bind_v ourselves_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v such_o security_n so_o call_v lest_o we_o shall_v betray_v our_o own_o innocency_n and_o render_v our_o cause_n to_o false_a reputation_n in_o that_o behalf_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o remedy_n to_o clear_v we_o of_o false_a suspicion_n worse_o than_o the_o suspicion_n themselves_o by_o lay_v ourselves_o liable_a to_o great_a suffering_n in_o answer_v to_o our_o accusation_n false_o object_v than_o our_o suffering_n can_v be_v by_o the_o accusation_n themselves_o and_o evil-minded_n man_n do_v often_o take_v great_a occasion_n against_o we_o in_o answer_v false_a charge_n and_o groundless_a supposition_n lay_v against_o we_o than_o they_o can_v take_v by_o the_o false_a charge_n and_o suspicion_n themselves_o and_o so_o we_o can_v bind_v ourselves_o as_o aforesaid_a to_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o a_o far_o great_a suffering_n to_o be_v take_v in_o it_o for_o to_o 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suspicion_n or_o the_o other_o but_o we_o do_v deny_v it_o out_o of_o good_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o also_o there_o be_v no_o example_n for_o it_o that_o we_o know_v among_o the_o saint_n in_o former_a age_n that_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o bind_v themselves_o to_o any_o king_n or_o ruler_n in_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o engagement_n neither_o can_v we_o at_o this_o day_n but_o as_o i_o say_v if_o we_o transgress_v the_o law_n let_v we_o suffer_v by_o it_o if_o we_o be_v already_o or_o hereafter_o be_v find_v guilty_a we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o the_o just_a execution_n of_o just_a law_n and_o in_o patience_n we_o shall_v bear_v it_o but_o beforehand_o we_o may_v not_o bind_v ourselves_o in_o formal_a engagement_n out_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o promise_v upon_o forfeiture_n and_o penalty_n what_o we_o will_v do_v or_o say_v or_o what_o we_o will_v not_o do_v or_o say_v for_o at_o the_o will_n and_o disposure_n of_o the_o almighty_a we_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o case_n and_o it_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o belief_n that_o we_o abide_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o peaceable_a just_a righteous_a and_o innocent_a in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o may_v or_o do_v suffer_v for_o this_o case_n of_o deny_v to_o give_v bond_n or_o engage_v ourselves_o so_o and_o so_o as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v for_o truth_n sake_n and_o such_o our_o suffering_n be_v persecution_n and_o unequal_a and_o we_o must_v commit_v our_o cause_n to_o god_n who_o will_v plead_v it_o in_o his_o season_n if_o that_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o groundless_a suspicion_n and_o because_o we_o can_v engage_v
of_o that_o spirit_n of_o god_n rule_v in_o their_o conscience_n in_o such_o their_o religion_n yet_o if_o they_o suffer_v only_o for_o their_o religion_n sake_n while_o yet_o they_o walk_v upright_o as_o man_n in_o all_o outward_a affair_n relate_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n this_o also_o be_v persecution_n and_o such_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o religion_n sake_n though_o not_o whole_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o none_o ought_v to_o suffer_v as_o such_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o king_n prince_z or_o power_n but_o if_o such_o do_v suffer_v as_o i_o have_v say_v and_o that_o for_o their_o religion_n sake_n only_o so_o though_o yet_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v persecute_v and_o this_o be_v persecution_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v in_o short_a describe_v and_o define_v what_o persecution_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v persecute_v and_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v how_o great_a a_o enemy_n 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king_n and_o may_v make_v their_o love_n and_o affection_n die_v to_o the_o king_n government_n when_o they_o behold_v and_o consider_v the_o persecution_n of_o many_o good_a and_o peaceable_a people_n for_o righteousness_n and_o good_a conscience_n sake_n when_o as_o no_o evil_a do_v between_o man_n and_o man_n can_v just_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o only_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o such_o suffer_v cruel_a imprisonment_n unjust_a fines_n and_o grievous_a vexation_n for_o such_o cause_n it_o may_v weaken_v and_o eat_v out_o the_o affection_n of_o good_a people_n and_o divert_v their_o love_n and_o good_a desire_n from_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n in_o which_o such_o persecution_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o that_o which_o divert_v the_o people_n love_n from_o the_o king_n be_v his_o great_a enemy_n and_o such_o be_v persecution_n ii_o persecution_n be_v the_o king_n be_v great_a enemy_n because_o it_o may_v kindle_v heartburning_n envy_n strife_n and_o murmur_n among_o his_o subject_n while_o some_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o other_o persecute_v and_o imprison_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o deal_n exercise_v the_o king_n subject_n in_o harsh_a deal_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o give_v great_a occasion_n for_o quarrel_v envy_n debate_v and_o malice_n one_o against_o another_o even_o when_o some_o execute_v persecution_n upon_o other_o hale_v they_o to_o prison_n spoil_v their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o kind_n of_o deal_v i_o say_v whilst_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o land_n persecute_v one_o sort_n of_o the_o king_n subject_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o it_o tend_v much_o to_o great_a division_n and_o distraction_n among_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o king_n safety_n but_o for_o his_o great_a dishonour_n and_o disadvantage_n every_o way_n to_o have_v the_o people_n divide_v into_o heartburning_n and_o quarrelling_n against_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o persecution_n be_v the_o king_n be_v great_a enemy_n because_o it_o work_v such_o evil_a effect_n iii_o it_o be_v his_o great_a enemy_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o trust_n which_o god_n have_v repose_v in_o he_o in_o promote_a he_o to_o be_v king_n over_o these_o people_n for_o god_n have_v not_o commit_v power_n to_o he_o to_o judge_v in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n conscience_n and_o to_o persecute_v any_o because_o of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o this_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n or_o the_o other_o yet_o live_v peaceable_o and_o upright_o as_o