Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
cause_n	church_n	law_n	reason_n	1,462	5	5.0162	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A26103	A collection of svndry petitions presented to the Kings Most Excellent Majestie as also to the two most honourable houses, now assembled in Parliament, and others, already signed, by most of the gentry, ministers, and free-holders of severall counties, in behalfe of episcopacie, liturgie, and supportation of church-revenues, and suppression of schismaticks / collected by a faithful lover of the church, for the comfort of the dejected clergy, and all moderately affected Protestants.	Aston, Thomas, Sir, 1600-1645.; Charles I, King of England, 1600-1649.; England and Wales. Parliament.	1642 (1642)	Wing A4073; ESTC R208748	30,703	48

a_o collection_n of_o sundry_a petition_n present_v to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n as_o also_o to_o the_o two_o most_o honourable_a house_n now_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n and_o other_o already_o sign_v by_o most_o of_o the_o gentry_n minister_n and_o freeholder_n of_o several_a county_n in_o behalf_n of_o episcopacy_n liturgy_n and_o supportation_n of_o church-revenue_n and_o suppression_n of_o schismatic_n collect_v by_o a_o faithful_a lover_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o deject_a clergy_n and_o all_o moderate_o affect_v protestant_n publish_a by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n ezek._n 34.18_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o seem_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n unto_o you_o to_o have_v eat_v up_o the_o good_a pasture_n but_o you_o must_v tread_v down_o with_o your_o foot_n the_o residue_n also_o therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n because_o you_o have_v thrust_v with_o side_n and_o with_o shoulder_n and_o push_v all_o the_o disease_a with_o your_o horn_n till_o you_o have_v scatter_v they_o abroad_o therefore_o will_v i_o save_v my_o flock_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o prey_n and_o i_o will_v judge_v between_o cattle_n and_o cattle_n and_o i_o will_v set_v up_o one_o shepherd_n over_o they_o and_o he_o shall_v feed_v they_o even_o my_o servant_n david_n he_o shall_v feed_v they_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v their_o shepherd_n i_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o my_o servant_n david_n a_o prince_n among_o they_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o print_v for_o william_n sheares_n 1642._o the_o collector_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n let_v i_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n as_o these_o time_n do_v i_o of_o a_o special_a law_n in_o that_o singular_a pattern_n of_o a_o well_o compose_a state_n sparta_n so_o sensible_a be_v they_o of_o the_o ill_a effect_n of_o innovation_n in_o government_n that_o who_o ever_o propose_v a_o new_a law_n present_v himself_o with_o a_o halter_n about_o his_o neck_n his_o head_n pay_v the_o trespass_n of_o a_o new_a invent_a prejudice_n but_o oh_o quantum_fw-la mutantur_fw-la tempora_fw-la quantum_fw-la nos_fw-la so_o rare_a a_o gift_n have_v the_o illuminate_a fancy_n of_o this_o all-knowing_a age_n that_o old_a woman_n without_o spectacle_n can_v discover_v popish_a plot_n young_a man_n and_o prentice_n assume_v to_o regulate_v the_o rebellion_n in_o jreland_n seaman_n and_o mariner_n reform_v the_o house_n of_o peer_n poor_a man_n porter_n and_o labourer_n spy_v out_o a_o malignant_a party_n and_o discipline_n they_o the_o country_n clouted-shoe_n renew_v the_o decay_a trade_n of_o the_o city_n the_o cobbler_n patch_v up_o a_o religion_n and_o all_o these_o petition_n for_o a_o translation_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n with_o so_o little_a fear_n of_o the_o halter_n that_o they_o will_v think_v themselves_o neglect_v if_o they_o have_v not_o thanks_o for_o their_o care_n of_o the_o republic_n only_o he_o that_o desire_v the_o ratification_n of_o a_o old_a law_n or_o of_o a_o long_a settle_a ecclesiastic_a government_n look_v as_o if_o the_o halter_n be_v his_o share_n and_o though_o there_o be_v thirty_o thousand_o hand_n subscribe_v to_o it_o it_o be_v odds_n not_o one_o of_o all_o those_o dare_v prefer_v a_o petition_n to_o that_o purpose_n oh_a quis_fw-la pudor_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la praestet_fw-la fides_fw-la quod_fw-la praestitit_fw-la infidelitas_fw-la oh_a what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o a_o ignorant_a separatist_n shall_v covert_o draw_v subscriber_n out_o of_o blind_a zeal_n to_o loose_a paper_n and_o those_o to_o be_v annex_v to_o some_o embryon_n yet_o unhatched_a and_o deliver_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o county_n with_o confidence_n when_o a_o knight_n of_o a_o shire_n shall_v perhaps_o smother_v the_o true_a child_n and_o dare_v not_o own_o it_o that_o a_o few_o innovator_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o summon_v to_o black-heath_n