in_o all_o humility_n prostrate_v myself_o at_o his_o royal_a foot_n with_o this_o humble_a supplication_n that_o it_o will_v gracious_o please_v his_o majesty_n according_a to_o his_o wont_a goodness_n and_o princely_a clemency_n to_o consider_v and_o pity_v the_o distress_a condition_n of_o many_o of_o his_o faithful_a subject_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o some_o other_o ceremony_n and_o can_v in_o conscience_n to_o god_n conform_v to_o they_o nor_o deny_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n o_o let_v our_o lord_n the_o king_n consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a strait_n that_o any_o honest_a christian_a can_v be_v put_v upon_o either_o to_o deny_v what_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a or_o profess_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v otherwise_o o_o let_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v always_o his_o majesty_n chief_a counsellor_n that_o by_o his_o direction_n he_o may_v right_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o be_v harmless_a in_o his_o realm_n and_o such_o as_o have_v abuse_v his_o kindness_n which_o have_v be_v very_o great_a and_o thankful_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o that_o the_o present_a severity_n against_o the_o innocent_a may_v be_v abate_v and_o remove_v lest_o they_o be_v make_v miserable_a in_o their_o native_a country_n god_n almighty_n bless_v the_o king_n etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o apology_n for_o the_o baptise_a believer_n wherein_o the_o ground_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v reviewed_n in_o answer_n to_o fourteen_o argument_n deliver_v by_o mr._n nathaniel_n taylor_n m._n a._n in_o a_o sermon_n on_o matth._n 28._o 19_o entitle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therewithal_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o baptise_a believer_n from_o the_o pedobaptist_n modest_o propound_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o great_a and_o long-continued_a suffering_n by_o t._n grantham_n a_o servant_n of_o christ_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1684._o a_o apology_n for_o the_o baptise_a believer_n etc._n etc._n present_v to_o all_o pious_a and_o well-disposed_n christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sect_n i._o honour_a and_o belove_a brethren_n to_o prevent_v a_o mistake_n and_o to_o remove_v a_o aspersion_n too_o frequent_o cast_v upon_o we_o be_v please_v to_o know_v that_o though_o we_o differ_v from_o you_o and_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o a_o true_a church_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o therefore_o arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o alone_o the_o christian_a name_n nor_o exalt_v ourselves_o in_o our_o imagination_n above_o other_o but_o do_v believe_v and_o hope_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o save_v one_o will_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n who_o hearty_o love_v god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v holy_o and_o charitable_o among_o man_n though_o they_o be_v diversify_v in_o respect_n of_o ceremony_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o place_n and_o government_n where_o they_o live_v yea_o we_o have_v charity_n for_o all_o man_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n afford_v they_o how_o small_a soever_o know_v that_o our_o god_n delight_n in_o mercy_n and_o do_v not_o exact_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n of_o any_o man._n but_o for_o all_o this_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v be_v abundance_n of_o error_n introduce_v among_o christian_n so_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o a_o people_n still_o to_o testify_v against_o they_o the_o memory_n of_o who_o be_v bless_v though_o they_o be_v frequent_o persecute_v so_o we_o believe_v it_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o we_o to_o bear_v our_o testimony_n to_o what_o truth_n we_o know_v and_o not_o to_o partake_v with_o any_o in_o their_o by-path_n in_o life_n or_o religion_n and_o yet_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v after_o unity_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o own_o the_o christian_a profession_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o have_v humble_o propose_v what_o we_o think_v concern_v we_o in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a understanding_n and_o compliance_n in_o our_o friendly_a epistle_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n publish_v some_o year_n ago_o but_o have_v not_o be_v public_o take_v notice_n of_o till_o late_o one_o mr._n taylor_n a_o person_n of_o worth_n for_o his_o integrity_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o protestant_a interest_n and_o for_o his_o gentle_a disposition_n towards_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n though_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ceremony_n it_o have_v please_v he_o i_o say_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o say_a epistle_n and_o to_o offer_v something_o in_o order_n to_o a_o composure_n of_o difference_n which_o i_o confess_v with_o he_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o then_o he_o be_v please_v to_o show_v we_o nothing_o of_o mitigation_n or_o hope_n of_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v occasion_v our_o disunion_n but_o do_v rather_o whole_o charge_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n upon_o we_o and_o suppose_v our_o difference_n about_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o our_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o though_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n because_o true_a