man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o persecute_v any_o nor_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v persecute_v by_o nor_o under_o his_o authority_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o defend_v and_o preserve_v all_o man_n person_n and_o estate_n in_o their_o just_a right_n from_o the_o violence_n each_o of_o other_o without_o respect_n to_o what_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o if_o the_o contrary_n be_v bring_v forth_o it_o be_v contrary_a and_o not_o answerable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n restore_a he_o to_o these_o kingdom_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o what_o god_n have_v just_o call_v he_o unto_o but_o otherwise_o this_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o such_o be_v persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o just_a government_n and_o wherefore_o god_n have_v restore_v he_o and_o therefore_o this_o persecution_n be_v a_o utter_a enemy_n both_o to_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n iv._o it_o be_v his_o enemy_n because_o it_o provoke_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n over_o all_o to_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o he_o be_v provoke_v and_o vex_v because_o of_o the_o persecution_n of_o his_o people_n in_o this_o age_n as_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o if_o the_o king_n be_v guilty_a thereof_o it_o incur_v god_n great_a displeasure_n against_o he_o for_o god_n be_v ever_o offend_v with_o king_n ruler_n and_o whosoever_o that_o be_v persecuter_n and_o he_o be_v the_o same_o at_o this_o day_n and_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o provoke_v god_n to_o anger_n against_o the_o king_n that_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o such_o be_v persecution_n of_o people_n for_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o as_o no_o evil_a can_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o in_o thing_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o king_n beware_v of_o this_o woeful_a enemy_n that_o wait_v to_o wound_v he_o for_o if_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v provoke_v against_o he_o how_o great_a be_v that_o enemy_n which_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v v._o it_o be_v the_o king_n enemy_n because_o it_o not_o only_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_n but_o to_o judgement_n persecution_n be_v the_o cause_n wherefore_o god_n bring_v grievous_a judgement_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o whosoever_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o persecution_n be_v plague_n and_o misery_n and_o it_o incense_v god_n to_o anger_n and_o also_o to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o let_v the_o king_n beware_v of_o such_o a_o deadly_a enemy_n as_o shall_v cause_v god_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o such_o a_o enemy_n be_v persecution_n of_o god_n people_n for_o conscience_n sake_n it_o draw_v down_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o king_n and_o kingdom_n upon_o rich_a and_o poor_a upon_o high_a and_o low_a that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o other_o sin_n and_o it_o hasten_v to_o bring_v destruction_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a and_o this_o effect_n it_o will_v work_v upon_o the_o king_n even_o this_o his_o enemy_n persecution_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o from_o it_o and_o overcome_v it_o and_o banish_v it_o from_o he_o for_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o both_o inward_a and_o outward_a of_o both_o internal_a and_o external_a plague_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n vi_o persecution_n it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o king_n because_o it_o will_v work_v to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o just_a and_o sober_a and_o righteous_a man_n it_o will_v weaken_v their_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o it_o make_v their_o heart_n sad_a and_o woe_n be_v unto_o they_o that_o make_v sad_a their_o heart_n who_o god_n do_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o this_o do_v persecution_n and_o it_o do_v not_o only_o weaken_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o sober_a person_n but_o it_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o rude_a ungodly_a and_o profane_a through_o the_o land_n and_o that_o which_o strengthen_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o rude_a multitude_n in_o wantonness_n scorn_v and_o profaneness_n that_o be_v the_o king_n enemy_n but_o such_o be_v persecution_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n sake_n
the_o unite_n of_o people_n heart_n to_o you_o and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o love_n and_o liberty_n and_o not_o in_o the_o division_n and_o distraction_n of_o people_n sure_o this_o can_v be_v for_o your_o safety_n when_o as_o if_o you_o do_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o that_o be_v peaceable_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n to_o god-ward_n this_o will_v cause_v all_o to_o love_v you_o and_o none_o to_o be_v discontent_v with_o you_o in_o good_a reason_n if_o one_o sort_n of_o people_n have_v as_o much_o liberty_n as_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o mean_v and_o none_o more_o than_o other_o this_o doubtless_o will_v increase_v content_a among_o subject_n and_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o you_o and_o your_o authority_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o that_o way_n which_o may_v keep_v the_o people_n in_o love_n and_o unity_n one_o with_o another_o and_o to_o youward_n this_o be_v good_a policy_n for_o your_o establishment_n to_o perpetuity_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o way_n than_o in_o show_v justice_n mercy_n and_o liberty_n to_o all_o in_o all_o right_a way_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o this_o be_v my_o judgement_n the_o way_n for_o you_o to_o prosper_v be_v to_o leave_v the_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n unto_o god_n as_o his_o spirit_n shall_v teach_v and_o persuade_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o judgement_n in_o all_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n unto_o he_o and_o not_o to_o meddle_v about_o impose_v religion_n nor_o persecute_v man_n for_o that_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v not_o your_o place_n to_o do_v it_o but_o you_o be_v to_o rule_v well_o over_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o to_o judge_v in_o the_o case_n of_o wrong_n between_o man_n and_o man_n but_o not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o man_n conscience_n but_o you_o may_v say_v 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you_o do_v i_o write_v but_o in_o love_n and_o