Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
church_n	bishop_n	ordination_n	presbyter_n	9,874	5	10.5221	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

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

pursuance_n of_o their_o pious_a intendment_n and_o in_o allowance_n of_o their_o reason_n do_v also_o press_v to_o your_o great_a tribunal_n and_o beg_v of_o you_o that_o which_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o king_n to_o be_v nutricij_fw-la of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o most_o ancient_a and_o successive_a government_n we_o therefore_o humble_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o leave_v we_o in_o that_o state_n the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o church_n in_o that_o the_o three_o age_n of_o martyr_n be_v govern_v by_o that_o the_o thirteen_o age_n since_o they_o have_v always_o glory_v in_o by_o their_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n prove_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o apostolic_a church_n that_o our_o law_n have_v establish_v so_o many_o king_n and_o parliament_n have_v protect_v into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_v as_o certain_o apostolical_a as_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o the_o distinction_n of_o book_n apocryphal_a from_o canonical_a as_o that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o such_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n as_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n by_o presbyter_n as_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o will_v do_v by_o uphold_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n which_o we_o again_o and_o again_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o do_v have_v pity_n on_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o force_v of_o we_o to_o seek_v communion_n as_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o where_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v with_o a_o multiply_a devotion_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o public_a and_o personal_a blessing_n to_o your_o honourable_o assembly_n to_o your_o noble_a person_n we_o also_o do_v with_o all_o humility_n beg_v leave_v to_o represent_v these_o our_o consideration_n subjoin_v which_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v favourable_o expound_v to_o be_v a_o well-meant_a zeal_n and_o at_o least_o a_o confidence_n of_o duty_n and_o charity_n to_o those_o our_o father_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o daily_a hope_n 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respective_o do_v succeed_v and_o also_o many_o actual_o do_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o chair_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o that_o do_v survive_v and_o also_o beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o christ_n do_v institute_v a_o government_n appear_v in_o those_o evangelical_a word_n who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n etc._n etc._n which_o ruler_n be_v bishop_n and_o priest_n under_o they_o or_o else_o the_o church_n have_v be_v apostate_n from_o her_o lord_n she_o have_v clear_o for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v no_o other_o ruler_n than_o such_o 2._o we_o consider_v that_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v a_o church_n or_o no_o without_o bishop_n be_v at_o least_o a_o question_n of_o great_a consideration_n and_o the_o negative_a be_v maintain_v by_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a man_n and_o martyr_n and_o by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n and_o those_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o dissent_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o infallible_a to_o be_v sure_a with_o episcopacy_n it_o may_v be_v a_o church_n eatenus_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v the_o sure_a course_n to_o retain_v it_o for_o fear_v we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 3_o no_o ordination_n never_o be_v without_o a_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o presbyter_n do_v impose_v hand_n unless_o in_o conjunction_n with_o a_o bishop_n he_o be_v account_v a_o usurper_n and_o anathematise_v by_o public_a and_o unquestioned_a authority_n and_o so_o without_o bishop_n no_o presbyter_n than_o no_o absolution_n no_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o for_o these_o want_v no_o man_n can_v make_v a_o recompense_n or_o satisfaction_n 4_o no_o presbyter_n do_v ever_o