baptism_n be_v antecedent_n to_o church-communion_n yet_o that_o which_o be_v great_a in_o our_o judgement_n be_v that_o open_a profaneness_n which_o god_n know_v reign_v and_o rage_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therewithal_o the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o discipline_n to_o reform_v those_o iniquity_n and_o also_o that_o persecute_v spirit_n which_o appear_v even_o in_o too_o many_o of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n by_o who_o cruelty_n our_o suffering_n have_v be_v much_o augment_v for_o these_o cause_n we_o have_v think_v ourselves_o concern_v to_o make_v this_o our_o christian_a apology_n in_o which_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o use_v that_o freedom_n of_o speech_n which_o the_o matter_n depend_v do_v require_v and_o yet_o see_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_a as_o neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n pretend_v so_o to_o be_v we_o shall_v speak_v under_o correction_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n with_o resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o a_o clear_a conviction_n if_o indeed_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o dissent_v be_v justifiable_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o till_o this_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v hypocrisy_n and_o baseness_n in_o we_o to_o violate_v our_o conscience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n to_o obtain_v favour_n from_o man_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v so_o please_v man_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n gal._n 1._o 10._o and_o we_o do_v the_o 〈◊〉_d desire_v to_o be_v hear_v at_o this_o time_n partly_o for_o that_o mr._n taylor_n be_v please_v to_o impute_v folly_n to_o we_o in_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o we_o allow_v of_o the_o most_o of_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n but_o especial_o be_v thereunto_o require_v by_o some_o of_o eminency_n and_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o unless_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v hold_v some_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o she_o do_v practice_v something_o in_o her_o religion_n which_o be_v sinful_a we_o can_v justify_v our_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o whether_o we_o be_v able_a on_o this_o wise_a to_o vindicate_v our_o present_a separation_n be_v the_o business_n which_o we_o pray_v may_v be_v serious_o consider_v sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o baptise_a believer_n can_v conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n reserve_v all_o due_a honour_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o far_o as_o she_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n and_o as_o she_o be_v a_o good_a fortress_n against_o much_o popish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n we_o shall_v humble_o make_v our_o objection_n in_o three_o particular_n 1._o concern_v infant-baptism_n 2._o concern_v her_o discipline_n 3._o concern_v she_o impose_v of_o ceremony_n from_o all_o which_o we_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o argue_v thus_o it_o be_v lawful_a just_a and_o needful_a to_o maintain_v a_o prudent_a and_o friendly_a separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n as_o do_v believe_v hold_v and_o maintain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_o and_o actual_o destructive_a of_o that_o christian_a liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v his_o church_n free_a and_o of_o that_o sacred_a baptism_n and_o holy_a
give_v to_o swear_v lie_v drunkenness_n and_o lascivious_a talk_v as_o god_n know_v a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o your_o discipline_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o power_n in_o such_o case_n for_o thus_o say_v one_o of_o your_o own_o minister_n who_o mind_v canon_n 109_o that_o prohibit_v common_a swearer_n common_a drunkard_n notorious_a whoremaster_n and_o whore_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o even_a bishop_n hear_v man_n swear_v a_o thousand_o oath_n and_o either_o do_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o use_v any_o discipline_n against_o they_o but_o now_o if_o a_o good_a man_n do_v not_o stand_v up_o and_o bow_v to_o the_o altar_n at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n when_o the_o creed_n be_v read_v because_o he_o dare_v not_o pay_v great_a reverence_n in_o a_o religious_a way_n to_o any_o write_n than_o he_o pay_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o he_o dare_v not_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n nor_o sprinkle_v his_o child_n etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v he_o be_v prosecute_v as_o a_o great_a sinner_n cast_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o lay_v in_o prison_n yea_o he_o be_v sentence_v already_o for_o in_o canon_n 6._o thus_o we_o read_v whosoever_o shall_v affirm_v that_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v superstitious_a or_o such_o as_o man_n who_o be_v zealous_o and_o godly_o affect_v may_v not_o with_o any_o good_a conscience_n approve_v they_o use_v they_o or_o as_o occasion_n require_v subscribe_v unto_o they_o let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o not_o restore_v until_o he_o repent_v and_o public_o revoke_v such_o his_o wicked_a error_n 4._o thus_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o discipline_n of_o righteousness_n mercy_n and_o charity_n establish_v by_o christ_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o a_o mercenary_a court_n set_v up_o hold_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n instead_o of_o christ_n