_o
afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n isai_n 1.25_o 26_o 27._o &_o ch_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o of_o this_o i_o purpose_n to_o speak_v more_o afterward_o dear_o belove_a friend_n thus_o much_o i_o can_v and_o do_v affirm_v to_o you_o all_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o all-seeing_a ●od_n who_o will_v bring_v hide_a thing_n deed_n of_o darkness_n to_o light_n even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o i_o do_v love_n fear_v worship_n who_o be_v my_o hope_n my_o joy_n from_o who_o i_o receive_v all_o the_o good_a i_o have_v from_o who_o i_o expect_v my_o comfort_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o have_v not_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n any_o prejudice_n nor_o respect_n of_o person_n nor_o any_o past_a present_a or_o future_a by_o or_o sinister_a respect_n in_o the_o write_n this_o little_a treatise_n i_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o value_n of_o one_o penny_n in_o recompense_n of_o my_o endeavour_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o thought_n that_o way_n that_o i_o do_v expect_v rather_o that_o i_o shall_v receive_v injury_n hereby_o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o i_o in_o worldly_a respect_n only_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n that_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o this_o further_a can_v i_o say_v likewise_o that_o at_o the_o write_n hereof_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o do_v ever_o see_v either_o those_o true_o honourable_a general_n the_o lord_n fairfax_n nor_o the_o lord_n cromwell_n nor_o any_o captain_n or_o soldier_n among_o they_o except_o some_o few_o i_o late_o see_v in_o or_o near_o to_o london_n as_o i_o pass_v by_o they_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o they_o if_o i_o see_v they_o again_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v possible_a some_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o army_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o know_v it_o not_o and_o concern_v those_o worthy_a man_n for_o so_o i_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v that_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o parliament_n i_o never_o see_v any_o one_o of_o they_o to_o my_o knowledge_n except_o one_o who_o i_o have_v see_v i_o think_v three_o or_o four_o time_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o parliament_n or_o no_o only_o i_o think_v he_o be_v whereas_o i_o affirm_v that_o i_o know_v not_o any_o of_o the_o army_n or_o of_o the_o parliament_n i_o intend_v that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o man_n but_o by_o their_o fruit_n i_o know_v much_o concern_v they_o some_o may_v judge_v this_o to_o be_v superfluous_a to_o mention_v but_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o what_o move_v i_o so_o to_o do_v in_o discourse_v with_o divers_a man_n i_o find_v to_o my_o best_a apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n of_o man_n that_o imagine_v mischief_n that_o invent_v base_a false_a and_o slanderous_a report_n against_o parliament_n general_n army_z and_o indeed_o against_o the_o most_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n blame_v i_o not_o therefore_o courteous_a reader_n if_o i_o labour_v to_o prevent_v slanderous_a and_o lie_a tongue_n and_o this_o likewise_o i_o affirm_v that_o with_o due_a regard_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v much_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o weakness_n serious_o consider_v of_o how_o great_a weight_n it_o be_v to_o write_v book_n and_o to_o present_v they_o to_o public_a view_n i_o be_o very_o fearful_a to_o presume_v above_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o this_o i_o say_v further_o that_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o propound_v the_o matter_n and_o cause_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v upon_o in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n i_o purpose_v likewise_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n grace_n and_o opportunity_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v i_o to_o prove_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n propound_v and_o then_o have_v present_v the_o cause_n i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n to_o stir_v some_o person_n who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o better_a able_a than_o myself_o and_o to_o enable_v and_o direct_v they_o so_o that_o they_o may_v more_o large_o and_o clear_o show_v forth_o to_o public_a view_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o these_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o governor_n it_o be_v now_o a_o long_a season_n that_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v so_o keep_v under_o by_o corrupt_a governor_n above_o two_o thousand_o year_n during_o which_o time_n where_o or_o who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o dare_v or_o do_v punctual_o discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o governor_n or_o of_o government_n 1._o this_o be_v one_o reason_n that_o move_v i_o to_o present_v the_o cause_n to_o public_a view_n namely_o because_o i_o know_v not_o or_o do_v not_o discern_v that_o any_o one_o writer_n from_o samuel_n day_n to_o