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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
city_n great_a part_n people_n 5,808 4 4.2401 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62888 The modern pleas for comprehension, toleration, and the taking away the obligation to the renouncing of the covenant considered and discussed. Tomkins, Thomas, 1637?-1675. 1675 (1675) Wing T1836; ESTC R4003 94,730 270

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and_o contend_v for_o it_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o his_o station_n bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o god_n honour_n p._n 23._o and_o yet_o throughout_o his_o whole_a book_n he_o be_v ever_o afterward_o very_o zealous_a that_o he_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n use_v the_o sword_n in_o order_n to_o it_o now_o how_o a_o magistrate_n can_v in_o his_o station_n act_n where_o this_o be_v interdict_v he_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o easy_o apprehend_v when_o a_o magistrate_n as_o such_o declare_v his_o pleasure_n common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o bear_v a_o fit_a regard_n to_o that_o his_o declaration_n it_o must_v be_v at_o our_o own_o peril_n and_o without_o this_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v how_o his_o authority_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v any_o great_a than_o that_o of_o any_o other_o man_n again_o if_o the_o king_n be_v to_o govern_v the_o people_n religion_n must_v then_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o his_o care_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n wherein_o his_o government_n will_v find_v itself_o to_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o very_o high_o concern_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a nor_o experience_v than_o this_o that_o according_a to_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_a measure_n which_o may_v be_v take_v of_o religion_n the_o people_n may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o do_v either_o very_a much_o good_a or_o very_a much_o evil_n even_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o doctrine_n which_o this_o nation_n be_v no_o stranger_n to_o which_o be_v a_o prince_n have_v not_o power_n to_o forbid_v the_o spread_a of_o god_n shall_v be_v extreme_o dishonour_v himself_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o be_v depose_v and_o his_o subject_n ruin_v and_o he_o shall_v plain_o see_v all_o this_o and_o upon_o these_o me●s_n term_n not_o in_o the_o least_o be_v able_a to_o help_v it_o and_o this_o natural_o lead_v 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o next_o consideration_n the_o many_o great_a inconvenience_n 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overcome_v all_o her_o other_o enemy_n and_o withal_o they_o be_v person_n already_o so_o very_a near_o we_o that_o there_o be_v none_o but_o inconsiderable_a matter_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o for_o they_o allow_v episcopacy_n approve_v the_o liturgy_n abhor_v sacrilege_n believe_v our_o article_n and_o already_o can_v and_o often_o do_v communicate_v in_o our_o public_a worship_n now_o as_o plausible_a and_o take_v soever_o this_o plea_n be_v yet_o methinks_v that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o part_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o carry_v something_o of_o wonder_n in_o it_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v join_v with_o invite_v encourage_v and_o protect_v all_o other_o sectary_n that_o by_o their_o assistance_n they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o ruin_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o consider_v upon_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o that_o their_o mind_n come_v now_o to_o be_v so_o f●r_v alter_v as_o that_o they_o will_v now_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o suppression_n of_o all_o the_o other_o sect_n nay_o and_o very_o late_o the_o lead_a person_n of_o that_o way_n do_v join_v interest_n with_o the_o papists_n and_o mutual_o engage_v for_o assistance_n to_o p●●liament_n other_o in_o stop_v of_o bill_n in_o 〈◊〉_d prepare_v against_o both_o of_o they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a as_o they_o pretend_v then_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o last_o war_n upon_o any_o religious_a account_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o that_o grievous_a complaint_n against_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o preacher_n at_o this_o day_n in_o aldersgate-street_n make_v before_o a_o mock-parliament_n september_n 24._o 1656._o praise_v be_v that_o god_n who_o have_v deliver_v 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o imposition_n of_o prelatical_a innovation_n altar-gen●-flections_a and_o cri●gings_n with_o cross_n and_o all_o that_o popist_o trash_n and_o trumpery_n and_o true_o i_o speak_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o have_v often_o think_v and_o say_v the_o removal_n of_o those_o insupportable_a