institution_n in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n who_o also_o live_v voluptuous_o upon_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n but_o as_o for_o the_o reformation_n of_o evil_a manner_n or_o the_o make_n peace_n and_o concord_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o seek_v for_o nor_o indeed_o expect_v from_o these_o court_n and_o as_o the_o reverend_a grosthead_n say_v at_o rome_n when_o he_o see_v all_o thing_n rule_v by_o money_n so_o may_v i_o say_v of_o the_o court_n under_o consideration_n o_o money_n money_n what_o will_v thou_o not_o do_v there_o as_o for_o the_o opprobrious_a language_n prohibit_v by_o the_o canon_n we_o think_v it_o uncomely_a for_o any_o to_o use_v it_o though_o we_o dissent_v from_o the_o ceremony_n themselves_o sect_n iv._o concern_v impose_v of_o ceremony_n 1._o all_o divine_a ceremony_n ordain_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n we_o reverence_v and_o religious_o observe_v and_o keep_v as_o they_o be_v deliver_v 2._o that_o any_o church_n since_o their_o day_n have_v just_a power_n to_o make_v and_o ordain_v divine_a ceremony_n to_o be_v any_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o see_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v much_o less_o that_o such_o ceremony_n may_v lawful_o be_v impose_v under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n banishment_n imprisonment_n loss_n of_o estate_n and_o life_n for_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a god_n have_v give_v power_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n to_o make_v change_n or_o disannual_a law_n in_o point_n of_o civil_a government_n yet_o we_o believe_v all_o the_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v make_v one_o institute_n or_o divine_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n err_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n in_o decree_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v 3._o for_o when_o we_o see_v how_o sharp_o foam_n be_v reprehend_v by_o st._n paul_n for_o bring_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o galatia_n under_o some_o legal_a ceremony_n which_o once_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a and_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o invader_n of_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a aver_v also_o that_o if_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o gal._n 5._o 1_o 2._o we_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n to_o free_v the_o protestant_n from_o sin_n who_o either_o take_v up_o scriptureless_a ceremony_n from_o the_o papist_n or_o invent_v ceremony_n themselves_o but_o least_o of_o all_o when_o they_o force_v man_n will_v they_o will_v they_o to_o conform_v to_o such_o ceremony_n or_o else_o to_o be_v eject_v and_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o her_o bishop_n to_o consent_v to_o a_o law_n that_o pious_a man_n only_o dissent_v in_o these_o thing_n elizabeth_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v banish_v or_o else_o hang_v as_o felon_n without_o benefit_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o we_o humble_o desire_v that_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o law_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o mitigate_v 4._o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o the_o sprinkle_v of_o infant_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n bow_v to_o the_o altar_n to_o name_v no_o more_o at_o present_a be_v not_o sinful_a then_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o reprove_v a_o papist_n for_o use_v holy_a water_n bow_v to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n certain_o if_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o present_a constitution_n we_o must_v submit_v to_o they_o too_o where_o they_o have_v power_n on_o their_o side_n to_o enforce_v they_o but_o he_o that_o shall_v impartial_o consider_v what_o a_o learned_a protestant_n have_v say_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o one_o ceremony_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v against_o symbolise_v with_o antichrist_n in_o ceremony_n will_v see_v great_a cause_n to_o avoid_v touch_v with_o any_o such_o invention_n however_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v a_o harmless_a use_n among_o christian_n at_o the_o first_o but_o who_o see_v not_o that_o when_o such_o ceremony_n have_v get_v the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v force_v on_o by_o humane_a law_n what_o incredible_a misery_n they_o have_v bring_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n how_o have_v they_o lord_v it_o over_o king_n and_o kingdom_n over_o the_o estate_n liberty_n and_o life_n of_o christian_n who_o see_v not_o that_o be_v thus_o set_v up_o they_o be_v sometime_o more_o set_v by_o than_o sincere_a faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o if_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o loyalty_n too_o be_v only_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o according_a to_o man_n submission_n to_o those_o humane_a innovation_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_a even_o in_o this_o our_o land_n that_o let_v a_o man_n but_o conform_a to_o all_o the_o ceremony_n he_o shall_v live_v honourable_o let_v his_o life_n be_v never_o so_o debauch_v almost_o but_o let_v a_o man_n refuse_v these_o ceremony_n out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n because_o they_o be_v not_o from_o heaven_n than_o he_o be_v envy_n mark_n let_v his_o life_n be_v never_o so_o just_a and_o harmless_a such_o effect_n shall_v lead_v we_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o cause_n be_v and_o because_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o