be_v deprive_v of_o that_o specious_a pretext_n of_o relieve_v his_o distress_a flock_n the_o prince_n and_o state_n of_o that_o religion_n will_v for_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n upon_o all_o occasion_n express_v their_o satisfaction_n to_o see_v they_o merciful_o use_v who_o for_o their_o profession_n they_o account_v brethren_n and_o for_o their_o suffer_n martyr_n the_o protestant_n in_o other_o country_n will_v be_v more_o assure_v of_o the_o freedom_n they_o enjoy_v and_o more_o hopeful_a of_o obtain_v new_a increase_v of_o their_o liberty_n the_o papist_n of_o england_n will_v be_v bind_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n the_o strong_a obligation_n among_o wise_a man_n to_o live_v peaceable_o and_o thankful_o in_o the_o private_a exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o become_v gainer_n by_o such_o compassion_n can_v not_o so_o reasonable_o be_v distruâ—ted_v as_o the_o prelatical_a or_o presbyteriâ—n_n party_n who_o must_v needs_o reckon_v themselves_o no_o small_a 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the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o appeaâ—eâ—_n by_o their_o synodical_a act_n set_v forth_o in_o jan_n 1650._o and_o send_v to_o their_o brethren_n in_o edinburgh_n where_o have_v first_o call_v our_o way_n abomination_n and_o ourselves_o a_o perverse_a generation_n and_o brand_v those_o few_o honest_a scot_n who_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v undeceive_v by_o the_o reason_n and_o civility_n of_o our_o army_n with_o the_o infamous_a name_n of_o aâ—ostates_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o most_o bitter_a malicious_a and_o scandalous_a word_n that_o a_o enrage_a scot_n can_v utter_v speak_v thus_o to_o their_o party_n we_o exhort_v you_o and_o by_o all_o the_o power_n over_o you_o we_o have_v in_o the_o lord_n require_v you_o careful_o to_o avoid_v all_o familiar_a converse_n of_o every_o degree_n above_o all_o that_o you_o beware_v to_o join_v with_o they_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n in_o any_o public_a or_o private_a exercise_n of_o 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we_o to_o enforce_v this_o oath_n on_o the_o papist_n since_o we_o have_v many_o godly_a person_n of_o our_o own_o party_n who_o will_v not_o take_v it_o and_o other_o who_o will_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o hear_v what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o before-mentiond_v synodical_a confession_n pag._n 238._o there_o be_v a_o gâ—eater_a restraint_n lay_v upon_o we_o now_o than_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n mat._n 5._o 34._o james_n 5._o 12._o which_o have_v make_v some_o to_o shun_v oath_n though_o call_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o matter_n lawful_a and_o again_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o those_o who_o impose_v unnecessary_a subtle_a and_o ensâ—aring_a oath_n zach._n 5._o 3_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o curse_n go_v out_o against_o swearer_n as_o well_o as_o against_o thief_n bebecause-of_o needless_a swear_n as_o well_o as_o false_a swear_n a_o land_n be_v make_v to_o mourn_v jer_n 23._o 10._o 4._o since_o all_o these_o negative_n be_v not_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n as_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n but_o deduce_v from_o passage_n to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v believe_v as_o probable_a by_o they_o as_o the_o argument_n by_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o so_o cruel_o persecute_v one_o another_o for_o doctrine_n that_o be_v either_o obscure_o reveal_v or_o not_o necessary_o enjoin_v 5._o how_o shall_v we_o defend_v the_o oath_n against_o this_o objection_n that_o any_o jew_n turk_n or_o infidel_n may_v take_v it_o lawful_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n nay_o will_v delight_v to_o swear_v against_o so_o many_o point_n of_o that_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o confine_a territory_n main_o oppose_v they_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o law_n at_o all_o to_o my_o knowledge_n for_o which_o jew_n turk_n heathen_a or_o the_o most_o gross_a heathenish_a idolater_n be_v sequestrable_a nor_o any_o penal_a oath_n against_o the_o most_o extravagant_a blasphemy_n that_o a_o loose_a wit_n can_v imagine_v