burden_n counter_a 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o blood_n and_o treasure_n shed_v and_o spend_v in_o these_o late_a distraction_n nor_o do_v i_o as_o yet_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o godly_a man_n that_o desire_v be_v it_o possible_a to_o purchase_v their_o friend_n or_o money_n again_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o with_o the_o return_n of_o these_o as_o have_v those_o 〈◊〉_d antichristian_a yoke_n rei●pos●●_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o that_o desire_n be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o i_o profess_v myself_o in_o that_o to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o number_n here_o we_o see_v that_o mr._n je●kin_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o express_a in_o the_o case_n that_o the_o difference_n be_v so_o great_a between_o we_o that_o all_o the_o blood_n shed_v whether_o in_o the_o field_n or_o on_o the_o scaffold_n be_v all_o little_a enough_o to_o be_v shed_v in_o order_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o so_o great_a evil_n and_o yet_o there_o w●●_n shed_v in_o this_o quarrel_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o king_n many_o of_o the_o noble_n and_o gentry_n &_o of_o vast_a number_n of_o all_o other_o rank_n order_n and_o degree_n among_o 〈◊〉_d if_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a as_o it_o be_v now_o say_v then_o methinks_v there_o be_v but_o little_a cause_n for_o that_o great_a zeal_n of_o mr._n calamy_n which_o he_o express_v in_o guild●hall_n october_n 6._o 〈◊〉_d in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v the_o city_n unto_o a_o liberal_a contribution_n towards_o bring_v in_o the_o scot_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d he_o several_a time_n express_v himself_o in_o that_o speech_n as_o if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o his_o esteem_n and_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o that_o grave_a and_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o minister_n there_o present_a with_o he_o so_o very_o considerable_a that_o the_o chief_a concern_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v depend_v upon_o they_o and_o according_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o pretence_n as_o his_o chief_a art_n whereby_o to_o wheedle_n the_o city_n out_o of_o their_o money_n at_o that_o time_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o if_o ever_o gentleman_n you_o may_v use_v this_o speech_n o_o happy_a penny_n you_o may_v use_v it_o now_o happy_a money_n that_o will_v purchase_v my_o gospel_n happy_a money_n that_o will_v purchase_v religion_n and_o purchase_v a_o reformation_n to_o my_o posterity_n o_o happy_a money_n and_o bless_a be_v god_n that_o i_o have_v it_o to_o lend_v so_o that_o it_o seem_v these_o gentleman_n have_v two_o measure_n which_o upon_o different_a
in_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o humanity_n to_o one_o another_o or_o in_o our_o mutual_a endeavour_n after_o the_o public_a good_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o to_o be_v want_v in_o our_o assistance_n in_o either_o of_o these_o case_n be_v a_o great_a error_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o general_a a_o one_o and_o lawmaker_n be_v to_o consider_v not_o only_o what_o man_n ought_v but_o what_o they_o use_v to_o do_v why_o shall_v i_o fight_v say_v one_o for_o a_o prince_n who_o be_v a_o idolater_n and_o why_o shall_v i_o say_v another_o take_v any_o care_n to_o relieve_v that_o city_n which_o be_v only_o a_o bundle_n of_o schismatic_n the_o great_a part_n whereof_o be_v in_o my_o esteem_n blasphemer_n likewise_o jeroboam_fw-la understand_v this_o very_a well_o he_o do_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o true_a god_n but_o only_o set_v up_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o easy_o conclude_v that_o by_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n he_o shall_v easy_o keep_v they_o to_o be_v another_o kingdom_n when_o their_o faith_n be_v once_o divide_v the_o nation_n will_v never_o care_v to_o unite_v again_o and_o pray_v tell_v i_o what_o shall_v a_o prince_n do_v in_o that_o case_n where_o be_v diverse_a way_n of_o worship_n allow_v and_o frequent_v in_o the_o same_o nation_n shall_v he_o discountenance_v the_o professor_n of_o any_o one_o by_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o all_o office_n and_o employment_n if_o so_o he_o disoblige_v that_o whole_a profession_n lose_v so_o many_o heart_n who_o sure_o will_v think_v themselves_o to_o be_v very_o hardly_o deal_v with_o in_o that_o they_o be_v disrespect_a only_o out_o of_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o because_o they_o follow_v the_o best_a of_o their_o light_n and_o what_o be_v they_o like_v to_o think_v of_o such_o a_o state_n which_o do_v refuse_v to_o employ_v they_o mere_o upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o have_v tender_a conscience_n and_o dare_v not_o be_v present_a where_o the_o gospel_n be_v de●iled_v by_o a_o profane_a mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n or_o second_o shall_v the_o prince_n carry_v himself_o equal_o and_o indifferent_o towards_o all_o persuasion_n countenance_n and_o prefer_v they_o all_o alike_o this_o can_v hardly_o be_v because_o that_o he_o himself_o must_v be_v of_o some_o one_o and_o that_o will_v think_v itself_o not_o fair_o deal_v with_o if_o it_o have_v not_o some_o preeminence_n and_o when_o he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v himself_o indifferent_a to_o all_o persuasion_n there_o will_v enough_o be_v immediate_o ready_a to_o give_v it_o out_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o all_o religion_n for_o his_o own_o end_n but_o himself_o be_v real_o of_o none_o and_o so_o perpap_v none_o of_o they_o will_v be_v real_o for_o he_o and_o thus_o by_o endeavour_v to_o displease_v neither_o party_n he_o shall_v certain_o displease_v they_o both_o at_o least_o the_o zealot_n of_o all_o side_n will_v represent_v he_o at_o the_o best_a as_o one_o lukewarm_a and_o as_o such_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v spit_v out_o of_o all_o their_o mouth_n man_n may_v talk_v of_o their_o fine_a project_n as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v but_o sure_o where_o the_o church_n be_v already_o so_o settle_v as_o that_o it_o have_v a_o great_a dependence_n upon_o the_o government_n and_o the_o government_n have_v a_o stand_a influence_n upon_o that_o those_o politic_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o strange_a which_o go_v about_o to_o alter_v or_o unsettle_v or_o put_v any_o check_n upon_o such_o a_o constitution_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o clergy_n thus_o regulate_v it_o be_v no_o kindness_n sure_a to_o the_o monarchy_n to_o to_o go_v about_o to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o ministry_n 〈◊〉_d depend_v pure_o upon_o the_o people_n and_o when_o the_o whole_a method_n of_o the_o preacher_n maintenance_n and_o reputation_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o various_a art_n by_o which_o he_o can_v either_o guide_v or_o follow_v the_o several_a humour_n of_o each_o of_o his_o congregation_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v what_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o good_a craftsmaster_n to_o persuade_v the_o multitude_n unto_o but_o this_o danger_n how_o great_a and_o plain_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o the_o desire_a ecclesiastical_a confusion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o any_o inconvenience_n that_o it_o be_v in_o all_o likelihood_n the_o true_a and_o real_a and_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v so_o very_o fond_a of_o it_o to_o desire_v it_o with_o so_o great_a earnestness_n and_o never_o to_o be_v put_v off_o by_o never_o so_o many_o denial_n and_o disappointment_n the_o church_n be_v one_o great_a rub_n in_o their_o way_n between_o they_o and_o the_o crown_n and_o therefore_o because_o they_o find_v that_o they_o can_v direct_o demand_v the_o present_a removal_n of_o it_o they_o have_v bethink_v themselves_o of_o two_o plausible_a method_n whereby_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o do_v it_o another_o time_n first_o to_o open_v the_o door_n to_o let_v the_o church_n old_a enemy_n in_o upon_o she_o and_o for_o all_o the_o care_n which_o shall_v be_v take_v to_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o bring_v their_o old_a enmity_n along_o with_o they_o and_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o church_n will_v be_v not_o only_o weaken_v by_o be_v divide_v within_o herself_o but_o beside_o there_o will_v be_v a_o part_n of_o herself_o always_o ready_a to_o betray_v she_o and_o give_v she_o up_o one_o sort_n of_o the_o projector_n desire_v only_o thus_o much_o and_o that_o will_v satisfy_v they_o another_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o weaken_v within_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o free_a liberty_n for_o whosoever_o please_v to_o train_v up_o as_o many_o as_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o to_o come_v and_o learn_v of_o they_o the_o several_a way_n by_o which_o the_o church_n when_o occasion_n offer_v itself_o may_v be_v set_v upon_o from_o without_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o these_o gentleman_n be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o new_a model_n of_o civil_a as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n and_o have_v thus_o point_v at_o some_o few_o of_o the_o innumerable_a inconvenience_n of_o toleration_n i_o shall_v add_v once_o more_o that_o some_o care_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v of_o the_o present_a device_n of_o comprehension_n that_o if_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v grant_v it_o may_v be_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o all_o who_o receive_v benefit_n by_o it_o shall_v be_v oblige_v public_o before_o their_o congregation_n to_o declare_v their_o approbation_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o a_o form_n to_o be_v