impose_v hand_n on_o a_o bishop_n usurpation_n which_o if_o so_o famous_a a_o resolve_n or_o public_a voice_n of_o christendom_n may_v 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enlarge_v their_o phylactery_n have_v strive_v to_o make_v bishop_n not_o necessary_a by_o communicate_v confirmation_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o their_o order_n 6_o to_o take_v away_o bishop_n be_v against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o state_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o have_v be_v attempt_v by_o clancular_a practice_n be_v check_v by_o the_o prince_n respective_o and_o their_o council_n and_o confident_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o precede_v parliament_n and_o this_o although_o the_o bishop_n than_o be_v less_o learned_a and_o as_o much_o infamed_v 7_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o episcopal_a government_n have_v consist_v with_o monarchy_n ever_o since_o the_o english_a monarchy_n be_v christian_a and_o we_o be_v to_o try_v whether_o any_o innovate_a government_n can_v or_o will_v 8_o we_o consider_v that_o if_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o monarchy_n when_o it_o be_v bias_v by_o the_o pope_n prevalent_a encroachment_n much_o more_o since_o the_o reformation_n when_o the_o king_n have_v the_o reins_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o can_v give_v they_o law_n and_o ascertaine_v they_o by_o their_o immediate_a dependence_n both_o for_o their_o barony_n and_o election_n and_o personal_a jurisdiction_n on_o the_o crown_n and_o by_o the_o statute_n of_o submission_n 9_o we_o consider_v that_o saint_n hierome_n pretend_v as_o the_o main_a authentic_a enemy_n against_o episcopacy_n yet_o say_v titum_fw-la that_o bishop_n be_v constitute_v as_o a_o antidote_n and_o deletory_n to_o disimprove_v the_o issue_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o by_o the_o apostle_n who_o best_o know_v the_o remedy_n and_o now_o that_o schism_n multiply_v there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o bishop_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v take_v away_o upon_o pretence_n their_o regiment_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o take_v they_o away_o make_v they_o more_o necessary_a by_o the_o multiplication_n of_o schism_n 10_o all_o learning_n will_v be_v discountenance_v if_o not_o extinguish_v upon_o 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11_o the_o remove_n all_o

better_a supply_n of_o able_a minister_n and_o the_o remove_n of_o all_o innovation_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o your_o great_a wisdom_n you_o will_v regulate_v the_o rigour_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n to_o suit_n with_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o law_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o freeman_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o bishop_n be_v institute_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o first_o general_a counsel_n that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o blood_n and_o rescue_v christianity_n from_o utter_a extirpation_n in_o the_o primitive_a heathen_a persecution_n that_o to_o they_o we_o owe_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o now_o profess_v from_o romish_a corruption_n that_o many_o of_o they_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o truth_n become_v such_o glorious_a martyr_n that_o divers_a of_o they_o late_o and_o yet_o 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in_o the_o name_n of_o petition_n be_v spread_v among_o the_o common-people_n the_o tenant_n preach_v public_o in_o pulpit_n and_o the_o content_n of_o many_o print_a pamphlet_n swarm_v among_o we_o all_o of_o they_o dangerous_o excite_v a_o disobedience_n to_o the_o establish_a form_n of_o government_n and_o their_o several_a intimation_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o that_o their_o congregation_n may_v execute_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n within_o themselves_o we_o can_v but_o express_v our_o just_a fear_n that_o their_o desire_n be_v to_o introduce_v a_o absolute_a innovation_n of_o presbyteral_a government_n whereby_o we_o who_o be_v now_o govern_v by_o the_o canon_n and_o civil_a law_n dispense_v by_o twenty-six_o ordinary_n easy_o responsal_n to_o parliament_n for_o any_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o law_n conceive_v we_o shall_v become_v expose_v to_o the_o mere_a arbitrary_a government_n of_o a_o numerous_a