smell_v in_o history_n than_o that_o of_o a_o bonner_n they_o will_v sure_o steer_v another_o course_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v think_v well_o to_o weigh_v with_o themselves_o that_o of_o vis_fw-fr unita_fw-la est_fw-la fortior_fw-la and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divide_a house_n while_o by_o a_o fatal_a disagreement_n with_o their_o brethren_n about_o outward_a form_n and_o unnecessary_a circumstance_n they_o render_v themselves_o less_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o impetuosity_n of_o daily_a menace_v popery_n that_o be_v nothing_o the_o decree_n be_v go_v forth_o and_o must_v be_v obey_v and_o though_o the_o preamble_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v avoid_v the_o body_n of_o it_o more_o explanatory_n of_o itself_o admit_v no_o evasion_n for_o the_o law_n positive_o say_v that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o assembly_n conventicle_n or_o meet_v under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n where_o there_o shall_v be_v five_o or_o more_o person_n assemble_v over_o and_o above_o those_o of_o the_o household_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o word_n whoever_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o assembly_n or_o meeting_n under_o pretence_n or_o colour_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n some_o question_n do_v arise_v upon_o the_o fair_a account_n of_o reason_n and_o policy_n 1._o whether_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n extend_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o christian_a and_o according_a to_o the_o direct_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 2._o or_o whether_o only_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o carry_v only_o a_o pretence_n and_o colour_n without_o any_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o christian_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o pretence_n and_o colour_n as_o well_o as_o the_o false_a one_o though_o it_o be_v only_o that_o of_o serve_v and_o perform_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n now_o than_o it_o can_v never_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o law_n be_v ever_o to_o prevent_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o true_a piety_n let_v the_o place_n or_o the_o number_n be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o a_o rational_a proportion_n for_o if_o so_o the_o statute_n will_v be_v void_a in_o itself_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o unbiased_a casuist_n lawyer_n and_o divine_n agree_v that_o all_o humane_a law_n make_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la annul_v as_o to_o any_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n see_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o this_o law_n intend_v the_o destruction_n of_o itself_o there_o must_v be_v a_o look_v backward_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o law_n which_o from_o the_o preamble_n be_v apparent_a to_o be_v only_o the_o prevention_n of_o disloyalty_n and_o insurrection_n for_o the_o repose_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n now_o then_o let_v a_o meeting_n be_v suppose_v though_o of_o more_o than_o five_o or_o ten_o yet_o if_o at_o this_o meet_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v that_o tend_v to_o disloyalty_n insurrection_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n the_o law_n have_v its_o end_n and_o can_v take_v no_o far_o notice_n there_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o no_o occasion_n of_o punishment_n and_o this_o be_v collect_v from_o reason_n itself_o for_o shall_v any_o other_o construction_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o true_a and_o real_a worship_n of_o god_n under_o pretence_n of_o innovation_n and_o disloyalty_n a_o thought_n a_o intention_n which_o it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o imagine_v such_o worthy_a and_o pious_a legislator_n ever_o dream_v of_o however_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v strain_v in_o the_o absence_n of_o its_o maker_n now_o that_o such_o a_o mean_v of_o the_o act_n as_o it_o be_v enforce_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v apparent_a from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o act_v 28._o and_o paul_n dwell_v two_o year_n in_o his_o hire_a house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o man_n forbid_v he_o 1_o tim._n 2._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o with_o several_a other_o nor_o will_v it_o serve_v as_o a_o objection_n to_o say_v that_o the_o time_n be_v otherwise_o now_o that_o there_o be_v such_o plenty_n of_o public_a church_n for_o if_o they_o be_v possess_v by_o such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v their_o fellow-christians_a to_o come_v together_o without_o prejudice_n to_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o they_o as_o if_o those_o place_n be_v not_o at_o all_o which_o be_v a_o clear_a confirmation_n that_o god_n may_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o any_o place_n or_o at_o any_o time_n it_o be_v as_o clear_v that_o the_o mean_v of_o this_o law_n can_v reach_v the_o exercise_n of_o real_a piety_n for_o if_o the_o worship_n in_o itself_o be_v evil_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v in_o four_o if_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o