compassionateness_n to_o you_o and_o these_o kingdom_n and_o i_o have_v here_o in_o brief_a state_v and_o plead_v the_o case_n of_o the_o innocent_a people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v at_o this_o time_n under_o great_a affliction_n and_o tribulation_n by_o your_o authority_n and_o it_o have_v be_v in_o my_o heart_n divers_a time_n to_o declare_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o you_o but_o at_o the_o last_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o write_v my_o mind_n to_o present_a to_o you_o concern_v the_o matter_n very_o needful_a for_o you_o to_o be_v inform_v in_o and_o it_o be_v for_o your_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o i_o have_v do_v it_o that_o you_o may_v not_o run_v on_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o upon_o suspicion_n and_o accusation_n of_o other_o without_o hear_v our_o defence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v for_o the_o avoid_n and_o stop_v of_o persecution_n in_o the_o land_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o take_v in_o hand_n submissive_o and_o not_o presumptuous_o to_o state_n this_o plea_n before_o you_o and_o i_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o your_o consideration_n and_o can_v impose_v my_o faith_n upon_o you_o to_o believe_v as_o i_o believe_v but_o have_v lay_v the_o truth_n before_o you_o i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o justice_n mercy_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v bring_v they_o forth_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n i_o be_o a_o lover_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n â—_o b._n london_n the10_n the_o day_n of_o the_o second_o month_n 1661._o chap._n i._n the_o case_n state_v and_o plead_v concern_v swear_v at_o all_o and_o particular_o concern_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n i._o we_o do_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v freeborn_a people_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n the_o land_n of_o our_o nativity_n and_o we_o do_v assert_v that_o we_o have_v just_a and_o lawful_a right_n and_o title_n as_o such_o to_o possess_v and_o enjoy_v our_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n have_v never_o unto_o this_o day_n since_o we_o be_v a_o people_n forfeit_v our_o birthright_n as_o man_n by_o any_o rebellion_n sedition_n contempt_n or_o otherwise_o but_o have_v always_o be_v and_o be_v a_o people_n exercise_v in_o the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n by_o walk_v just_o towards_o all_o man_n and_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o &_o have_v be_v and_o be_v a_o peaceable_a people_n under_o every_o government_n and_o authority_n that_o have_v be_v over_o we_o since_o the_o lord_n raise_v we_o up_o and_o i_o do_v hereby_o declare_v that_o we_o now_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v faithful_a innocent_a and_o peaceable_a in_o our_o several_a station_n and_o condition_n under_o this_o present_a government_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o who_o we_o acknowledge_v supreme_a magistrate_n and_o governor_n over_o this_o kingdom_n and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n we_o be_v obedient_a and_o submissive_a to_o he_o as_o such_o in_o all_o his_o command_n either_o by_o do_v and_o perform_v of_o what_o he_o just_o require_v or_o by_o patient_a suffering_n under_o whatsoever_o be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n for_o which_o we_o can_v be_v obedient_a for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o any_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o we_o different_a from_o the_o just_a law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o subjection_n to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o such_o have_v ever_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n even_o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a and_o patient_a under_o every_o authority_n that_o be_v set_v over_o we_o and_o not_o in_o unrighteousness_n to_o plot_n or_o contrive_v or_o rebel_n against_o any_o governor_n or_o government_n nor_o to_o seek_v our_o own_o deliverance_n from_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o seek_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n by_o all_o just_a and_o lawful_a mean_n and_o not_o to_o rebel_v against_o he_o with_o carnal_a weapon_n and_o so_o far_o as_o his_o government_n be_v in_o justice_n mercy_n and_o righteousness_n we_o declare_v true_a and_o faithful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o and_o wherein_o it_o be_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v subject_a by_o patient_a suffering_n what_o be_v unequal_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o rebel_n in_o any_o turbulent_a way_n of_o conspiracy_n and_o insurrection_n for_o our_o principle_n be_v not_o for_o war_n but_o for_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v neither_o may_v we_o
which_o they_o have_v swear_v and_o engage_v fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n so_o that_o many_o be_v not_o the_o more_o to_o be_v trust_v though_o they_o swear_v allegiance_n for_o the_o proverb_n say_v he_o that_o will_v swear_v will_v lie_v and_o he_o that_o be_v force_v to_o swear_v against_o his_o conscience_n will_v hardly_o perform_v his_o oath_n and_o we_o be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v trust_v though_o we_o swear_v not_o for_o we_o never_o yet_o engage_v ourselves_o by_o oath_n to_o any_o governor_n or_o government_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o rebel_v or_o plot_v against_o any_o but_o have_v live_v peaceable_o and_o in_o a_o patient_a suffer_a condition_n under_o all_o that_o have_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n since_o we_o be_v a_o people_n and_o therefore_o out_o live_v peaceable_o under_o the_o king_n government_n can_v just_o be_v doubt_v of_o though_o we_o can_v engage_v the_o same_o by_o swear_v but_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v quiet_o and_o in_o good_a obedience_n as_o peaceable_a people_n but_o do_v rebel_n plot_n etc._n etc._n then_o we_o refuse_v not_o to_o suffer_v the_o pain_n penalty_n and_o forfeiture_n as_o such_o that_o swear_v and_o do_v not_o perform_v their_o oath_n i_o say_v if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v peaceable_o but_o plot_n and_o rebel_n against_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n then_o let_v we_o suffer_v the_o same_o in_o every_o particular_a as_o if_o we_o have_v swear_v and_o not_o perform_v our_o oath_n v._o all_o these_o thing_n right_o consider_v it_o do_v full_o appear_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o enemy_n neither_o in_o present_a action_n nor_o future_a intent_n to_o the_o king_n person_n or_o authority_n 2._o nor_o that_o we_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v