of_o tender_a conscience_n be_v this_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n be_v this_o to_o instruct_v in_o meekness_n as_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o voice_n speak_v within_o we_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n beside_o the_o sharpness_n of_o the_o sentence_n the_o very_a trial_n as_o i_o be_o inform_v have_v many_o singular_a and_o unusual_a passage_n as_o that_o nothing_o be_v prove_v against_o the_o prisoner_n but_o that_o a_o great_a many_o year_n ago_o he_o have_v say_v mass_n in_o flanders_n and_o this_o only_o by_o one_o witness_n and_o one_o who_o in_o open_a session_n profess_v a_o particular_a pique_n and_o quarrel_n towards_o he_o allege_v a_o old_a grudge_n as_o one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o come_v up_o out_o of_o the_o country_n to_o swear_v against_o he_o no_o 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have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o dery_v the_o power_n thereof_o i_o pray_v god_n these_o severe_a and_o ungosâ—ellary_a proceed_n especial_o this_o last_o of_o blood_n so_o displease_v to_o the_o spectator_n and_o unprofitable_a to_o the_o author_n become_v not_o in_o time_n a_o prejudice_n to_o our_o bretâ—ren_n beyond_o the_o sea_n a_o discontent_a 〈◊〉_d our_o friend_n at_o home_n and_o a_o scandal_n to_o all_o the_o world_n for_o that_o very_a day_n of_o the_o priest_n execution_n i_o overhear_v a_o nimble-witted_a man_n say_v these_o word_n since_o we_o be_v come_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o we_o can_v fight_v against_o the_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n of_o the_o kirk_n sequester_n man_n for_o recusant_n and_o continue_v their_o sequestration_n whether_o they_o continue_v their_o recusancy_n or_o no_o make_v a_o close_a peace_n with_o spain_n and_o open_o hang_v up_o jesuit_n sit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la cum_fw-la philosophis_fw-la sure_o it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o 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satisfaction_n think_v often_o with_o myself_o it_o be_v a_o fashion_n as_o worthy_a to_o be_v transport_v into_o england_n as_o any_o our_o gallant_n bring_v from_o thence_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o dispute_n which_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o solemn_a challenge_n but_o casual_a though_o very_o often_o if_o either_o party_n seem_v unsatisfied_a his_o liberty_n be_v inviolable_o preserve_v without_o seize_v upon_o a_o penny_n of_o his_o estate_n which_o there_o be_v account_v but_o a_o politic_a covetousness_n or_o touch_v so_o much_o as_o a_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o spill_v his_o blood_n for_o a_o different_a opinion_n which_o they_o detest_v as_o a_o most_o abominable_a cruelty_n but_o with_o a_o courteous_a friendliness_n and_o mutual_a compassion_n part_n in_o as_o perfect_a charity_n as_o they_o meet_v each_o hope_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o other_o conversion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o king_n allow_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o public_a church_n to_o protestant_n and_o as_o much_o liberty_n in_o private_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o any_o disagreer_n from_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o the_o state_n can_v reasonable_o desire_v nay_o even_o the_o spanish_a inquisition_n so_o universal_o abhor_v practise_v all_o imaginable_a mean_n towards_o the_o accuse_a to_o reduce_v his_o judgement_n to_o they_o before_o they_o pronounce_v they_o against_o he_o and_o upon_o conformity_n immediate_o acquit_v he_o whereas_o our_o conscience-sequestration_n be_v lay_v on_o without_o any_o dispute_v and_o hardly_o take_v off_o upon_o never_o so_o much_o conform_v which_o very_o thing_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o presbyterian_n object_n to_o we_o think_v themselves_o make_v the_o abjure_a oath_n on_o purpose_n to_o pinch_v the_o papist_n yet_o they_o say_v it_o be_v intend_v only_o for_o time_n of_o war_n when_o all_o other_o way_n either_o of_o convince_a by_o reason_n or_o convict_v by_o law_n be_v obstruct_v and_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_n they_o allege_v divers_a papist_n by_o name_n who_o have_v not_o only_o go_v to_o church_n but_o take_v both_o the_o communion_n oath_n of_o abjuration_n and_o engagement_n and_o all_o this_o undeniable_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a testimony_n yet_o after_o solemn_a debate_n upon_o their_o petition_n in_o haberdashers-hall_n to_o be_v no_o long_o punish_v since_o they_o be_v no_o long_o guilty_a the_o commissioner_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o any_o act_n or_o instruction_n from_o the_o present_a parliament_n what_o shall_v amount_v unto_o or_o be_v adjudge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o conformity_n and_o therefore_o they_o continue_v the_o sequestration_n as_o former_o notstanding_o such_o conformity_n as_o aforesaid_a in_o particular_a on_o wednesday_n the_o second_o of_o july_n 1651._o it_o be_v the_o case_n say_v my_o presbyterian_a friend_n of_o one_o smith_n a_o suspect_a papist_n who_o have_v land_n in_o the_o soak_v of_o winchester_n sequester_v upon_o his_o appeal_n at_o haberdashers-hall_n he_o produce_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o he_o have_v be_v several_a lord_n day_n at_o church_n and_o have_v twice_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n but_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n make_v answer_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o he_o must_v also_o take_v the_o communion_n otherwise_o must_v continue_v sequester_v as_o a_o papist_n whereto_o smith_n council_n reply_v that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o papist_n not_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o communion_n we_o be_v say_v he_o all_o papist_n in_o our_o parish_n for_o we_o have_v have_v no_o communion_n in_o our_o church_n those_o four_o year_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o that_o very_a commissioner_n who_o make_v this_o objection_n have_v not_o of_o late_a and_o perhaps_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o communion_n in_o manner_n as_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o statute_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a case_n for_o we_o to_o force_v other_o under_o
