that_o act_n of_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v 1_o king_n 12.24_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n you_o shall_v not_o go_v up_o nor_o fight_v against_o your_o brethren_n for_o this_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o i_o the_o people_n sin_n lie_v in_o another_o way_n they_o inquire_v not_o of_o the_o lord_n who_o shall_v govern_v they_o therein_o lay_v their_o evil_n from_o that_o root_n spring_v up_o their_o error_n and_o this_o error_n be_v the_o very_a cause_n i_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v so_o many_o corrupt_a governor_n that_o rule_v over_o they_o it_o may_v evident_o be_v see_v that_o man_n usual_o run_v into_o extreme_n and_o all_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o circumspect_a in_o follow_v god_n commandment_n they_o depart_v from_o the_o rule_n now_o dear_o belove_a countryman_n i_o judge_v it_o will_v be_v seasonable_a because_o such_o precious_a liberty_n be_v not_o usual_a to_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o our_o condition_n be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v and_o in_o 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or_o will_v be_v less_o bloodshed_n and_o more_o peace_n if_o man_n be_v true_o conscientious_a of_o their_o duty_n crown_n will_v be_v of_o less_o esteem_n it_o be_v well_o to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n god_n own_a and_o bless_v the_o people_n as_o his_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a inheritance_n and_o so_o carry_v himself_o to_o they_o for_o moses_n have_v child_n yet_o god_n so_o honour_v and_o love_v the_o people_n that_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v they_o the_o people_n to_o the_o judge_n as_o their_o inheritance_n although_o the_o judge_n be_v bless_v judge_n but_o do_v keep_v they_o as_o his_o own_o inheritance_n and_o so_o provide_v man_n who_o inward_a affection_n he_o know_v and_o god_n do_v immediate_o appoint_v judge_n himself_o for_o they_o and_o those_o god_n bless_v with_o his_o good_a spirit_n all_o of_o they_o such_o do_v not_o claim_v the_o people_n as_o their_o inheritance_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o as_o beast_n land_n or_o house_n to_o 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of_o god_n will_v reveal_v and_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o can_v see_v no_o such_o scripture_n if_o they_o can_v show_v any_o hide_a light_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o i_o may_v see_v it_o too_o but_o till_o then_o i_o shall_v conceive_v that_o we_o believer_n be_v god_n inheritance_n and_o god_n by_o my_o consent_n shall_v be_v our_o king_n and_o appoint_v our_o governor_n in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o people_n i_o and_o my_o posterity_n may_v rest_v in_o secure_a peace_n for_o then_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o bless_v such_o governor_n with_o his_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n belove_a countryman_n god_n have_v prefer_v we_o in_o honour_n above_o beast_n or_o land_n and_o shall_v we_o like_o those_o ass_n beast_n prostrate_v ourselves_o to_o such_o a_o servile_a condition_n object_n but_o suppose_v a_o king_n can_v say_v his_o forefather_n obtain_v the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o sword_n by_o conquest_n answ_n i_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o worst_a and_o mean_a title_n of_o all_o for_o our_o indian_n that_o know_v not_o god_n can_v show_v such_o a_o title_n for_o their_o unjust_a encroachment_n upon_o other_o man_n life_n and_o estate_n and_o consider_v that_o that_o man_n that_o possess_v but_o the_o good_n or_o land_n of_o another_o man_n by_o violence_n shall_v hold_v that_o no_o long_o than_o till_o the_o other_o man_n have_v power_n to_o take_v they_o again_o but_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v be_v our_o guide_n but_o further_o consider_v that_o suppose_v that_o we_o shall_v grant_v to_o a_o king_n as_o good_a a_o title_n to_o government_n as_o moses_n joshua_n saul_n have_v who_o be_v man_n immediate_o appoint_v by_o god_n which_o no_o king_n i_o believe_v can_v show_v the_o like_a yet_o these_o can_v not_o rightful_o claim_v the_o people_n as_o inheritance_n to_o leave_v to_o their_o child_n that_o be_v god_n proper_a right_n and_o god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n king_n must_v therefore_o show_v such_o a_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o by_o god_n and_o record_v in_o god_n word_n as_o david_n have_v or_o else_o i_o must_v desire_v leave_n to_o be_v excuse_v if_o i_o conceive_v that_o i_o and_o my_o posterity_n through_o the_o gracious_a bounty_n of_o a_o good_a god_n in_o christ_n do_v look_v upon_o myself_o as_o free_v and_o not_o as_o a_o bondman_n and_o yet_o further_o can_v king_n show_v as_o good_a a_o promise_n as_o david_n have_v yet_o god_n must_v choose_v the_o man_n which_o shall_v be_v governor_n for_o god_n word_n be_v express_v deut._n 17._o thou_o shall_v make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v this_o be_v a_o sentence_n record_v and_o never_o repeal_v to_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o apparent_a
difference_n in_o god_n word_n between_o man_n choose_v the_o man_n and_o god_n choose_v the_o man_n samuel_n have_v order_n from_o god_n to_o appoint_v one_o of_o ishai_n his_o son_n to_o the_o government_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o god_n will_v not_o give_v samuel_n that_o privilege_n to_o choose_v the_o man_n god_n reserve_v that_o honour_n to_o himself_o good_a it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o people_n have_v they_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n in_o that_o particular_a belove_a countryman_n custom_n have_v wear_v out_o truth_n but_o let_v we_o inquire_v for_o the_o old_a and_o good_a way_n of_o our_o gracious_a god_n christ_n say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o beginning_n further_o consider_v that_o all_o governor_n high_a and_o low_a they_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o god_n commandment_n both_o to_o do_v and_o to_o suffer_v for_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v that_o the_o chief_a governor_n call_v they_o by_o what_o title_n you_o will_v be_v to_o be_v free_a from_o punishment_n shall_v we_o not_o by_o that_o mean_n diminish_v part_n of_o god_n law_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n namely_o for_o man_n to_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v consider_v further_o that_o that_o law_n of_o god_n that_o bind_v all_o man_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v a_o way_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o will_v it_o not_o otherwise_o show_v a_o imperfection_n in_o it_o now_o for_o man_n to_o say_v that_o chief_a governor_n be_v only_o accountable_a to_o god_n consider_v that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v give_v we_o his_o law_n whole_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o earth_n by_o all_o man_n high_a and_o low_a either_o by_o do_v or_o suffer_v therefore_o we_o have_v god_n law_n upon_o earth_n here_o below_o must_v see_v they_o observe_v by_o all_o man_n by_o do_v or_o suffer_v be_v it_o not_o a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o when_o a_o man_n break_v god_n law_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v be_v punish_v only_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v suffer_v to_o run_v forward_o to_o do_v more_o mischief_n there_o will_v be_v another_o account_n to_o be_v give_v there_o and_o other_o punishment_n without_o faith_n and_o repentance_n consider_v further_o that_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o king_n give_v commission_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n to_o put_v they_o they_o to_o death_n read_v 2_o king_n 9.7_o and_o thou_o shall_v smite_v all_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n thy_o master_n that_o i_o may_v avenge_v the_o blood_n of_o my_o servant_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o ahab_n shall_v be_v destroy_v now_o note_v what_o follow_v 2_o king_n 10.30_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o jehu_n because_o thou_o have_v diligent_o execute_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o my_o eye_n and_o have_v do_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n according_a to_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n therefore_o thy_o son_n unto_o the_o four_o generation_n shall_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n now_o before_o this_o we_o may_v note_v that_o jehu_n have_v not_o only_o slay_v jehoram_n 2_o king_n 9.24_o but_o also_o ahaziah_n king_n of_o judah_n vers_fw-la 27._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o ahaziah_n be_v note_v to_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n 8.27_o and_o there_o he_o be_v note_v for_o marry_v a_o woman_n addict_v to_o idolatry_n after_o this_o god_n commend_v jehu_n this_o i_o believe_v that_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o king_n be_v and_o be_v lawful_o according_a to_o god_n will_v make_v king_n if_o i_o be_v there_o present_a i_o shall_v labour_v in_o all_o lawful_a matter_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o they_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n so_o to_o do_v but_o in_o any_o place_n where_o ever_o such_o governor_n shall_v turn_v from_o god_n commandment_n and_o shall_v draw_v people_n from_o god_n service_n and_o shall_v in_o stead_n of_o feed_v defend_v and_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o flock_n â—â—ek_v to_o devour_v and_o destroy_v the_o flock_n doubtless_o god_n law_n have_v force_n against_o they_o in_o such_o case_n and_o also_o if_o in_o god_n way_n i_o may_v be_v free_a i_o shall_v choose_v it_o much_o soon_o for_o servitude_n be_v not_o please_v but_o where_o governor_n be_v call_v by_o god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n there_o god_n will_v bless_v they_o with_o his_o good_a spirit_n therefore_o i_o choose_v willing_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o such_o because_o that_o be_v my_o great_a comfort_n under_o god_n and_o be_v indeed_o true_a liberty_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o have_v be_v large_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v come_v to_o my_o hand_n a_o book_n write_v by_o one_o mr_n john_n goodwin_n call_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o honourable_a sentence_n pass_v upon_o the_o late_a king_n by_o the_o high_a court_n of_o justice_n to_o which_o book_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n he_o have_v write_v large_o learned_o and_o faithful_o upon_o that_o subject_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o wait_v patient_o upon_o god_n and_o i_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v god_n will_v further_o clear_v these_o proceed_n i_o do_v believe_v the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o government_n by_o king_n be_v finish_v in_o our_o land_n to_o my_o best_a understanding_n the_o prophet_n speak_v evident_o that_o god_n will_v restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o faithful_a city_n a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n isai_n 1.26_o now_o i_o shall_v humble_o crave_v leave_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v without_o offence_n to_o they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o for_o i_o desire_v to_o walk_v without_o give_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o they_o i_o do_v perceive_v divers_a of_o the_o ministry_n do_v or_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o army_n and_o of_o the_o present_a government_n belove_a dear_o belove_a father_n you_o be_v man_n who_o i_o love_v and_o have_v in_o high_a estimation_n for_o your_o work_n sake_n how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o those_o that_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o salvation_n i_o desire_v that_o i_o may_v propound_v to_o your_o consideration_n some_o few_o line_n you_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o late_a war_n and_o because_o the_o state_n have_v yet_o have_v so_o much_o business_n there_o be_v not_o that_o reformation_n of_o many_o thing_n amiss_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v and_o be_v desire_v i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v you_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n