number_n of_o fourscore_o can_v render_v it_o criminal_a but_o here_o in_o regard_n there_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v and_o stress_n put_v upon_o the_o word_n conventicle_n it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o be_v clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o act_n to_o inquire_v in_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o take_v too_o unwary_o in_o a_o ill_a sense_n by_o those_o that_o will_v extend_v the_o reason_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o act_n beyond_o its_o limit_n a_o conventicle_n then_o in_o the_o general_a sense_n be_v a_o certain_a place_n appoint_v for_o the_o assemble_v and_o come_v together_o of_o people_n to_o some_o purpose_n or_o other_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n it_o signify_v the_o assembly_n itself_o there_o meet_v if_o then_o the_o purpose_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a next_o to_o inquire_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o church-assemble_o and_o a_o conventicle-assemble_o that_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n call_v to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o prayer_n by_o teach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o general_a particular_o christ_n the_o form_n of_o this_o assembly_n consist_v in_o a_o double_a communion_n of_o the_o assembly_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o of_o the_o particular_a member_n among_o themselves_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v the_o person_n or_o several_a member_n call_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o end_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o real_a christianity_n and_o legality_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v the_o true_a preach_v the_o word_n and_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o then_o the_o same_o substantial_a efficient_a cause_n the_o same_o substantial_a matter_n the_o same_o substantial_a form_n the_o same_o substantial_a end_n the_o same_o substantial_a mark_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a assembly_n be_v find_v in_o a_o house_n or_o any_o other_o convenient_a place_n though_o not_o adorn_v with_o steeple_n or_o stone_n arch_n call_v they_o presbyterian_o or_o dissenter_n or_o what_o you_o please_v they_o centre_n the_o main_a fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n differ_v only_o in_o some_o slight_a and_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o be_v therefore_o a_o essential_a body_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o external_n circumstance_n in_o dispute_n they_o be_v to_o be_v argue_v and_o determine_v among_o themselves_o not_o by_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n who_o be_v a_o officer_n only_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o not_o of_o the_o conscience_n so_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o christian_a prudence_n will_v ever_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v rational_a that_o this_o law_n be_v ever_o make_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o conventicle_n which_o must_v prove_v the_o suppression_n of_o much_o true_a piety_n and_o devotion_n this_o make_v some_o people_n think_v that_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v in_o a_o very_a weak_a condition_n and_o most_o deficient_a of_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v so_o earnest_a and_o clamorous_a after_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o indeed_o
it_o be_v easy_o demonstrable_a in_o story_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o advance_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o england_n than_o the_o weakness_n which_o henry_n 8._o perceive_v in_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o papist_n bring_v against_o the_o reformer_n in_o all_o their_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o a_o convocation_n dispute_v have_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a for_o this_o controversy_n than_o the_o destructive_a argument_n of_o distress_n and_o crown_n office_n writ_n which_o if_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o test_n there_o be_v many_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o law-provoker_n may_v not_o come_v by_o the_o worst_a for_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o true_a worship_n true_a religion_n have_v none_o but_o what_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o either_o as_o part_n or_o help_v to_o our_o devotion_n as_o part_n of_o devotion_n they_o consist_v in_o promulgation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o require_v also_o decent_a composure_n of_o gesture_n and_o posture_n as_o help_v to_o devotion_n they_o be_v divide_v into_o fast_v and_o vow_n and_o these_o be_v all_o the_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o true_a worship_n ceremony_n of_o form_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v into_o superstition_n if_o not_o plain_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o some_o unbiased_a person_n not_o without_o reason_n fear_v that_o the_o dissenter_n who_o have_v abandon_v all_o will_v have_v much_o more_o argument_n on_o their_o side_n than_o they_o whoretain_v some_o it_o be_v thus_o apparent_a that_o the_o law_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o prevent_v such_o