so_o great_a a_o penalty_n as_o the_o sequestration_n of_o their_o estate_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o will_v not_o do_v ourselves_o all_o the_o relief_n and_o hope_n that_o smith_n and_o other_o in_o his_o condition_n who_o have_v both_o go_v to_o church_n and_o take_v the_o communion_n and_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n have_v receive_v at_o the_o say_a hall_n be_v that_o the_o say_a commissioner_n have_v promise_v to_o move_v the_o parliament_n to_o know_v what_o shall_v amount_v unto_o a_o conformity_n and_o it_o may_v also_o be_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o religion_n the_o papist_n in_o case_n they_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v their_o own_o shall_v conform_v unto_o since_o we_o have_v three_o several_a religion_n that_o at_o present_a seem_v to_o have_v a_o equal_a power_n or_o influence_n the_o prelatical_a or_o old_a protestant_n as_o some_o call_v it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n the_o presbyterian_a carry_v the_o vogue_n in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o the_o independent_a have_v the_o power_n and_o countenance_n of_o the_o state_n certain_o the_o abovesaid_a strange_a proceed_n must_v needs_o appear_v both_o to_o all_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o to_o very_o many_o conscientious_a people_n at_o home_n as_o savour_v of_o a_o design_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o papist_n estate_n whatsoever_o become_v of_o their_o soul_n and_o all_o this_o while_n we_o hold_v forth_o meekness_n and_o all_o this_o while_n we_o cry_v up_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v so_o far_o forget_v our_o principle_n as_o to_o seize_v the_o estate_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o kindred_n for_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n profess_v to_o venture_v all_o our_o own_o to_o purchase_v freedom_n of_o religion_n be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v expose_v our_o own_o life_n in_o so_o long_a and_o dangerous_a a_o war_n to_o establish_v and_o secure_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n of_o time_n hang_v draw_v and_o quarter_v man_n for_o their_o conscience_n how_o shall_v we_o answer_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n our_o shed_n so_o much_o blood_n to_o deliver_v our_o country_n from_o cocrcency_n imâ—matters_v of_o belief_n if_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o power_n be_v in_o our_o hand_n we_o imbrue_v they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o countryman_n mere_o for_o their_o religion_n have_v we_o so_o soon_o forget_v those_o sharp_a reproof_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o behold_v you_o be_v call_v jew_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v your_o boast_n of_o god_n you_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a you_o be_v confident_a that_o yourselves_o be_v guide_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o light_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o darkness_n instructor_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o teacher_n of_o babe_n who_o have_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n you_o therefore_o who_o teach_v another_o teach_v you_o not_o yourselves_o you_o that_o preach_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o steal_v do_v you_o steal_v you_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v you_o commit_v sacrilege_n in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secreâ—s_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n how_o can_v we_o answer_v that_o excellent_a and_o self-evident_a precept_n of_o nature_n do_v as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v he_o promise_v indeed_o that_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o land_n but_o sure_o mean_v not_o such_o as_o seem_v meek_a only_o to_o inherit_v the_o land_n thus_o sharp_o go_v on_o my_o angry_a presbyterian_a and_o i_o confess_v i_o be_v extreme_o ashamed_a to_o hear_v he_o say_v so_o much_o reason_n that_o use_v to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o passion_n and_o to_o see_v myself_o so_o confound_v by_o one_o that_o i_o have_v always_o overcome_v with_o ease_n upon_o any_o other_o subject_a and_o shall_v have_v like_v far_o better_a his_o observation_n which_o with_o