which_o be_v incident_a to_o any_o one_o man_n also_o to_o avoid_v tyranny_n which_o become_v no_o christian_a least_o of_o all_o church_n man_n beside_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v away_o that_o odium_fw-la and_o burden_n of_o affair_n that_o may_v lie_v too_o heavy_a on_o one_o man_n shoulder_n as_o he_o think_v it_o do_v former_o on_o the_o bishop_n here_o we_o judge_v the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a office_n to_o be_v a_o personal_a trust_n not_o to_o be_v discharge_v by_o delegation_n to_o other_o and_o especial_o that_o it_o can_v be_v depute_v to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o that_o secular_a person_n can_v administer_v that_o power_n which_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o spiritual_a officer_n and_o we_o can_v justify_v any_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o a_o state_v bereave_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o that_o power_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o their_o office_n and_o in_o a_o state_v hinder_v of_o the_o effectual_a exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n 8._o we_o detest_v all_o manner_n of_o sacrilege_n and_o we_o think_v we_o be_v as_o willing_a as_o any_o other_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v note_v and_o reprove_v and_o that_o one_o kind_n thereof_o the_o unjust_a alienation_n of_o land_n and_o good_n devote_v to_o the_o church_n use_n for_o the_o support_n of_o god_n service_n we_o utter_o condemn_v but_o there_o be_v those_o that_o think_v they_o can_v never_o enough_o inveigh_v against_o this_o kind_n yet_o fear_v not_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o sin_n in_o other_o instance_n which_o be_v not_o less_o abominable_a as_o the_o sacrilege_n of_o pluralist_n non-residents_a and_o all_o negligent_a and_o insufficient_a minister_n who_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a take_v the_o ministerial_a benefice_n and_o not_o perform_v the_o service_n and_o to_o alienate_v person_n and_o gift_n that_o have_v beensolemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n we_o take_v to_o be_v real_a sacrilege_n 9_o we_o be_v as_o willing_a as_o any_o other_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o schism_n but_o we_o earnest_o desire_v many_o that_o cry_v out_o against_o schismatic_n more_o impartial_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o to_o hate_v it_o in_o its_o full_a extent_n we_o know_v the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o christian_a unity_n and_o concord_n and_o the_o deformity_n and_o misery_n of_o division_n and_o earnest_o pray_v that_o christian_a charity_n may_v be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o we_o be_v christ_n disciple_n by_o our_o love_v one_o another_o we_o be_v for_o build_v the_o church_n unity_n upon_o its_o only_a adequate_a foundation_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o vain_a do_v any_o hope_n to_o build_v it_o upon_o a_o narrow_a foundation_n we_o be_v against_o the_o devise_v of_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o new_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o enforce_a of_o oath_n and_o subscription_n to_o the_o same_o we_o require_v subscription_n or_o engagement_n to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o holy_a bible_n and_o if_o any_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o wicked_a error_n or_o practice_n let_v they_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o that_o unalterable_a law_n which_o themselves_o have_v assent_v to_o and_o we_o think_v this_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n integrity_n of_o life_n and_o holy_a peace_n but_o if_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n or_o article_n of_o religion_n be_v insist_v on_o we_o allow_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o preacher_n who_o may_v be_v punishable_a if_o they_o preach_v contrary_a doctrine_n though_o they_o be_v not_o enforce_v to_o subscribe_v to_o every_o tittle_n moreover_o we_o hold_v not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o forsake_v a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n for_o the_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n find_v therein_o or_o to_o separate_v from_o its_o worship_n for_o the_o tolerable_a fault_n thereof_o while_o our_o personal_a profession_n of_o some_o error_n or_o practice_n of_o some_o evil_n be_v not_o require_v as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n how_o be_v it_o we_o be_v not_o so_o indifferent_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o pastor_n the_o more_o pure_a and_o powerful_a administration_n of_o god_n ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o faulty_a and_o less_o effectual_a and_o here_o again_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o this_o preferrence_n due_a caution_n must_v be_v use_v we_o must_v not_o respect_v our_o own_o particular_a benefit_n before_o public_a peace_n and_o order_n and_o the_o general_a good_a 10._o we_o believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v god_n ordinance_n necessary_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o their_o whole_a authority_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o subordinate_a to_o he_o the_o only_a universal_a and_o unlimited_a sovereign_a lord_n that_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n