appoint_v by_o authority_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o renew_v that_o declaration_n on_o certain_a day_n to_o be_v likewise_o appoint_v and_o to_o read_v the_o common_a prayer_n themselves_o and_o not_o to_o leave_v it_o always_o to_o mean_a person_n who_o shall_v only_o be_v appoint_v to_o slubber_v it_o over_o to_o spend_v the_o time_n till_o the_o company_n be_v get_v together_o and_o then_o one_o of_o the_o precious_a man_n shall_v come_v and_o put_v himself_o in_o all_o the_o most_o solemn_a posture_n imaginable_a and_o in_o fact_n say_v to_o the_o people_n as_o dr._n heylin_n chamber-fellow_n be_v serve_v after_o a_o short_a grace_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o praise_v god_n better_o and_o withal_o that_o security_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o this_o conformity_n of_o they_o be_v not_o use_v mere_o as_o a_o expedient_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o public_a employment_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o ready_a when_o opportunity_n offer_v itself_o to_o assist_v providence_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o this_o advice_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v despise_v as_o a_o thing_n perfect_o needless_a because_o that_o as_o great_a a_o conformity_n as_o for_o aught_o appear_v be_v now_o intend_a have_v be_v former_o advise_v and_o submit_v to_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n to_o prepare_v matter_n the_o better_a for_o a_o intend_a change_n this_o mr._n calamy_n in_o his_o apology_n against_o mr._n burton_n 1646_o quote_v in_o the_o collection_n call_v evangelinur_v armatum_fw-la p._n 47._o allege_v for_o himself_o to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o his_o own_o old_a art_n as_o for_o the_o service-book_n let_v mr_n burton_n know_v that_o at_o a_o meeting_n at_o my_o house_n it_o be_v resolve_v by_o above_o a_o hundred_o minister_n after_o a_o long_a debate_n upon_o divers_a weighty_a consideration_n that_o all_o that_o can_v in_o their_o judgement_n submit_v to_o the_o read_n of_o some_o part_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v entreat_v for_o a_o while_n to_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v to_o this_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n then_o present_a do_v agree_v and_o one_o of_o
whither_o they_o will_v run_v only_o into_o holland_n where_o they_o can_v more_o free_o enjoy_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o family_n nor_o converse_v more_o free_o with_o one_o another_o about_o it_o than_o they_o may_v do_v here_o in_o england_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o here_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o great_a number_n and_o i_o leave_v it_o even_o to_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o to_o judge_n whether_o that_o one_o conveniency_n of_o meet_v in_o great_a number_n be_v a_o sufficient_a enticement_n to_o any_o rational_a man_n to_o exchange_n england_n for_o holland_n but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o they_o do_v go_v into_o holland_n or_o into_o some_o other_o country_n i_o do_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o any_o man_n who_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o i_o how_o they_o can_v carry_v away_o their_o trade_n of_o merchandize_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o willing_a live_v in_o holland_n they_o may_v and_o drive_v their_o usual_a trade_n 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a_o story_n be_v raise_v about_o some_o great_a dealer_n in_o the_o west_n who_o have_v with-drawn_a their_o stock_n leave_v off_o all_o business_n by_o which_o mean_v vast_a number_n of_o poor_a people_n who_o do_v depend_v on_o they_o be_v utter_o undo_v this_o matter_n seem_v so_o considerable_a as_o that_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n in_o the_o nation_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o a_o remedy_n for_o so_o great_a and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v so_o grow_v a_o evil_a but_o when_o this_o matter_n come_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v that_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o eminent_a city_n in_o this_o nation_n inferior_a perhaps_o to_o none_o except_o london_n wherein_o this_o artifice_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o fright_v the_o magistrate_n from_o suppress_v the_o conventicle_n a_o great_a rumour_n be_v spread_v up_o and_o down_o that_o if_o they_o may_v not_o have_v liberty_n to_o meet_v as_o former_o than_o they_o will_v all_o withdraw_v their_o stock_n which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a detriment_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o a_o vast_a loss_n to_o the_o city_n and_o leave_v the_o poor_a to_o be_v provide_v for_o by_o their_o respective_a parish_n but_o the_o raiser_n of_o all_o this_o clamour_n do_v quick_o find_v that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a master_n of_o trade_n as_o themselves_o and_o according_o it_o