law_n you_o i_o believe_v exhort_v the_o people_n to_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o and_o observant_a of_o god_n law_n i_o humble_o desire_v you_o to_o give_v a_o good_a example_n to_o the_o people_n they_o look_v much_o upon_o your_o act_n you_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o beseech_v you_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o you_o desire_v reformation_n let_v it_o be_v do_v orderly_o and_o then_o it_o will_v prosper_v therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o present_a government_n which_o i_o believe_v do_v true_o endeavour_v to_o do_v god_n will_v encourage_v the_o army_n with_o who_o god_n gracious_a presence_n be_v evident_o to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v offence_n too_o many_o abroad_o but_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o who_o offence_n do_v come_v i_o do_v beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v much_o more_o reformation_n if_o you_o have_v not_o draw_v back_o and_o discourage_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n this_o present_a government_n i_o humble_o beseech_v you_o if_o you_o know_v any_o that_o do_v public_o sow_v or_o stir_v up_o strife_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o forbear_v consider_v i_o pray_v you_o you_o know_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o safety_n and_o comfort_n i_o pray_v you_o call_v to_o mind_v that_o motherly_a and_o tender_a respect_n rebecca_n show_v to_o both_o her_o child_n esau_n be_v offend_v with_o jacob_n rebecca_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o make_v a_o party_n although_o she_o know_v that_o jacob_n be_v her_o obedient_a son_n and_o have_v obtain_v both_o the_o birthright_n and_o the_o blessing_n by_o mean_n whereof_o jacob_n be_v true_o esau_n his_o superior_a but_o she_o consider_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o manifest_a division_n
as_o appear_v by_o the_o record_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o experiment_n of_o all_o age_n six_o god_n wisdom_n be_v most_o perfect_a and_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a seven_o this_o order_n be_v never_o repeal_v in_o any_o age_n to_o this_o day_n eight_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o when_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o his_o belove_a people_n it_o shall_v be_v show_v the_o most_o eminent_o and_o apparent_o by_o restore_a judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n nine_o this_o government_n by_o one_o chief_a as_o head_n and_o governor_n do_v the_o near_a resemble_v that_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o government_n ten_o consider_v who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o harbour_v such_o thought_n that_o such_o thought_n do_v arise_v from_o unsound_a principle_n i_o believe_v not_o well_o balance_v consideration_n 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the_o people_n over_o burden_v record_v exod._n 18.18_o thou_o both_o weary_a thyself_o and_o this_o people_n that_o be_v with_o thou_o great_o the_o end_n be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v more_o easy_o distribute_v the_o governor_n governor_n be_v suitable_a to_o this_o proportion_n to_o be_v distribute_v into_o the_o several_a shiers_n city_n town_n and_o place_n where_o the_o people_n live_v which_o plain_o appear_v the_o end_n be_v consider_v for_o the_o very_a affection_n of_o a_o love_a father_n be_v so_o prevalent_a that_o love_n cause_v he_o to_o seek_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o child_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o comfort_n and_o convenience_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o family_n now_o consider_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v the_o family_n of_o the_o chief_a governor_n it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a case_n to_o consider_v have_v not_o the_o people_n be_v i_o can_v wish_v it_o be_v not_o so_o still_o force_v to_o travel_v many_o mile_n to_o their_o great_a detriment_n for_o to_o get_v those_o cause_n decide_v and_o determine_v that_o may_v with_o much_o ease_n have_v be_v end_v at_o or_o near_o to_o their_o own_o dwelling_n yea_o moreover_o have_v they_o obtain_v the_o determine_n or_o end_v of_o their_o cause_n without_o make_v many_o or_o diverse_a such_o chargeable_a journey_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o too_o many_o man_n widow_n and_o poor_a fatherless_a child_n have_v not_o many_o for_o want_n of_o mean_n be_v force_v to_o loose_v their_o right_n and_o lawful_a maintenance_n consider_v of_o it_o dear_a father_n and_o now_o let_v it_o be_v remedy_v and_o doubtless_o god_n will_v short_o say_v unto_o you_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o these_o thing_n come_v be_v ruler_n over_o more_o and_o better_a thing_n enter_v into_o thy_o master_n joy_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n consider_v that_o oppression_n be_v a_o cry_a sin_n god_n will_v certain_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o oppress_a the_o cry_n of_o old_a and_o young_a the_o cry_n of_o the_o widow_n and_o of_o the_o orphan_n god_n will_v certain_o hear_v they_o god_n will_v do_v it_o for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o therefore_o dear_o belove_v father_n i_o humble_o beseech_v you_o let_v governor_n be_v distribute_v into_o the_o several_a shire_n city_n town_n and_o place_n where_o the_o people_n dwell_v and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n namely_o let_v the_o determination_n of_o cause_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o these_o first_o pattern_n let_v not_o the_o end_n be_v neglect_v which_o be_v that_o god_n law_n be_v observe_v and_o the_o people_n may_v be_v ease_v i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v record_v concern_v samuel_n that_o good_a and_o pious_a governor_n he_o rather_o than_o the_o people_n shall_v travel_v far_o do_v travel_v himself_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o people_n dwell_v 1_o sam._n 7.16_o and_o samuel_n go_v about_o year_n by_o year_n to_o bethell_n and_o gilgall_a and_o mispeh_n and_o judge_v israel_n in_o all_o those_o place_n no_o doubt_v he_o appoint_v judge_n all_o over_o the_o land_n that_o do_v judge_v the_o people_n l_o kewise_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o avoid_v multiplicity_n of_o judge_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n to_o judge_v at_o one_o timâ—_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o cause_n i_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o people_n comfort_n not_o so_o suitable_a to_o the_o first_o and_o most_o pure_a institution_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o burden_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v governor_n in_o such_o cause_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n constant_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o from_o that_o end_n of_o the_o multiply_a governor_n record_v exod._n 18._o which_o be_v to_o ease_v the_o people_n and_o moses_n and_o that_o god_n 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in_o comparison_n but_o that_o such_o small_a number_n such_o weak_a man_n upon_o such_o unequal_a term_n of_o disadvantage_n shall_v prevail_v against_o such_o great_a number_n of_o able_a man_n in_o outward_a appearance_n so_o well_o furnish_v and_o arm_v with_o so_o great_a advantage_n and_o encouragement_n as_o in_o outward_a appearance_n the_o opposite_n and_o enemy_n of_o our_o present_a army_n and_o government_n have_v i_o do_v believe_v the_o like_a be_v not_o record_v either_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o in_o any_o humane_a record_n god_n drive_v their_o enemy_n before_o they_o as_o chaff_n before_o the_o wind_n it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o contrary_o we_o look_v upon_o this_o army_n and_o government_n as_o those_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n than_o we_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n find_v god_n do_v wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a matter_n exceed_v these_o victory_n but_o not_o usual_o for_o these_o be_v transcendent_a victory_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v 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support_v write_v by_o mr_n william_n prynne_n from_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o it_o be_v there_o write_v and_o the_o manner_n thereof_o consider_v likewise_o what_o pain_n he_o have_v take_v in_o the_o allege_v and_o search_v so_o many_o record_n of_o humane_a author_n of_o emperor_n king_n state_n magistrate_n the_o consent_n of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n the_o statute_n law_n of_o england_n consider_v likewise_o the_o great_a pain_n time_n and_o charge_n he_o spend_v about_o the_o other_o his_o labour_n namely_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o date_v the_o 4_o of_o decemb._n 1648._o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a it_o cause_v i_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o be_v oftentimes_o mistake_v when_o we_o too_o earnest_o and_o with_o much_o care_n and_o industry_n endeavour_v to_o attain_v matter_n which_o can_v we_o accomplish_v those_o thing_n that_o we_o so_o affectionate_o labour_v after_o which_o 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some_o and_o the_o apostle_n guide_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n rejoice_v to_o behold_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o the_o rather_o now_o i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o because_o now_o you_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o do_v it_o therefore_o circumspect_o and_o speedy_o because_o such_o precious_a time_n of_o reformation_n as_o now_o you_o have_v be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o the_o rather_o now_o do_v it_o because_o the_o government_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o support_v and_o strengthen_v you_o in_o this_o great_a and_o excellent_a work_n of_o reformation_n one_o matter_n more_o belove_a father_n i_o humble_a desire_n you_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n if_o you_o shall_v discourage_v this_o present_a government_n be_v man_n that_o do_v desire_v affectionate_o to_o do_v god_n will_v i_o be_o very_o persuade_v and_o if_o you_o shall_v labour_v again_o to_o bring_v a_o government_n over_o we_o by_o 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call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o now_o man_n and_o brethren_n you_o that_o be_v different_a in_o judgement_n or_o in_o practice_n suffer_v i_o pray_v you_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n i_o desire_v peace_n and_o truth_n if_o your_o desire_n be_v the_o same_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v more_o near_o accord_n i_o humble_o entreat_v that_o no_o man_n may_v lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n counsel_v 1_o thes_n 4.11_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a remember_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o through_o pride_n come_v contention_n jam._n 3._o do_v a_o fountain_n send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a ephes_n 4.29_o let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o happy_a condition_n in_o which_o man_n be_v create_v and_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o be_v degenerate_v we_o may_v just_o take_v up_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n lamentation_n o_o that_o our_o eye_n may_v be_v a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n that_o we_o may_v weep_v day_n and_o night_n for_o our_o iniquity_n it_o be_v record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o mankind_n proceed_v from_o one_o root_n we_o have_v all_o one_o father_n and_o one_o blood_n run_v through_o all_o our_o vein_n one_o law_n of_o god_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o guide_v we_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v one_o judge_n that_o must_v judge_v we_o all_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o good_a hope_n god_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o show_v of_o godliness_n we_o have_v or_o pretend_v yet_o that_o without_o love_n all_o profit_v we_o nothing_o this_o be_v that_o new_a commandment_n that_o god_n give_v to_o man_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o without_o this_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o man_n that_o be_v in_o honour_n be_v like_a to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v psa_n 149.12_o 20._o which_o occasion_n the_o prophet_n to_o say_v isai_n 29.13_o this_o people_n come_v near_o to_o i_o and_o honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n only_o nay_o may_v not_o i_o say_v that_o their_o condition_n be_v far_o better_a than_o we_o for_o we_o depart_v far_o from_o god_n too_o many_o man_n do_v and_o from_o his_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o his_o law_n and_o do_v behave_v ourselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o control_v we_o david_n give_v that_o as_o a_o brand_n or_o mark_v of_o a_o wicked_a man_n psal_n 12._o he_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n