just_a authority_n to_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o as_o supreme_a magistrate_n over_o these_o kingdom_n 3._o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v otherwise_o than_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a people_n under_o the_o king_n government_n 4._o nor_o be_v it_o manifest_a but_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o acknowledge_v so_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v appeal_v to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o king_n charles_n and_o to_o all_o people_n whatsoever_o that_o our_o present_a suffering_n by_o imprisonment_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o may_v suffer_v in_o this_o case_n for_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n it_o be_v not_o for_o plot_v against_o the_o king_n nor_o for_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v just_a authority_n to_o the_o king_n nor_o for_o deny_v just_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o the_o good_a law_n of_o the_o land_n nor_o for_o deny_v to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o king_n authority_n because_o to_o all_o this_o we_o acknowledge_v solemn_o in_o yea_o and_o nay_o neither_o be_v our_o suffering_n in_o this_o case_n for_o any_o evil-doing_a towards_o god_n nor_o man_n but_o our_o suffering_n be_v for_o keep_v the_o command_v of_o christ_n which_o to_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o perform_v more_o than_o to_o save_v our_o own_o life_n or_o estate_n and_o our_o suffering_n be_v because_o we_o can_v swear_v at_o all_o and_o not_o because_o we_o be_v rebellious_a or_o that_o we_o deny_v just_a allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n and_o such_o our_o suffering_n be_v not_o as_o evil-doer_n nor_o just_o and_o righteous_o as_o offender_n because_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o evil_n in_o this_o case_n towards_o god_n nor_o man_n and_o our_o suffering_n be_v cruel_a persecution_n for_o our_o tender_a conscience_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o we_o call_v god_n and_o just_a man_n to_o witness_v between_o we_o and_o our_o prosecutor_n that_o as_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n we_o suffer_v in_o this_o case_n and_o for_o our_o faithfulness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o not_o for_o evil-doing_a or_o disobedience_n to_o king_n charles_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o any_o be_v persecute_v in_o this_o case_n for_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o person_n wife_n and_o family_n in_o this_o world_n then_o we_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o say_v occasion_n be_v wrongful_o take_v against_o we_o to_o destroy_v we_o and_o we_o be_v proceed_v against_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o just_a government_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peaceable_a and_o not_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o king_n be_v former_a promise_n who_o have_v say_v we_o shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o conscience_n live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o land_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v because_o we_o can_v swear_v at_o all_o such_o our_o suffer_v be_v for_o our_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o be_v therein_o persecute_v unrighteous_o as_o innocent_a people_n and_o without_o just_a cause_n and_o we_o must_v commit_v this_o our_o cause_n to_o god_n who_o regard_v the_o oppression_n of_o his_o people_n and_o will_v avenge_v their_o cause_n in_o his_o season_n and_o for_o the_o present_a this_o be_v all_o i_o have_v to_o say_v and_o present_a concern_v this_o case_n of_o swear_v and_o concern_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n chap._n ii_o the_o case_n state_v and_o plead_v concern_v our_o meeting_n together_o to_o worship_n god_n i._o we_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o we_o do_v come_v together_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o teach_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o counsel_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n how_o to_o walk_v righteous_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o in_o our_o meeting_n we_o practise_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o godliness_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o prayer_n to_o he_o according_a as_o his_o holy_a spirit_n guide_v we_o which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n joh._n 16._o 13._o and_o that_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n meet_v often_o together_o and_o speak_v one_o to_o another_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o and_o this_o be_v our_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o godward_o to_o meet_v together_o and_o that_o he_o require_v it_o of_o we_o and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o he_o it_o have_v be_v always_o and_o be_v our_o practice_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o not_o for_o any_o other_o end_n as_o in_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o to_o plot_n or_o contrive_v or_o to_o meditate_v evil_a towards_o the_o king_n or_o his_o government_n or_o any_o of_o his_o subject_n we_o have_v no_o such_o eâ—â—l_n i_o say_v in_o meet_v together_o but_o our_o alone_a only_o and_o absolute_a end_n in_o our_o meeting_n be_v to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o good_a conscience_n sake_n as_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o ii_o and_o this_o our_o practice_n of_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o end_n and_o cause_v mention_v if_o it_o be_v in_o public_a house_n or_o more_o private_a in_o upper_a chamber_n or_o in_o the_o open_a field_n on_o what_o day_n soever_o be_v lawful_a and_o just_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o be_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a saint_n and_o provable_a by_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o act_n 1._o 13_o 14._o and_o when_o the_o disciple_n and_o saint_n return_v from_o jerusalem_n they_o go_v up_o into_o a_o upper_a chamber_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o in_o supplication_n and_o in_o act_n 20._o 7_o 8._o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n the_o saint_n meet_v together_o and_o paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o and_o continue_v his_o sermon_n till_o midnight_n hold_v forth_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v meet_v a_o a_o upper_a chamber_n from_o whence_o eutychus_n fall_v down_o and_o act_v 28._o 30_o 31._o and_o paul_n remain_v two_o fall_n year_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n in_o rome_n and_o he_o exhort_v the_o saint_n not_o to_o neglect_v meet_v together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v who_o he_o reprove_v heb._n 10._o 25._o by_o which_o