presbytery_n who_o together_o 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that_o without_o any_o other_o change_n of_o government_n he_o can_v never_o want_v revenue_n nor_o we_o justice_n we_o have_v presume_v to_o annex_v a_o copy_n of_o a_o petition_n or_o libel_n disperse_v and_o certain_a position_n preach_v in_o this_o county_n which_o we_o conceive_v imply_v matter_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o peace_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n all_o which_o we_o humble_o submit_v to_o your_o great_a judgement_n pray_v they_o may_v be_v read_v and_o shall_v ever_o pray_v subscribe_v to_o this_o petition_n four_o nobleman_n knight_n baronet_n knight_n and_o esquire_n fourscore_o and_o odd_a divine_n threescore_o and_o ten_o gentleman_n three_o hundred_o and_o odd_a freeholder_n and_o other_o inhabitant_n above_o six_o thousand_o all_o of_o the_o same_o county_n to_o the_o high_a and_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n show_v that_o whereas_o the_o university_n have_v be_v inform_v of_o several_a petition_n concerning_o the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o have_v of_o late_o be_v exhibit_v to_o this_o honourable_a assembly_n we_o can_v not_o but_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o this_o whole_a nation_n charity_n to_o ourselves_o and_o successor_n who_o have_v and_o be_v like_a to_o have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a interest_n in_o any_o resolution_n that_o shall_v be_v take_v concerning_o church-affair_n in_o all_o humility_n to_o desire_v the_o continuance_n of_o that_o form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v now_o establish_v here_o and_o have_v be_v preserve_v in_o some_o of_o the_o eastern_a and_o westnerne_n church_n in_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o bishop_n down_o from_o the_o very_a apostle_n to_o this_o present_a time_n the_o like_a whereof_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n in_o any_o church_n upon_o which_o consideration_n and_o such_o other_o motive_n as_o have_v be_v already_o represent_v to_o this_o honourable_a parliament_n from_o other_o person_n and_o place_n with_o who_o we_o concur_v in_o behalf_n of_o episcopacy_n we_o earnest_o desire_v that_o you_o will_v protect_v that_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a order_n from_o ruin_n or_o diminution_n and_o become_v far_a suitor_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o pious_a foundation_n of_o cathedral_n church_n with_o their_o land_n and_o revenue_n as_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n soon_o after_o the_o plantation_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o english_a nation_n as_o think_v fit_a and_o useful_a to_o be_v preserve_v for_o that_o end_n when_o the_o nursery_n of_o superstition_n be_v demolish_v and_o so_o continue_v in_o the_o last_o and_o best_a time_n since_o the_o bless_a reformation_n under_o king_n edward_n 6._o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n prince_n renown_v through_o the_o world_n for_o their_o piety_n and_o wisdom_n as_o approve_a and_o confirm_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n ancient_a and_o modern_a as_o the_o principal_a outward_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n of_o all_o student_n especial_o in_o divinity_n and_o the_o fit_a reward_n of_o some_o deep_a and_o eminent_a scholar_n as_o produce_v or_o nourish_v in_o all_o age_n many_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v most_o strong_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v against_o the_o many_o fierce_a opposition_n of_o our_o adversary_n of_o rome_n as_o afford_v a_o competent_a portion_n in_o a_o ingenuous_a way_n to_o many_o young_a brother_n of_o good_a parentage_n who_o devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o subsistence_n to_o a_o multitude_n of_o officer_n and_o other_o minister_n who_o with_o their_o family_n depend_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v whole_o maintain_v by_o they_o as_o the_o main_a author_n or_o upholder_n of_o diverse_a school_n hospital_n highway_n bridge_n and_o other_o public_a and_o pious_a work_n as_o special_a cause_n of_o much_o