be_v high_o and_o noble_a end_n of_o their_o authority_n than_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o peace_n that_o all_o their_o decree_n and_o execution_n shall_v chief_o refer_v to_o these_o end_n and_o that_o in_o their_o way_n they_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a episcopacy_n over_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o sacred_a administration_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o negligence_n or_o maladministration_n that_o they_o may_v call_v synod_n and_o make_v canon_n and_o warrantable_o thus_o reform_v the_o church_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n according_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a in_o these_o his_o majesty_n realm_n and_o dominion_n moreover_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o high_a power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mere_a executioner_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o ecclesiastic_n but_o that_o they_o may_v and_o must_v be_v judge_n thereof_o themselves_o in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o execution_n that_o their_o great_a and_o proper_a work_n about_o religion_n be_v to_o encourage_v and_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o in_o subserviency_n thereunto_o to_o determine_v such_o thing_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la as_o be_v requisite_a in_o general_n but_o in_o the_o particular_n be_v leave_v undetermined_a of_o god_n likewise_o that_o by_o moderate_a penalty_n they_o may_v restrain_v person_n of_o impious_a principle_n as_o atheist_n infidel_n heretic_n from_o vent_v their_o wicked_a error_n and_o from_o any_o open_a impious_a practice_n and_o that_o they_o may_v constrain_v man_n to_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v make_v universal_o necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o ignorant_a to_o knowledge_n but_o not_o to_o profess_v either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n what_o they_o believe_v not_o or_o to_o take_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v the_o special_a privilege_n of_o believer_n last_o their_o imperial_a government_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v mix_v with_o a_o paternal_a clemency_n and_o tenderness_n according_a to_o the_o meekness_n of_o christ_n who_o servant_n they_o be_v not_o only_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o magistrate_n 13._o it_o be_v our_o principle_n that_o humane_a law_n bind_v the_o conscience_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o the_o subject_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n not_o by_o a_o primary_n obligation_n as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v but_o by_o a_o secundary_a and_o subordinate_a as_o from_o a_o power_n derive_v from_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a and_o important_a truth_n that_o inferior_n ought_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a and_o important_a that_o when_o man_n command_n contradict_v the_o command_n of_o god_n it_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n that_o must_v have_v the_o preeminence_n in_o our_o obedience_n with_o we_o it_o be_v no_o controversy_n whether_o the_o king_n or_o conscience_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n only_o that_o enact_v public_a law_n and_o have_v the_o public_a decisive_a judgement_n whether_o according_a to_o his_o law_n we_o be_v justifiable_a or_o condemnable_a as_o for_o conscience_n it_o be_v no_o governor_n at_o all_o but_o only_o a_o discerner_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o internal_a witness_n for_o we_o or_o against_o we_o according_a to_o our_o practice_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o command_n of_o man_n be_v consentaneous_a or_o contrary_a thereunto_o which_o man_n call_v
a_o account_v give_v of_o the_o principle_n &_o practice_n of_o several_a nonconformist_n wherein_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v profess_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o of_o their_o persuasion_n against_o the_o misrepresentation_n make_v of_o they_o and_o in_o hearty_a desire_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o concord_n among_o all_o true_a protestant_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n in_o this_o time_n of_o their_o common_a danger_n write_a by_o mr._n john_n corbet_n late_o of_o chichester_n and_o approve_v by_o many_o other_o nonconformist_n london_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o 3_o crown_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1682._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n lest_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o here_o write_v in_o sense_n and_o very_o much_o in_o word_n with_o what_o i_o have_v publish_v do_v signify_v that_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o the_o author_n work_n but_o any_o of_o it_o i_o i_o do_v true_o acquaint_v you_o that_o he_o never_o so_o much_o as_o acquaint_v i_o with_o his_o write_n it_o nor_o do_v i_o read_v it_o all_o before_o i_o give_v it_o to_o the_o printer_n nor_o do_v i_o alter_v add_v or_o diminish_v one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o book_n but_o as_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o heart_n our_o agreement_n be_v no_o wonder_n and_o his_o widow_n the_o daughter_n of_o the_o famous_a dr._n