ceremony_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o inquire_v what_o mean_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n why_o be_v we_o force_v not_o only_o to_o use_v it_o but_o to_o use_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o church_n of_o england_n blame_v the_o papist_n for_o say_v marriage_n be_v a_o sacrament_n but_o shall_v we_o then_o make_v a_o sacrament_n of_o a_o ring_n sure_o you_o make_v the_o ring_n as_o sacred_a in_o marriage_n as_o you_o make_v the_o water_n in_o baptism_n such_o usage_n as_o these_o we_o fear_v give_v the_o papist_n too_o much_o cause_n to_o use_v this_o speech_n a_o protestant_n be_v but_o a_o papist_n scare_v out_o of_o his_o wit_n it_o be_v not_o then_o any_o thing_n of_o prejudice_n or_o obstinacy_n which_o make_v we_o to_o stand_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o a_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o serve_v god_n aright_o and_o a_o godly_a fear_n lest_o by_o touch_v with_o these_o unwritten_a tradition_n we_o shall_v bring_v our_o soul_n under_o gild_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n howbeit_o if_o any_o can_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v justifiable_a in_o these_o thing_n here_o object_v we_o shall_v suspect_v ourselves_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o here_o
the_o child_n of_o men._n in_o a_o word_n faith_n apprehend_v or_o believe_v this_o god_n to_o be_v whatsoever_o his_o word_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v which_o together_o with_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n be_v the_o intelligencer_n to_o mortal_n his_o good_a spirit_n also_o help_v and_o illuminate_v all_o that_o hearty_o seek_v after_o he_o howbeit_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o magnitude_n in_o all_o that_o have_v it_o but_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o all_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o to_o fear_v god_n be_v indeed_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n and_o not_o upon_o christian_n only_o and_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n it_o be_v good_a to_o know_v the_o cause_n why_o mankind_n of_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v bind_v to_o fear_n god_n i_o say_v mankind_n only_o of_o all_o sublunary_a creature_n for_o from_o other_o creature_n god_n expect_v not_o this_o nor_o do_v they_o pay_v it_o to_o he_o not_o have_v capacity_n and_o so_o no_o necessity_n on_o they_o to_o do_v it_o but_o they_o be_v subjugate_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n who_o be_v place_v over_o they_o as_o supreme_a psal_n 86._o 7_o 8._o gen._n 9_o 2._o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o creature_n below_o he_o till_o after_o the_o earth_n be_v accurse_v it_o be_v true_a a_o dominion_n be_v give_v man_n over_o they_o in_o his_o innocent_a estate_n gen._n 1._o 28._o but_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v rule_v they_o with_o rigour_n as_o now_o i_o find_v not_o but_o do_v conceive_v that_o the_o terror_n of_o man_n to_o the_o brute_n creature_n and_o their_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v effect_n of_o the_o curse_n and_o its_o certain_a the_o curse_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o these_o thing_n let_v we_o not_o be_v too_o curious_a now_o whether_o in_o case_n man_n have_v not_o sin_v he_o shall_v have_v be_v oblige_v to_o fear_n god_n as_o now_o or_o whether_o he_o shall_v have_v proper_o fear_v god_n at_o all_o may_v be_v inquire_v here_o to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o see_v god_n have_v endue_v man_n with_o excellent_a reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o yet_o put_v he_o in_o a_o mutable_a state_n and_o give_v he_o notice_n that_o his_o state_n be_v such_o when_o he_o give_v he_o a_o law_n with_o a_o penalty_n upon_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o in_o the_o breach_n of_o which_o he_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2._o 17._o it_o follow_v that_o man_n be_v even_o then_o bind_v to_o fear_n and_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o his_o majesty_n from_o the_o begin_n before_o sin_n be_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o original_a cause_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o his_o bounty_n towards_o man_n and_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o he_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o just_a how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o we_o who_o be_v of_o the_o fall_a race_n of_o adam_n not_o only_o for_o that_o we_o be_v under_o these_o original_a obligation_n and_o for_o that_o the_o covenant_n which_o we_o be_v under_o as_o christian_n though_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o be_v true_o conditional_a whatever_o some_o murmur_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o fear_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o his_o majesty_n behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o that_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o rom._n 11._o 22._o heb._n 4._o 1._o but_o it_o be_v furthermore_o our_o duty_n for_o that_o we_o be_v more_o subject_a to_o err_v than_o adam_n be_v for_o all_o grant_v he_o have_v freewill_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o ability_n to_o stand_v have_v he_o use_v it_o but_o though_o some_o of_o we_o do_v hold_v we_o have_v a_o liberty_n of_o will_n yet_o we_o must_v all_o confess_v our_o power_n to_o be_v very_o small_a without_o intervening_a grace_n either_o to_o resist_v temptation_n or_o to_o do_v act_n of_o righteousness_n not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n of_o fear_n towards_o god_n much_o speak_v of_o to_o