establish_v may_v continue_v in_o force_n with_o such_o alteration_n if_o there_o be_v cause_n as_o to_o your_o honour_n wisdom_n shall_v seem_v meet_a and_o as_o in_o duty_n bind_v we_o shall_v daily_o pray_v etc._n etc._n subscribe_v by_o one_o viscount_n five_o knight_n above_o a_o hundred_o gentleman_n of_o quality_n all_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o county_n and_o above_o six_o thousand_o commoner_n be_v all_o of_o they_o communicant_n the_o remonstrance_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o county_n of_o huntington_n the_o knight_n gentleman_n clergy_n freeholder_n and_o inhabitant_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o church-government_n and_o divine_a service_n or_o book_n of_o commonprayer_n present_v to_o the_o house_n of_o peer_n by_o the_o lord_n privy_a seal_n the_o 8._o of_o december_n 1641._o we_o humble_o show_v that_o whereas_o many_o attempt_n have_v be_v practise_v and_o divers_a 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the_o ruin_n or_o abolition_n of_o the_o innocent_a now_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o consider_v the_o tenor_n of_o such_o writing_n as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o petition_n be_v spread_v among_o the_o common_a people_n the_o content_n of_o many_o print_a pamphlet_n swarm_v at_o london_n and_o over_o all_o country_n the_o sermon_n preach_v public_o in_o pulpit_n and_o other_o private_a place_n and_o the_o bitter_a invective_n divulge_v and_o common_o speak_v by_o many_o disaffect_a person_n all_o of_o they_o show_v a_o extreme_a averseness_n and_o dislike_n of_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o divine_a service_n or_o common_a prayer_n dangerous_o excite_v a_o disobedience_n to_o the_o establish_a form_n of_o government_n and_o church_n service_n their_o several_a intimation_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o that_o their_o congregation_n may_v be_v independent_a and_o may_v execute_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n within_o themselves_o whereby_o many_o sect_n and_o several_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n will_v soon_o grow_v and_o arise_v whereby_o great_a division_n and_o horrible_a faction_n will_v soon_o ensue_v thereupon_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v the_o sacred_a band_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o common_a peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n their_o peremptory_a desire_n and_o bold_a assume_n to_o themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o introduce_v into_o the_o church_n whatsoever_o they_o affect_v and_o to_o refuse_v and_o oppose_v all_o thing_n which_o themselves_o shall_v dislike_v and_o what_o they_o dislike_v must_v not_o only_o to_o themselves_o but_o also_o to_o all_o other_o be_v scandalous_a and_o burdensome_a and_o must_v be_v cry_v out_o upon_o as_o great_a and_o unsupportable_a grievance_n yea_o though_o the_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v never_o so_o indifferent_a of_o never_o so_o long_a continuance_n in_o use_n and_o practise_v and_o never_o so_o much_o desire_v and_o affect_v of_o other_o so_o that_o where_o three_o or_o four_o of_o they_o be_v in_o a_o parish_n though_o five_o hundred_o other_o desire_v the_o use_n and_o continuance_n of_o thing_n long_o use_v all_o must_v be_v alter_v or_o take_v away_o as_o scandal_n and_o grievance_n for_o these_o three_o or_o four_o though_o to_o the_o offence_n of_o many_o other_o and_o whatsoever_o they_o will_v have_v introduce_v must_v be_v impose_v upon_o all_o other_o and_o must_v by_o all_o be_v admit_v without_o scandal_n or_o offence_n whereby_o multitude_n of_o godly_a and_o well-affected_a people_n be_v in_o some_o thing_n deprive_v or_o abridge_v of_o what_o they_o desire_v and_o take_v comfort_n in_o and_o have_v have_v a_o long_a and_o lawful_a use_n and_o practise_v of_o and_o other_o thing_n impose_v upon_o they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o like_n as_o if_o no_o account_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o they_o or_o no_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v leave_v unto_o they_o which_o bold_a attempt_n of_o some_o few_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o exercise_v over_o

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