twisse_n assure_v i_o that_o several_a eminent_a nonconform_v divine_v see_v it_o and_o approve_v it_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o most_o other_o will_v do_v when_o they_o have_v serious_o peruse_v it_o but_o alas_o i_o that_o have_v know_v these_o twenty_o year_n what_o other_o design_n have_v be_v in_o some_o man_n head_n inconsistent_a with_o all_o such_o endeavour_n for_o our_o concord_n and_o how_o powerful_a those_o man_n have_v be_v who_o profess_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o concord_n and_o avoid_v schism_n but_o by_o obey_v the_o govern_n universal_a church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o universal_a legislation_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v a_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n i_o say_v i_o that_o know_v this_o must_v needs_o know_v how_o little_o more_o than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o conscience_n such_o pacificatory_a endeavour_n as_o these_o do_v signify_v but_o as_o my_o dear_a brother_n die_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o christ_n judgement_n bless_a be_v the_o peacemaker_n the_o rest_n of_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n so_o to_o die_v richard_n baxter_n feb._n 10._o 1681._o several_a tract_n not_o yet_o print_v prepare_v for_o the_o press_n and_o leave_v under_o mr._n john_n corbett'_v own_o handting_n intend_v short_o to_o be_v publish_v be_v as_o follow_v 1._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n 2._o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n compare_v with_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n 3._o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o conformity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o 5._o a_o tract_n of_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n 6._o of_o divine_a worship_n in_o three_o part_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n kind_n part_n and_o adjunct_n of_o divine_a worship_n 2._o of_o idolatry_n 3._o of_o superstition_n less_o than_o idolatry_n 7._o his_o humble_a representation_n of_o his_o case_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n 8._o discourse_n between_o dr._n gunning_n late_a bishop_n of_o chichester_n and_o himself_o wherein_o be_v several_a humble_a defence_n make_v both_o as_o to_o his_o principle_n and_o practice_n 9_o a_o humble_a endeavour_n of_o some_o plain_a and_o brief_a explication_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n about_o the_o free_a action_n of_o men._n more_o especial_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o divine_a grace_n 10._o matrimonial_a purity_n a_o account_v give_v by_o some_o deprive_a minister_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n etc._n etc._n the_o manifold_a reproach_n heap_v upon_o the_o nonconformist_n among_o who_o it_o be_v our_o lot_n to_o be_v number_v have_v fill_v the_o whole_a nation_n our_o religion_n have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o mixture_n of_o folly_n and_o villainy_n our_o principle_n and_o temper_n as_o turbulent_a seditious_a and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n or_o state_n and_o our_o pretence_n as_o frivolous_a and_o often_o baffle_v our_o governor_n have_v be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o we_o as_o their_o worst_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n and_o excite_v to_o use_v the_o utmost_a severity_n against_o we_o hereupon_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o to_o bear_v his_o just_a rebuke_n in_o the_o unjust_a reproach_n cast_v upon_o we_o by_o man_n also_o to_o suffer_v these_o indignity_n with_o christian_a patience_n and_o to_o show_v ourselves_o reconcilable_a to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o adverse_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v peace_n and_o concord_n with_o they_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a many_o of_o who_o we_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v act_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o a_o undissembled_a zeal_n though_o not_o regulate_v by_o sound_a knowledge_n or_o due_a charity_n but_o hurry_v with_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n and_o passion_n we_o hold_v it_o also_o our_o duty_n not_o to_o neglect_v our_o own_o necessary_a vindication_n but_o in_o honest_a simplicity_n to_o make_v know_v to_o all_o what_o principal_n and_o practice_n we_o own_o and_o stand_v to_o though_o we_o be_v teach_v and_o encourage_v to_o labour_n and_o suffer_v reproach_n and_o to_o reckon_v it_o a_o very_a small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n judgement_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o vindicate_v our_o innocence_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o out_o of_o charity_n towards_o all_o man_n to_o provide_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v that_o none_o may_v take_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v in_o we_o and_o here_o it_o shall_v suffice_v we_o only_o to_o make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o ourselves_o have_v this_o confidence_n that_o the_o bare_a state_v of_o our_o case_n will_v be_v our_o sufficient_a defence_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o declare_v that_o with_o we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n as_o such_o but_o christianity_n or_o real_a