grief_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v too_o true_a and_o open_a to_o all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v come_v from_o a_o indifferent_a and_o unfactious_a spirit_n because_o i_o suspect_v they_o may_v perhaps_o proceed_v rather_o from_o envy_n towards_o the_o gainer_n than_o pity_v upon_o the_o loser_n for_o during_o the_o violent_a and_o therefore_o short_a dominion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_n never_o be_v more_o cruel_a torturer_n of_o the_o conscience_n than_o they_o never_o a_o more_o tyrannical_a tribunal_n than_o their_o iure_fw-la divino_fw-la assembly_n and_o classical_a high-commission_n but_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n stop_v they_o in_o their_o full_a career_n and_o by_o woeful_a experience_n they_o now_o find_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n threaten_n if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o gal._n 5._o 15._o wherefore_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o daily_a prayer_n to_o our_o great_a and_o good_a god_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o inspire_v his_o servant_n who_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n to_o prevent_v the_o like_a heavy_a judgement_n upon_o themselves_o and_o serious_o consider_v that_o both_o their_o allegiance_n to_o reason_n their_o duty_n to_o god_n their_o engagement_n to_o their_o own_o principle_n call_v so_o loud_o upon_o they_o they_o will_v fulfil_v now_o our_o joy_n and_o complete_a the_o good_a work_n so_o happy_o begin_v by_o put_v the_o tender-conscienced_a and_o peaceable-minded_a people_n of_o this_o nation_n into_o a_o condition_n of_o perfect_a security_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v effect_v without_o a_o general_a act_n of_o conscience-indempnity_n firm_o to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n postscript_n since_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o who_o something_o in_o these_o few_o sheet_n will_v not_o please_v nor_o very_o many_o who_o something_o will_v not_o displease_v they_o therefore_o free_o submit_v themselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o of_o every_o civil_a man_n and_o i_o have_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o parliament_n hereunto_o subscribe_v my_o name_n william_n birchley_n persecution_n for_o religion_n condemn_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v demonstrate_v according_a to_o that_o light_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v infuse_v into_o my_o soul_n how_o much_o coercency_n in_o religion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o many_o evident_a and_o unanswerable_a text_n of_o scripture_n show_v how_o displease_v it_o be_v to_o god_n how_o improper_a to_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o how_o extreme_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o sweet_a spirit_n which_o guide_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o after_o in_o the_o same_o little_a treatise_n i_o proceed_v to_o prove_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o army_n declaration_n that_o the_o great_a principle_n wherein_o we_o glory_n and_o which_o we_o have_v so_o long_o fight_v to_o establish_v be_v a_o perfect_a gospel-freedom_n and_o absolute_a deliverance_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o all_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n which_o discourse_n as_o i_o compose_v in_o all_o humbleness_n of_o spirit_n and_o afterwards_o offer_v to_o the_o gracious_a redeemer_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o give_v i_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o finish_v it_o to_o his_o glory_n so_o i_o find_v not_o only_o myself_o for_o which_o i_o humble_o thank_v the_o bounty_n of_o my_o god_n confirm_v in_o my_o former_a judgement_n but_o other_o in_o some_o measure_n convince_v in_o they_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o sin_n of_o conscience-persecution_n concerning_o which_o pious_a and_o modest_a temper_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o former_a part_n this_o plain_a and_o familiar_a observation_n that_o as_o the_o sure_a mark_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n in_o ourselves_o be_v a_o tender_a spirit_n to_o other_o so_o the_o most_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o hard_a and_o stony_a heart_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n be_v when_o we_o slit_v in_o piece_n and_o shipwreck_n the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o touch_v upon_o we_o but_o praise_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o name_n of_o our_o god_n who_o still_o proceed_v to_o guide_v and_o illuminate_v his_o choose_a gracious_o dispose_v they_o neither_o to_o presume_v upon_o themselves_o for_o their_o knowledge_n nor_o be_v cruel_a against_o other_o for_o their_o ignorance_n but_o humble_o adore_v and_o wait_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o disposure_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o fill_v my_o soul_n with_o exceed_a joy_n when_o i_o consider_v it_o to_o be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o all_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o well-affected_a in_o this_o nation_n that_o no_o quiet_a and_o