assembly_n who_o only_a end_n of_o meet_v be_v to_o worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o that_o too_o according_a to_o the_o same_o fundamental_o which_o the_o statute_n enforcer_n profess_v it_o now_o remain_v to_o examine_v whether_o the_o evidence_n offer_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o dissenter_n guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n assign_v by_o the_o law_n viz._n disloyalty_n and_o insurrection_n first_o then_o as_o for_o colour_n and_o pretence_n they_o be_v only_a non-appearance_n lodge_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v only_o disclose_v to_o the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o to_o judge_v of_o colour_n and_o pretence_n appertain_v only_o to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o any_o law_n from_o whence_o arise_v that_o common_a maxim_n that_o de_fw-fr non_fw-fr apperentibus_fw-la the_o law_n take_v no_o cognizance_n much_o less_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o informer_n to_o make_v oath_n of_o colour_n or_o pretence_n until_o colour_n and_o pretence_n break_v forth_o into_o some_o overt_a and_o apparent_a act_n which_o may_v afford_v matter_n for_o testimony_n and_o proof_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o unless_o there_o be_v due_a and_o sufficient_a proof_n make_v of_o false_a doctrine_n seditious_a word_n or_o contrivance_n tend_v to_o insurrection_n and_o disloyalty_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n and_o law_n can_v never_o punish_v where_o there_o be_v no_o breach_n commit_v nor_o do_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o magistrate_n oblige_v he_o to_o sine_fw-la and_o levy_v upon_o the_o bare_a information_n of_o colour_n or_o pretence_n as_o for_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o word_n do_v or_o may_v contrive_v it_o seem_v somewhat_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o plot_n and_o contrivance_n shall_v ever_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o woman_n and_o child_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n seem_v only_o to_o be_v of_o the_o teacher_n move_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n but_o as_o for_o that_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n rather_o for_o the_o permission_n of_o conventicle_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n far_o more_o easy_a to_o discover_v a_o man_n that_o preach_v open_a sedition_n than_o one_o that_o go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n clandestin_o insinuate_v the_o same_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v this_o branch_n independent_a but_o cast_v its_o influence_n into_o the_o whole_a crime_n describe_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o act_n thus_o embody_v if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o conventicle_n etc._n etc._n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n perhaps_o some_o person_n carry_v away_o with_o the_o present_a torment_n of_o unwary_a passion_n may_v from_o hence_o assent_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v true_o real_a and_o sincere_a but_o only_o colourable_a and_o pretend_a which_o be_v not_o perform_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n according_a to_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o england_n to_o which_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o be_v give_v yet_o the_o consequent_a word_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n clear_o contradict_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a paraphrase_n for_o that_o in_o all_o parochial_a church_n it_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n to_o pray_v both_o before_o and_o after_o sermon_n but_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n liturgy_n be_v due_o consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o liturgy_n be_v not_o more_o than_o the_o office_n of_o prayer_n the_o compiler_n themselves_o call_v the_o english_a liturgy_n a_o order_n for_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n or_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o it_o become_v only_o a_o species_n of_o the_o grand_fw-fr genus_fw-la prayer_n or_o oration_n by_o which_o with_o a_o true_a and_o humble_a contrition_n of_o heart_n we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n concern_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v consentaneous_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o this_o divide_a into_o two_o part_n invocation_n and_o thanksgiving_n now_o suppose_v that_o the_o liturgy_n of_o england_n now_o the_o most_o exact_a liturgy_n in_o the_o world_n as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o the_o dissenter_n be_v oblige_v by_o this_o statute_n to_o use_v no_o other_o prayer_n than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o liturgy_n for_o then_o the_o law_n enforcer_n may_v be_v presume_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o statute_n themselves_o who_o after_o the_o full_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v order_v in_o the_o liturgy_n both_o for_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v out_o of_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o liturgy_n yet_o somewhat_o to_o the_o discredit_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v never_o satisfy_v till_o they_o have_v give_v it_o the_o supplement_n of_o