southwark_n and_o saint-george_n his_o field_n thousand_o of_o credulous_a people_n with_o implicit_a faith_n to_o go_v along_o with_o petition_n shall_v be_v show_v they_o when_o they_o come_v there_o for_o the_o alteration_n of_o law_n and_o government_n and_o the_o resolution_n of_o a_o assize_n or_o session_n of_o justice_n publish_v in_o all_o parish_n sign_v by_o all_o the_o freeholder_n of_o a_o county_n for_o the_o supportation_n of_o law_n and_o government_n shall_v not_o produce_v one_o patriot_n to_o present_v the_o unanimous_a desire_n of_o a_o county_n yet_o it_o fall_v out_o often_o so_o when_o single_a hearted_a man_n be_v encounter_v by_o a_o faction_n each_o man_n think_v he_o stand_v alone_o unassured_a of_o a_o second_o when_o ten_o of_o the_o other_o confederate_v make_v more_o noise_n than_o 10000_o silent_a man_n episcopacy_n and_o liturgy_n be_v both_o legal_o plant_v at_o this_o time_n both_o violent_o assault_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o battery_n or_o the_o defence_n be_v the_o strong_a the_o one_o side_n charge_v furious_o the_o other_o suffer_v silent_o patient_o and_o a_o reserve_a strength_n oft_o master_v a_o violent_a but_o each_o orthodox_a son_n of_o the_o church_n think_v himself_o in_o eliah_n case_n that_o he_o alone_o be_v leave_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o alas_o what_o can_v he_o do_v and_o perhaps_o thou_o my_o reader_n art_n one_o of_o those_o courage_n man_n the_o same_o god_n that_o teach_v he_o to_o know_v he_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v never_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n when_o he_o open_v thy_o eye_n can_v show_v thou_o not_o seven_o but_o seventy_o time_n seven_o thousand_o true_a protestant_n that_o will_v lend_v their_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o uphold_v that_o apostolic_a order_n this_o bless_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n the_o business_n be_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a time_n every_o man_n afraid_a to_o break_v his_o shin_n by_o be_v foremost_a but_o the_o ice_n be_v break_v already_o this_o collection_n of_o these_o many_o sleep_a petition_n will_v show_v every_o county_n that_o the_o way_n be_v open_a and_o since_o noise_n and_o number_n be_v take_v into_o consideration_n the_o forwardness_n of_o the_o assailant_n will_v i_o believe_v put_v shame_n upon_o the_o defendant_n to_o be_v so_o far_o behind_o the_o judge_n be_v honourable_a and_o impartial_o receive_v the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n i_o presume_v none_o will_v discover_v a_o distrust_n of_o a_o fair_a acceptance_n or_o betray_v a_o trust_n out_o of_o a_o personal_a respect_n by_o detain_v such_o petition_n as_o the_o county_n have_v commit_v into_o their_o hand_n if_o all_o such_o as_o be_v already_o sign_v see_v the_o light_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o volume_n will_v be_v a_o large_a one_o and_o the_o number_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o defendant_n as_o much_o oversway_n the_o opponent_n as_o their_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n will_v outweigh_v the_o motive_n of_o those_o who_o only_o will_v because_o they_o will_v as_o if_o it_o be_v cause_n enough_o to_o overthrow_v establish_v law_n that_o they_o have_v desire_v it_o though_o they_o show_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o if_o all_o other_o county_n all_o true_a protestant_n with_o like_o liberty_n express_v their_o affection_n the_o distraction_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v quick_o settle_v to_o that_o good_a work_n i_o have_v lend_v my_o hand_n by_o lend_v thou_o and_o the_o world_n this_o light_n farewell_n a_o petition_n deliver_v in_o to_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a by_o sir_n thomas_n aston_n baronet_n from_o the_o county_n palatine_n of_o chester_n concerning_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o high_a and_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n the_o nobility_n knight_n gentry_n minister_n freeholder_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o county_n palatine_n of_o chester_n who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v in_o the_o several_a schedule_n hereunto_o annex_v humble_o show_v that_o whereas_o divers_a petition_n have_v late_o be_v carry_v about_o this_o county_n against_o the_o present_a form_n of_o church-government_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o person_n of_o ordinary_a quality_n solicit_v to_o the_o same_o with_o pretence_n to_o be_v present_v to_o this_o honourable_a assembly_n which_o we_o conceive_v not_o so_o much_o to_o aim_v at_o reformation_n as_o absolute_a innovation_n of_o government_n and_o such_o as_o must_v give_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o hold_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o disavow_v they_o all_o and_o humble_o pray_v that_o we_o incur_v no_o miscensure_n if_o any_o such_o clamour_n have_v without_o our_o privity_n assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o county_n we_o as_o other_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o common_a grievance_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o rejoice_v at_o and_o acknowledge_v with_o thankfulness_n the_o pious_a care_n which_o be_v already_o take_v for_o the_o suppress_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o popery_n the_o