be_v undertake_v by_o those_o who_o be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o if_o the_o dissenter_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v their_o stock_n there_o shall_v immediate_a care_n be_v take_v that_o the_o trade_n of_o the_o city_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o very_a same_o height_n which_o it_o be_v at_o without_o the_o least_o abatement_n or_o leave_v any_o one_o workman_n out_o of_o as_o good_a a_o employment_n as_o he_o have_v before_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v fear_v that_o it_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v withdraw_v their_o stock_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o encourage_v to_o the_o so_o do_v provide_v that_o they_o will_v give_v security_n that_o they_o will_v not_o trade_n at_o all_o neither_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o for_o they_o nor_o in_o other_o man_n name_n they_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n have_v a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n give_v they_o if_o that_o may_v move_v they_o to_o it_o let_v we_o not_o be_v vain_o afraid_a where_o no_o fear_n be_v do_v we_o know_v the_o nonconformist_n no_o better_o than_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v suspect_v they_o of_o be_v apt_a to_o give_v over_o their_o profitable_a trade_n it_o have_v be_v a_o more_o rational_a jealousy_n to_o have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o more_o intent_n upon_o any_o imaginable_a way_n of_o get_v of_o money_n than_o on_o any_o settlement_n of_o religion_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o and_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o no_o ill_a 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do_v correspond_v and_o always_o have_v correspond_v with_o other_o not_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n papist_n with_o protestant_n protestant_n with_o papist_n etc._n etc._n what_o other_o pretence_n there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n wherein_o trade_n may_v seem_v concern_v i_o do_v not_o at_o present_a call_n to_o mind_n and_o therefore_o shall_v go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o suggestion_n why_o a_o toleration_n of_o several_a way_n of_o religion_n may_v not_o do_v as_o well_o here_o as_o it_o do_v among_o our_o neighbour_n in_o france_n and_o holland_n as_o to_o france_n the_o different_a profession_n of_o religion_n there_o have_v not_o be_v without_o many_o sad_a effect_n upon_o both_o party_n and_o have_v so_o sanctify_v the_o animosity_n on_o each_o side_n that_o it_o have_v prevail_v upon_o both_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n to_o let_v alien_n and_o enemy_n into_o the_o bowel_n of_o their_o native_a country_n but_o their_o case_n and_o we_o be_v vast_o different_a the_o hugonot_n 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in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o freedom_n from_o the_o present_a pressure_n be_v the_o thing_n immediate_o in_o their_o eye_n and_o many_o of_o their_o neighbour_n at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v the_o same_o aim_n and_o as_o they_o be_v then_o only_o agree_v what_o they_o will_v not_o have_v but_o not_o at_o all_o what_o they_o will_v have_v they_o invite_v all_o that_o all_o may_v come_v to_o their_o assistance_n but_o beside_o this_o one_o religion_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o so_o many_o several_a independent_a government_n as_o go_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o those_o state_n for_o as_o sr._n william_n temple_n tell_v we_o chap._n 2._o of_o their_o government_n p._n 75._o they_o be_v not_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o a_o confederacy_n of_o
who_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o a_o few_o harmless_a ceremony_n who_o raise_v all_o their_o causeless_a scruple_n infuse_v so_o many_o senseless_a jealousy_n and_o not_o be_v content_a to_o have_v at_o first_o infuse_v these_o needless_a fear_n do_v still_o go_v on_o to_o nurse_v up_o and_o cherish_v they_o who_o first_o betray_v great_a number_n into_o folly_n and_o ever_o after_o continue_v to_o humour_v they_o in_o it_o he_o who_o can_v conform_v himself_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o for_o fear_v lest_o his_o auditory_a and_o acquaintance_n shall_v abate_v in_o their_o esteem_n or_o contribution_n towards_o he_o if_o he_o mean_v sincere_o &_o to_o show_v himself_o a_o honest_a man_n he_o ought_v to_o deal_v faithful_o with_o his_o admirer_n &_o tell_v they_o real_o what_o himself_n think_v communicate_v the_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o be_v long_o needless_o afraid_a where_o no_o fear_n be_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v entertain_v wild_a suspicion_n about_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o a_o implicit_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o skill_n and_o honesty_n of_o their_o teacher_n such_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o very_a