their_o tedious_a and_o vain_o ostentatious_a addition_n of_o superexcellent_a and_o super-fine_a which_o after_o a_o full_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o innovation_n and_o thanksgiving_n seem_v in_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o tautology_n forbid_v in_o scripture_n however_o because_o the_o dissenter_n use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o prayer_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o word_n avoid_v that_o inconvenience_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v reduce_v into_o obedience_n to_o something_o not_o well_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v by_o constable_n and_o informer_n but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o exquisite_a liturgy_n yet_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o liturgy_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o which_o though_o out_o of_o veneration_n it_o be_v reduce_v into_o one_o prayer_n for_o general_a use_n yet_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n teach_v heedless_a mortal_n who_o may_v else_o be_v extravagant_a in_o their_o petition_n the_o true_a matter_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o implore_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o give_v thanks_o for_o as_o enjoy_v examine_v then_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o if_o they_o differ_v either_o in_o the_o cause_n the_o matter_n the_o form_n or_o end_n from_o the_o english_a liturgy_n of_o man_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n or_o the_o heavenly_a liturgy_n of_o christ_n let_v they_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o all_o deserve_a punishment_n but_o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o prescribe_v form_n of_o both_o nay_o if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o celestial_a liturgy_n though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o verbatim_o of_o the_o establish_v liturgy_n of_o england_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o any_o statute_n be_v adjudge_v not_o to_o exercise_v such_o a_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o many_o be_v abortive_a and_o through_o weakness_n may_v deserve_v reprehension_n there_o be_v a_o easy_a way_n to_o remedy_v those_o error_n by_o impose_v a_o more_o equal_a injunction_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o church_n discipline_n that_o no_o person_n shall_v
a_o perfect_n guide_n for_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o case_n of_o prosecution_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o penal_a statute_n make_v against_o them_o together_o with_o the_o statute_n of_o 35_o eliz._n and_o 22_o car._n 2._o at_o large_a to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o postscript_n about_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o prosecution_n in_o them_o london_n print_v for_o r._n baldwin_n 1682._o the_o preface_n it_o be_v the_o common_a practice_n now_o adays_o for_o base_a and_o mercenary_a pen_n to_o pass_v the_o worst_a censure_n upon_o the_o best_a intention_n of_o men._n the_o argument_n that_o follow_v be_v all_o ground_a either_o upon_o scripture_n and_o reason_n or_o upon_o equal_a justice_n and_o prudent_a morality_n and_o those_o not_o enforce_v with_o heat_n and_o passion_n but_o with_o all_o the_o mildness_n and_o submission_n imaginable_a which_o argue_v the_o fairness_n and_o honesty_n of_o the_o design_n viz._n to_o procure_v if_o it_o may_v be_v do_v a_o happy_a union_n between_o protestant_n and_o protestant_n who_o it_o rather_o main_o concern_v to_o join_v their_o force_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o their_o profession_n than_o to_o make_v themselves_o the_o scorn_n and_o triumph_n of_o popish_a cunning_n by_o a_o needless_a separation_n which_o if_o due_o consider_v will_v soon_o be_v find_v unhappy_o foment_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o encourage_v emissary_n and_o scribble_a bravo_n of_o rome_n be_v it_o not_o apparent_a how_o they_o already_o begin_v to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o late_a horrid_a plot_n so_o miraculous_o discover_v to_o which_o purpose_n be_v it_o not_o likewise_o apparent_a what_o daily_o affront_v they_o put_v upon_o the_o king_n evidence_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o render_v their_o person_n and_o whatever_o they_o have_v say_v or_o swear_v ridiculous_a they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o raise_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n and_o then_o total_o withdraw_v the_o plot_n from_o their_o belief_n be_v it_o not_o apparent_a how_o vigorous_o they_o assail_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o dissenter_n man_n of_o religious_a serious_a upright_a and_o most_o loyal_a principle_n under_o the_o scandalous_a name_n of_o fanatic_n and_o whig_n and_o by_o throw_v the_o fail_n and_o misdemeanour_n of_o some_o few_o upon_o all_o this_o earth_n not_o afford_v that_o happiness_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a society_n in_o the_o world_n of_o be_v without_o some_o hypocrite_n and_o bad_a man_n to_o cast_v a_o odium_n upon_o above_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o most_o industrious_a and_o wealthy_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n on_o purpose_n to_o enervate_a and_o impoverish_v the_o protestant_a