wit_n a_o servile_a fear_n and_o a_o filial_a fear_n the_o first_o they_o will_v exclude_v from_o a_o christian_a but_o if_o by_o servile_a fear_n be_v intend_v no_o more_o than_o to_o fear_n god_n as_o a_o good_a servant_n be_v to_o fear_v his_o master_n i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o exclude_v it_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n mal._n 1._o 16._o it_o seem_v god_n servant_n must_v fear_v he_o but_o perhaps_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o distinction_n be_v this_o by_o filial_a fear_n be_v mean_v a_o holy_a dread_a lest_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a or_o leave_v undo_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o by_o servile_a fear_n be_v mean_v a_o fear_n of_o punishment_n only_o if_o this_o be_v it_o i_o shall_v say_v little_a to_o it_o believe_v whoever_o make_v this_o distinction_n will_v have_v all_o man_n and_o special_o christian_n to_o fear_n god_n so_o as_o to_o depart_v from_o all_o evil_a and_o to_o do_v good_a lest_o judgement_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o their_o cup_n from_o the_o lord_n fear_v god_n that_o be_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o his_o majesty_n worship_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o he_o only_o 1_o sam._n 12._o 14._o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n psal_n 45._o 11._o he_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o worship_n thou_o he_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v mat._n 4._o 10._o this_o be_v god_n right_a we_o must_v only_o pay_v it_o to_o he_o when_o peter_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o straight_a whether_o to_o please_v or_o fear_v man_n when_o his_o service_n to_o god_n be_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n his_o speech_n be_v very_o frank_a and_o resolute_a act_v 4._o 19_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o man_n more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o this_o than_o must_v ever_o become_v good_a christian_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o stick_v close_o to_o that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n however_o it_o may_v be_v countermand_v by_o man._n the_o condescension_n of_o holy_a paul_n be_v so_o wise_o attemper_v as_o even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o pay_v his_o debt_n of_o love_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o unwise_a so_o as_o to_o be_v without_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n and_o under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o sin_v to_o please_v any_o nor_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v for_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o that_o which_o must_v keep_v we_o company_n all_o our_o day_n else_o we_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n which_o will_v both_o hit_v and_o hurt_v where_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v absent_a therefore_o bless_v be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o hold_v joseph_n back_o from_o uncleanness_n nehemiah_n from_o self-endedness_a in_o god_n service_n when_o other_o make_v it_o burdensome_a this_o do_v not_o i_o say_v he_o because_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v say_v the_o apostle_n i_o tremble_v in_o myself_o that_o i_o may_v rest_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n say_v the_o prophet_n i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v say_v moses_n i_o be_o so_o trouble_v i_o can_v speak_v say_v david_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o exceed_o fear_v and_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o that_o majesty_n which_o make_v these_o pillar_n in_o the_o church_n to_o tremble_v beware_v of_o a_o stupid_a and_o careless_a spirit_n for_o that_o will_v soon_o prove_v a_o revolt_a spirit_n jer._n 5._o 22_o 23._o david_n make_v that_o awful_a fear_n of_o god_n a_o express_a duty_n to_o all_o psal_n 76._o 7._o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o thy_o presence_n when_o once_o thou_o be_v angry_a without_o a_o godly_a fear_v no_o service_n to_o god_n be_v
thus_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o this_o i_o say_v the_o word_n humane_a creature_n be_v better_o understand_v of_o the_o law_n make_v by_o humane_a authority_n than_o of_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o for_o as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o he_o only_o can_v give_v be_v and_o power_n to_o a_o divine_a law_n insomuch_o that_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v create_v such_o a_o law_n so_o earthly_a god_n and_o none_o but_o they_o can_v create_v and_o give_v power_n to_o a_o humane_a law_n and_o law_n thus_o make_v be_v right_o call_v humane_a creature_n or_o ordinance_n of_o man_n as_o our_o english_a express_v it_o and_o when_o law_n be_v thus_o make_v though_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v ill_a law_n as_o it_o sometime_o happen_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v obey_v either_o active_o or_o passive_o because_o the_o power_n magistratical_a must_v not_o be_v resist_v only_o the_o error_n of_o a_o ill_a law_n must_v be_v refuse_v by_o all_o faithful_a man_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o 4._o this_o great_a power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o king_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o make_v law_n be_v as_o i_o conceive_v the_o chief_a cause_n why_o they_o be_v call_v god_n psal_n 82._o 6._o i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n and_o all_o of_o you_o be_v child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v because_o of_o that_o resemblance_n which_o they_o have_v to_o god_n