of_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n within_o the_o diocese_n of_o canterbury_n most_o humble_o show_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o kingdom_n have_v by_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o almighty_a god_n for_o many_o year_n last_o past_a happy_o flourish_v above_o all_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n under_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n by_o law_n establish_v yet_o have_v it_o be_v of_o late_a most_o miserable_o distract_v through_o the_o sinister_a practice_n of_o some_o private_a person_n ill_o affect_v to_o they_o both_o by_o who_o mean_n the_o present_a government_n be_v disgrace_v and_o traduce_v the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v profane_v and_o in_o part_n deface_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v contemn_v and_o despise_v the_o ornament_n and_o many_o utensil_n of_o the_o church_n be_v abuse_v the_o liturgy_n and_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n deprave_v and_o neglect_v that_o absolute_a model_n of_o prayer_n the_o lord_n prayer_n vilify_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o some_o place_n undue_o administer_v in_o other_o place_n omit_v solemn_a day_n of_o fast_v observe_v and_o appoint_v by_o private_a person_n marriage_n illegal_o solemnize_v burial_n uncharitable_o perform_v and_o the_o very_a fundamental_a of_o our_o religion_n subvert_v by_o the_o publication_n of_o a_o new_a creed_n and_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o which_o purpose_n many_o offensive_a sermon_n be_v daily_o preach_v and_o many_o impious_a pamphlet_n print_v and_o in_o contempt_n of_o authority_n many_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n only_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o king_n nor_o government_n in_o this_o our_o israel_n whereby_o almighty_a god_n be_v high_o provoke_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n dishonour_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n endanger_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n disquiet_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n dishearten_v and_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n embolden_v 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humble_a petition_n of_o the_o gentry_n clergy_n and_o other_o inhabitant_n subscribe_v of_o the_o county_n of_o flint_n denbigh_n mountgomery_n carnarvan_n anglesey_n merion_v be_v the_o six_o shire_n of_o north-wales_n as_o it_o be_v present_v this_o present_a march_n the_o 5._o 1641._o acccompany_v with_o thirty_o thousand_o hand_n whereas_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o public_a liturgy_n thereof_o in_o the_o ancient_a liberty_n and_o form_n of_o government_n as_o they_o do_v now_o stand_v establish_v by_o law_n have_v be_v late_o bring_v in_o question_n and_o manifold_a petition_n from_o the_o several_a quarter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o other_o such_o like_a address_n concerning_o the_o same_o have_v be_v present_v to_o this_o honourable_a house_n we_o his_o majesty_n faithful_a subject_n in_o the_o principality_n and_o county_n of_o north-wales_n who_o it_o equal_o concern_v and_o as_o strong_o tie_v in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n do_v likewise_o presume_v to_o make_v our_o humble_a remonstrance_n and_o we_o do_v it_o after_o a_o long_a silence_n and_o expectation_n join_v with_o some_o fear_n and_o first_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v of_o near_a importance_n and_o we_o nothing_o doubt_n but_o you_o will_v take_v unto_o your_o tender_a thought_n so_o we_o do_v earnest_o propound_v and_o prostrate_v before_o you_o that_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o innovation_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a concernment_n as_o we_o conceive_v and_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o own_o great_a wisdom_n to_o judge_n what_o scruple_n and_o jealousy_n be_v like_o to_o arise_v if_o we_o be_v teach_v a_o new_a and_o different_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n after_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o without_o the_o deliberate_a and_o concurrent_a approbation_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o this_o and_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o many_o year_n in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o and_o all_o since_o the_o bless_a time_n of_o reformation_n the_o mere_a report_n hereof_o have_v already_o produce_v no_o good_a effect_n