sin_n but_o second_o i_o desire_v that_o we_o may_v due_o and_o well_o consider_v wherein_o consist_v whereupon_o depend_v and_o from_o what_o root_n arise_v and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o god_n have_v grant_v this_o precious_a favour_n to_o we_o that_o be_v by_o nature_n gentiles_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o child_n of_o his_o househould_v and_o have_v brotherly_a fellowship_n do_v it_o arise_v from_o any_o inherent_a righteousness_n in_o we_o more_o than_o in_o other_o or_o from_o any_o actual_a holiness_n in_o we_o or_o do_v it_o not_o arise_v from_o a_o righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o we_o be_v call_v saint_n not_o because_o we_o of_o ourselves_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o other_o but_o because_o we_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n christ_n his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o root_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o fellowship_n and_o brotherhood_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v rom._n 3.21_o 22_o 23_o for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n vers_fw-la 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o rom._n 5.4_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n towards_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n gal_n 2.16_o from_o this_o root_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v ingraft_v and_o unite_v unto_o christ_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o our_o brotherly_a fellowship_n suppose_v that_o ten_o man_n be_v the_o brethren_n of_o one_o father_n it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o dissolve_v their_o brotherhood_n because_o that_o one_o want_v a_o eye_n another_o a_o hand_n and_o another_o be_v blemish_v and_o not_o so_o beautiful_a but_o three_o consider_v we_o all_o of_o we_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n we_o be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v with_o sin_n our_o own_o self_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n we_o shall_v not_o so_o easy_o separate_v the_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a fellowship_n because_o we_o see_v that_o other_o be_v sinner_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o mourn_v for_o the_o breach_n that_o be_v in_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n use_v diligence_n follow_v after_o peace_n go_v to_o other_o society_n and_o show_v that_o you_o be_v desirous_a to_o repair_v and_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v show_v your_o grievance_n what_o they_o be_v i_o be_o persuade_v the_o godly_a minister_n and_o many_o people_n will_v meet_v you_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o remove_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o to_o do_v any_o lawful_a act_n or_o act_n for_o the_o reunite_a and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o brotherly_a fellowship_n but_o dear_a friend_n be_v sure_a before_o you_o come_v pull_v pride_n out_o of_o your_o heart_n by_o the_o root_n and_o instead_o thereof_o labour_v to_o plant_v and_o bring_v love_n and_o humility_n and_o then_o i_o dare_v undertake_v a_o reconciliation_n i_o pray_v you_o give_v i_o leave_v without_o offence_n to_o propound_v to_o your_o consideration_n a_o instance_n or_o two_o which_o i_o can_v be_v experience_n witness_n there_o be_v a_o place_n where_o the_o governor_n and_o minister_n be_v godly_a they_o out_o of_o zeal_n do_v separate_v whole_o and_o with_o some_o few_o other_o do_v join_v together_o in_o covenant_n or_o fellowship_n and_o do_v at_o once_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o all_o other_o in_o god_n own_o ordinance_n as_o namely_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n what_o follow_v whereas_o before_o the_o whole_a place_n be_v in_o my_o apprehension_n in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n of_o reformation_n and_o turn_v from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o minister_n be_v general_o belove_v and_o so_o be_v the_o governor_n by_o the_o most_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n till_o this_o time_n of_o their_o total_a separation_n but_o afterward_o those_o that_o see_v not_o light_a for_o such_o a_o practice_n first_o withdraw_v their_o affection_n from_o the_o minister_n and_o from_o the_o governor_n and_o still_o the_o flame_n increase_v till_o the_o governor_n and_o minister_n be_v displace_v and_o worse_a in_o regard_n of_o godliness_n obtain_v their_o place_n and_o that_o place_n now_o be_v become_v more_o evil_a then_o before_o and_o less_o hopeful_a may_v not_o these_o godly_a minister_n and_o governor_n have_v reform_v all_o the_o evil_n as_o well_o in_o a_o way_n of_o reformation_n as_o in_o a_o way_n of_o rigid_a and_o sudden_a total_a separation_n which_o if_o they_o have_v orderly_o proceed_v in_o and_o so_o have_v deal_v with_o such_o as_o have_v be_v know_v sinner_n according_a to_o any_o clear_a rule_n and_o by_o just_a process_n have_v exclude_v every_o know_a obstinate_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n this_o i_o believe_v will_v have_v be_v boâ—ne_v by_o the_o people_n and_o the_o minister_n and_o governor_n may_v i_o believe_v have_v still_o remain_v in_o their_o place_n and_o may_v still_o have_v be_v belove_v of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o may_v i_o believe_v have_v do_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n by_o a_o way_n of_o reformation_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o a_o way_n of_o total_a separation_n which_o bring_v such_o sad_a event_n i_o can_v instance_n in_o another_o people_n some_o matter_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o both_o which_o i_o have_v note_v with_o diligence_n the_o fruit_n and_o i_o can_v see_v the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n to_o succeed_v such_o proceed_n therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o who_o it_o may_v concern_v wary_o to_o consider_v the_o fruit_n of_o separation_n where_o we_o may_v do_v the_o same_o matter_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reformation_n and_o further_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o facile_a way_n to_o separate_v from_o other_o sinner_n then_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n god_n forgive_v we_o every_o day_n our_o sin_n and_o yet_o how_o sharp_o do_v we_o proceed_v against_o our_o brethren_n this_o matter_n require_v that_o much_o more_o shall_v be_v speak_v to_o it_o but_o i_o forbear_v because_o i_o fear_v to_o offend_v any_o of_o christ_n little_a one_o i_o have_v only_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v those_o hindrance_n which_o i_o conceive_v do_v chief_o hinder_v peace_n and_o truth_n from_o meeting_n and_o embrace_v now_o dear_o belove_v father_n you_o into_o who_o hand_n god_n have_v commit_v the_o government_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o people_n and_o the_o affair_n thereof_o i_o humble_o desire_v that_o you_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v that_o i_o do_v propound_v to_o your_o godly_a consideration_n the_o few_o follow_a line_n contain_v in_o this_o little_a treatise_n i_o pray_v you_o do_v not_o disdain_v to_o look_v over_o and_o consider_v what_o be_v in_o they_o contain_v because_o the_o instrument_n that_o offer_v they_o to_o you_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o mean_a consider_v that_o god_n sometime_o choose_v weak_a and_o mean_a instrument_n to_o bring_v about_o his_o own_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o the_o great_a man_n and_o learned_a doctor_n use_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o bring_v his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o apostle_n into_o contempt_n namely_o they_o say_v be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n be_v not_o these_o unlearned_a man_n poor_a fisherman_n and_o the_o like_a i_o hope_v this_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o prevalent_a argument_n with_o you_o to_o cause_v you_o to_o despise_v what_o i_o here_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n despise_v not_o altogether_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n i_o have_v not_o that_o rich_a store_n of_o neither_o do_v i_o much_o seek_v for_o those_o rich_a garment_n of_o the_o sentence_n draw_v out_o of_o many_o other_o writer_n to_o cast_v over_o and_o to_o adorn_v this_o little_a treatise_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v beautiful_a i_o must_v present_v it_o to_o you_o in_o the_o plain_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o authority_n i_o shall_v allege_v be_v draw_v only_o or_o chief_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o tender_a to_o you_o so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v assist_v i_o without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n not_o turn_v to_o either_o hand_n through_o much_o difficult_a trial_n and_o temptation_n i_o have_v be_v help_v i_o believe_v by_o god_n his_o good_a spirit_n to_o obtain_v this_o benefit_n that_o i_o may_v tender_v these_o thing_n to_o your_o consideration_n and_o as_o you_o be_v more_o eminent_o consider_v in_o they_o yet_o i_o also_o and_o my_o posterity_n and_o many_o of_o my_o friend_n be_v likewise_o true_o concern_v in_o these_o follow_a line_n i_o confess_v they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o mite_n yet_o i_o pray_v you_o accept_v
david_n and_o some_o other_o answ_n that_o prove_v not_o in_o the_o least_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o king_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v to_o that_o government_n by_o judge_n because_o this_o government_n by_o judge_n be_v god_n prescription_n and_o direction_n but_o that_o government_n by_o king_n be_v the_o prescription_n of_o the_o people_n the_o people_n invention_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o heathen_a round_o about_o and_o this_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o god_n before_o in_o deuteronomy_n thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n round_o about_o and_o it_o be_v express_o against_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n record_v by_o samuel_n it_o be_v against_o god_n will_n for_o though_o god_n do_v permit_v king_n to_o be_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o original_o appoint_v they_o but_o contrary_o god_n dehort_v the_o people_n from_o have_v king_n in_o a_o vehement_a manner_n and_o take_v it_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o be_v both_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n command_n or_o institution_n and_o likewise_o a_o very_a forsake_v of_o god_n record_v by_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n 1_o sam._n 8.7_o they_o have_v not_o cast_v thou_o away_o but_o they_o have_v cast_v i_o away_o and_o further_a note_n that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a compassion_n to_o the_o people_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o have_v cast_v he_o away_o in_o the_o form_n of_o their_o government_n yet_o god_n love_o admonish_v the_o people_n god_n give_v warning_n to_o the_o people_n what_o they_o shall_v get_v by_o have_v a_o government_n by_o king_n namely_o 1_o sam._n 8.11_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o king_n that_o shall_v reign_v over_o you_o he_o shall_v take_v your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n your_o field_n and_o your_o vineyard_n your_o servant_n your_o cattle_n and_o your_o sheep_n and_o you_o shall_v cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o your_o oppression_n