this_o time_n the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n except_v that_o have_v punctual_o write_v upon_o this_o subject_n 2._o this_o be_v another_o move_a cause_n because_o now_o be_v a_o time_n of_o more_o liberty_n and_o consider_v that_o i_o my_o child_n and_o posterity_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o case_n of_o government_n i_o conceive_v there_o be_v reason_n good_a why_o i_o shall_v present_v this_o cause_n to_o public_a consideration_n 3._o this_o be_v another_o motive_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n that_o have_v be_v shed_v about_o this_o matter_n the_o cause_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v not_o yet_o whole_o determine_v but_o be_v still_o so_o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o our_o godly_a governor_n be_v ready_a to_o prefer_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o common_a good_a before_o their_o own_o interest_n in_o those_o matter_n that_o they_o shall_v clear_o see_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 4._o this_o be_v another_o motive_n see_v apparent_o our_o miserable_a condition_n people_n be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o in_o affection_n so_o that_o our_o condition_n be_v much_o like_o a_o ship_n in_o a_o tempest_n therefore_o the_o end_n of_o my_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v assist_v that_o i_o may_v reconcile_v difference_n and_o that_o peace_n and_o truth_n may_v meet_v together_o as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n and_o kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n i_o propound_v to_o myself_o so_o likewise_o i_o purpose_v it_o shall_v be_v the_o title_n or_o superscription_n dear_o belove_a friend_n all_o you_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n i_o earnest_o entreat_v you_o to_o assist_v i_o in_o this_o work_n with_o your_o prayer_n with_o your_o most_o best_a uttermost_a and_o strong_a ability_n contend_v for_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n but_o strive_v not_o lust_v not_o to_o be_v contentious_a reject_v not_o that_o truth_n that_o good_a whole_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o blemish_n man_n cast_v not_o away_o a_o good_a garment_n because_o of_o a_o little_a dirt_n consider_v the_o great_a difference_n and_o trouble_n about_o governor_n and_o government_n therefore_o i_o humble_o request_v thou_o to_o weigh_v try_v prove_v examine_v search_v the_o scripture_n cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a prayer_n that_o the_o good_a &_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v thou_o into_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o unclean_a spirit_n many_o false_a and_o lie_a spirit_n be_v permit_v to_o deceive_v many_o in_o these_o our_o day_n this_o point_n of_o government_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o good_a and_o right_a way_n prescribe_v practise_v own_a and_o bless_v by_o god_n to_o choose_v person_n so_o that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o choose_v for_o we_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o window_n and_o byway_n that_o so_o wolf_n fox_n and_o beast_n of_o prey_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sheep_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n the_o true_a and_o right_a way_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o set_v open_a the_o door_n that_o the_o good_a and_o true_a shepherd_n may_v enter_v who_o fruit_n will_v soon_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v good_a and_o true_a shepherd_n for_o they_o will_v love_v the_o flock_n they_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o not_o for_o the_o fleece_n most_o but_o to_o defend_v they_o from_o beast_n of_o prey_n these_o good_a shepherd_n will_v seek_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o flock_n they_o will_v drive_v they_o to_o the_o wholesome_a pasture_n and_o to_o the_o still_a water_n where_o they_o may_v be_v refresh_v where_o they_o may_v bless_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o lie_v down_o without_o fear_n for_o true_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n and_o
other_o from_o such_o open_a provocation_n of_o god_n as_o swear_v whore_v false_a speak_v and_o like_a sin_n present_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o mischieve_v he_o it_o be_v well_o for_o he_o if_o he_o escape_v with_o base_a language_n as_o roundhead_n whores-bird_n roundhead_n etc._n etc._n with_o bitter_a hatred_n i_o have_v late_o see_v this_o and_o hear_v it_o to_o my_o sorrow_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n this_o i_o say_v unto_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n walk_v humble_o circumspect_o mourn_v for_o these_o abomination_n and_o god_n will_v spare_v you_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o son_n in_o the_o day_n of_o calamity_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v destroy_v together_o i_o pray_v you_o that_o be_v more_o sober_a consider_v you_o hear_v such_o complaint_n against_o the_o general_n officer_n and_o army_n put_v these_o complaint_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o truth_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n you_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o behaviour_n of_o both_o party_n