breed_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o ill-disposed_a person_n insolence_n and_o contempt_n in_o other_o perplexity_n and_o grief_n not_o know_v how_o to_o settle_v themselves_o or_o form_v their_o obedience_n in_o such_o distraction_n and_o sometime_o repugnancy_n of_o command_n then_o for_o the_o outward_a policy_n and_o form_n of_o government_n under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n bound_v by_o law_n and_o keep_v within_o their_o own_o limit_n it_o be_v as_o we_o believe_v that_o form_n which_o come_v into_o this_o island_n with_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o religion_n here_o and_o god_n so_o bless_v this_o island_n that_o religion_n come_v early_o in_o with_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n very_o near_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o in_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o after_o age_n the_o same_o have_v be_v constant_o maintain_v among_o we_o and_o that_o without_o any_o eminent_a interruption_n or_o gainsay_v even_o till_o these_o our_o day_n and_o now_o from_o the_o comfortable_a experience_n which_o we_o feel_v and_o which_o our_o father_n have_v tell_v we_o of_o the_o conveniency_n and_o moderation_n of_o this_o government_n together_o with_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o same_o a_o strong_a argument_n of_o god_n special_a protection_n we_o do_v in_o all_o humility_n represent_v and_o pray_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v still_o preserve_v entire_a in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o profess_v yet_o withal_o that_o we_o hearty_o disclaim_v all_o scandalous_a innovation_n and_o popish_a corruption_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o encourage_v in_o this_o suit_n because_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o unanimous_a and_o undivided_a request_n and_o vote_n of_o this_o whole_a country_n who_o can_v without_o some_o tremble_a entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o change_n in_o all_o which_o we_o do_v not_o presume_v to_o give_v any_o rule_n but_o as_o it_o become_v we_o humble_o declare_v and_o open_v our_o own_o breast_n and_o labour_n to_o deliver_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o testimony_n of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o discharge_v of_o our_o conscience_n who_o shall_v ever_o take_v comfort_n to_o find_v the_o same_o way_n of_o honour_v god_n continue_v in_o his_o own_o house_n of_o prayer_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n put_v to_o actual_a execution_n the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n preserve_v the_o rumour_a alteration_n decline_v and_o the_o distraction_n already_o too_o visible_a arise_v thereupon_o avoid_v and_o as_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o great_a wisdom_n will_v take_v care_n that_o our_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n establish_v shall_v be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o observe_v until_o by_o some_o absolute_a law_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a convocation_n or_o synod_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o prudent_a forefather_n in_o best_a time_n it_o be_v otherwise_o ordain_v so_o shall_v we_o never_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o a_o permanent_a blessing_n upon_o your_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n to_o the_o general_a happiness_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o our_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_a lord_n king_n charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n of_o england_n scotland_n france_n and_o ireland_n king_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o humble_a gratulation_n and_o petition_n of_o divers_a his_o majesty_n faithful_a subject_n of_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n within_o the_o county_n palatine_n of_o lancaster_n most_o gracious_a sovereign_n the_o most_o real_a and_o convincing_a testimony_n of_o your_o princely_a care_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n in_o your_o majesty_n realm_n and_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o your_o subject_n can_v no_o less_o than_o draw_v