but_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v you_o in_o that_o day_n further_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v permit_v divorce_n in_o sundry_a case_n and_o do_v permit_v the_o israelite_n to_o have_v more_o wife_n than_o one_o this_o matter_n to_o my_o apprehension_n have_v a_o better_a foot_n and_o much_o fair_a show_n of_o god_n approbation_n than_o the_o government_n by_o king_n and_o notwithstanding_o christ_n our_o lord_n say_v that_o this_o be_v not_o original_o right_a god_n do_v not_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a institution_n ordain_v this_o matter_n yet_o god_n do_v act_n in_o many_o case_n and_o bless_a child_n and_o marry_v person_n in_o this_o way_n in_o the_o first_o be_v of_o king_n god_n do_v act_n in_o this_o cause_n as_o namely_o god_n choose_v saul_n and_o david_n yet_o nevertheless_o god_n do_v express_o by_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n in_o threaten_a manner_n admonish_v and_o foretell_v the_o people_n that_o king_n will_v oppress_v the_o people_n and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o and_o god_n will_v not_o alter_v the_o government_n by_o king_n when_o they_o will_v observe_v we_o well_o that_o where_o man_n do_v not_o cleave_v close_o to_o god_n ordination_n to_o his_o institution_n and_o do_v not_o prefer_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n before_o their_o own_o wisdom_n it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o smart_n and_o to_o endure_v bitter_a affliction_n when_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v ability_n to_o help_v ourselves_o we_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o king_n from_o samuel_n time_n to_o this_o day_n and_o now_o god_n have_v give_v such_o a_o opportunity_n as_o have_v not_o be_v a_o long_a season_n now_o we_o have_v comfortable_a hope_n that_o god_n will_v give_v and_o restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n oh_o dear_o belove_v whosoever_o thou_o be_v hinder_v not_o god_n work_v of_o reformation_n leave_v thou_o be_v find_v a_o fighter_n against_o god_n remember_v that_o our_o forefather_n have_v be_v a_o gainsay_n people_n let_v not_o we_o i_o pray_v you_o resist_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o his_o grace_n 2._o but_o further_o consider_v that_o although_o david_n and_o some_o other_o king_n be_v better_a than_o the_o rest_n god_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o rod_n of_o his_o wrath_n to_o lie_v always_o so_o heavy_a as_o at_o sometime_o yet_o even_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o other_o be_v not_o bless_v with_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o judge_n be_v bless_v with_o consider_v do_v moses_n joshua_n gideon_n samuel_n do_v they_o kill_v innocent_a vriah_n do_v they_o commit_v adultery_n with_o bathsheba_n do_v they_o number_v the_o people_n with_o david_n do_v they_o set_v up_o idolatry_n or_o suffer_v idolatry_n do_v they_o build_v sumptuous_a house_n and_o garden_n and_o orchard_n as_o solomon_n do_v they_o commit_v such_o abomination_n as_o many_o other_o king_n do_v consider_v of_o it_o that_o this_o government_n by_o judge_n institute_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n be_v the_o best_a government_n it_o be_v most_o for_o god_n glory_n it_o be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o people_n good_a 3._o consider_v that_o although_o god_n commend_v david_n in_o the_o general_n yet_o that_o prove_v nothing_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n namely_o it_o neither_o prove_v to_o they_o be_v of_o god_n first_o institution_n nor_o any_o institution_n not_o that_o place_n for_o instance_n if_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n have_v a_o hundred_o servant_n some_o of_o these_o may_v be_v as_o personable_a nay_o they_o may_v some_o of_o they_o be_v belove_v of_o the_o master_n and_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o family_n but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o form_n of_o their_o government_n be_v a_o form_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n be_v or_o be_v so_o good_a a_o form_n as_o that_o form_n of_o government_n that_o the_o master_n himself_o appoint_v we_o ought_v wary_o to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o matter_n that_o god_n do_v permit_v and_o between_o those_o matter_n that_o god_n do_v institute_v and_o ordain_v adam_n our_o grandfather_n sin_v by_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n yet_o nevertheless_o god_n make_v some_o of_o his_o posterity_n instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o they_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o thereby_o follow_v that_o adam_n condition_n be_v so_o good_a after_o as_o before_o god_n say_v david_n be_v a_o man_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n but_o it_o neither_o follow_v thereby_o that_o all_o king_n be_v man_n after_o god_n heart_n in_o that_o sense_n nor_o do_v it_o thereby_o follow_v that_o the_o government_n by_o king_n be_v so_o good_a a_o government_n as_o the_o government_n by_o judge_n for_o that_o be_v against_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o against_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n to_o this_o present_a object_n do_v not_o god_n say_v that_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n thy_o nurse_v mother_n answ_n this_o show_v that_o although_o the_o people_n have_v deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v all_o king_n to_o be_v enemy_n or_o scourge_n to_o the_o people_n for_o reject_v god_n their_o king_n and_o for_o their_o evil_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o forsake_v the_o first_o and_o best_a form_n of_o government_n by_o judge_n a_o form_n prescribe_v and_o bless_v by_o god_n yet_o this_o show_v that_o god_n will_v not_o always_o be_v alike_o offend_v he_o will_v let_v some_o king_n be_v nurse_v father_n although_o many_o be_v evil_a towards_o god_n and_o the_o people_n another_o instance_n consider_v a_o father_n have_v many_o child_n employ_v or_o there_o be_v employ_v divers_a nurse_n some_o of_o his_o own_o choose_n and_o some_o of_o his_o child_n choose_n the_o father_n consider_v the_o child_n weakness_n and_o offence_n in_o choose_v other_o for_o nurse_n without_o his_o order_n he_o do_v neither_o allow_v of_o their_o act_n in_o choose_v nor_o of_o the_o person_n although_o he_o may_v forgive_v his_o child_n part_v of_o their_o offence_n and_o promise_v that_o some_o of_o these_o shall_v prove_v nurse_n to_o they_o though_o many_o shall_v prove_v cross_n this_o do_v neither_o approve_v of_o his_o child_n act_n in_o break_v his_o way_n prescribe_v neither_o do_v this_o indulgence_n or_o mercy_n in_o the_o father_n encourage_v or_o warrant_v other_o child_n to_o follow_v that_o way_n not_o prescribe_v but_o express_o witness_v against_o one_o instance_n more_o to_o open_v the_o matter_n consider_v certain_a man_n be_v to_o go_v to_o a_o place_n far_o distant_a from_o they_o there_o be_v divers_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o the_o place_n the_o master_n of_o the_o company_n he_o show_v to_o they_o the_o best_a way_n but_o the_o company_n be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v to_o king_n and_o prince_n by_o descent_n without_o inquire_v god_n counsel_n
king_n immediate_o in_o show_v the_o people_n the_o great_a evil_n that_o they_o shall_v reap_v by_o king_n note_v 1_o sam._n 8._o from_o ver._n 9_o to_o ver._n 19_o king_n will_v take_v your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n from_o you_o and_o will_v appoint_v they_o to_o serve_v themselves_o this_o god_n do_v not_o say_v be_v lawful_a for_o king_n to_o do_v for_o god_n law_n be_v express_v to_o the_o contrary_a exod._n 22.21_o moreover_o thou_o shall_v not_o do_v injury_n to_o a_o stranger_n neither_o do_v god_n law_n permit_v that_o they_o shall_v wrong_v any_o man_n and_o samuel_n use_v that_o as_o a_o strong_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o evil_n namely_o in_o these_o word_n 1_o sam._n 12.3_o behold_v here_o i_o be_o bear_v record_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o i_o who_o ox_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o ass_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o have_v i_o do_v wrong_n unto_o or_o who_o have_v i_o hurt_v ver._n 4._o then_o the_o people_n say_v thou_o have_v do_v we_o no_o wrong_n nor_o have_v hurt_v we_o neither_o haste_n thou_o take_v any_o thing_n of_o any_o man_n hand_n hereby_o appear_v the_o people_n great_a evil_a and_o ingratitude_n and_o their_o unrighteousness_n in_o forsake_v that_o government_n with_o which_o they_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n further_o this_o show_v that_o king_n will_v prove_v great_a evil_n because_o they_o will_v be_v great_a wrongers_n and_o great_a oppressor_n because_o they_o will_v take_v by_o violence_n their_o choice_a comfort_n from_o the_o people_n and_o further_o this_o show_v that_o king_n will_v rule_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o will_n in_o our_o day_n call_v their_o prerogative_n this_o be_v show_v in_o these_o expression_n king_n will_v take_v these_o and_o these_o thing_n from_o you_o but_o this_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v for_o herein_o samuel_n show_v his_o integrity_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n the_o rule_n and_o the_o bound_n to_o all_o man_n high_a and_o low_a to_o king_n and_o people_n this_o be_v evident_a deut._n 17.16_o to_o 20._o there_o god_n say_v that_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o these_o ordinance_n to_o do_v they_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o lift_v up_o above_o his_o brethren_n and_o that_o he_o turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n etc._n etc._n from_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o king_n be_v not_o to_o do_v what_o he_o list_v but_o he_o be_v as_o express_o command_v to_o observe_v and_o do_v the_o law_n as_o any_o other_o man_n yea_o and_o in_o some_o sort_n more_o because_o his_o example_n be_v more_o prevalent_a to_o draw_v other_o either_o to_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o further_o we_o may_v here_o note_v the_o difference_n between_o king_n and_o judge_n the_o king_n they_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o they_o will_v break_v the_o bound_n set_v unto_o they_o but_o the_o judge_n be_v humble_a meek_a man_n this_o god_n know_v when_o he_o put_v in_o that_o clause_n so_o near_o link_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n namely_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o lift_v up_o above_o his_o brethren_n experience_n have_v teach_v we_o much_o of_o this_o can_v we_o be_v warn_v that_o king_n their_o heart_n will_v be_v lift_v up_o observe_v i_o pray_v you_o the_o judge_n they_o acknowledge_v the_o people_n to_o be_v their_o brethren_n but_o king_n they_o say_v their_o blood_n and_o their_o descent_n be_v more_o royal_a more_o illustruous_a more_o excellent_a than_o those_o they_o call_v the_o base_a sort_n and_o the_o more_o ignoble_a it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n those_o man_n that_o be_v true_o godly_a true_o virtuous_a those_o man_n that_o be_v most_o precise_a that_o be_v the_o most_o observant_a of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n those_o man_n than_o be_v account_v to_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o so_o we_o find_v they_o be_v in_o god_n esteem_n for_o we_o find_v moses_n take_v from_o keep_v the_o sheep_n and_o gideon_n from_o thresh_v and_o david_n from_o the_o sheepfold_n and_o make_v ruler_n of_o the_o people_n but_o the_o world_n be_v now_o turn_v upside-down_a for_o what_o do_v some_o man_n now_o applaud_v and_o worship_v but_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o noble_a blood_n we_o have_v man_n now_o that_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o eminent_a for_o piety_n that_o sway_v the_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o what_o be_v the_o tumult_n they_o say_v they_o can_v see_v their_o nobility_n i_o will_v speak_v sober_o and_o forbear_o consider_v wary_o and_o true_o be_v it_o not_o because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o many_o man_n but_o let_v we_o further_o note_n that_o this_o king_n saul_n or_o a_o king_n or_o the_o government_n by_o king_n will_v not_o only_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o son_n and_o daughter_n but_o also_o king_n will_v