precious_a and_o know_a man_n and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o conform_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v conformity_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n the_o pastor_n and_o his_o flock_n in_o this_o case_n do_v mutual_o guide_v and_o be_v guide_v by_o each_o other_o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o and_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a mark_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o a_o infallible_a token_n of_o their_o election_n to_o admire_v he_o but_o if_o the_o weakness_n of_o these_o our_o brethren_n have_v so_o great_a a_o privilege_n entail_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o which_o they_o have_v take_v a_o 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believe_v to_o be_v open_o expose_v to_o lie_v perpetual_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o all_o the_o humour_n melancholy_n artifice_n cheat_n and_o discontent_n in_o the_o whole_a nation_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o we_o be_v command_v to_o avoid_v the_o give_n of_o scandal_n as_o most_o certain_o and_o evident_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o action_n of_o all_o private_a man_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o public_a constitution_n must_v be_v as_o often_o overrule_v as_o any_o single_a person_n be_v either_o by_o his_o own_o folly_n or_o by_o the_o art_n of_o other_o man_n impose_v upon_o to_o believe_v evil_a of_o they_o then_o can_v no_o man_n tell_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o action_n sacred_a or_o civil_a except_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o immediate_a and_o plain_a divine_a precept_n what_o one_o thing_n shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o very_a next_o moment_n but_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o mistake_n of_o other_o man_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v well-meaning_a one_o be_v to_o have_v so_o uncontrollable_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o all_o private_a person_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o all_o public_a one_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o say_v it_o will_v thence_o follow_v very_o apparent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a necessity_n lie_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o take_v care_n what_o kind_n of_o person_n be_v entrust_v with_o teach_v the_o people_n for_o if_o conscience_n though_o never_o so_o erroneous_a be_v of_o right_n and_o by_o apostolical_a appointment_n to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o regard_n have_v unto_o they_o then_o of_o all_o thing_n great_a circumspection_n shall_v be_v use_v and_o security_n take_v for_o the_o understanding_n and_o honesty_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v to_o be_v guide_n of_o conscience_n for_o if_o the_o error_n of_o conscience_n be_v thing_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o to_o be_v a_o immediate_a supersedeas_fw-la to_o our_o whole_a christian_a liberty_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a law_n than_o it_o be_v the_o great_a frenzy_n imaginable_a to_o grant_v a_o promiscuous_a liberty_n to_o whoever_o please_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n alas_o the_o vulgar_a be_v easy_o impose_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o we_o may_v find_v in_o our_o day_n what_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o his_o that_o there_o be_v those_o who_o will_v speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n because_o of_o advantage_n and_o bring_v their_o auditory_n to_o admire_v those_o very_a doctrine_n which_o themselves_o do_v hearty_o despise_v outward_o court_v their_o hearer_n and_o inward_o laugh_v at_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v not_o religion_n and_o government_n like_o to_o be_v at_o a_o very_a fine_a pass_n when_o who_o so_o please_v shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o make_v all_o possible_a advantage_n of_o that_o very_a scruple_n which_o himself_o be_v author_n of_o and_o when_o all_o other_o objection_n fail_v shall_v be_v allow_v to_o plead_v his_o own_o exemption_n from_o all_o obedience_n to_o the_o settle_a constitution_n from_o the_o dissatisfaction_n of_o other_o man_n who_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o he_o have_v never_o entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o be_v dissatisfy_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v frequent_o urge_v that_o those_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o sufficient_a which_o be_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o in_o former_a day_n but_o there_o be_v new_a and_o straight_a bond_n add_v to_o they_o a_o new_a declaration_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_v and_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v provoke_v which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v remain_v silent_a if_o not_o satisfy_v new_a