our_o unanimous_a desire_n that_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n may_v continue_v as_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v and_o that_o the_o liturgy_n may_v be_v settle_v with_o such_o alteration_n if_o there_o be_v cause_n as_o your_o wisdom_n shall_v approve_v that_o the_o law_n against_o papist_n which_o oppose_v our_o religion_n and_o against_o sectary_n of_o late_a dangerous_o increase_v among_o we_o that_o trouble_v the_o peace_n thereof_o may_v be_v put_v in_o full_a execution_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v defective_a such_o further_a remedy_n therein_o may_v be_v provide_v as_o to_o your_o wisdom_n shall_v seem_v fit_a that_o a_o free_a synod_n of_o orthodox_a and_o peaceable_a divine_n may_v be_v convene_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o christianity_n for_o compose_v of_o all_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o safety_n of_o this_o county_n and_o kingdom_n may_v be_v provide_v 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the_o civil_a government_n into_o the_o fabric_n and_o body_n of_o which_o it_o be_v revert_v and_o incorporate_v and_o most_o apt_a and_o easy_a at_o all_o time_n by_o the_o state_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o order_n may_v for_o the_o future_a as_o former_o by_o your_o great_a authority_n be_v continue_v and_o maintain_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o preservation_n of_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n the_o reformation_n and_o suppression_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o the_o mature_a prevention_n of_o schism_n faction_n and_o sedition_n that_o cathedral_n the_o monument_n of_o our_o forefather_n charity_n the_o reward_n of_o present_a literature_n and_o furtherance_n of_o piety_n be_v also_o continue_v the_o which_o we_o your_o humble_a petitioner_n the_o more_o earnest_o beseech_v your_o honour_n to_o grant_v for_o that_o strange_a fear_n do_v possess_v our_o heart_n that_o the_o sudden_a mutation_n of_o government_n so_o long_o settle_v so_o well_o know_v and_o approve_v can_v recompense_v the_o disturbance_n and_o disorder_n which_o it_o may_v

all_o other_o what_o high_a presumption_n be_v it_o and_o how_o great_a a_o tyranny_n may_v it_o prove_v over_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o great_a increase_n of_o late_a of_o schismatic_n and_o sectary_n and_o of_o person_n not_o only_o separate_v and_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n at_o common_a prayer_n and_o divine_a service_n but_o also_o oppose_v and_o tumultuous_o interrupt_v other_o in_o the_o performance_n thereof_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n the_o frequent_a and_o many_o conventicle_n hold_v among_o they_o and_o their_o often_o meeting_n at_o all_o public_a convention_n of_o assize_n session_n fair_n market_n and_o other_o public_a assembly_n their_o earnest_n labour_v to_o solicit_v and_o draw_v the_o people_n to_o they_o and_o the_o general_a correspondence_n hold_v among_o they_o to_o advance_v their_o end_n herein_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n and_o must_v needs_o express_v our_o just_a 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condition_n of_o freeman_n and_o we_o hope_v and_o humble_o pray_v that_o the_o present_a form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o of_o church_n service_n and_o common_a prayer_n now_o establish_v by_o the_o statute_n of_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v settle_v and_o that_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o same_o or_o shall_v do_v or_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o derogation_n or_o deprave_v of_o the_o say_a divine_a service_n or_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n may_v without_o any_o further_a toleration_n or_o connivance_n undergo_v the_o pain_n punishment_n and_o forfeiture_n due_a therefore_o and_o that_o such_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o place_v of_o orthodox_a and_o peaceable_a man_n lecturer_n in_o all_o place_n who_o doctrine_n may_v tend_v rather_o to_o sound_v instruction_n and_o edification_n then_o lead_v to_o schism_n and_o faction_n all_o which_o we_o humble_o submit_v to_o your_o great_a judgement_n and_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n to_o assist_v and_o direct_v you_o from_o above_o with_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n to_o guide_v and_o bring_v all_o your_o consultation_n to_o happy_a conclusion_n to_o the_o high_a and_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n now_o sit_v the_o humble_a petition_n and_o remonstrance_n of_o the_o knight_n gentry_n clergy_n freeholder_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o county_n of_o somerset_n deliver_v to_o the_o house_n of_o peer_n by_o the_o lord_n marquess_n hartford_n the_o 10._o of_o december_n 1641._o we_o humble_o show_v that_o have_v with_o grief_n of_o mind_n hear_v of_o sundry_a petition_n which_o have_v be_v exhibit_v to_o this_o right_n honourable_a assembly_n by_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n about_o london_n and_o some_o county_n tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o church-government_n establish_v in_o this_o kingdom_n we_o therefore_o tender_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o both_o do_v in_o all_o humbleness_n presume_v to_o make_v know_v our_o opinion_n and_o desire_n concerning_o the_o same_o nothing_o doubt_v of_o the_o like_a good_a acceptance_n of_o our_o humble_a petition_n and_o remonstrance_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v tender_v with_o no_o less_o good_a affection_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o this_o whole_a kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v most_o thankful_a to_o god_n believe_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o most_o pious_a and_o the_o wise_a that_o any_o people_n or_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n have_v be_v bless_v withal_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n though_o we_o may_v not_o deny_v but_o through_o the_o frailty_n of_o man_n and_o corruption_n of_o time_n some_o thing_n of_o ill_a consequence_n and_o other_o needless_a be_v steal_v or_o thrust_v into_o it_o which_o we_o hearty_o wish_v may_v be_v reform_v and_o the_o church_n restore_v to_o its_o former_a purity_n and_o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o preserve_v from_o present_a and_o future_a innovation_n we_o wish_v the_o witting_o and_o malicious_o guilty_a of_o what_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v whether_o bishop_n or_o inferior_a clergy_n may_v receive_v condign_a punishment_n but_o for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o governor_n to_o destroy_v the_o government_n we_o trust_v it_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o wise_a and_o honourable_a assembly_n we_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o dispute_v the_o right_n of_o episcopacy_n whether_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o not_o it_o suffice_v we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n be_v ancient_a even_o near_o to_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o that_o it_o have_v please_v god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o make_v they_o most_o glorious_a instrument_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o preservation_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o with_o their_o blood_n they_o have_v frequent_o seal_v to_o posterity_n and_o how_o much_o this_o kingdom_n in_o particular_a be_v indebt_v to_o they_o for_o their_o piety_n their_o wisdom_n and_o suffering_n we_o trust_v shall_v never_o be_v forget_v our_o heart_n desire_v therefore_o be_v that_o the_o precious_a may_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o vile_a that_o the_o bad_a may_v be_v reject_v and_o the_o good_a retain_v furthermore_o have_v credible_o hear_v that_o our_o common_a prayer_n have_v be_v interrupt_v and_o despise_v of_o some_o misunderstanding_n or_o mislead_v people_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o our_o church_n we_o humble_o beseech_v you_o to_o take_v into_o your_o care_n the_o redress_n thereof_o as_o of_o a_o impiety_n not_o to_o be_v endure_v as_o also_o to_o take_v order_n for_o the_o severe_a punishment_n of_o those_o man_n if_o they_o may_v be_v discover_v who_o frequent_o publish_v pamphlet_n under_o a_o veil_n of_o religion_n yet_o conduce_v to_o confusion_n and_o rebellion_n all_o which_o we_o humble_o offer_v to_o your_o wisdom_n as_o the_o thought_n and_o desire_n of_o this_o county_n and_o as_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o multitude_n of_o the_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n most_o loyal_a subject_n beseech_v god_n to_o direct_v and_o prosper_v your_o counsel_n and_o you_o to_o pardon_v our_o error_n we_o rest_v at_o your_o command_n knight_n esquire_n divine_n gentleman_n freeholder_n inhabitant_n of_o the_o county_n of_o somerset_n none_o of_o they_o papist_n but_o all_o protestant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n 14350_o whereof_o knight_n esquire_n and_o gentleman_n 200_o divine_n 221_o io_n browne_n cler._n parliament_n to_o the_o high_a and_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o knight_n esquire_n gentleman_n and_o householder_n in_o the_o county_n of_o rutland_n in_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o family_n and_o of_o the_o parson_n vicar_n and_o curate_n for_o the_o clergy_n in_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n humble_o show_v that_o whereas_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a petition_n exhibit_v to_o this_o honourable_a court_n by_o person_n disaffect_a to_o the_o present_a government_n for_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o apostolical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n they_o by_o sedulity_n and_o zeal_n supply_v the_o want_n of_o fair_a pretence_n for_o the_o abolition_n of_o that_o which_o we_o hope_v no_o just_a reason_n can_v condemn_v and_o on_o the_o otherside_n many_o pious_a person_n true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v represent_v their_o just_a desire_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o upon_o great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n both_o in_o divinity_n and_o true_a policy_n we_o also_o lest_o we_o may_v seem_v unconcern_v and_o for_o fear_v lest_o our_o silence_n shall_v be_v exact_v as_o a_o crime_n at_o our_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v deficient_a to_o what_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o