testimony_n with_o divers_a other_o that_o may_v be_v give_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o former_a age_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o prayer_n &_o preach_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n teach_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o sometime_o they_o meet_v public_o and_o sometime_o more_o private_a and_o sometime_o on_o the_o daytime_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o night-season_n and_o they_o meet_v separate_v from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v order_v among_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o our_o meeting_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n though_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o be_v in_o more_o private_a house_n be_v justifiable_a be_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o out_o meeting_n be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n just_a and_o lawful_a iii_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o late_a insurrection_n of_o some_o few_o person_n in_o london_n our_o lawful_a assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v under_o present_a restraint_n and_o prohibition_n and_o by_o proclamation_n forbid_v under_o the_o denomination_n of_o seditious_a and_o unlawful_a meeting_n and_o our_o friend_n imprison_v and_o persecute_v for_o that_o cause_n of_o assemble_v themselves_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n now_o in_o this_o case_n this_o i_o plead_v unto_o the_o king_n that_o we_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o way_n guilty_a of_o that_o insurrection_n upon_o which_o the_o proclamatian_a of_o forbid_v our_o meeting_n be_v ground_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v with_o the_o guilty_a be_v innocent_a from_o the_o very_a occasion_n of_o that_o proclamation_n and_o for_o the_o king_n to_o prohibit_v our_o meeting_n for_o and_o because_o of_o the_o ill_a use_n that_o other_o make_v of_o they_o this_o seem_v a_o condemn_v of_o the_o innocent_a with_o the_o guilty_a which_o be_v no_o way_n just_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n but_o altogether_o unequal_a that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v for_o other_o ment_n fault_n though_o such_o do_v abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o pervert_v the_o end_n of_o their_o meeting_n into_o rise_v up_o with_o carnal_a weapon_n against_o the_o king_n so_o do_v not_o we_o neither_o in_o intent_n nor_o action_n and_o therefore_o our_o meeting_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v prohibit_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o other_o man_n fault_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o that_o case_n and_o also_o we_o have_v the_o king_n promise_n divers_a time_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o our_o religion_n while_o we_o ad_v nothing_o against_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n which_o yet_o we_o never_o have_v do_v nor_o make_v any_o ill_a use_n of_o our_o meeting_n nor_o of_o the_o king_n promise_n nor_o forfeit_v they_o and_o therefore_o according_a to_o his_o own_o promise_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v our_o meeting_n and_o enjoy_v they_o without_o restraint_n because_o we_o have_v not_o farfeit_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o former_a promise_n in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o ever_o make_v use_n of_o our_o meeting_n to_o plot_n or_o conspire_v against_o the_o government_n to_o its_o harm_n or_o detriment_n and_o because_o of_o our_o innocency_n herein_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o former_a promise_n be_v yet_o in_o force_n unto_o we_o to_o protect_v our_o lawful_a meeting_n and_o not_o to_o prohibit_v they_o and_o though_o upon_o suspicion_n only_o out_o meeting_n have_v be_v restrain_v and_o our_o friend_n imprison_v by_o the_o late_a proclamation_n yet_o we_o be_v prove_v innocent_a and_o without_o guilt_n of_o that_o which_o occasion_v it_o the_o king_n and_o council_n may_v and_o aught_o in_o justice_n and_o good_a reason_n to_o reverse_v and_o revoke_v that_o part_n of_o the_o proclamation_n relate_v to_o we_o as_o be_v innocent_a that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v our_o lawful_a meeting_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o example_n of_o saint_n and_o according_a to_o the_o king_n be_v own_o former_a promise_n iu._n all_o these_o thing_n consider_v and_o right_o understand_v by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n it_o will_v appear_v unto_o they_o in_o good_a reason_n 1._o that_o our_o meeting_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n and_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o 2._o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o scripture_n prove_v the_o like_a meeting_n 3._o and_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o promise_n and_o toleration_n that_o he_o give_v for_o six_o month_n after_o his_o come_n in_o because_o he_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o live_v peaceable_o and_o we_o be_v not_o disturb_v by_o authority_n from_o he_o that_o we_o know_v of_o in_o our_o meeting_n till_o this_o occasion_n 4._o it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o ought_v in_o justice_n and_o equity_n to_o have_v our_o lawful_a meeting_n protect_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o king_n authority_n and_o not_o prohibit_v because_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o which_o occasion_v this_o present_a restraint_n but_o what_o we_o have_v suffer_v in_o this_o case_n it_o have_v be_v upon_o suspicion_n and_o without_o any_o just_a cause_n on_o our_o part_n and_o for_o these_o end_n and_o cause_n i_o plead_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o innocent_a that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v peaceable_o our_o meeting_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o be_v prohibit_v in_o the_o king_n dominion_n under_o his_o authority_n v._o but_o and_o if_o we_o be_v persecute_v and_o imprison_v and_o make_v to_o suffer_v for_o this_o cause_n of_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o conscience_n and_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o for_o follow_v the_o scripture_n example_n as_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a as_o aforementioned_a we_o must_v only_o commit_v our_o cause_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o patience_n suffer_v under_o whatsoever_o be_v unequal_o inflict_v upon_o we_o for_o this_o matter_n if_o man_n show_v the_o height_n of_o oppression_n towards_o we_o and_o we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n and_o leave_v vengeance_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v