godliness_n which_o be_v most_o summary_o comprise_v in_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o more_o explicit_o yet_o brief_o in_o the_o creed_n lord_n prayer_n and_o decaloge_n and_o at_o large_a and_o most_o perfect_o in_o the_o holy_a bible_n a_o religiousness_n make_v up_o of_o little_a opinion_n and_o mode_n and_o phrase_n and_o siding_n with_o this_o or_o the_o other_o party_n be_v none_o of_o we_o though_o we_o be_v injurious_o personate_v in_o some_o late_a write_n to_o act_v such_o a_o part_n i'faith_o hope_n and_o love_n be_v the_o essence_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o we_o difference_n in_o thing_n not_o essential_a do_v not_o make_v different_a religion_n we_o disdain_v our_o be_v of_o a_o party_n as_o such_o and_o though_o the_o godly_a be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n we_o confine_v not_o godliness_n to_o any_o peculiar_a way_n narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n we_o make_v no_o humane_a addition_n in_o sacred_a thing_n nor_o any_o mutable_a circumstance_n to_o be_v the_o term_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n 2._o according_o we_o seek_v not_o the_o advancement_n of_o any_o sect_n or_o party_n to_o the_o injury_n or_o neglect_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o christian_a cause_n or_o the_o common_a good_a and_o as_o we_o be_v no_o faction_n we_o know_v that_o factiousness_n be_v not_o our_o interest_n but_o turn_v to_o our_o great_a loss_n our_o aim_n be_v christian_n and_o catholic_n we_o seek_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n or_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o man_n profess_v true_a christianity_n in_o order_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a or_o the_o society_n of_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o to_o these_o end_n we_o desire_v and_o most_o approve_v the_o primitive_a simplicity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o herein_o we_o boast_v not_o as_o if_o we_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a spirit_n but_o we_o answer_v they_o who_o have_v trample_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o impertinent_a trifle_a sect._n 3._o we_o hearty_o own_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n contain_v in_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o article_n except_o those_o two_o or_o three_o that_o relate_v only_o to_o some_o of_o our_o present_a difference_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o
the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n if_o the_o magistrate_n command_v be_v just_a the_o subject_n pretend_v against_o its_o lawfulness_n can_v justify_v his_o disobedience_n and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v sinful_a his_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a can_v excuse_v his_o do_v of_o it_o from_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v the_o subject_n duty_n in_o these_o case_n first_o to_o lay_v by_o his_o error_n and_o then_o to_o act_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o his_o own_o true_a information_n whereas_o some_o teach_v that_o when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o be_v certain_a that_o obedience_n to_o authority_n be_v a_o duty_n we_o must_v do_v the_o thing_n we_o conceive_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v in_o a_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v because_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o must_v not_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n command_v in_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o our_o ignorance_n or_o error_n can_v alter_v our_o obligation_n to_o god_n law_n here_o be_v therefore_o a_o uncertainty_n on_o either_o side_n and_o perhaps_o the_o danger_n may_v be_v great_a on_o the_o side_n of_o obey_v than_o refuse_v for_o possible_o the_o injunction_n of_o a_o heinous_a sin_n may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o in_o this_o straight_o we_o apprehend_v it_o more_o unsafe_a and_o less_o excusable_a to_o choose_v the_o great_a before_o the_o lesser_a sin_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o choose_v neither_o we_o hold_v not_o that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v unlawful_a by_o be_v command_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a before_o the_o magistrate_n command_n do_v after_o the_o command_n become_v a_o duty_n it_o be_v such_o as_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o command_v indeed_o we_o can_v receive_v the_o dictate_v of_o some_o man_n who_o have_v write_v too_o dare_o about_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o humane_a power_n we_o boast_v not_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o make_v man_n of_o ductile_a conscience_n obsequious_a to_o all_o design_n and_o interest_n but_o we_o embrace_v such_o as_o will_v keep_v the_o church_n and_o world_n in_o order_n 14._o when_o the_o high_a power_n command_v what_o god_n forbid_v though_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o perform_v it_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a and_o not_o resist_v but_o patient_o submit_v to_o suffer_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o warrant_v subject_n to_o take_v arm_n against_o their_o lawful_a prince_n nor_o may_v they_o by_o arm_a violence_n against_o authority_n attempt_v the_o public_a reformation_n