of_o bishop_n will_v be_v a_o scandal_n not_o only_o to_o many_o weak_a christian_n who_o fear_v all_o innovation_n as_o guilty_a of_o some_o ill_a intendment_n upon_o their_o conscience_n but_o also_o to_o the_o strong_a which_o show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o giver_n not_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o if_o we_o must_v not_o scandalize_v our_o weak_a brethren_n much_o less_o our_o strong_a since_o this_o will_v entrench_v upon_o we_o in_o a_o high_a measure_n they_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v upon_o umbrage_n and_o impertinency_n 12_o where_o bishop_n be_v not_o there_o be_v not_o a_o honourable_a but_o familike_o clergy_n against_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o double_a honour_n 13_o by_o put_v down_o episcopacy_n we_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o those_o solemn_a benediction_n which_o the_o faith_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v the_o bishop_n rather_o to_o pronounce_v the_o 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the_o establish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o consider_v that_o since_o the_o 36._o article_n have_v approve_v and_o establish_v the_o book_n of_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n the_o abolition_n of_o episcopacy_n will_v nullify_v that_o article_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o make_v humble_a remonstrance_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v sudden_o recede_v from_o our_o great_a and_o solemn_a protestation_n for_o maintenance_n of_o our_o church_n doctrine_n but_o may_v it_o please_v this_o honourable_a assembly_n we_o consider_v on_o the_o other_o side_n 19_o the_o introduce_n of_o lay_a elder_n must_v needs_o bring_v a_o insupportable_a burden_n to_o all_o parish_n by_o maintain_v they_o at_o the_o parish_n charge_n for_o they_o must_v be_v maintain_v or_o else_o a_o transgression_n be_v make_v against_o a_o apostolical_a rule_n for_o the_o principal_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a colourable_a pretend_a place_n for_o lay_v elder_n enjoin_v their_o maintenance_n so_o 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cheerfulness_n and_o contentation_n ●ffying_v in_o the_o happy_a settlement_n of_o the_o distraction_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n by_o his_o majesty_n pious_a care_n and_o the_o prudent_a and_o religious_a endeavour_n of_o this_o honourable_a assembly_n and_o with_o due_a humility_n and_o obedience_n submit_v to_o the_o unanimous_a conclusion_n thereof_o yet_o conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n humble_o to_o represent_v to_o your_o mature_a consideration_n that_o the_o present_a disorder_n of_o many_o turbulent_a and_o ill_o dispose_v spirit_n be_v such_o as_o give_v not_o only_o occasion_n of_o present_a discontent_n to_o your_o petitioner_n but_o seem_v to_o import_v some_o ill_a event_n without_o early_a prevention_n the_o pure_a seed_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n establish_v by_o so_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o so_o harmonious_o concur_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o other_o reform_a 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liturgy_n yet_o it_o be_v now_o not_o only_o deprave_v by_o many_o of_o those_o who_o

pursuance_n of_o their_o pious_a intendment_n and_o in_o allowance_n of_o their_o reason_n do_v also_o press_v to_o your_o great_a tribunal_n and_o beg_v of_o you_o that_o which_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o king_n to_o be_v nutricij_fw-la of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o most_o ancient_a and_o successive_a government_n we_o therefore_o humble_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o leave_v we_o in_o that_o state_n the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o church_n in_o that_o the_o three_o age_n of_o martyr_n be_v govern_v by_o that_o the_o thirteen_o age_n since_o they_o have_v always_o glory_v in_o by_o their_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n prove_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o apostolic_a church_n that_o our_o law_n have_v establish_v so_o many_o king_n and_o parliament_n have_v protect_v into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_v as_o certain_o apostolical_a as_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o the_o distinction_n of_o book_n apocryphal_a from_o canonical_a as_o that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o such_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n as_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n by_o presbyter_n as_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o will_v do_v by_o uphold_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n which_o we_o again_o and_o again_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o do_v have_v pity_n on_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o force_v of_o we_o to_o seek_v communion_n as_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o