benefit_n by_o teach_v to_o believe_v what_o appear_v untrue_a seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a to_o profess_v what_o we_o believe_v untrue_a i_o be_o sure_o be_v damnable_a 6._o as_o it_o be_v certain_a whosoever_o swerve_v from_o the_o dictate_n of_o his_o conscience_n commit_v a_o grievous_a sin_n rom._n 14._o so_o without_o question_n they_o that_o endeavour_n by_o force_n or_o artifice_n to_o draw_v any_o man_n to_o profess_v or_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o his_o foul_a believe_v be_v as_o deep_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n when_o you_o wound_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o your_o brethren_n you_o sin_n against_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 12._o how_o dangerous_o then_o do_v they_o expose_v themâ—elves_n to_o the_o just_a indignation_n of_o god_n who_o by_o oath_n imprisonment_n forfeiture_n etc._n etc._n both_o drive_v other_o and_o fall_v themselves_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n how_o desperate_o do_v they_o attempt_v to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o indispensable_o oblige_v all_o man_n to_o deal_v with_o other_o as_o they_o will_v be_v deal_v with_o themâ—elves_n a_o light_n place_v by_o god_n in_o clear_a and_o candid_a soul_n to_o shine_v and_o guide_v they_o but_o in_o black_a one_o to_o condemn_v and_o burn_v they_o i_o shall_v close_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 14._o 13._o let_v we_o therefore_o use_v our_o judgement_n rather_o in_o this_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o his_o brother_n 2._o unanswerable_a text_n of_o scripture_n against_o coercency_n in_o religion_n nor_o be_v these_o so_o excellent_a and_o important_a truth_n build_v only_o upon_o the_o firm_a foundation_n of_o solid_a reason_n but_o also_o upon_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o evident_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 24._o etc._n etc._n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v forbear_v in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o be_v contrary-minded_a if_o god_n per_fw-la adventure_n will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n and_o another_o apostle_n forbid_v we_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o say_v james_n 4._o 12._o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o and_o in_o paul_n to_o the_o roman_n 14._o 4._o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v that_o be_v who_o conscience_n inward_o accuse_v not_o his_o outward_a profession_n the_o same_o most_o zealous_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n return_v so_o condescend_v and_o moderate_a a_o answer_n to_o a_o case_n of_o a_o far_o hard_a sound_n than_o we_o undertake_v to_o maintain_v that_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v he_o take_v his_o gentle_a pen_n from_o the_o soft_a wing_n of_o the_o dove_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 12._o etc._n etc._n if_o any_o brother_n have_v a_o wife_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o she_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v with_o he_o let_v he_o not_o put_v she_o away_o and_o the_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o husband_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v with_o she_o let_v she_o not_o leave_v he_o but_o if_o the_o unbelieving_a depart_v let_v he_o depart_v a_o brother_n or_o a_o sister_n be_v not_o in_o bondage_n in_o such_o case_n but_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o peace_n for_o what_o know_v thou_o o_o wife_n whether_o thou_o shall_v save_v thy_o husband_n and_o what_o know_v thou_o o_o man_n whether_o thou_o shall_v save_v thy_o wife_n as_o god_n have_v distribute_v to_o every_o man_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v every_o one_o so_o let_v he_o walk_v and_o so_o ordain_v i_o in_o all_o church_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o efficacious_o to_o oblige_v christian_n in_o charity_n and_o meekness_n to_o forbear_v one_o another_o than_o so_o express_v a_o injunction_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n to_o live_v peaceable_o even_o with_o a_o infidel_n and_o again_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o he_o deny_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v any_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o conscience_n but_o only_a commission_n to_o assist_v the_o conscientious_a not_o that_o we_o have_v say_v he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n therein_o exact_o observe_v the_o order_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n go_v and_o teach_v not_o compel_v and_o if_o any_o one_o receive_v you_o not_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o your_o foot_n not_o trample_v upon_o they_o as_o dust_n under_o foot_n mat._n 10._o 14._o constaut_n