thereof_o we_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a by_o the_o constitution_n and_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o any_o subject_n to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n his_o office_n authority_n or_o person_n or_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n to_o resist_v any_o magistrate_n or_o officer_n legal_o commissionated_a or_o authorize_v by_o he_o yea_o subject_n be_v bind_v not_o only_o not_o to_o resist_v but_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v their_o sovereign_n with_o their_o estate_n and_o life_n and_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n obedience_n and_o loyalty_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o root_v out_o all_o principle_n of_o sedition_n rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n we_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v under_o no_o bond_n or_o obligation_n to_o act_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o these_o our_o avow_a principle_n and_o we_o further_o make_v know_v our_o detestation_n of_o all_o the_o indignity_n and_o violence_n offer_v to_o the_o person_n of_o our_o late_a sovereign_n and_o especial_o that_o most_o horrid_a execrable_a fact_n of_o take_v away_o his_o life_n as_o also_o the_o usurpation_n and_o violent_a change_n of_o the_o government_n that_o do_v accompany_v the_o same_o against_o which_o crime_n while_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o the_o brethren_n of_o our_o persuasion_n open_o protest_v even_o to_o the_o face_n of_o the_o actor_n touch_v government_n and_o obedience_n we_o know_v no_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o conform_v clergy_n that_o be_v pure_o moral_a or_o theological_n indeed_o there_o have_v be_v political_a and_o law_n controversy_n respect_v the_o different_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n now_o some_o man_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o design_n have_v make_v these_o to_o be_v take_v for_o difference_n in_o religion_n when_o as_o they_o be_v agitate_a among_o statesman_n and_o lawyer_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o with_o much_o variety_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o opinion_n and_o as_o for_o we_o we_o public_o profess_v to_o ascribe_v as_o much_o to_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a power_n as_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o by_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n in_o any_o general_a council_n or_o by_o any_o protestant_a church_n in_o any_o synod_n or_o public_a confession_n thereof_o and_o in_o the_o political_a question_n about_o royal_a prerogative_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o people_n immunity_n we_o interpose_v not_o at_o all_o for_o they_o be_v out_o of_o our_o sphere_n but_o in_o reference_n thereunto_o we_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 15._o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o free_a and_o open_a deal_n will_v be_v our_o defence_n against_o those_o licentious_a tongue_n and_o pen_n that_o have_v proclaim_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v a_o foolish_a religion_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o religion_n profess_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o our_o principle_n of_o government_n have_v a_o palpable_a inconsistence_n with_o the_o welfare_n of_o governor_n when_o we_o offer_v a_o appeal_n concern_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n both_o of_o the_o present_a and_o former_a age_n as_o for_o our_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n it_o be_v our_o grievance_n and_o distress_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o will_n to_o help_v we_o we_o affect_v not_o singularity_n disunity_n or_o dissent_n from_o other_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v constrain_v to_o it_o we_o take_v it_o for_o our_o infelicity_n we_o grudge_n not_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o other_o but_o be_v so_o far_o glad_a on_o the_o behalf_n of_o able_a and_o faithful_a man_n as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o more_o public_a service_n for_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o though_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v in_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o have_v gain_v it_o yet_o we_o retain_v charity_n and_o peace_n towards_o they_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o true_a religion_n 16._o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o our_o case_n who_o think_v it_o be_v the_o mere_a inexpedience_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v that_o we_o stick_v at_o we_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o assertion_n and_o the_o lawfullness_n of_o some_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o fear_v the_o dangerous_a tendency_n of_o some_o form_n and_o rule_n of_o ministration_n of_o which_o and_o of_o other_o matter_n in_o difference_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o particular_a account_n when_o authority_n shall_v require_v it_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o dissent_n be_v comparative_o small_a thing_n and_o in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v value_v more_o than_o unity_n and_o peace_n we_o lay_v the_o main_a stress_n on_o the_o main_a