where_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v with_o a_o multiply_a devotion_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o public_a and_o personal_a blessing_n to_o your_o honourable_o assembly_n to_o your_o noble_a person_n we_o also_o do_v with_o all_o humility_n beg_v leave_v to_o represent_v these_o our_o consideration_n subjoin_v which_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v favourable_o expound_v to_o be_v a_o well-meant_a zeal_n and_o at_o least_o a_o confidence_n of_o duty_n and_o charity_n to_o those_o our_o father_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o daily_a hope_n 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those_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o dissent_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o infallible_a to_o be_v sure_a with_o episcopacy_n it_o may_v be_v a_o church_n eatenus_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v the_o sure_a course_n to_o retain_v it_o for_o fear_v we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 3_o no_o ordination_n never_o be_v without_o a_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o presbyter_n do_v impose_v hand_n unless_o in_o conjunction_n with_o a_o bishop_n he_o be_v account_v a_o usurper_n and_o anathematise_v by_o public_a and_o unquestioned_a authority_n and_o so_o without_o bishop_n no_o presbyter_n than_o no_o absolution_n no_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o for_o these_o want_v no_o man_n can_v make_v a_o recompense_n or_o satisfaction_n 4_o no_o presbyter_n do_v ever_o impose_v hand_n on_o a_o bishop_n usurpation_n which_o if_o so_o famous_a a_o resolve_n or_o public_a voice_n of_o christendom_n may_v have_v a_o estimate_n show_v their_o disparity_n and_o that_o a_o bishop_n have_v a_o character_n which_o can_v be_v imprint_v without_o at_o least_o a_o equal_a hand_n 5_o without_o bishop_n no_o confirmation_n of_o child_n and_o yet_o confirmation_n call_v in_o scripture_n imposition_n of_o hand_n saint_n paul_n in_o his_o famous_a catechism_n account_v a_o fundamental_a point_n and_o the_o church_n have_v always_o use_v it_o and_o it_o be_v appropriate_a to_o bishop_n by_o the_o laudable_a custom_n of_o christendom_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o samaritane_n christian_n who_o philip_n the_o evangelist_n have_v convert_v and_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o parent_n of_o child_n that_o they_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v and_o it_o be_v never_o otherwise_o but_o just_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ordination_n videlicet_fw-la by_o singularity_n and_o usurpation_n till_o of_o late_a that_o the_o jesuit_n to_o enlarge_v their_o phylactery_n have_v strive_v to_o make_v bishop_n not_o necessary_a by_o communicate_v confirmation_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o their_o order_n 6_o to_o take_v away_o bishop_n be_v against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o state_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o have_v be_v attempt_v by_o clancular_a practice_n be_v check_v by_o the_o prince_n respective_o and_o their_o council_n and_o confident_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o precede_v parliament_n and_o this_o although_o the_o bishop_n than_o be_v less_o learned_a and_o as_o much_o infamed_v 7_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o episcopal_a government_n have_v consist_v with_o monarchy_n ever_o since_o the_o english_a monarchy_n be_v christian_a and_o we_o be_v to_o try_v whether_o any_o innovate_a government_n can_v or_o will_v 8_o we_o consider_v that_o if_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o monarchy_n when_o it_o be_v bias_v by_o the_o pope_n prevalent_a encroachment_n much_o more_o since_o the_o reformation_n when_o the_o king_n have_v the_o reins_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o can_v give_v they_o law_n and_o ascertaine_v they_o by_o their_o immediate_a dependence_n both_o for_o their_o barony_n and_o election_n and_o personal_a jurisdiction_n on_o the_o crown_n and_o by_o the_o statute_n of_o submission_n 9_o we_o consider_v that_o saint_n hierome_n pretend_v as_o the_o main_a authentic_a enemy_n against_o episcopacy_n yet_o say_v titum_fw-la that_o bishop_n be_v constitute_v as_o a_o antidote_n and_o deletory_n to_o disimprove_v the_o issue_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o by_o the_o apostle_n who_o best_o know_v the_o remedy_n and_o now_o that_o schism_n multiply_v there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o bishop_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v take_v away_o upon_o pretence_n their_o regiment_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o take_v they_o away_o make_v they_o more_o necessary_a by_o the_o multiplication_n of_o schism_n 10_o all_o learning_n will_v be_v discountenance_v if_o not_o extinguish_v upon_o 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11_o the_o remove_n all_o