on_o which_o side_n do_v sin_n profaneness_n plunder_v and_o such_o act_n of_o profaneness_n must_v abound_v be_v the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n of_o the_o malignant_a army_n more_o holy_a more_o harmless_a than_o this_o party_n of_o this_o army_n for_o which_o side_n do_v god_n witness_v or_o do_v you_o judge_v that_o god_n see_v not_o or_o regard_v not_o etc._n etc._n well_o seek_v not_o evasion_n do_v not_o resolve_v not_o to_o see_v not_o to_o consider_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v object_n but_o some_o i_o believe_v will_v find_v fault_n with_o i_o because_o i_o do_v not_o name_n and_o particularize_v action_n person_n time_n and_o place_n more_o particular_o with_o more_o evident_a witness_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o my_o time_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o be_v so_o large_a although_o i_o purpose_v if_o god_n will_v when_o i_o come_v to_o point_n wherein_o i_o purpose_v to_o engage_v or_o insist_v in_o those_o thing_n i_o purpose_v to_o be_v more_o punctual_a 2._o i_o answer_v that_o man_n do_v not_o use_v candlelight_n at_o noon_n day_n when_o the_o sun_n shine_v bright_a but_o in_o dark_a place_n so_o be_v these_o matter_n they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o corner_n these_o matter_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n your_o own_o experience_n your_o own_o conscience_n right_o balance_v be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n there_o be_v extant_a in_o some_o book_n many_o of_o these_o particular_n where_o they_o be_v more_o large_o handle_v only_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v grievous_a if_o i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o have_v experience_n already_o moreover_o those_o miraculous_a passage_n of_o god_n providence_n wherein_o digitus_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o finger_n of_o god_n evident_o appear_v and_o do_v still_o appear_v to_o admiration_n so_o that_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o harden_v and_o our_o eye_n blind_v i_o conceive_v these_o be_v witness_n sufficient_a but_o notwithstanding_o if_o we_o shut_v our_o eye_n if_o they_o be_v not_o open_v i_o do_v conceive_v and_o answer_v as_o abraham_n answer_v to_o dives_n be_v in_o torment_n that_o if_o one_o shall_v arise_v from_o the_o dead_a you_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o let_v man_n judge_v what_o they_o please_v this_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o stay_v to_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n namely_o this_o that_o god_n see_v he_o regard_v he_o be_v a_o strong_a god_n a_o wise_a and_o faithful_a god_n he_o will_v make_v bare_a his_o arm_n and_o mighty_o work_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o choose_a and_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o his_o enemy_n object_n courteous_a reader_n christian_a friend_n lest_o thou_o shall_v take_v offence_n because_o i_o keep_v not_o more_o close_a to_o the_o matter_n propound_v answ_n i_o see_v and_o consider_v the_o great_a bitterness_n the_o great_a heat_n that_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prejudice_v and_o forestalled_n heart_n of_o many_o man_n i_o endeavour_v only_o to_o qualify_v that_o heat_n and_o in_o part_n to_o remove_v that_o prejudice_n otherwise_o i_o conceive_v that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o peace_n and_o truth_n to_o meet_v together_o but_o to_o proceed_v the_o man_n that_o have_v most_o effectual_o write_v to_o my_o apprehension_n that_o yet_o have_v come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n to_o hinder_v peace_n and_o truth_n at_o this_o time_n from_o meeting_n be_v mr_n william_n prynne_n in_o his_o book_n call_v the_o substance_n of_o a_o speech_n make_v in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o touch_v this_o man_n i_o have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o he_o i_o never_o see_v he_o to_o my_o knowledge_n i_o have_v likewise_o meet_v with_o some_o other_o of_o his_o labour_n and_o upon_o some_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o contain_v to_o my_o best_a apprehension_n this_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v take_v much_o pain_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n endow_v with_o divers_a good_a gift_n if_o they_o be_v sanctify_v i_o do_v believe_v he_o be_v zealous_o affect_v and_o that_o his_o intendment_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n i_o love_v the_o man_n and_o do_v believe_v that_o we_o shall_v both_o meet_v before_o god_n and_o his_o glorious_a angel_n to_o both_o our_o comfort_n through_o the_o rich_a mercy_n and_o free_a favour_n of_o our_o god_n in_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v not_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o all_o his_o labour_n but_o only_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o sift_v and_o winnow_v they_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o recollect_v his_o thought_n and_o to_o revive_v his_o work_n over_o again_o and_o where_o he_o find_v a_o error_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o recall_v that_o and_o to_o revoke_v it_o who_o know_v the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o this_o persuasion_n i_o