take_v their_o seed_n and_o their_o vineyard_n 1_o sam._n 8.15_o their_o man-servant_n and_o their_o maide-servant_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o your_o young_a man_n and_o your_o ass_n and_o sheep_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v his_o servant_n note_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o this_o people_n have_v great_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n under_o the_o government_n by_o judge_n can_v they_o have_v improve_v these_o with_o thankful_a and_o content_a heart_n but_o they_o will_v reject_v and_o slight_v these_o mercy_n they_o will_v be_v govern_v by_o king_n under_o which_o government_n they_o shall_v endure_v many_o affliction_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o height_n that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v servant_n than_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v more_o sensible_a than_o they_o cry_v out_o but_o say_v god_n ver._n 18._o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v you_o in_o the_o day_n and_o time_n of_o these_o affliction_n by_o this_o evident_a admonition_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o god_n oppose_v in_o threaten_a manner_n this_o government_n by_o king_n for_o note_v that_o the_o cause_n here_o be_v not_o so_o much_o about_o the_o person_n to_o be_v make_v king_n but_o it_o be_v about_o the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o king_n note_v further_o how_o samuel_n humble_o and_o patient_o do_v argue_v the_o cause_n with_o the_o people_n chap._n 12._o ver_fw-la 7._o to_o 13._o where_o samuel_n put_v the_o people_n in_o mind_n how_o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o they_o but_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v raise_v up_o and_o appoint_v good_a governor_n for_o they_o which_o governor_n god_n protect_v guide_v and_o bless_v to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o saviour_n and_o not_o oppressor_n nor_o destroyer_n to_o they_o sometime_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o prove_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v cleave_v to_o god_n and_o to_o show_v they_o the_o benefit_n that_o it_o be_v to_o have_v god_n to_o appoint_v good_a governor_n and_o for_o other_o end_n which_o god_n know_v to_o be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o good_a god_n do_v leave_v they_o without_o chief_a judge_n and_o then_o we_o see_v the_o people_n they_o run_v into_o many_o by-path_n and_o sinful_a course_n and_o then_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o feel_v affliction_n by_o enemy_n but_o note_v that_o when_o the_o people_n consider_v the_o cause_n and_o seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o cry_v to_o god_n to_o help_v they_o god_n never_o fail_v but_o answer_v their_o petition_n note_v in_o what_o manner_n god_n answer_v they_o he_o raise_v up_o judge_n which_o god_n make_v to_o be_v blessing_n and_o saviour_n to_o the_o people_n from_o this_o expostulation_n of_o samuel_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n by_o samuel_n reprove_v the_o people_n for_o alter_v that_o form_n of_o government_n which_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n have_v prescribe_v and_o bless_v to_o the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n can_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o but_o further_a note_n that_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o posterity_n to_o come_v may_v evident_o see_v his_o displeasure_n for_o that_o cause_n because_o the_o people_n have_v alter_v the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o judge_n and_o instead_o thereof_o have_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o desire_v a_o government_n by_o king_n therefore_o the_o lord_n show_v the_o people_n by_o a_o eminent_a and_o wonderful_a way_n express_v thus_o 1_o sam._n 12.17_o i_o will_v call_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v send_v thunder_n and_o rain_n that_o you_o may_v perceive_v and_o see_v how_o that_o your_o wickedness_n be_v great_a which_o you_o
have_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o ask_v you_o a_o king_n ver._n 18._o then_o samuel_n call_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n send_v thunder_n and_o rain_v the_o same_o day_n and_o all_o the_o people_n fear_v the_o lord_n and_o samuel_n exceed_o ver._n 19_o the_o people_n say_v we_o have_v sin_v in_o ask_v we_o a_o king_n beside_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n etc._n etc._n concern_v this_o king_n we_o have_v occasion_n to_o note_v that_o god_n presence_n do_v remove_v now_o and_o stand_v at_o a_o further_a distance_n than_o before_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o depart_v from_o they_o but_o remember_v the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o do_v still_o favour_v the_o people_n but_o as_o the_o tabernacle_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o host_n exod._n 33.7.8_o yet_o not_o whole_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n so_o here_o god_n remove_v his_o gracious_a presence_n further_o off_o from_o the_o people_n the_o next_o king_n be_v david_n who_o be_v a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a king_n god_n will_v not_o afflict_v the_o people_n so_o much_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o good_a king_n david_n blemish_n i_o forbear_v though_o some_o blemish_n he_o have_v such_o as_o i_o believe_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o judge_n that_o be_v immediate_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o their_o place_n after_o succeed_v solomon_n how_o far_o he_o decline_v from_o the_o straight_a rule_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n be_v to_o be_v find_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n rehoboam_n reign_v he_o have_v 18._o wife_n and_o threescore_o concubine_n and_o desire_v many_o wife_n 2_o cro_n 11_o 21_o 23._o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o for_o which_o cause_n shishack_n come_v up_o against_o jerusalem_n and_o take_v the_o strong_a city_n which_o be_v of_o juda_n the_o people_n be_v make_v servant_n to_o shishack_n 2_o cro._n 12.1_o to_o 9_o further_o he_o do_v evil_a and_o prepare_v not_o his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n ver._n 14._o ahijam_n reign_v he_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o sin_n which_o his_o father_n have_v do_v before_o he_o and_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n 1_o king_n 15.3_o asa_n reign_v he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o put_v down_o his_o mother_n because_o she_o have_v a_o idol_n in_o a_o grove_n 1_o king_n 15._o nadab_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v israel_n sin_n 1_o king_n 15.26_o baashaw_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v israel_n to_o sin_n 1_o king_n 16._o elah_n he_o reign_v do_v evil_a be_v drink_v be_v slay_v 1_o king_n 16._o omri_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n worse_o than_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o 1_o king_n 16._o zimri_n reign_v be_v burn_v 1_o king_n 16.18_o ahab_n the_o son_n of_o omri_n reign_v and_o do_v worse_a than_o all_o before_o he_o 1_o king_n 16.3_o ahaziah_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a he_o seek_v help_v of_o baallzebub_n the_o god_n of_o ecron_n 2_o king_n 1._o jehoram_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o kin._n 3.2_o jehosaphat_n reign_v he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o king_n joram_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a 2_o kin._n 8.9_o jehoram_fw-la son_n of_o jehosaphat_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a 2_o kin_n 8.17_o jehu_n reign_v he_o regard_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n 2_o ki._n 10.31_o he_o be_v a_o occasion_n to_o cause_n israel_n to_o sin_n &_o therefore_o they_o be_v smite_v in_o all_o the_o coast_n of_o israel_n ver._n 23._o athalia_fw-la reign_v do_v evil_a be_v slay_v 2_o ki._n 11.3.6_o jehoash_fw-mi reign_v he_o do_v good_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n during_o the_o time_n the_o priest_n teach_v he_o 2_o ki._n 12.2_o but_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o he_o be_v slay_v ver._n 21._o jehoaash_a son_n of_o jehu_n reign_v do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v israel_n to_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n 2_o ki._n 13.2.3_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o people_n be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v leave_v but_o 50_o horseman_n and_o 10_o charret_n and_o 10000_o footman_n they_o be_v destroy_v and_o make_v like_o dust_n beat_v to_o powder_n 2_o ki._n 13.6_o 7._o jehoash_fw-mi son_n of_o jehoaash_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 13.10.11_o jeroboam_fw-la reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 14.23_o 24._o amaziah_n reign_v do_v upright_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o like_o david_n 2_o ki._n 14.3_o azariah_n reign_v do_v upright_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o burn_v incense_n in_o the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o lord_n smite_v the_o king_n and_o he_o be_v a_o leper_n to_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n 2_o ki._n 15.3_o 4_o 5._o zachariah_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 15.8.9_o shallum_n reign_v be_v slay_v 2_o ki._n 15_o 14._o menahem_fw-mi reign_v do_v evil_a 2_o ki._n 15.17_o 18._o pekahiah_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 15.23_o 24._o pekah_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a 2_o ki._n 15.28_o the_o people_n carry_v away_o captive_a jotham_n reign_v he_o do_v upright_o but_o the_o people_n burn_v incense_v in_o the_o high_a place_n in_o his_o day_n the_o lord_n send_v enemy_n upon_o the_o people_n 2_o ki._n 5.34_o 37._o ahab_n reign_v he_o consecrate_v his_o son_n in_o the_o fire_n he_o do_v much_o evil_n 2_o ki._n 16._o hoshea_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o become_v servant_n to_o salmanasser_n king_n of_o ashur_n 2_o ki._n 17.2_o 3._o the_o people_n besiege_v and_o carry_v captive_a ver._n 6._o because_o they_o keep_v not_o god_n command_v diligent_o 37._o hezechiah_n reign_v he_o do_v upright_o according_a to_o all_o that_o david_n 2_o ki._n 18._o manasseh_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a 2_o ki._n 21.2_o he_o do_v much_o evil_n and_o fill_v jerusalem_n from_o corner_n to_o corner_n with_o innocent_a blood_n 2_o ki._n 21.16_o and_o he_o cause_v juda_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o do_v evil_a ver._n 16._o ammon_n reign_v he_o do_v much_o evil_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 21.20_o josiah_n he_o reign_v he_o do_v upright_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 22.2_o jehoahaz_n his_o son_n reign_v he_o do_v much_o evil_n in_o god_n sight_n 2_o ki._n 23.32_o the_o land_n in_o his_o day_n be_v put_v under_o great_a tribute_n ver._n 33._o jehojachin_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a 2_o ki._n 23.37_o very_o much_o evil_n jehojachin_n his_o son_n he_o reign_v he_o do_v much_o evil_n 2_o ki._n 24.9_o the_o people_n carry_v captive_a in_o his_o day_n very_o much_o people_n ver._n 13.4_o zedechiah_o he_o reign_v and_o he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n very_o much_o 2_o ki._n 24.9_o 20._o it_o be_v well_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o that_o among_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n that_o come_v into_o their_o place_n according_a to_o god_n institution_n there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n of_o they_o that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o enemy_n nor_o by_o treachery_n slay_v by_o their_o own_o people_n nor_o come_v to_o any_o untimely_a death_n save_o one_o man_n and_o that_o be_v not_o for_o practical_a evil_n of_o himself_o but_o for_o suffer_v sin_n to_o go_v without_o due_a punishment_n in_o his_o child_n but_o contrary_o they_o be_v note_v much_o for_o humility_n sincerity_n and_o piety_n certain_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v wise_o describe_v governor_n for_o our_o learning_n have_v we_o but_o heart_n wise_o and_o diligent_o to_o observe_v they_o but_o note_v contrary_o that_o among_o the_o king_n how_o many_o be_v take_v away_o by_o untimely_a death_n some_o by_o god_n command_v slay_v some_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o enemy_n some_o carry_v captive_a and_o the_o great_a part_n slay_v by_o the_o people_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v note_v to_o be_v notorious_a sinner_n i_o shall_v rehearse_v some_o of_o they_o although_o i_o believe_v not_o all_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o king_n abimelecke_n judg._n 9.6.53_o the_o next_o be_v saul_n slay_v be_v his_o own_o executioner_n 1_o sam._n 31.4_o nadab_n slay_v by_o
afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n isai_n 1.25_o 26_o 27._o &_o ch_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o of_o this_o i_o purpose_n to_o speak_v more_o afterward_o dear_o belove_a friend_n thus_o much_o i_o can_v and_o do_v affirm_v to_o you_o all_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o all-seeing_a â—od_n who_o will_v bring_v hide_a thing_n deed_n of_o darkness_n to_o light_n even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o i_o do_v love_n fear_v worship_n who_o be_v my_o hope_n my_o joy_n from_o who_o i_o receive_v all_o the_o good_a i_o have_v from_o who_o i_o expect_v my_o comfort_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o have_v not_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n any_o prejudice_n nor_o respect_n of_o person_n nor_o any_o past_a present_a or_o future_a by_o or_o sinister_a respect_n in_o the_o write_n this_o little_a treatise_n i_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o value_n of_o one_o penny_n in_o recompense_n of_o my_o endeavour_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o thought_n that_o way_n that_o i_o do_v expect_v rather_o that_o i_o shall_v receive_v injury_n hereby_o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o i_o in_o worldly_a respect_n only_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n that_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o this_o further_a can_v i_o say_v likewise_o that_o at_o the_o write_n hereof_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o do_v ever_o see_v either_o those_o true_o honourable_a general_n the_o lord_n fairfax_n nor_o the_o lord_n cromwell_n nor_o any_o captain_n or_o soldier_n among_o they_o except_o some_o few_o i_o late_o see_v in_o or_o near_o to_o london_n as_o i_o pass_v by_o they_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o they_o if_o i_o see_v they_o again_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v possible_a some_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o army_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o know_v it_o not_o and_o concern_v those_o worthy_a man_n for_o so_o i_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v that_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o parliament_n i_o never_o see_v any_o one_o of_o they_o to_o my_o knowledge_n except_o one_o who_o i_o have_v see_v i_o think_v three_o or_o four_o time_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o parliament_n or_o no_o only_o i_o think_v he_o be_v whereas_o i_o affirm_v that_o i_o know_v not_o any_o of_o the_o army_n or_o of_o the_o parliament_n i_o intend_v that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o man_n but_o by_o their_o fruit_n i_o know_v much_o concern_v they_o some_o may_v judge_v this_o to_o be_v superfluous_a to_o mention_v but_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o what_o move_v i_o so_o to_o do_v in_o discourse_v with_o divers_a man_n i_o find_v to_o my_o best_a apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n of_o man_n that_o imagine_v mischief_n that_o invent_v base_a false_a and_o slanderous_a report_n against_o parliament_n general_n army_z and_o indeed_o against_o the_o most_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n blame_v i_o not_o therefore_o courteous_a reader_n if_o i_o labour_v to_o prevent_v slanderous_a and_o lie_a tongue_n and_o this_o likewise_o i_o affirm_v that_o with_o due_a regard_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v much_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o weakness_n serious_o consider_v of_o how_o great_a weight_n it_o be_v to_o write_v book_n and_o to_o present_v they_o to_o public_a view_n i_o be_o very_o fearful_a to_o presume_v above_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o this_o i_o say_v further_o that_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o propound_v the_o matter_n and_o cause_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v upon_o in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n i_o purpose_v likewise_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n grace_n and_o opportunity_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v i_o to_o prove_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n propound_v and_o then_o have_v present_v the_o cause_n i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n to_o stir_v some_o person_n who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o better_a able_a than_o myself_o and_o to_o enable_v and_o direct_v they_o so_o that_o they_o may_v more_o large_o and_o clear_o show_v forth_o to_o public_a view_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o these_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o governor_n it_o be_v now_o a_o long_a season_n that_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v so_o keep_v under_o by_o corrupt_a governor_n above_o two_o thousand_o year_n during_o which_o time_n where_o or_o who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o dare_v or_o do_v punctual_o discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o governor_n or_o of_o government_n 1._o this_o be_v one_o reason_n that_o move_v i_o to_o present_v the_o cause_n to_o public_a view_n namely_o because_o i_o know_v not_o or_o do_v not_o discern_v that_o any_o one_o writer_n from_o samuel_n day_n to_o this_o time_n the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n except_v that_o have_v punctual_o write_v upon_o this_o subject_n 2._o this_o be_v another_o move_a cause_n because_o now_o be_v a_o time_n of_o more_o liberty_n and_o consider_v that_o i_o my_o child_n and_o posterity_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o case_n of_o government_n i_o conceive_v there_o be_v reason_n good_a why_o i_o shall_v present_v this_o cause_n to_o public_a consideration_n 3._o this_o be_v another_o motive_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n that_o have_v be_v shed_v about_o this_o matter_n the_o cause_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v not_o yet_o whole_o determine_v but_o be_v still_o so_o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o our_o godly_a governor_n be_v ready_a to_o prefer_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o common_a good_a before_o their_o own_o interest_n in_o those_o matter_n that_o they_o shall_v clear_o see_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 4._o this_o be_v another_o motive_n see_v apparent_o our_o miserable_a condition_n people_n be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o in_o affection_n so_o that_o our_o condition_n be_v much_o like_o a_o ship_n in_o a_o tempest_n therefore_o the_o end_n of_o my_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v assist_v that_o i_o may_v reconcile_v difference_n and_o that_o peace_n and_o truth_n may_v meet_v together_o as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n and_o kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n i_o propound_v to_o myself_o so_o likewise_o i_o purpose_v it_o shall_v be_v the_o title_n or_o superscription_n dear_o belove_a friend_n all_o you_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n i_o earnest_o entreat_v you_o to_o assist_v i_o in_o this_o work_n with_o your_o prayer_n with_o your_o most_o best_a uttermost_a and_o strong_a ability_n contend_v for_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n but_o strive_v not_o lust_v not_o to_o be_v contentious_a reject_v not_o that_o truth_n that_o good_a whole_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o blemish_n man_n cast_v not_o away_o a_o good_a garment_n because_o of_o a_o little_a dirt_n consider_v the_o great_a difference_n and_o trouble_n about_o governor_n and_o government_n therefore_o i_o humble_o request_v thou_o to_o weigh_v try_v prove_v examine_v search_v the_o scripture_n cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a prayer_n that_o the_o good_a &_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v thou_o into_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o unclean_a spirit_n many_o false_a and_o lie_a spirit_n be_v permit_v to_o deceive_v many_o in_o these_o our_o day_n this_o point_n of_o government_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o good_a and_o right_a way_n prescribe_v practise_v own_a and_o bless_v by_o god_n to_o choose_v person_n so_o that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o choose_v for_o we_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o window_n and_o byway_n that_o so_o wolf_n fox_n and_o beast_n of_o prey_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sheep_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n the_o true_a and_o right_a way_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o set_v open_a the_o door_n that_o the_o good_a and_o true_a shepherd_n may_v enter_v who_o fruit_n will_v soon_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v good_a and_o true_a shepherd_n for_o they_o will_v love_v the_o flock_n they_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o not_o for_o the_o fleece_n most_o but_o to_o defend_v they_o from_o beast_n of_o prey_n these_o good_a shepherd_n will_v seek_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o flock_n they_o will_v drive_v they_o to_o the_o wholesome_a pasture_n and_o to_o the_o still_a water_n where_o they_o may_v be_v refresh_v where_o they_o may_v bless_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o lie_v down_o without_o fear_n for_o true_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n and_o
so_o rest_v in_o peace_n because_o a_o good_a shepherd_n be_v their_o watchman_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o cause_n that_o david_n ps_n 23._o find_v such_o great_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n namely_o from_o his_o shepherd_n dear_a friend_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o obtain_v good_a shepherd_n good_a governor_n our_o strife_n will_v end_v our_o difference_n will_v be_v compose_v corrupt_a opinion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o desperate_a blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n will_v vanish_v as_o smoke_v before_o the_o wind_n the_o very_a presence_n of_o moses_n destroy_v the_o profaneness_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n dear_a christian_a friend_n if_o god_n help_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n then_o shall_v peace_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o and_o as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n they_o shall_v kiss_v one_o another_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n then_o shall_v we_o well_o provide_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o child_n and_o for_o their_o posterity_n then_o shall_v the_o generation_n to_o come_v have_v cause_n to_o bless_v we_o then_o shall_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v praise_v with_o joyful_a heart_n then_o shall_v the_o lord_n bless_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v bless_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o write_v in_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n without_o partiality_n without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_n or_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n further_a then_o in_o a_o way_n of_o righteousness_n accept_v of_o this_o my_o mite_n and_o let_v those_o man_n who_o have_v receive_v more_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n put_v more_o into_o the_o treasury_n dear_a friend_n and_o countryman_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o for_o your_o sake_n i_o can_v be_v content_a to_o have_v my_o name_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n nor_o with_o paul_n that_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v a_o castaway_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o for_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o will_v be_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n but_o this_o i_o do_v say_v that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n provide_v