truth_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o these_o lesser_a thing_n we_o will_v bear_v with_o other_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o but_o other_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o we_o in_o forbear_v to_o own_o or_o use_v they_o while_o we_o think_v they_o erroneous_a and_o forbid_a or_o at_o least_o do_v rational_o doubt_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o lawfullness_n now_o this_o press_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o do_v lesser_a evil_n that_o great_a good_n may_v come_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v these_o comparative_o little_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a thing_n to_o sin_n deliberate_o in_o the_o least_o matter_n and_o the_o wilful_a breach_n of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n commandment_n be_v a_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o whereas_o we_o be_v common_o say_v to_o strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v camel_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o convict_v of_o such_o partiality_n let_v we_o bear_v this_o brand_n of_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v our_o accuser_n know_v and_o dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o rash_a judgement_n moreover_o if_o some_o of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v small_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a thing_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o about_o they_o
namely_o a_o declaration_n and_o subscription_n of_o our_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o large_a humane_a volume_n impose_v by_o our_o superior_n who_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v not_o infallible_a we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o our_o internal_a judgement_n and_o choice_n leave_v to_o we_o about_o a_o multitude_n of_o humane_a ordinance_n and_o determination_n our_o peaceable_a bear_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o that_o practice_n these_o thing_n yea_o our_o quiet_a submission_n to_o the_o use_n thereof_o as_o tolerable_a suffice_v not_o as_o we_o apprehend_v it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o hearty_a and_o entire_a approbation_n thereof_o as_o laudable_a have_v we_o sufficient_a authoritative_a warrant_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o recognition_n import_v no_o more_o than_o our_o peaceable_a behaviour_n towards_o the_o church_n as_o some_o have_v intimate_v we_o will_v as_o ready_o subscribe_v the_o same_o as_o they_o but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o presumption_n of_o such_o a_o meaning_n as_o have_v no_o better_a warrant_n and_o we_o dread_v to_o profess_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o disallow_v furthermore_o though_o in_o some_o regard_n we_o be_v more_o concern_v about_o the_o controvert_v opinion_n form_n and_o ceremony_n to_o wit_n as_o they_o be_v bind_v upon_o all_o conformist_n to_o be_v personal_o own_v and_o use_v by_o they_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o enforce_a of_o reordination_n which_o be_v a_o bar_n set_v to_o many_o of_o our_o number_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o or_o more_o concern_v it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o so_o to_o bind_v ourselves_o under_o all_o the_o present_a order_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o its_o management_n as_o to_o engage_v against_o all_o necessary_a reformation_n we_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n lie_v in_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o we_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o set_v any_o bar_n against_o it_o by_o our_o own_o act_n 17._o but_o least_o by_o this_o intimation_n we_o may_v be_v think_v to_o intend_v what_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o we_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v not_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o king_n who_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n we_o have_v before_o acknowledge_v nor_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o true_a episcopal_a office_n which_o christ_n have_v settle_v in_o his_o church_n nor_o will_v we_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o seditious_a or_o unlawful_a mean_n but_o only_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n by_o humble_o petition_v our_o superior_n or_o obey_v the_o king_n if_o he_o command_v it_o or_o such_o like_a lawful_a mean_n as_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n 18._o we_o affect_v not_o church-domination_n howsoever_o we_o have_v be_v report_v to_o grasp_v at_o power_n in_o our_o own_o way_n as_o much_o as_o other_o do_v in_o they_o we_o only_o desire_v a_o liberty_n of_o discharge_v our_o duty_n to_o the_o congregation_n to_o which_o we_o be_v send_v we_o will_v exercise_v discipline_n towards_o such_o only_a as_o voluntary_o submit_v thereunto_o we_o will_v have_v no_o coercive_a power_n annex_v unto_o it_o nor_o temporal_a penalty_n immediate_o consequent_a to_o any_o spiritual_a sentence_n we_o utter_o disclaim_v this_o opinion_n that_o when_o the_o clergy_n have_v excommunicate_v any_o man_n the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o confiscate_v banish_v or_o otherwise_o punish_v mere_o upon_o their_o sentence_n without_o hear_v or_o try_v the_o cause_n