in_o his_o season_n redress_v our_o cause_n if_o that_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o meet_v together_o and_o for_o worship_v of_o the_o lord_n according_a as_o his_o spirit_n persuade_v our_o conscience_n and_o such_o our_o suffering_n be_v not_o for_o evil-doing_a not_o as_o transgressor_n against_o god_n nor_o the_o king_n but_o as_o servant_n of_o god_n we_o suffer_v and_o for_o hold_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v bring_v the_o state_n of_o our_o case_n as_o concern_v our_o meeting_n unto_o the_o king_n knowledge_n and_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o his_o serious_a view_n and_o happy_a will_v he_o be_v if_o he_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o afflict_a but_o if_o he_o stop_v his_o ear_n from_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v destroy_v who_o shall_v plead_v for_o he_o or_o excuse_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n to_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n chap._n iii_o the_o case_n state_v and_o plead_v concern_v tithe_n as_o pay_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o among_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o refuse_v to_o pay_v they_o at_o this_o day_n i._o we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o tithe_n as_o institute_v give_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v of_o heavenly_a ordination_n and_o be_v for_o that_o holy_a use_n and_o end_v of_o maintain_v the_o levitical_a priesthood_n and_o the_o poor_a the_o widow_n and_o the_o stranger_n in_o israel_n and_o we_o know_v that_o while_o that_o livitical_a priesthood_n of_o sign_n and_o type_n and_o figure_n be_v yet_o unfinished_a and_o unfulfilled_a by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o everlasting_a priest_n that_o law_n that_o give_v and_o receive_v tithe_n be_v in_o force_n and_o it_o be_v sinful_a against_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n in_o any_o of_o israel_n to_o withhold_v their_o tithe_n and_o not_o to_o pay_v they_o and_o such_o as_o do_v rob_v god_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o prophet_n complain_v against_o they_o for_o then_o the_o ordination_n of_o tithe_n be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n and_o end_v of_o they_o be_v good_a and_o
payment_n of_o tithe_n among_o christian_n have_v their_o first_o original_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o by_o succession_n from_o thence_o and_o not_o from_o the_o apostle_n be_v tithe_n pay_v give_v and_o receive_v at_o this_o day_n in_o these_o kingdom_n and_o the_o institution_n payment_n and_o use_v and_o end_n of_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n at_o all_o for_o tithe_n as_o then_o among_o the_o jew_n ordain_v and_o pay_v be_v for_o the_o happy_a use_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a the_o widow_n and_o the_o fatherless_a in_o israel_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o beggar_n among_o they_o but_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o payment_n of_o they_o now_o in_o these_o day_n be_v for_o the_o maintain_v a_o company_n of_o priest_n in_o their_o pride_n and_o fullness_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o stranger_n may_v starve_v and_o lie_v beg_v up_o and_o down_o at_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n so_o that_o we_o can_v for_o conscience_n sake_n at_o this_o day_n pay_v tithe_n 1._o because_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o they_o among_o christian_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n nor_o from_o christ_n jesus_n nor_o his_o apostle_n but_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o because_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o tithe_n be_v not_o according_a to_o god_n nor_o righteousness_n but_o for_o the_o maintain_v the_o priest_n in_o pride_n and_o fullness_n and_o their_o family_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o poor_a want_n 3._o because_o the_o continue_a payment_n of_o they_o be_v exaction_n and_o imposition_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o liberty_n and_o peace_n upon_o the_o person_n estate_n and_o conscience_n of_o many_o good_a people_n in_o these_o kingdom_n v._o all_o these_o thing_n right_o and_o just_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a and_o plain_o apparent_a to_o all_o good_a man_n that_o this_o matter_n of_o deny_v to_o pay_v tithe_n be_v a_o clear_a case_n of_o conscience_n with_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v conscience_n hereof_o and_o for_o good_a conscience_n sake_n we_o may_v just_o refuse_v and_o deny_v to_o pay_v tithe_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o conscience_n herein_o be_v bottom_v upon_o a_o right_a foundation_n as_o i_o have_v make_v appear_v and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o covetousness_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o in_o contempt_n of_o authority_n nor_o in_o wilfulness_n to_o wrong_v any_o man_n of_o his_o just_a right_n nor_o for_o any_o other_o evil_a end_n that_o we_o do_v refuse_v to_o pay_v tithe_n but_o it_o be_v for_o conscience_n sake_n only_o &_o alone_o for_o that_o end_n that_o we_o may_v keep_v our_o conscience_n clear_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o our_o faithfulness_n in_o deny_v of_o what_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o to_o be_v evil_a and_o not_o of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v we_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o tithe_n and_o we_o dare_v not_o sin_n against_o god_n by_o disobedience_n to_o he_o nor_o uphold_v the_o payment_n of_o tithe_n in_o these_o kingdom_n which_o be_v so_o evil_a both_o in_o their_o ordination_n and_o in_o their_o use_n and_o end_v as_o pay_v in_o these_o day_n as_o i_o have_v show_v for_o if_o we_o shall_v we_o may_v offend_v his_o spirit_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o bring_v anguish_n upon_o our_o soul_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o deny_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o come_v and_o of_o make_v void_a the_o new_a covenant_n and_o of_o walk_v contrary_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o holy_a martyr_n and_o of_o uphold_v antichrist_n and_o his_o kingdom_n these_o with_o many_o other_o evil_n we_o run_v ourselves_o into_o if_o we_o shall_v pay_v tithe_n in_o these_o day_n and_o after_o the_o romish_a institution_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o we_o do_v refuse_v to_o pay_v tithe_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v suffer_v because_o thereof_o it_o be_v persecution_n and_o for_o and_o because_o we_o can_v sin_v against_o our_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o evil_a do_v for_o rebellion_n nor_o for_o transgression_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v