that_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o temporal_a life_n will_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o procure_v this_o happiness_n to_o you_o namely_o that_o you_o may_v possess_v judge_n as_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n i_o can_v be_v content_a to_o lay_v down_o this_o temporal_a life_n that_o for_o a_o little_a season_n i_o do_v here_o enjoy_v belove_a friend_n i_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o distance_n at_o this_o time_n between_o opinion_n but_o more_o especial_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o affection_n of_o many_o i_o shall_v desire_v leave_n of_o the_o courteous_a reader_n that_o without_o offence_n i_o may_v propound_v some_o other_o matter_n to_o consideration_n my_o end_n therein_o be_v that_o i_o may_v extinguish_v that_o heat_n if_o not_o whole_o yet_o in_o some_o measure_n that_o 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present_a be_v or_o act_v as_o member_n of_o that_o court_n and_o the_o pretend_a wilful_a breach_n of_o a_o former_a covenant_n i_o be_o not_o desirous_a to_o call_v back_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v i_o be_o not_o desirous_a to_o take_v abroad_o those_o embers_n in_o which_o wherein_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v contain_v coal_n of_o fire_n that_o may_v or_o may_v kindle_v such_o fâ—â—â—es_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o quench_v it_o be_v better_a for_o peace_n sake_n to_o suffer_v some_o yea_o much_o wrong_n then_o to_o endeavour_v to_o right_v ourselves_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v turn_v to_o far_o great_a loss_n our_o saviour_n counsel_v we_o rather_o to_o suffer_v wrong_a then_o to_o contend_v in_o law_n and_o rather_o to_o lose_v our_o garment_n then_o to_o contend_v too_o earnest_o for_o it_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o sin_n be_v commit_v by_o other_o and_o we_o no_o actor_n nor_o consenter_n in_o it_o we_o may_v in_o some_o case_n especial_o then_o when_o by_o seek_v revenge_n we_o may_v plunge_v and_o throw_v ourselves_o â—â—to_o great_a danger_n and_o temptation_n in_o such_o case_n we_o may_v wait_v patient_o and_o commit_v those_o case_n to_o god_n that_o judge_v righteous_o sin_n shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a doer_n and_o god_n will_v bring_v down_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o deceitful_a man_n he_o that_o rise_v up_o to_o right_v another_o man_n cause_n must_v look_v well_o to_o his_o own_o call_n and_o ability_n do_v not_o these_o lie_n as_o a_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v peace_n and_o truth_n from_o meeting_n i_o shall_v be_v silent_a and_o commit_v the_o matter_n to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o so_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v i_o shall_v not_o use_v here_o any_o carnal_a weapon_n only_o make_v some_o use_n of_o truth_n so_o well_o as_o i_o be_o able_a that_o thereby_o we_o may_v find_v the_o way_n to_o peace_n and_o first_o touch_v the_o late_a king_n death_n consider_v that_o we_o can_v recall_v that_o what_o then_o be_v you_o resolve_v to_o set_v up_o the_o elder_a son_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n consider_v well_o of_o it_o can_v you_o tell_v whether_o he_o will_v prove_v wise_a or_o foolish_a can_v you_o tell_v whether_o he_o will_v care_v for_o the_o flock_n can_v you_o tell_v whether_o he_o will_v love_v or_o hate_v the_o flock_n can_v you_o tell_v whether_o you_o shall_v obtain_v your_o desire_n or_o whether_o that_o the_o pursuance_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o ruin_v yourselves_o and_o many_o other_o that_o desire_v to_o live_v in_o peace_n be_v you_o nevertheless_o resolve_v to_o have_v such_o a_o watchman_n such_o a_o shepherd_n will_v you_o expect_v grape_n from_o thorn_n i_o have_v indeed_o to_o my_o sorrow_n hear_v this_o with_o my_o ear_n late_o speak_v that_o if_o a_o turk_n or_o any_o other_o as_o bad_a almost_o shall_v come_v hither_o and_o contend_v for_o the_o government_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a party_n for_o he_o oh_o horrible_a impiety_n that_o man_n shall_v so_o far_o be_v transport_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n too_o apparent_a that_o by_o their_o work_n by_o their_o swear_n and_o profaneness_n and_o hatred_n of_o those_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n declare_v evident_o that_o they_o be_v god_n enemy_n it_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v they_o over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n what_o if_o god_n word_n declare_v evident_o that_o the_o government_n by_o judge_n be_v better_a more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o mind_n more_o useful_a and_o more_o comfortable_a to_o we_o will_v you_o nevertheless_o have_v a_o king_n consider_v of_o it_o friend_n countryman_n belove_v i_o have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o a_o king_n but_o this_o i_o say_v i_o honour_v love_n worship_n and_o desire_v to_o cleave_v to_o the_o precept_n and_o commandment_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n of_o he_o who_o give_v i_o life_n and_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v i_o up_o to_o life_n when_o this_o span_n of_o time_n be_v past_a when_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n have_v do_v his_o utmost_a spite_n i_o be_v no_o actor_n in_o the_o king_n death_n i_o have_v take_v a_o great_a journey_n above_o four_o year_n before_o the_o death_n of_o the_o king_n and_o be_v many_o hundred_o of_o mile_n distant_a from_o this_o land_n and_o return_v hither_o very_o late_o i_o speak_v therefore_o the_o more_o free_o with_o more_o liberty_n i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o the_o great_a care_n i_o can_v to_o weigh_v man_n word_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o i_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v loose_o careless_o and_o many_o more_o profane_o be_v
other_o from_o such_o open_a provocation_n of_o god_n as_o swear_v whore_v false_a speak_v and_o like_a sin_n present_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o mischieve_v he_o it_o be_v well_o for_o he_o if_o he_o escape_v with_o base_a language_n as_o roundhead_n whores-bird_n roundhead_n etc._n etc._n with_o bitter_a hatred_n i_o have_v late_o see_v this_o and_o hear_v it_o to_o my_o sorrow_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n this_o i_o say_v unto_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n walk_v humble_o circumspect_o mourn_v for_o these_o abomination_n and_o god_n will_v spare_v you_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o son_n in_o the_o day_n of_o calamity_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v destroy_v together_o i_o pray_v you_o that_o be_v more_o sober_a consider_v you_o hear_v such_o complaint_n against_o the_o general_n officer_n and_o army_n put_v these_o complaint_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o truth_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n you_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o behaviour_n of_o both_o party_n on_o which_o side_n do_v sin_n profaneness_n plunder_v and_o such_o act_n of_o profaneness_n must_v abound_v be_v the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n of_o the_o malignant_a army_n more_o holy_a more_o harmless_a than_o this_o party_n of_o this_o army_n for_o which_o side_n do_v god_n witness_v or_o do_v you_o judge_v that_o god_n see_v not_o or_o regard_v not_o etc._n etc._n well_o seek_v not_o evasion_n do_v not_o resolve_v not_o to_o see_v not_o to_o consider_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v object_n but_o some_o i_o believe_v will_v find_v fault_n with_o i_o because_o i_o do_v not_o name_n and_o particularize_v action_n person_n time_n and_o place_n more_o particular_o with_o more_o evident_a witness_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o my_o time_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o be_v so_o large_a although_o i_o purpose_v if_o god_n will_v when_o i_o come_v to_o point_n wherein_o i_o purpose_v to_o engage_v or_o insist_v in_o those_o thing_n i_o purpose_v to_o be_v more_o punctual_a 2._o i_o answer_v that_o man_n do_v not_o use_v candlelight_n at_o noon_n day_n when_o the_o sun_n shine_v bright_a but_o in_o dark_a place_n so_o be_v these_o matter_n they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o corner_n these_o matter_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n your_o own_o experience_n your_o own_o conscience_n right_o balance_v be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n there_o be_v extant_a in_o some_o book_n many_o of_o these_o particular_n where_o they_o be_v more_o large_o handle_v only_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v grievous_a if_o i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o have_v experience_n already_o moreover_o those_o miraculous_a passage_n of_o god_n providence_n wherein_o digitus_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o finger_n of_o god_n evident_o appear_v and_o do_v still_o appear_v to_o admiration_n so_o that_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o harden_v and_o our_o eye_n blind_v i_o conceive_v these_o be_v witness_n sufficient_a but_o notwithstanding_o if_o we_o shut_v our_o eye_n if_o they_o be_v not_o open_v i_o do_v conceive_v and_o answer_v as_o abraham_n answer_v to_o dives_n be_v in_o torment_n that_o if_o one_o shall_v arise_v from_o the_o dead_a you_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o let_v man_n judge_v what_o they_o please_v this_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o stay_v to_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n namely_o this_o that_o god_n see_v he_o regard_v he_o be_v a_o strong_a god_n a_o wise_a and_o faithful_a god_n he_o will_v make_v bare_a his_o arm_n and_o mighty_o work_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o choose_a and_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o his_o enemy_n object_n courteous_a reader_n christian_a friend_n lest_o thou_o shall_v take_v offence_n because_o i_o keep_v not_o more_o close_a to_o the_o matter_n propound_v answ_n i_o see_v and_o consider_v the_o great_a bitterness_n the_o great_a heat_n that_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prejudice_v and_o forestalled_n heart_n of_o many_o man_n i_o endeavour_v only_o to_o qualify_v that_o heat_n and_o in_o part_n to_o remove_v that_o prejudice_n otherwise_o i_o conceive_v that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o peace_n and_o truth_n to_o meet_v together_o but_o to_o proceed_v the_o man_n that_o have_v most_o effectual_o write_v to_o my_o apprehension_n that_o yet_o have_v come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n to_o hinder_v peace_n and_o truth_n at_o this_o time_n from_o meeting_n be_v mr_n william_n prynne_n in_o his_o book_n call_v the_o substance_n of_o a_o speech_n make_v in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o touch_v this_o man_n i_o have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o he_o i_o never_o see_v he_o to_o my_o knowledge_n i_o have_v likewise_o meet_v with_o some_o other_o of_o his_o labour_n and_o upon_o some_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o contain_v to_o my_o best_a apprehension_n this_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v take_v much_o pain_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n endow_v with_o divers_a good_a gift_n if_o they_o be_v sanctify_v i_o do_v believe_v he_o be_v zealous_o affect_v and_o that_o his_o intendment_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n i_o love_v the_o man_n and_o do_v believe_v that_o we_o shall_v both_o meet_v before_o god_n and_o his_o glorious_a angel_n to_o both_o our_o comfort_n through_o the_o rich_a mercy_n and_o free_a favour_n of_o our_o god_n in_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v not_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o all_o his_o labour_n but_o only_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o sift_v and_o winnow_v they_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o recollect_v his_o thought_n and_o to_o revive_v his_o work_n over_o again_o and_o where_o he_o find_v a_o error_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o recall_v that_o and_o to_o revoke_v it_o who_o know_v the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o this_o persuasion_n i_o have_v of_o mr_n