have_v of_o mr_n william_n prynne_n that_o he_o be_v so_o zealous_a and_o so_o ingenuous_a that_o he_o will_v not_o persist_v in_o a_o know_a error_n paul_n be_v in_o a_o error_n when_o he_o persecute_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n bring_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n great_a advantage_n to_o his_o church_n and_o leave_v himself_o as_o a_o eminent_a pattern_n for_o other_o to_o imitate_v when_o and_o after_o he_o see_v his_o error_n he_o recant_v and_o repent_v and_o repair_v his_o error_n in_o the_o first_o scripture_n allege_v i_o find_v this_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o mat._n 5.9_o bless_a be_v the_o peacemaker_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god._n this_o place_n in_o his_o intendment_n point_v out_o that_o which_o he_o hope_v as_o i_o believe_v shall_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n follow_v but_o here_o i_o find_v that_o of_o solomon_n verify_v that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o always_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n for_o have_v this_o speech_n of_o his_o prevail_v it_o 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appear_v in_o the_o first_o leaf_n in_o the_o title_n or_o inscription_n of_o his_o book_n in_o these_o word_n namely_o the_o army_n remonstrance_n novemb_n 20._o be_v a_o way_n to_o speedy_a and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o a_o mere_a plot_n of_o the_o jesuit_n to_o destroy_v we_o this_o he_o present_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n mr_n prynne_n see_v cause_n to_o recall_v and_o revoke_v this_o for_o he_o invit_v the_o kingdom_n with_o he_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v destroy_v the_o army_n in_o the_o scripture_n before_o cite_v i_o say_v with_o steven_n the_o martyr_n act._n 7.60_o lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o his_o charge_n i_o answer_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o this_o scripture_n that_o when_o man_n do_v lay_v unjust_a slander_n and_o reproach_n upon_o
the_o death_n of_o god_n priest_n 1_o sam._n 22.19_o and_o nob_n the_o city_n of_o the_o priest_n smite_v he_o with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n both_o child_n and_o suckling_n both_o ox_n and_o ass_n and_o sheep_n with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o david_n life_n which_o he_o earnest_o seek_v witness_v his_o unjust_a molestation_n of_o the_o people_n who_o he_o force_v from_o their_o own_o dwelling_n to_o pursue_v a_o innocent_a and_o good_a man_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o king_n more_o follow_v afterward_o but_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o judge_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n but_o further_o we_o may_v note_v that_o this_o man_n moses_n and_o his_o successor_n to_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n such_o as_o god_n institute_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o as_o creep_v in_o at_o the_o window_n and_o in_o by-path_n not_o in_o the_o way_n god_n institute_v but_o moses_n and_o the_o 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&_o virtue_n of_o these_o judge_n in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n wherein_o god_n do_v the_o most_o eminent_o and_o the_o most_o immediate_o appoint_v and_o prescribe_v government_n and_o governor_n to_o and_o for_o his_o church_n and_o peculiar_o choose_v people_n israel_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o propound_v to_o consideration_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v to_o draw_v out_o of_o god_n sacred_a word_n what_o find_v there_o record_v concern_v the_o principal_a governor_n and_o other_o governor_n distribute_v in_o several_a administration_n and_o also_o their_o power_n and_o limitation_n and_o also_o the_o entrance_n of_o they_o into_o their_o place_n i_o find_v that_o god_n in_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v it_o meet_v for_o his_o church_n and_o choose_v and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o ordain_v institute_v and_o appoint_v one_o chief_a judge_n and_o not_o many_o thus_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o in_o the_o record_n of_o joshua_n &_o of_o all_o the_o judge_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n that_o one_o chief_a judge_n have_v the_o charge_n for_o although_o judah_n and_o israel_n be_v divide_v it_o be_v there_o to_o be_v note_v that_o afterward_o they_o become_v as_o two_o distinct_a and_o difference_v government_n and_o also_o we_o note_v that_o this_o be_v not_o so_o in_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n wherein_o god_n do_v the_o most_o immediate_o and_o clear_o appoint_v government_n and_o also_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o division_n do_v not_o strengthen_v they_o nor_o do_v it_o turn_v to_o their_o peace_n and_o welfare_n as_o afterward_o appear_v and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n for_o although_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o we_o may_v also_o consider_v that_o god_n suffer_v and_o bring_v upon_o the_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n many_o trial_n and_o affliction_n which_o yet_o god_n know_v how_o to_o make_v 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