for_o hold_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o in_o such_o our_o suffering_n we_o commit_v our_o cause_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n patient_o bear_v what_o be_v unequal_o inflict_v upon_o we_o for_o this_o matter_n and_o our_o cause_n be_v just_a and_o innocent_a for_o which_o we_o suffer_v and_o we_o have_v more_o respect_n to_o keep_v our_o faith_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n than_o to_o save_v our_o estate_n or_o liberty_n for_o can_v we_o transgress_v against_o god_n and_o pay_v tithe_n we_o may_v preserve_v our_o liberty_n and_o estate_n which_o we_o have_v endanger_v and_o lose_v often_o because_o we_o can_v not_o which_o may_v show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o covetousness_n nor_o self-end_n that_o we_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o and_o this_o our_o case_n about_o tithe_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o can_v pay_v they_o be_v in_o brief_a state_v and_o plead_v before_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n and_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n only_o to_o warm_v they_o that_o they_o persecute_v not_o any_o for_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n neither_o in_o this_o nor_o in_o any_o other_o thing_n lest_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v sad_a upon_o they_o in_o a_o day_n when_o god_n visit_v they_o with_o judgement_n chap._n iu._n the_o case_n state_v and_o plead_v concern_v give_v security_n by_o bond_n to_o live_v peaceable_o or_o to_o answer_v case_n then_o and_o there_o etc._n etc._n as_o be_v often_o require_v of_o we_o i._o forasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v often_o demand_v to_o give_v bond_n of_o one_o or_o two_o hundred_o pound_n or_o the_o like_a for_o security_n so_o call_v that_o we_o will_v live_v peaceable_o or_o that_o we_o will_v appear_v and_o answer_v such_o case_n object_v against_o we_o or_o suppose_v of_o we_o now_o we_o can_v give_v such_o kind_n of_o formal_a engagement_n out_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o be_v or_o do_v or_o to_o appear_v or_o answer_v this_o or_o the_o other_o case_n when_o as_o we_o be_v no_o transgressor_n in_o the_o thing_n object_v against_o we_o and_o suppose_v of_o we_o and_o when_o we_o be_v suspect_v by_o prejudice_v mind_n of_o such_o and_o such_o matter_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n guilty_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n and_o than_o it_o be_v demand_v of_o we_o to_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o find_v surety_n and_o to_o answer_v this_o and_o the_o other_o objection_n and_o supposition_n only_o false_o suppose_v and_o suspect_v against_o we_o by_o man_n that_o seek_v occasion_n against_o we_o this_o demand_v we_o can_v fulfil_v for_o conscience-sake_n because_o we_o be_v clear_a and_o not_o guilty_a of_o such_o suspicion_n nor_o can_v we_o bind_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n upon_o penalty_n and_o forfeiture_n to_o appear_v and_o answer_v such_o and_o such_o groundless_a objection_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v in_o that_o manner_n bind_v and_o engage_v ourselves_o not_o to_o do_v so_o or_o answer_v this_o and_o the_o other_o objection_n against_o we_o when_o we_o know_v ourselves_o innocent_a of_o that_o accusation_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o be_v doubt_v but_o contrary_a to_o our_o faith_n and_o principle_n then_o this_o be_v a_o betray_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n in_o that_o behalf_n and_o a_o render_n of_o we_o guilty_a to_o all_o man_n when_o as_o we_o be_v clear_a and_o by_o bind_v ourselves_o as_o aforementioned_a we_o shall_v be_v repute_v transgressor_n for_o bond_n and_o engagement_n by_o forfeiture_n and_o sum_n of_o money_n be_v for_o the_o guilty_a and_o not_o for_o the_o innocent_a and_o we_o may_v not_o betray_v our_o guiltless_a cause_n and_o bring_v it_o under_o false_a reputation_n among_o man_n by_o give_v such_o bind_a engagement_n and_o again_o when_o as_o we_o be_v clear_a of_o any_o such_o suspicion_n as_o be_v make_v against_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v bind_v ourselves_o as_o aforesaid_a it_o many_o time_n do_v appear_v that_o occasion_n be_v more_o take_v against_o we_o in_o answer_v or_o appear_v and_o we_o make_v to_o be_v great_a offender_n than_o before_o and_o there_o again_o our_o innocency_n be_v betray_v when_o as_o innocent_a of_o the_o fact_n suppose_v against_o we_o yet_o make_v offender_n in_o answer_v through_o formality_n and_o trick_n in_o the_o course_n of_o law_n practise_v at_o the_o time_n of_o answer_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v in_o good_a reason_n and_o equity_n deny_v to_o
man_n we_o must_v be_v obedient_a by_o do_v and_o not_o withhold_v our_o just_a obedience_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o of_o worship_n faith_n and_o religion_n towards_o he_o we_o must_v only_o be_v obedient_a to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o teach_v and_o require_v obedience_n in_o all_o those_o thing_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v command_v of_o we_o by_o the_o present_a authority_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o equity_n justice_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o we_o must_v in_o such_o case_n obey_v god_n only_o and_o deny_v active_a obedience_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o patient_o suffer_v what_o be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o for_o such_o our_o disobedience_n to_o man_n and_o we_o must_v choose_v obedience_n to_o god_n rather_o than_o man_n though_o we_o suffer_v because_o thereof_o and_o this_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v our_o practice_n to_o obey_v authority_n by_o do_v or_o suffer_v not_o dispute_v whether_o the_o authority_n in_o itself_o be_v absolute_a of_o god_n or_o not_o yet_o be_v a_o authority_n over_o we_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v it_o either_o by_o do_v or_o suffer_v because_o it_o be_v a_o authority_n and_o not_o to_o plot_v rebel_n or_o rise_v up_o with_o carnal_a weapon_n against_o it_o and_o thus_o must_v our_o obedience_n be_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n and_o if_o that_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o king_n we_o can_v be_v obedient_a for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o when_o aught_o be_v require_v different_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o have_v example_n hereof_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o many_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o can_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n and_o commandment_n of_o king_n when_o they_o require_v aught_o to_o be_v obey_v contrary_a