himself_o be_v deck_v with_o power_n and_o majesty_n to_o make_v and_o execute_v law_n in_o this_o low_a world_n which_o concern_v the_o child_n of_o man_n as_o such_o 5._o and_o as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o kingly_a government_n for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o my_o text_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o god_n himself_o say_v by_o i_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n by_o i_o prince_n rule_v and_o noble_n even_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o in_o this_o case_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v not_o god_n but_o wisdom_n that_o speak_v these_o word_n prov._n 8._o 15_o 16._o i_o answer_v it_o be_v folly_n that_o make_v the_o objection_n for_o this_o wisdom_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n king_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o not_o only_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n but_o even_o heathen_a king_n also_o isa_n 45._o 1._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o his_o anoint_v even_o to_o cirus_n now_o cirus_n be_v king_n of_o persia_n ezra_n 1._o 1._o 6._o if_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o government_n but_o not_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v of_o god_n but_o of_o human_a choice_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o government_n to_o be_v form_v and_o not_o yet_o in_o be_v but_o of_o one_o establish_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o distinction_n be_v dangerous_a but_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o government_n without_o its_o form_n do_v god_n make_v a_o ordinance_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o without_o form_n if_o so_o what_o can_v you_o call_v it_o it_o be_v the_o form_n that_o give_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v call_v what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v bad_a venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n make_v a_o ordinance_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o form_v it_o as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o see_v no_o nation_n can_v long_o endure_v without_o government_n nor_o that_o government_n subsist_v without_o form_n it_o seem_v necessary_a that_o both_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o where_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v regal_a or_o kingly_a it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o as_o such_o to_o be_v have_v in_o honour_n that_o god_n do_v by_o his_o providence_n order_n and_o permit_v man_n to_o transact_v order_n and_o settle_v the_o mode_n of_o government_n in_o nation_n which_o yet_o be_v unsettle_a in_o that_o respect_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o form_n or_o settlement_n when_o make_v be_v not_o of_o god_n or_o not_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o because_o in_o such_o a_o emergency_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n together_o with_o god_n providence_n must_v herein_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v that_o say_v true_a by_o i_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n by_o i_o prince_n rule_v and_o noble_n even_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o give_v nabuchadnezzar_n a_o kingdom_n majesty_n glory_n and_o honour_n dan._n 5._o 18._o who_o then_o may_v question_v his_o regal_a power_n to_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v ill_a murmur_a worse_o dispute_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n sure_o if_o nabuchadnezzar_n must_v have_v this_o honour_n give_v to_o he_o as_o king_n even_o by_o daniel_n that_o servant_n of_o god_n because_o by_o the_o almighty_a he_o be_v thus_o exalt_v although_o otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o sinful_a man_n a_o great_a idolater_n it_o must_v needs_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o kingly_a government_n and_o all_o christian_n obedience_n to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o king_n under_o who_o they_o live_v whatsoever_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o may_v usurp_v kingly_a government_n and_o some_o that_o have_v it_o may_v abuse_v it_o i_o answer_v though_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o this_o be_v incident_a to_o all_o other_o form_n of_o government_n and_o when_o god_n permit_v such_o thing_n it_o be_v usual_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o land_n many_o be_v the_o prince_n thereof_o prov._n 28._o 2._o he_o give_v they_o a_o king_n in_o his_o wrath_n but_o this_o be_v because_o israel_n have_v reject_v god_n and_o his_o prophet_n samuel_n otherwise_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o people_n a_o king_n numb_a 23._o 21._o yea_o the_o government_n of_o moses_n himself_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n a_o regal_a or_o kingly_a government_n deut._n 33._o 4_o 5._o if_o then_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o king_n or_o other_o ruler_n do_v oppress_v their_o subject_n i_o know_v no_o remedy_n for_o the_o subject_a but_o prayer_n and_o tear_n that_o god_n will_v turn_v their_o own_o heart_n more_o to_o his_o fear_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o prince_n towards_o they_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o king_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o with_o patient_a suffer_v and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o seek_v for_o favour_n for_o rebellion_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v admit_v for_o it_o be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n be_v against_o god_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o