interest_n and_o make_v the_o soft_a and_o more_o easy_a way_n for_o popish_a intrusion_n enormity_n much_o more_o deserve_v the_o punishment_n of_o penal_a law_n than_o public_a meeting_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o consideration_n it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o certain_o by_o person_n of_o true_o pious_a and_o cordial_a affection_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o country_n as_o a_o design_n either_o dishonest_a or_o factious_a to_o vindicate_v so_o far_o as_o may_v stand_v with_o equity_n and_o good_a conscience_n the_o protestant_a dissenter_n from_o the_o heavy_a imputation_n of_o schism_n sedition_n and_o disloyalty_n every_o day_n cast_v upon_o they_o though_o most_o undeserved_o by_o the_o pope_n weekly_a drudge_n here_o in_o this_o city_n to_o which_o end_n the_o design_n of_o these_o few_o sheet_n be_v to_o more_o than_o to_o plead_v their_o cause_n with_o all_o modesty_n and_o submission_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n and_o divine_a charity_n to_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n of_o person_n misguide_v by_o mercenary_a scribbler_n by_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o set_v up_o a_o protestant_a persecution_n to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o pest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ignorant_a and_o greedy_a informer_n and_o because_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o statute_n themselves_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o those_o that_o have_v they_o not_o they_o be_v hereunto_o annex_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o moral_a than_o the_o reason_n of_o self-preservation_n in_o a_o legal_a and_o orderly_a way_n which_o they_o that_o seek_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o those_o of_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n no_o other_o be_v here_o propound_v can_v be_v think_v to_o deviate_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n a_o guide_n for_o protestant_a dissenter_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o seem_v a_o great_a blemish_n to_o christianity_n than_o that_o little_a difference_n about_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v cause_v such_o heat_n and_o animosity_n among_o man_n and_o for_o they_o who_o business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o preach_v unity_n love_n and_o charity_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n to_o instigate_v and_o animate_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o make_v rigid_a penal_a law_n to_o enforce_v the_o conscience_n of_o good_a people_n seem_v in_o some_o measure_n contradictory_n to_o the_o easy_a yoke_n of_o christian_a obedience_n it_o seem_v somewhat_o hard_a when_o a_o poor_a man_n have_v by_o his_o industry_n and_o frugality_n get_v together_o a_o small_a subsistence_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n that_o because_o he_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o some_o few_o indifferent_a circumstance_n that_o be_v impose_v upon_o their_o conscience_n he_o shall_v be_v present_o lay_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o rapacious_a informer_n and_o officer_n that_o his_o good_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o person_n many_o time_n full_a of_o heat_n and_o passion_n than_o of_o true_a charity_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o consequent_o under_o the_o lash_n of_o a_o civil_a writ_n because_o he_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o parochial_a church_n as_o if_o the_o place_n be_v so_o material_a where_o god_n be_v worship_v so_o in_o any_o place_n he_o be_v adore_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n nor_o be_v this_o speak_v in_o the_o least_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n but_o only_o in_o point_n of_o divinity_n it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o very_a preface_n of_o the_o act_n themselves_o hereby_o intend_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v right_o and_o just_a to_o prevent_v sedition_n for_o the_o good_a and_o quiet_a of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o want_v of_o charity_n in_o other_o and_o too_o much_o addictedness_n to_o opinionate_a severity_n sway_v other_o to_o extend_v the_o lawful_a pretence_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n beyond_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o legislater_n intention_n in_o regard_n that_o for_o the_o ministry_n to_o aggravate_v civil_a crime_n upon_o their_o brethren_n and_o incense_n the_o sword_n of_o justice_n appear_v no_o where_o in_o scripture_n agreeable_a to_o christian_a doctrine_n there_o be_v two_o statute_n that_o of_o the_o 35th_o of_o elizabeth_n and_o the_o 22d_o of_o his_o present_a majesty_n that_o create_v the_o loud_a complaint_n that_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o yet_o the_o proem_n of_o neither_o of_o those_o act_n seem_v to_o allow_v that_o rigour_n which_o be_v at_o this_o time_n meditate_a by_o some_o person_n and_o desended_a perhaps_o with_o too_o much_o heat_n in_o the_o pulpit_n the_o preamble_n of_o 35_o eliz._n run_v thus_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o such_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o peril_n as_o may_v happen_v and_o grow_v by_o the_o wicked_a and_o dangerous_a practice_n of_o