of_o bishop_n will_v be_v a_o scandal_n not_o only_o to_o many_o weak_a christian_n who_o fear_v all_o innovation_n as_o guilty_a of_o some_o ill_a intendment_n upon_o their_o conscience_n but_o also_o to_o the_o strong_a which_o show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o giver_n not_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o if_o we_o must_v not_o scandalize_v our_o weak_a brethren_n much_o less_o our_o strong_a since_o this_o will_v entrench_v upon_o we_o in_o a_o high_a measure_n they_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v upon_o umbrage_n and_o impertinency_n 12_o where_o bishop_n be_v not_o there_o be_v not_o a_o honourable_a but_o familike_o clergy_n against_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o double_a honour_n 13_o by_o put_v down_o episcopacy_n we_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o those_o solemn_a benediction_n which_o the_o faith_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v the_o bishop_n rather_o to_o pronounce_v the_o blessing_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o communion_n appropriate_v to_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n above_o priestly_a authority_n 14_o two_o part_n of_o three_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o latin_a word_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o other_o part_n that_o want_v they_o have_v often_o wish_v they_o as_o their_o own_o doctor_n do_v profess_v 15_o it_o be_v against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o clergy_n indulge_v to_o they_o by_o the_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la grant_v and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o king_n and_o about_o thirty_o parliament_n in_o express_a act_n and_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o by_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o lay_v subject_a just_o account_v a_o great_a grievance_n the_o charter_n itself_o be_v as_o fundamental_a a_o law_n as_o we_o conceive_v as_o any_o other_o and_o any_o of_o we_o may_v fear_v lest_o his_o liberty_n may_v be_v next_o in_o question_n 16_o the_o four_o great_a general_n counsel_n in_o estimation_n next_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o by_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o kingdom_n make_v the_o rule_n of_o judge_a heresy_n be_v hold_v by_o bishop_n the_o great_a fire_n and_o pest_n of_o christendom_n the_o old_a heresy_n be_v by_o their_o industry_n extinct_a simeon_n church_n discipline_n and_o pious_a constitution_n by_o they_o establish_v many_o nation_n by_o they_o convert_v many_o miracle_n do_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christian_a faith_n one_o of_o the_o gospel_n write_v by_o a_o bishop_n saint_n mark_v of_o alexandria_n if_o we_o believe_v as_o authentic_a record_n as_o any_o be_v extant_a three_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n write_v to_o bishop_n seven_o epistle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o record_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o send_v to_o seven_o asian_a bishop_n as_o all_o ancient_a father_n accord_n the_o name_n of_o twelve_o man_n beside_o apostle_n mention_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o all_o antiquity_n report_v to_o have_v be_v bishop_n most_o of_o the_o father_n who_o work_n all_o posterity_n embrace_n with_o much_o zeal_n and_o admiration_n be_v bishop_n these_o also_o in_o our_o apprehension_n advance_v that_o holy_a function_n to_o a_o high_a and_o unalterable_a estimate_n 17_o very_o many_o of_o the_o fair_a church_n and_o college_n and_o place_n of_o religion_n be_v build_v by_o bishop_n which_o be_v fair_a character_n to_o show_v their_o promptness_n to_o do_v public_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o that_o person_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o be_v that_o be_v governor_n and_o clergy_n and_o fair_o endow_v be_v a_o excellent_a composition_n to_o advance_v public_a design_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promotion_n of_o public_a piety_n 18_o since_o it_o have_v please_v this_o honourable_a court_n of_o late_a to_o commend_v a_o protestation_n to_o we_o which_o we_o by_o solemn_a vow_n engage_v ourselves_o to_o attest_v with_o our_o life_n and_o fortune_n the_o establish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o consider_v that_o since_o the_o 36._o article_n have_v approve_v and_o establish_v the_o book_n of_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n the_o abolition_n of_o episcopacy_n will_v nullify_v that_o article_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o make_v humble_a remonstrance_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v sudden_o recede_v from_o our_o great_a and_o solemn_a protestation_n for_o maintenance_n of_o our_o church_n doctrine_n but_o may_v it_o please_v this_o honourable_a assembly_n we_o consider_v on_o the_o other_o side_n 19_o the_o introduce_n of_o lay_a elder_n must_v needs_o bring_v a_o insupportable_a burden_n to_o all_o parish_n by_o