to_o which_o doctrine_n of_o meekness_n our_o saviour_n thus_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n mat._n 23._o 9_o be_v not_o call_v rabbi_n that_o be_v master_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n to_o this_o belong_v the_o patient_a forbear_v the_o tare_n and_o let_v they_o grow_v together_o with_o the_o wheat_n till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n as_o also_o that_o admirable_a precedent_n of_o mildness_n towards_o the_o samaritan_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v even_o christ_n himself_o whereupon_o the_o disciple_n james_n and_o john_n will_v immediate_o command_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v they_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n but_o our_o merciful_a lord_n rebuke_v their_o zeal_n with_o this_o sweet_a and_o tender_a reply_n you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o luk._n 9_o 54._o which_o one_o example_n abundant_o satisfy_v all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o elias_n jehu_n the_o son_n of_o levi_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o as_o they_o have_v a_o express_a command_n from_o god_n to_o warrant_v their_o zeal_n we_o have_v a_o express_a warrant_n from_o christ_n to_o command_v we_o meekness_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v shuffle_v in_o a_o suspicion_n that_o this_o moderate_a temper_n be_v mean_v only_o for_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o temporal_a power_n let_v he_o first_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n and_o then_o show_v a_o warrant_n dormant_a under_o our_o saviour_n hand_n that_o be_v in_o his_o gospel_n to_o commissionate_v his_o disciple_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v get_v the_o sword_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o all_o disobeyer_n and_o i_o submit_v but_o if_o they_o can_v cite_v no_o such_o authority_n let_v they_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a tyranny_n over_o the_o just_a privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o a_o christian_a 3._o our_o own_o priuciple_n against_o constraint_n upon_o the_o conscience_n consonant_a to_o these_o reason_n and_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o well-affected_a of_o this_o nation_n to_o begin_v with_o they_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v this_o liberty_n of_o discourse_v the_o unparelleled_a army_n in_o all_o who_o proceed_n and_o declaration_n especial_o since_o manage_v by_o the_o prodigious_o successful_a hand_n of_o the_o two_o late_a general_n their_o motto_n have_v be_v liberty_n to_o all_o tender_a and_o oppress_a conscience_n the_o glory_n of_o which_o so_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o encourage_v the_o heart_n of_o our_o friend_n that_o notwithstanding_o whatever_o other_o disadvantage_n we_o still_o find_v the_o author_n of_o our_o victory_n mindful_a of_o the_o word_n which_o himself_o give_v to_o our_o army_n the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o land_n of_o which_o short_a text_n write_v in_o our_o ensign_n we_o may_v read_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a commentary_n in_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o same_o still-triumph_a army_n 1_o aug._n 1647._o when_o penetrate_v exact_o into_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n they_o prudent_o distinguish_v between_o quiet_a exerciser_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o active_a prejudicer_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o thereupon_o offer_v their_o earnest_a desire_n that_o all_o coâ—rcive_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a penalty_n for_o nonconformity_n be_v whole_o repeal_v and_o some_o other_o provision_n make_v against_o
such_o papist_n as_o shall_v disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n many_o and_o wonderful_a be_v the_o deliverance_n which_o our_o good_a god_n have_v dispense_v to_o his_o servant_n in_o reward_n of_o this_o their_o inclination_n to_o mercifulness_n yet_o among_o all_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o people_n none_o can_v be_v find_v more_o eminent_a than_o the_o renown_a victory_n over_o that_o rigid_a and_o severe_a kirk-army_n of_o the_o scot_n septemb._n 1650._o who_o decline_v the_o mild_a counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o possess_v their_o soul_n with_o patience_n deserve_o lose_v their_o life_n by_o violence_n a_o fatal_a argument_n decide_v manifest_o this_o very_a controversy_n in_o favour_n of_o meekness_n where_o the_o maintainer_n of_o compulsion_n be_v no_o less_o ingenious_o than_o cruel_o confute_v while_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o force_v our_o soul_n they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o defend_v their_o own_o body_n in_o memory_n of_o which_o great_a salvation_n from_o the_o pride_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a priesthood_n the_o parliament_n as_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o so_o seasonable_a a_o mercy_n