william_n prynne_n that_o he_o be_v so_o zealous_a and_o so_o ingenuous_a that_o he_o will_v not_o persist_v in_o a_o know_a error_n paul_n be_v in_o a_o error_n when_o he_o persecute_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n bring_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n great_a advantage_n to_o his_o church_n and_o leave_v himself_o as_o a_o eminent_a pattern_n for_o other_o to_o imitate_v when_o and_o after_o he_o see_v his_o error_n he_o recant_v and_o repent_v and_o repair_v his_o error_n in_o the_o first_o scripture_n allege_v i_o find_v this_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o mat._n 5.9_o bless_a be_v the_o peacemaker_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god._n this_o place_n in_o his_o intendment_n point_v out_o that_o which_o he_o hope_v as_o i_o believe_v shall_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n follow_v but_o here_o i_o find_v that_o of_o solomon_n verify_v that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o always_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n for_o have_v this_o speech_n of_o his_o prevail_v it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o cause_v peace_n that_o i_o do_v believe_v both_o we_o and_o the_o child_n yet_o unborn_a shall_v have_v have_v cause_n to_o lament_v it_o have_v his_o speech_n there_o declare_v in_o that_o book_n prevail_v it_o will_v have_v effect_v much_o more_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n then_o before_o the_o next_o scripture_n be_v psal_n 68.30_o rebuke_v the_o company_n of_o spear-man_n scatter_v thou_o the_o people_n that_o delight_n in_o war._n some_o translation_n read_v it_o thus_o destroy_v the_o company_n etc._n etc._n this_o text_n here_o be_v place_v as_o a_o lead_a exhortation_n to_o the_o reader_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o follow_v this_o example_n this_o place_n compare_v with_o that_o which_o go_v before_o and_o with_o that_o which_o follow_v after_o plain_o hold_v out_o thus_o much_o that_o mr_n prynne_n do_v endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o army_n root_n and_o branch_n odious_a for_o the_o army_n consist_v of_o the_o head_n and_o member_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o first_o leaf_n in_o the_o title_n or_o inscription_n of_o his_o book_n in_o these_o word_n namely_o the_o army_n remonstrance_n novemb_n 20._o be_v a_o way_n to_o speedy_a and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o a_o mere_a plot_n of_o the_o jesuit_n to_o destroy_v we_o this_o he_o present_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n mr_n prynne_n see_v cause_n to_o recall_v and_o revoke_v this_o for_o he_o invit_v the_o kingdom_n with_o he_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v destroy_v the_o army_n in_o the_o scripture_n before_o cite_v i_o say_v with_o steven_n the_o martyr_n act._n 7.60_o lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o his_o charge_n i_o answer_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o this_o scripture_n that_o when_o man_n do_v lay_v unjust_a slander_n and_o reproach_n upon_o
other_o and_o hate_v they_o without_o just_a cause_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v ofttimes_o that_o god_n do_v turn_v these_o slander_n and_o unjust_a reproach_n into_o blessing_n balak_n send_v for_o balaam_n to_o detest_v jacob_n and_o to_o curse_n israel_n but_o god_n turn_v that_o curse_n intend_v into_o a_o blessing_n numb_a 23.8_o how_o shall_v i_o curse_v where_o god_n have_v not_o curse_v verse_n 24._o behold_v the_o people_n shall_v rise_v up_o as_o a_o lion_n he_o shall_v not_o lie_v down_o till_o he_o eat_v of_o the_o prey_n and_o till_o he_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o slay_v etc._n etc._n numb_a 24.5_o how_o goodly_a be_v thy_o tent_n o_o jacob_n and_o thy_o habitation_n o_o israel_n verse_n 6._o as_o the_o valley_n be_v they_o stretch_v forth_o as_o the_o garden_n by_o the_o river_n side_n as_o the_o aloe-tree_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v plant_v as_o the_o cedar_n beside_o the_o water_n verse_n 9_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o bless_v thou_o etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n i_o desire_v may_v be_v well_o note_v and_o weigh_v in_o this_o matter_n first_o have_v not_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o world_n turn_v this_o imprecation_n into_o a_o blessing_n for_o god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v that_o army_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a god_n have_v destroy_v their_o enemy_n and_o preserve_v they_o note_v second_o that_o this_o imputation_n be_v unjust_o lay_v upon_o this_o army_n namely_o that_o they_o delight_v in_o war._n for_o this_o i_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v that_o the_o general_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o army_n and_o many_o other_o be_v so_o far_o from_o delight_v in_o war_n that_o it_o be_v their_o grief_n that_o they_o can_v not_o find_v the_o way_n to_o true_a peace_n without_o war._n god_n be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o he_o have_v show_v and_o will_v show_v who_o those_o bloodthirsty_a man_n be_v there_o mean_v by_o david_n three_o note_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o substance_n of_o mr_n prynne_v speech_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n especial_o that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o army_n be_v render_v odious_a by_o mr_n prynne_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o parliament_n public_o in_o so_o much_o that_o he_o say_v that_o they_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n this_o can_v not_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o army_n dear_o belove_a countryman_n do_v by_o they_o as_o you_o will_v be_v deal_v withal_o have_v you_o be_v in_o their_o place_n judge_v righteous_o consider_v that_o this_o army_n hazard_v their_o life_n and_o many_o lose_v their_o life_n among_o they_o of_o their_o dear_a friend_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v now_o but_o a_o step_n between_o they_o and_o death_n for_o may_v not_o any_o rational_a man_n see_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v at_o the_o time_n be_v render_v odious_a and_o enemy_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o mr_n william_n prynne_n in_o a_o public_a way_n what_o want_v then_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n only_o this_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n want_v that_o the_o king_n may_v be_v make_v their_o head_n and_o governor_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n who_o be_v so_o blind_a that_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o king_n helper_n in_o time_n of_o his_o trouble_n shall_v have_v be_v exalt_v and_o make_v their_o judge_n the_o army_n themselves_o be_v to_o be_v disband_v that_o mr_n prynne_n seek_v in_o his_o speech_n to_o effect_v and_o without_o controversy_n it_o have_v be_v disband_v have_v not_o god_n show_v the_o army_n the_o danger_n and_o the_o snare_n that_o they_o be_v in_o and_o withal_o if_o god_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o general_n and_o to_o the_o army_n a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o if_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n have_v not_o go_v along_o with_o they_o they_o have_v be_v destroy_v for_o as_o touch_v the_o king_n party_n of_o they_o of_o their_o former_a mercy_n or_o cruelty_n rather_o the_o army_n have_v have_v experience_n too_o much_o for_o to_o trust_v they_o upon_o such_o slight_a pretence_n consider_v now_o deal_v unpartial_o will_v not_o you_o if_o it_o be_v your_o case_n rather_o your_o enemy_n and_o god_n enemy_n and_o the_o country_n enemy_n shall_v perish_v rather_o than_o yourselves_o and_o many_o other_o well_o have_v the_o army_n sit_v still_o till_o they_o have_v be_v destroy_v we_o may_v have_v lament_v over_o their_o and_o our_o misery_n in_o david_n language_n 2_o sam._n 3.33_o thus_o die_v abner_n as_o a_o fool_n die_v verse_n 34._o thy_o hand_n be_v not_o bind_v nor_o thy_o foot_n tie_v in_o fetter_n of_o brass_n but_o here_o i_o end_n with_o this_o scripture_n hope_v that_o god_n may_v one_o day_n show_v m._n prynn_n cause_n to_o revoke_v this_o imprecation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o it_o be_v turn_v to_o a_o blessing_n concern_v m._n pryn_n speech_n i_o can_v answer_v to_o the_o particular_n but_o consider_v the_o straitness_n of_o present_a time_n and_o likewise_o consider_v that_o if_o i_o shall_v be_v long_o some_o of_o his_o paper_n may_v be_v read_v of_o too_o many_o therefore_o i_o observe_v david_n counsel_n in_o another_o case_n who_o desire_v to_o cover_v saul_n death_n and_o jonathans_n desire_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v tell_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o askelon_n lest_o it_o cause_v the_o daughter_n of_o the_o philistine_n to_o rejoice_v i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o bind_v up_o his_o answer_n fast_o together_o his_o speech_n may_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n viz._n in_o the_o first_o i_o find_v many_o witty_a and_o ingenious_a contrivance_n fine_a twine_v thread_n or_o to_o give_v they_o a_o term_n more_o suitable_a to_o his_o intention_n let_v they_o be_v take_v for_o such_o cord_n as_o the_o philistine_n use_v to_o bind_v samson_n with_o therefore_o we_o shall_v let_v they_o pass_v under_o this_o name_n m._n prynn_n new_a invention_n to_o bind_v the_o king_n and_o secure_v the_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v in_o a_o firm_a last_a peace_n etc._n etc._n and_o future_a felicity_n the_o second_o part_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o this_o notion_n m._n prynn_n endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o army_n odious_a and_o enemy_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n i_o do_v hope_n and_o believe_v that_o m._n prynne_n his_o aim_n and_o intendment_n be_v real_a for_o to_o obtain_v peace_n and_o safety_n but_o i_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v mistake_v and_o err_v from_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o god_n reveal_v will_n very_o far_o when_o i_o look_v well_o upon_o m._n prynn_n his_o speech_n with_o what_o learning_n wit_n and_o eloquence_n it_o be_v contrive_v consider_v his_o part_n it_o occasion_v i_o to_o remember_v paul_n speech_n 1_o cor._n 1.27_o 28._o thus_o express_v god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o mighty_a verse_n 28._o and_o vile_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v despise_v and_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o have_v god_n choose_v to_o bring_v to_o naught_o thing_n that_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n show_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o this_o math._n 11.25_o i_o give_v thou_o thanks_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o man_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v open_v they_o to_o babe_n verse_n 26._o it_o be_v so_o o_o father_n because_o thy_o good_a pleasure_n be_v such_o in_o our_o time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v much_o marvel_v at_o that_o wise_a man_n come_v short_a when_o we_o consider_v of_o former_a time_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o break_v sleight_n and_o neglect_v god_n commandment_n and_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v forsake_v that_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n that_o great_a god_n jehovah_n of_o who_o faithfulness_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n long-suffering_a they_o have_v have_v such_o large_a experience_n of_o yet_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o you_o may_v see_v many_o instance_n how_o they_o disinherit_v god_n how_o they_o forsake_v god_n murmur_v complain_v despise_v and_o provoke_v god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o they_o shall_v forsake_v god_n and_o set_v up_o a_o golden_a calf_n in_o moses_n his_o absence_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o have_v have_v such_o experience_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o blessing_n under_o the_o government_n of_o those_o humble_a wise_a faithful_a judge_n or_o governor_n be_v such_o man_n as_o enter_v into_o their_o office_n by_o the_o immediate_a and_o prescribe_a will_n of_o god_n from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n under_o