scruple_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o before_o lay_v bury_v and_o which_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v quite_o forget_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a that_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v formal_o renounce_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v require_v that_o man_n must_v swear_v not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o that_o no_o man_n else_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o now_o after_o all_o this_o wonder_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o very_o easy_o account_v for_o for_o sure_o it_o have_v be_v among_o man_n not_o at_o all_o unusual_a nor_o in_o itself_o strange_a that_o where_o former_a security_n have_v be_v find_v too_o slight_a to_o add_v other_o to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o declaration_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_n the_o addition_n which_o it_o do_v make_v to_o the_o former_a subscription_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a as_o to_o raise_v a_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o man_n who_o be_v real_a in_o they_o and_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o great_a mystery_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o terribie_n sound_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_n which_o the_o people_n be_v teach_v to_o be_v affright_v at_o as_o if_o some_o dismal_a meaning_n be_v hide_v under_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o art_n to_o raise_v their_o jealousy_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v for_o the_o find_v out_o some_o plot_n or_o other_o in_o the_o follow_a renunciation_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v order_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n and_o it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a that_o that_o cause_n do_v not_o only_o continue_v but_o increase_n as_o appear_v but_o too_o plain_o from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o clamour_n raise_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o cause_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v from_o themselves_o and_o that_o great_a stir_n which_o they_o make_v about_o the_o
obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o year_n immediate_o after_o the_o restoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n both_o from_o press_n and_o pulpit_n party_n be_v make_v in_o the_o city_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v make_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o own_n of_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v with_o great_a confidence_n urge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o public_a and_o national_a oath_n bind_v all_o person_n of_o this_o nation_n whether_o they_o do_v swear_v it_o personal_o or_o not_o and_o all_o posterity_n after_o we_o in_o their_o particular_a place_n and_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v into_o the_o public_a place_n and_o politic_a capacity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n covenant_v for_o and_o this_o obligation_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v and_o by_o no_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n to_o be_v absolve_v or_o make_v void_a as_o among_o other_o mr._n crofton_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o his_o famous_a write_n on_o that_o subject_a and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o once_o admit_v the_o ground_n which_o this_o party_n of_o man_n do_v go_v upon_o what_o he_o do_v allege_v have_v great_a reason_n in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o those_o clause_n which_o he_o do_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n do_v suppose_v all_o posterity_n to_o be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o this_o he_o urge_v not_o as_o his_o own_o single_a opinion_n but_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o whole_a party_n and_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o allege_v the_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o london_n minister_n dec._n 14._o 1647._o several_a of_o which_o be_v at_o this_o present_a preacher_n to_o the_o separate_a congregation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n upon_o earth_n to_o dispense_v with_o or_o absolve_v we_o from_o it_o nay_o the_o power_n of_o parliament_n which_o in_o other_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v large_a enough_o be_v in_o this_o bind_v up_o as_o mr._n cr._n tell_v we_o p._n 139._o that_o the_o parliament_n consist_v of_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_o that_o in_o their_o public_a capacity_n as_o a_o parliament_n the_o house_n of_o commons_o assemble_v in_o their_o house_n and_o in_o formality_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o their_o speaker_n before_o they_o go_v unto_o st._n margaret_n church_n in_o westminster_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n imaginable_a do_v as_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n