seditious_a sectary_n and_o disloyal_a person_n the_o preamble_n of_o the_o 22d_o of_o his_o present_a majesty_n run_v thus_o for_o provide_v far_o and_o more_o speedy_a remedy_n against_o the_o grow_a and_o dangerous_a practice_n of_o seditious_a sectary_n and_o other_o disloyal_a person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n have_v or_o may_v at_o their_o meeting_n contrive_v insurrection_n as_o late_a experience_n have_v show_v here_o be_v two_o statute_n by_o which_o most_o lawful_a and_o most_o necessary_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o government_n now_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v what_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n require_v from_o hence_o it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v in_o general_a obedience_n passive_n and_o active_a tranquillity_n public_a and_o private_a and_o particular_o that_o no_o disloyal_a person_n nor_o sectary_n shall_v meet_v under_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n to_o contrive_v insurrection_n hence_o it_o be_v submissive_o presume_v that_o if_o the_o subject_n live_v dutiful_o towards_o his_o prince_n free_a from_o give_v occasion_n of_o civil_a disturbance_n amicable_o towards_o his_o neighbour_n pay_v those_o duty_n and_o tax_n which_o the_o law_n or_o custom_n impose_v and_o active_o if_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a with_o
to_o his_o warrant_n it_o be_v a_o try_a case_n at_o bury_n assizes_n in_o suffolk_n 1678._o or_o 1679._o before_o the_o l._n c._n j._n scroggs_n where_o no_o more_o be_v record_v although_o the_o warrant_n be_v for_o some_o hundred_o of_o pound_n 7._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o positive_o against_o the_o statute_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o which_o it_o be_v express_o enact_v that_o no_o warrant_n shall_v be_v serve_v upon_o that_o day_n but_o in_o case_n of_o treason_n felony_n or_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n to_o serve_v a_o warrant_n upon_o a_o religious_a meeting_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dissenter_n case_n there_o nothing_o remain_v behind_o but_o for_o that_o most_o sacred_a and_o heavenly_a virtue_n charity_n to_o give_v up_o a_o true_a determination_n accrode_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o scripture_n reason_n and_o morality_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a government_n although_o i_o can_v think_v but_o that_o most_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o 35_o of_o eliz._n be_v expire_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o subjoin_v hereunto_o the_o say_a act_n at_o large_a with_o all_o other_o statute_n make_v since_o that_o act_n that_o have_v any_o reference_n to_o it_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o solid_a argument_n give_v by_o man_n understand_v in_o the_o law_n to_o prove_v the_o expiration_n of_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n after_o they_o the_o most_o material_a act_n upon_o which_o dissenter_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v prosecute_v be_v that_o of_o the_o 22_o of_o his_o present_a majesty_n which_o have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o most_o of_o the_o precede_a discourse_n therefore_o i_o have_v also_o insert_v that_o at_o laage_n vestigia_fw-la veritatis_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o act_n to_o retain_v the_o queen_n majesty_n subject_n in_o their_o due_a obedience_n for_o the_o prevent_n and_o avoid_v of_o such_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o peril_n 397._o as_o may_v happen_v and_o grow_v by_o the_o wicked_a and_o dangerous_a practice_n of_o seditious_a sectary_n and_o disloyal_a person_n be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o queen_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n and_o by_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o the_o commons_o in_o this_o present_a parliament_n assemble_v follow_v and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o 16_o year_n which_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n chappel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common-prayer_n to_o hear_v divine_a service_n establish_v by_o her_o majesty_n law_n and_o statute_n in_o that_o behalf_n make_v and_o shall_v forbear_v to_o do_v the_o same_o by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o month_n next_o after_o without_o lawful_a cause_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n after_o 40_o day_n next_o after_o the_o end_n of_o this_o session_n of_o parliament_n by_o print_v write_v or_o express_a word_n or_o speech_n advise_o and_o purposely_o practice_v or_o go_v about_o to_o move_v or_o persuade_v any_o of_o her_o majesty_n subject_n or_o any_o other_o within_o her_o highness_n realm_n or_o dominion_n to_o deny_v withstand_v and_o impugn_v her_o majesty_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a unite_v and_o annex_v to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o this_o realm_n or_o to_o that_o end_n or_o purpose_n shall_v advise_o or_o malicious_o move_v or_o persuade_v any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o forbear_v or_o abstain_v from_o come_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v divine_a service_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o communion_n according_a to_o her_o majesty_n law_n and_o