to_o their_o pure_a conscience_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o three_o child_n dan._n 3._o they_o can_v not_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o the_o king_n though_o it_o be_v absolute_a but_o refuse_v obedience_n and_o suffer_v for_o it_o and_o daniel_n also_o himself_o disobey_v the_o king_n law_n and_o command_n dan._n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o when_o they_o be_v command_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o city_n and_o country_n to_o preach_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act._n 4._o 17_o 18._o they_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o ruler_n in_o that_o case_n but_o go_v on_o and_o preach_v jesus_n in_o disobedience_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o exumple_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o it_o be_v justifiable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o former_a age_n even_o disobedience_n to_o king_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o case_n command_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o their_o example_n may_v justify_v such_o now_o in_o the_o same_o practice_n in_o the_o same_o case_n if_o they_o walk_v therein_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n v._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o if_o we_o at_o any_o time_n be_v find_v not_o in_o full_a obedience_n by_o do_v in_o all_o case_n and_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o contempt_n unto_o or_o rebellion_n against_o the_o king_n person_n or_o government_n it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v on_o that_o account_n but_o for_o good_a conscience_n sake_n and_o because_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n when_o and_o where_o their_o command_n stand_v in_o opposition_n the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o may_v keep_v our_o conscience_n clear_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n from_o disobedience_n against_o he_o which_o be_v our_o care_n and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n and_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o can_v do_v with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n such_o command_v we_o can_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o wilfulness_n stubornness_n contempt_n or_o rebellion_n against_o the_o authority_n but_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n and_o cause_n that_o we_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o god_n nor_o against_o our_o own_o conscience_n by_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o lest_o we_o shall_v bring_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n right_o consider_v it_o do_v appear_v 1._o that_o we_o acknowledge_v magistracy_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o execute_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n among_o man_n 2._o that_o just_o and_o righteous_a man_n be_v the_o only_a person_n fit_a to_o execute_v just_a law_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o earth_n 3._o that_o we_o acknowledge_v this_o present_a government_n of_o king_n charles_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n it_o be_v now_o set_v up_o 4._o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v obedient_a by_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n as_o the_o supreme_a authority_n 5._o that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n we_o be_v disobedient_a thereunto_o and_o can_v whole_o perform_v every_o command_n by_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v for_o conscience_n sake_n to_o god_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o he_o and_o not_o out_o of_o rebellion_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o king_n or_o his_o power_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n true_o consider_v if_o we_o do_v suffer_v tribulation_n affliction_n and_o imprisonment_n under_o and_o by_o this_o present_a authority_n for_o and_o because_o of_o our_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n without_o evil_a or_o wrong_n do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n person_n or_o estate_n though_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o conscience_n obey_v active_o this_o present_a authority_n yet_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o so_o we_o receive_v our_o suffering_n and_o not_o as_o for_o contempt_n or_o denial_n of_o authority_n or_o as_o rebellious_a against_o it_o but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n to_o god_n our_o suffering_n be_v and_o our_o unjust_a persecution_n will_v be_v upon_o our_o enemy_n in_o the_o effect_n and_o reward_v thereof_o with_o great_a indignation_n and_o wrath_n from_o the_o lord_n god_n that_o reward_v all_o according_a to_o their_o work_n thus_o much_o about_o government_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o persecution_n be_v in_o itself_o chap._n vi_o concern_v persecution_n what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o how_o great_a a_o enemy_n it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n 1._o persecution_n be_v when_o a_o person_n or_o a_o people_n do_v suffer_v tribulation_n affliction_n imprisonment_n bond_n or_o death_n whether_o by_o a_o law_n or_o without_o the_o law_n for_o and_o because_o of_o his_o or_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n as_o when_o a_o person_n or_o a_o people_n be_v reproach_v false_o accuse_v imprison_a or_o put_v to_o death_n only_o for_o and_o because_o of_o their_o religion_n sake_n when_o as_o no_o evil-dealing_a in_o the_o thing_n between_o man_n and_o man_n can_v be_v just_o charge_v and_o prove_v against_o they_o but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o way_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o in_o its_o profaneness_n and_o in_o its_o formal_a profession_n also_o of_o religion_n and_o because_o thereof_o suffering_n be_v impose_v upon_o they_o while_o yet_o they_o walk_v just_o innocent_o and_o harmless_o towards_o all_o man_n this_o be_v persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o such_o be_v persecute_v if_o so_o be_v they_o suffer_v for_o and_o because_o of_o righteonsness_n sake_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o deny_v their_o principle_n nor_o profession_n of_o religion_n nor_o conform_v to_o time_n nor_o law_n contrary_a to_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o suffer_v because_o hereof_o this_o be_v persecution_n 2._o persecution_n be_v when_o a_o person_n or_o a_o people_n be_v afflict_v and_o any_o kind_n of_o suffering_n impose_v upon_o they_o whether_o by_o any_o authority_n or_o without_o authority_n and_o only_o because_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n though_o yet_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o god_n nor_o by_o the_o exercise_n