swear_v this_o covenant_n which_o as_o a_o far_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n they_o cause_v to_o be_v print_v with_o their_o name_n subscribe_v and_o to_o be_v hang_v up_o in_o all_o church_n and_o in_o their_o own_o house_n as_o a_o compass_n whereby_o in_o conformity_n to_o right_v reason_n and_o religion_n to_o steer_v their_o then_o debate_n and_o to_o dictate_v to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v in_o that_o place_n and_o capacity_n what_o obligation_n do_v before_o god_n lie_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o this_o nation_n those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o renunciation_n of_o the_o covenant_n either_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v oblige_v at_o this_o time_n or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v why_o may_v they_o not_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o not_o to_o do_v so_o one_o reason_n may_v indeed_o be_v give_v why_o the_o preacher_n themselves_o may_v believe_v the_o covenant_n not_o to_o oblige_v and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_n avoid_v the_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v thus_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v have_v the_o people_n believe_v it_o to_o have_v a_o obligation_n although_o themselves_o believe_v it_o to_o have_v none_o a_o persuasion_n this_o which_o in_o some_o juncture_n of_o affair_n or_o other_o they_o may_v chance_v to_o make_v very_o great_a use_n of_o and_o that_o this_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o incredible_a their_o procedure_n have_v not_o be_v one_o jot_n honest_a than_o this_o amount_n to_o in_o another_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v among_o they_o and_o not_o among_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o yet_o can_v be_v never_o bring_v to_o say_v one_o word_n to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o their_o belief_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n now_o if_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v carry_v a_o last_a obligation_n along_o with_o it_o in_o that_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o during_o that_o persuasion_n of_o they_o desire_v they_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o withal_o i_o must_v crave_v their_o leave_n to_o add_v this_o further_a that_o during_o that_o persuasion_n of_o they_o i_o think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o government_n shall_v cast_v a_o very_a watchful_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n from_o the_o covenant_n itself_o wherein_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o fatal_a and_o universal_a consequence_n covenant_v for_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v high_o concern_v that_o no_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o every_o body_n else_o as_o lie_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o watch_v all_o opportunity_n wherein_o they_o may_v accomplish_v such_o great_a and_o public_a mischief_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o article_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n endeavour_n in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n in_o confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o in_o which_o article_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v many_o thing_n liable_a to_o very_o just_a and_o material_a exception_n as_o first_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o private_a man_n in_o england_n if_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o place_n and_o call_v intermeddle_v either_o in_o the_o preservation_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nay_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o person_n in_o this_o kingdom_n whatever_o be_v he_o in_o what_o public_a capacity_n he_o will_v his_o majesty_n only_o except_v or_o those_o who_o act_n by_o commission_n from_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o concern_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o second_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o article_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n of_o scotland_n and_o withal_o to_o bring_v the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v so_o that_o scotland_n must_v necessary_o be_v our_o pattern_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n we_o be_v swear_v to_o reform_v england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o our_o own_o church_n as_o it_o be_v already_o by_o law_n establish_v or_o at_o least_o some_o other_o church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n may_v come_v altogether_o as_o near_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o scotland_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o the_o other_o dissenter_n whatever_o beside_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o see_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o any_o obligation_n because_o that_o that_o be_v express_v for_o uniformity_n and_o as_o such_o be_v