statute_n aforesaid_a or_o to_o come_v to_o or_o to_o be_v present_a at_o any_o unlawful_a assembly_n conventicle_n or_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n contrary_a to_o her_o majesty_n say_v law_n and_o statute_n or_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n which_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n chappel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o shall_v forbear_v by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o month_n to_o hear_v divine_a service_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a shall_v after_o the_o say_v forty_o day_n either_o of_o he_o or_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o motion_n persuasion_n entertainment_n or_o allurement_n of_o any_o other_o willing_o join_v in_o or_o be_v present_a at_o any_o such_o assembly_n conventicle_n or_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o exercise_n of_o religion_n contrary_n to_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a that_o then_o every_o such_o person_n so_o offend_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o be_v thereof_o lawful_o convict_v shall_v be_v commit_v to_o prison_n there_o to_o remain_v without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n until_o they_o shall_v conform_v and_o yield_v themselves_o to_o come_v to_o some_o church_n chappel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o hear_v divine_a service_n according_a to_o her_o majesty_n law_n and_o statute_n aforesaid_a and_o to_o make_v such_o open_a submission_n and_o declaration_n of_o their_o say_a conformity_n as_o hereafter_o in_o this_o act_n be_v declare_v and_o appoint_v provide_v always_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o such_o person_n or_o person_n which_o shall_v offend_v against_o this_o act_n as_o aforesaid_a shall_v not_o within_o three_o month_n next_o after_o they_o shall_v be_v convict_v for_o their_o say_a offence_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v divine_a service_n and_o in_o make_v such_o public_a confession_n and_o submission_n as_o hereafter_o in_o this_o act_n be_v appoint_v and_o express_v be_v thereunto_o require_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o any_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o county_n where_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v or_o by_o the_o minister_n or_o curate_n of_o the_o parish_n that_o in_o every_o such_o case_n every_o such_o offender_n be_v thereunto_o warn_v &_o require_v by_o any_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o same_o county_n where_o such_o offender_n shall_v then_o be_v shall_v upon_o his_o and_o their_o corporal_a oath_n before_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n in_o the_o open_a quarter_n session_n of_o the_o same_o county_n or_o at_o the_o assize_n and_o gaol-delivery_n of_o the_o same_o county_n before_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o same_o assize_n and_o gaol_n delivery_n abjure_v abjure_v this_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o all_o other_o the_o queen_n majesty_n dominion_n for_o ever_o unless_o her_o majesty_n shall_v licence_v the_o party_n to_o return_v and_o thereupon_o shall_v depart_v out_o of_o this_o realm_n at_o such_o haven_n or_o port_n and_o within_o such_o time_n as_o shall_v in_o that_o behalf_n be_v assign_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n before_o who_o such_o abjuration_n shall_v be_v make_v unless_o the_o same_o offender_n be_v let_v or_o stay_v by_o such_o lawful_a and_o reasonable_a mean_n or_o cause_n as_o by_o the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v permit_v and_o allow_v in_o case_n of_o abjuration_n for_o felony_n and_o in_o such_o case_n of_o let_v or_o stay_v then_o within_o such_o reasonable_a and_o convenient_a time_n after_o as_o the_o common_a law_n require_v in_o case_n of_o abjuration_n for_o felony_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o peace_n before_o who_o any_o such_o abjuration_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v make_v as_o be_v aforesaid_a shall_v cause_v the_o same_o present_o to_o be_v enter_v of_o record_n before_o they_o and_o shall_v certify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o assize_n and_o gaol_n delivery_n of_o the_o say_a county_n at_o the_o next_o assize_n or_o gaol-delivery_n to_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o same_o county_n and_o if_o any_o such_o offender_n which_o by_o the_o tenor_n and_o intent_n of_o this_o act_n be_v to_o be_v abjure_v as_o be_v aforesaid_a shall_v refuse_v to_o make_v such_o abjuration_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a or_o after_o such_o abjuration_n make_v shall_v not_o go_v to_o such_o haven_n and_o within_o such_o time_n as_o be_v before_o appoint_v and_o from_o thence_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o realm_n according_a to_o this_o present_a act_n or_o after_o such_o his_o departure_n shall_v return_v or_o come_v again_o into_o any_o her_o majesty_n realm_n or_o dominion_n without_o her_o majesty_n special_a licence_n in_o that_o behalf_n first_o have_v and_o obtain_v that_o then_o in_o every_o such_o case_n the_o person_n so_o offend_v shall_v be_v adjudge_v a_o felon_n and_o shall_v suffer_v as_o in_o case_n of_o felony_n without_o benefit_n of_o clergy_n and_o furthermore_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o present_a