maintain_v they_o at_o the_o parish_n charge_n for_o they_o must_v be_v maintain_v or_o else_o a_o transgression_n be_v make_v against_o a_o apostolical_a rule_n for_o the_o principal_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a colourable_a pretend_a place_n for_o lay_v elder_n enjoin_v their_o maintenance_n so_o that_o either_o the_o people_n must_v be_v oppress_v with_o so_o great_a burden_n or_o else_o saint_n paul_n rule_n not_o obey_v or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n for_o lay_v elder_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o 20_o and_o also_o there_o can_v be_v no_o less_o fear_n of_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o temporal_a power_n by_o the_o presbytery_n than_o be_v pretend_v from_o episcopacy_n since_o that_o presbytery_n challenge_v cognisance_n of_o more_o cause_n and_o person_n than_o the_o episcopacy_n do_v so_o make_v a_o dangerous_a entrenchment_n upon_o the_o supremacy_n and_o derive_v its_o pretence_n from_o divine_a institution_n with_o more_o confidence_n and_o more_o immediate_a derivation_n than_o episcopacy_n though_o indeed_o most_o vain_o as_o we_o conceive_v 21_o we_o crave_v leave_v also_o to_o add_v this_o that_o these_o two_o viz._n episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n be_v the_o only_a two_o in_o contestation_n if_o any_o new_a design_n shall_v justle_v episcopacy_n we_o be_v confident_a that_o as_o it_o hitherto_o want_v a_o name_n so_o it_o will_v want_v a_o face_n or_o form_n of_o reason_n in_o case_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o shall_v appear_v sign_a by_o knight_n justice_n gentry_n and_o freeholder_n about_o 800._o by_o minister_n about_o the_o number_n of_o 40._o the_o cheshire_n petition_n for_o establish_v of_o the_o common-prayer-book_n and_o suppression_n of_o schismatic_n present_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o from_o he_o recommend_v to_o the_o house_n of_o peer_n by_o the_o lord_n keeper_n to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n and_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n and_o the_o honourable_a the_o house_n of_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o nobility_n justice_n gentry_n minister_n freeholder_n and_o other_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o county_n palatine_n of_o chester_n who_o name_n be_v nominate_v in_o the_o schedule_n annex_v your_o petitioner_n with_o all_o cheerfulness_n and_o contentation_n ●ffying_v in_o the_o happy_a settlement_n of_o the_o distraction_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n by_o his_o majesty_n pious_a care_n and_o the_o prudent_a and_o religious_a endeavour_n of_o this_o honourable_a assembly_n and_o with_o due_a humility_n and_o obedience_n submit_v to_o the_o unanimous_a conclusion_n thereof_o yet_o conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n humble_o to_o represent_v to_o your_o mature_a consideration_n that_o the_o present_a disorder_n of_o many_o turbulent_a and_o ill_o dispose_v spirit_n be_v such_o as_o give_v not_o only_o occasion_n of_o present_a discontent_n to_o your_o petitioner_n but_o seem_v to_o import_v some_o ill_a event_n without_o early_a prevention_n the_o pure_a seed_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n establish_v by_o so_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o so_o harmonious_o concur_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v taint_v with_o the_o tare_n of_o divers_a sect_n and_o schism_n late_o spring_v up_o among_o we_o our_o pious_a laudable_a and_o ancient_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n compose_v by_o the_o holy_a martyr_n and_o worthy_a instrument_n of_o reformation_n establish_v by_o the_o prudent_a sage_n of_o state_n your_o religious_a predecessor_n honour_v by_o the_o approbation_n of_o many_o learned_a foreign_a divine_n subscribe_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o with_o such_o general_a content_n receive_v by_o all_o the_o laity_n that_o scarce_o any_o family_n or_o person_n that_o can_v read_v but_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n in_o the_o conscionable_a use_n whereof_o many_o christian_a heart_n have_v find_v unspeakable_a joy_n and_o comfort_n wherein_o the_o famous_a church_n of_o england_n our_o dear_a mother_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o glory_n and_o may_v she_o long_o flourish_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o bless_a a_o liturgy_n yet_o it_o be_v now_o not_o only_o deprave_v by_o many_o of_o those_o who_o