king_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o tertullian_n well_o say_v the_o christian_n know_v that_o the_o emperor_n be_v constitute_v of_o god_n and_o say_v the_o prophet_n i_o have_v deliver_v all_o these_o country_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n who_o then_o may_v take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n sure_a none_o but_o god_n who_o set_v up_o one_o and_o put_v down_o another_o as_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o give_v can_v only_o rightful_o take_v away_o and_o he_o do_v so_o when_o man_n abuse_v what_o he_o give_v mene_n mene_n takel_n vpharsin_n god_n have_v number_v thy_o kingdom_n and_o finish_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n dan._n 5._o 25_o 26._o if_o it_o be_v object_v from_o that_o passage_n they_o have_v set_v up_o king_n and_o not_o by_o i_o that_o kingly_a government_n be_v of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n i_o answer_v this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o here_o a_o disorder_n only_o be_v reprove_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v right_o but_o by_o he_o that_o be_v god_n they_o so_o set_v up_o a_o king_n as_o they_o reject_v god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o reign_v over_o they_o 1_o sam._n 8._o 7._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o samuel_n give_v they_o that_o reproof_n and_o exhortation_n 1_o sam._n 12._o 20._o you_o have_v do_v all_o this_o wickedness_n yet_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o follow_v the_o lord_n but_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deny_v they_o a_o king_n no_o but_o he_o have_v give_v they_o direction_n how_o to_o choose_v they_o a_o king_n deut._n 17._o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o of_o all_o civil_a government_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n kingly_a government_n be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o permanent_a so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n give_v
cause_n why_o we_o think_v your_o pretend_a baptism_n a_o nullity_n for_o your_o error_n about_o the_o subject_n be_v more_o than_o the_o other_o 3._o what_o you_o say_v further_o be_v to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o go_v into_o the_o water_n that_o the_o eunuch_n go_v to_o the_o water_n only_o because_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v add_v to_o but_o your_o conscience_n will_v tell_v you_o it_o signify_v into_o as_o well_o as_o to_o and_o indeed_o you_o grant_v it_o and_o then_o to_o what_o putpose_n do_v you_o quarrel_v our_o translation_n however_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o christ_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o river_n and_o it_o be_v express_o say_v of_o the_o many_o thousand_o which_o come_v to_o jordan_n that_o they_o be_v all_o baptize_v in_o the_o river_n confess_v their_o sin_n now_o sir_n here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v be_v render_v to_o the_o river_n nor_o with_o the_o river_n without_o egregious_a folly_n and_o then_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o they_o be_v all_o dip_v in_o the_o river_n for_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_a folly_n to_o go_v into_o the_o river_n to_o sprinkle_v the_o face_n hand_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n see_v then_o they_o go_v into_o the_o river_n to_o baptize_v it_o show_v it_o can_v right_o be_v do_v without_o go_v into_o the_o water_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v understand_v dip_v be_v the_o only_a true_a mode_n of_o baptise_v 4._o i_o marvel_v how_o any_o wise_a man_n can_v look_v upon_o that_o text_n john_n 3._o 23._o john_n baptize_v in_o enon_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o and_o so_o much_o as_o think_v sprinkle_v to_o be_v a_o lawful_a way_n of_o baptise_v if_o he_o will_v use_v any_o of_o his_o wit_n he_o can_v but_o infer_v baptism_n can_v not_o be_v right_o do_v with_o a_o few_o drop_n of_o water_n seein_o john_n choose_v enon_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o and_o what_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v many_o water_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v many_o river_n but_o by_o the_o noise_n of_o many_o water_n be_v often_o mean_v the_o noise_n of_o much_o water_n in_o one_o source_n or_o channel_n however_o you_o say_v the_o greek_a signify_v the_o confluence_n of_o these_o two_o spring_n jordan_n and_o jaboc_n but_o yet_o you_o be_v unwilling_a that_o they_o shall_v yield_v so_o much_o water_n as_o may_v suffice_v to_o dip_v in_o and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n tell_v you_o elsewhere_o that_o jordan_n overflow_v all_o her_o bank_n at_o certain_a time_n and_o lithgow_n that_o be_v at_o it_o will_v give_v you_o a_o account_n that_o it_o be_v a_o river_n sufficient_a to_o dip_v a_o big_a man_n than_o yourself_o in_o but_o here_o you_o say_v be_v no_o mention_n of_o dip_v yes_o sir_n but_o there_o be_v for_o when_o you_o hear_v that_o john_n be_v baptise_v in_o enon_n he_o be_v either_o dip_v or_o sprinkle_v the_o latter_a will_v make_v the_o speech_n absurd_a and_o nonsensical_a the_o former_a therefore_o be_v his_o business_n for_o he_o be_v dip_v in_o enon_n near_o salem_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o your_o church_n therefore_o be_v very_o much_o to_o blame_v in_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o follow_v she_o own_o tradition_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o present_a disunion_n and_o will_v be_v till_o she_o turn_v to_o the_o truth_n both_o in_o the_o subject_a and_o manner_n of_o baptism_n or_o at_o least_o forbear_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o without_o