by_o his_o law_n at_o his_o own_o bar_n we_o look_v upon_o church_n tyranny_n as_o the_o great_a calamity_n of_o christendom_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o its_o advancement_n under_o any_o form_n of_o government_n whatsoever_o have_v read_v in_o history_n by_o what_o step_v the_o roman_a clergy_n overtope_v prince_n and_o emperor_n we_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n promote_v the_o twist_v of_o clergy_n domination_n by_o oath_n and_o other_o public_a engagement_n into_o the_o frame_n of_o secular_a kingdom_n and_o that_o in_o precedency_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n 19_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n can_v be_v here_o expect_v by_o any_o that_o know_v upon_o what_o term_n we_o stand_v we_o make_v it_o our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a supplication_n to_o our_o superior_n that_o by_o their_o favourable_a permission_n we_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o write_v and_o publish_v more_o large_o and_o particular_o both_o touch_v our_o dissent_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o accusation_n make_v against_o we_o for_o such_o a_o defence_n as_o we_o now_o ask_v leave_n to_o make_v have_v hitherto_o be_v for_o bear_v to_o avoid_v the_o displeasure_n of_o our_o governor_n 20._o it_o be_v easy_a for_o that_o side_n which_o be_v uppermost_a to_o speak_v for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o as_o much_o have_v be_v write_v as_o may_v satisfy_v any_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v satisfy_v but_o they_o shall_v remember_v the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o mankind_n and_o what_o strange_a disparity_n there_o be_v in_o man_n understanding_n and_o what_o diversity_n of_o apprehension_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o doubtful_a disputation_n we_o profess_v in_o his_o sight_n who_o know_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v satisfy_v if_o we_o know_v how_o and_o there_o be_v rational_a evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v for_o that_o our_o dissatisfaction_n must_v needs_o be_v against_o our_o interest_n if_o it_o be_v remediable_a any_o conscientious_a principle_n narrow_a than_o the_o truth_n entangle_v those_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o our_o principle_n of_o nonconformity_n if_o erroneous_a be_v a_o great_a snare_n unto_o we_o and_o keep_v we_o under_o such_o confinement_n as_o be_v no_o way_n desirable_a by_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o may_v be_v free_a we_o will_v use_v it_o rather_o and_o willing_o retract_v that_o error_n that_o put_v we_o to_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o sure_o they_o judge_v too_o hardly_o of_o we_o that_o think_v the_o suppose_a shame_n of_o a_o retractation_n will_v keep_v we_o from_o embrace_v our_o own_o liberty_n and_o safety_n and_o promote_a the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n if_o our_o conscience_n be_v well_o secure_v we_o will_v trust_v god_n with_o our_o reputation_n to_o those_o that_o speak_v of_o our_o baffle_a cause_n and_o charge_v we_o with_o invincible_a obstinacy_n after_o shameful_a overthrow_n we_o shall_v not_o now_o mention_v such_o book_n of_o special_a note_n and_o not_o tedious_o voluminous_a as_o be_v write_v on_o our_o side_n in_o former_a time_n by_o man_n of_o reputation_n that_o be_v never_o answer_v we_o shall_v only_o mind_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o answer_n have_v be_v make_v to_o some_o late_a publish_v write_n on_o our_o part_n as_o the_o petition_n for_o peace_n with_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o the_o last_o reply_n make_v to_o the_o bishop_n by_o the_o divine_n commissioned_n together_o with_o they_o for_o the_o review_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n though_o the_o matter_n and_o season_n earnest_o call_v for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n before_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n come_v forth_o while_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o suffer_v be_v under_o public_a consultation_n 21._o our_o dissent_n can_v be_v no_o just_a provocation_n to_o any_o our_o equal_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n no_o more_o reproach_v in_o we_o than_o we_o in_o they_o and_o we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v think_v to_o reflect_v a_o imputation_n of_o evil_n on_o they_o than_o they_o on_o we_o towards_o our_o superior_n our_o dissent_n carry_v in_o it_o no_o more_o indignity_n than_o a_o supposition_n that_o they_o may_v err_v and_o we_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o christian_a concord_n 22._o his_o majesty_n express_v his_o resolution_n to_o become_v the_o effectual_a moderator_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o gracious_o accept_v the_o proposal_n make_v by_o some_o of_o we_o with_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o moderation_n this_o he_o have_v large_o make_v know_v in_o his_o declaration_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n wherein_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n that_o attend_v on_o he_o in_o holland_n to_o our_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n we_o find_v they_o person_n full_a of_o affection_n to_o we_o and_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o neither_o