authority_n from_o heaven_n what_o you_o add_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o some_o of_o our_o objection_n against_o infant_n baptism_n be_v answer_v in_o my_o reply_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n and_o mr._n j._n barret_n which_o be_v bind_v up_o with_o my_o book_n of_o primitive_a christianity_n and_o to_o that_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o what_o you_o add_v about_o surety_n or_o godfathers_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o at_o this_o time_n and_o indeed_o the_o usage_n be_v so_o odd_a that_o dr._n jer._n taylor_n well_o say_v if_o it_o have_v be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v have_v they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v he_o will_v have_v give_v they_o commission_n to_o have_v transact_v the_o solemnity_n with_o better_a circumstance_n and_o give_v answer_n with_o more_o truth_n for_o if_o the_o god_n father_n answer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n i_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v notorious_a they_o speak_v false_a and_o ridiculous_o and_o this_o be_v even_o enough_o to_o say_v to_o such_o a_o innovation_n but_o what_o absurdity_n be_v it_o which_o be_v once_o make_v a_o cannon_n by_o learned_a man_n will_v not_o find_v some_o to_o daub_v it_o up_o with_o untempered_a mortar_n can_v men_n but_o remember_v nadab_n and_o abihu_n leu._n 10._o they_o will_v fear_v to_o add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n under_o what_o pretence_n of_o piety_n or_o prudence_n soever_o thus_o sir_n i_o have_v brief_o answer_v your_o argument_n and_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o mistake_v your_o sense_n in_o any_o passage_n i_o except_v against_o and_o for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v that_o unity_n which_o be_v so_o desirable_a between_o the_o baptise_a believer_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o to_o fall_v to_o it_o by_o disputation_n but_o by_o propose_v what_o abatement_n may_v be_v make_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o this_o of_o poedo-baptism_n be_v not_o or_o at_o lest_o what_o mitigation_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o as_o to_o the_o imposition_n of_o such_o thing_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o shall_v call_v for_o nothing_o from_o we_o wherein_o we_o may_v submit_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n but_o we_o shall_v glad_o hearken_v to_o you_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n constant_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o blessing_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o friendly_a conference_n between_o the_o lead_a man_n on_o both_o part_n may_v do_v much_o to_o further_o so_o good_a a_o work_n special_o if_o his_o majesty_n will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o permit_v such_o friendly_a treaty_n but_o of_o write_v many_o book_n there_o be_v no_o end_n sect_n iv._o a_o plea_n for_o the_o church-assembly_n of_o the_o baptise_a believer_n many_o and_o very_o great_a have_v be_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o baptise_a believer_n in_o this_o nation_n since_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o act_n entitle_v a_o act_n to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n and_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o say_a act_n be_v to_o restrict_n all_o christian_a assembly_n except_o the_o parochial_a to_o the_o number_n of_o four_o person_n beside_o the_o family_n where_o they_o do_v assemble_v we_o see_v not_o how_o we_o can_v with_o safety_n to_o our_o soul_n conform_v to_o the_o limit_n thereby_o prescribe_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a act_n pretend_v only_o the_o prevention_n and_o suppression_n of_o seditious_a conventicle_n we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o those_o who_o be_v free_a from_o seditious_a design_n in_o their_o meeting_n together_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v rational_o acquit_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o sedition_n and_o consequent_o no_o man_n can_v conscientious_o prosecute_v any_o of_o we_o upon_o that_o statute_n be_v utter_o unable_a to_o prove_v any_o such_o crime_n against_o we_o nor_o can_v any_o ever_o yet_o convict_v we_o of_o such_o a_o evil_a nor_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v they_o i_o hope_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o upon_o a_o due_a enquiry_n it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n himself_o that_o have_v order_v his_o people_n to_o convene_v or_o congregate_v for_o the_o better_a discharge_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n preach_v and_o the_o celebration_n of_o other_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o which_o holy_a end_v he_o have_v allow_v not_o four_o person_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n to_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n among_o who_o also_o such_o as_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v allow_v to_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o their_o illumination_n and_o this_o without_o any_o limitation_n in_o respect_n of_o number_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o exceed_v the_o due_a bound_n of_o humane_a power_n to_o use_v restraint_n where_o god_n have_v give_v such_o gracious_a liberty_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 23_o 24_o 25._o jam._n 2._o 2_o 3._o heb._n 10._o 24._o forasmuch_o then_o as_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o power_n upon_o earth_n to_o forbid_v any_o christian_n or_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v christ_n to_o hear_v his_o