in_o the_o same_o month_n enact_v a_o abolishment_n of_o divers_a rigorous_a and_o penal_a statute_n contrive_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o haughty_a prelate_n to_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o conscience_n they_o â—ould_v not_o bend_v which_o one_o act_n have_v win_v more_o â—earts_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o love_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o parliament_n than_o all_o their_o stupendous_a victory_n have_v â—rced_v body_n to_o confess_v and_o fear_v their_o power_n and_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o check_v by_o limitation_n and_o partiality_n in_o â—e_z execution_n will_v render_v they_o absolute_a master_n of_o â—ll_n that_o understand_v their_o own_o felicity_n for_o what_o can_v 〈◊〉_d imagine_v more_o welcâ—me_n to_o a_o christian_a people_n â—ewly_o deliver_v from_o a_o antichristian_a bondage_n than_o 〈◊〉_d see_v themselves_o enfranchise_v into_o a_o holy_a liberty_n of_o â—oceeding_v sincere_o according_a to_o their_o conscienâ—s_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n wherefore_o as_o we_o be_v full_a of_o joy_n for_o so_o excellent_a a_o act_n by_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n so_o we_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n to_o be_v perfect_o happy_a by_o the_o free_a and_o universal_a observation_n thereof_o without_o the_o least_o self-interest_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n be_v so_o conformable_a to_o the_o constant_a receive_a maxim_n and_o solemn_a deliberate_a profession_n of_o the_o parliament_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o scotch_a paper_n 4._o mar._n 1647._o where_o folio_n 43_o the_o discipline_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o all_o other_o punishment_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v disclaim_v as_o ground_v upon_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a principle_n not_o to_o be_v revive_v under_o any_o image_n or_o 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o and_o a_o little_a after_o folio_n 63._o they_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o we_o have_v be_v more_o forward_o to_o set_v christ_n aâ—_z liberty_n than_o to_o cast_v he_o in_o prison_n it_o be_v better_a in_o our_o opinion_n where_o the_o case_n be_v not_o very_o clear_a to_o leave_v god_n to_o deal_v against_o many_o error_n than_o to_o use_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o suppressiâ—g_n of_o one_o truth_n the_o weapon_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v both_o more_o christian_n and_o more_o available_a in_o such_o case_n than_o those_o of_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o yeâ—_z more_o full_o if_o possible_a in_o another_o declaration_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scots_a commissioner_n 17_o februâ—_z 1648._o as_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d thing_n intrinsical_a between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v 〈◊〉_d â—s_n no_o natural_a light_n do_v reach_v unto_o we_o conceive_v there_o be_v no_o human_a power_n of_o coercion_n thereunto_o nor_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o beâ—lieving_v what_o god_n suffer_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v perswaâ—ded_v of_o word_n of_o that_o solid_a weight_n and_o precious_a value_n as_o deserve_v to_o be_v engrave_v with_o letter_n of_o gold_n and_o religiâ—ously_o observe_v for_o ever_o by_o all_o tender_a conscience_n as_o aâ—_n oracle_n conformable_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a principle_n be_v that_o exâ—cellent_a doctrine_n and_o advise_v set_v down_o by_o mr._n parker_n anâ—_z his_o brethren_n in_o their_o examen_fw-la of_o the_o late_a synod_n confession_n of_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n pag._n 128._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v infringe_v first_o by_o seek_v violent_a mean_n to_o alter_v conscientious_a man_n judgement_n and_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n to_o lighten_v and_o change_v man_n mind_n when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v phil._n 3._o 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thuâ—_z mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v this_o unto_o you_o 2._o by_o incite_v another_o by_o like_o forcible_a mean_n to_o will_n and_o to_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o much_o more_o by_o imprisonment_n mulct_n terror_n or_o threat_n rom._n 14._o 15_o 20_o 21._o for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v he_o destroy_v his_o soul_n vers._n 20._o 23._o 3._o we_o may_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o man_n conscience_n or_o make_v their_o heart_n sad_a with_o our_o invective_n or_o menace_v they_o causeless_o with_o terror_n from_o the_o lord_n ezechiel_n 13._o 32._o because_o with_o lie_v you_o have_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a sad_a who_o i_o have_v not_o make_v sad_a etc._n etc._n and_o in_o page_n 230._o thus_o but_o we_o will_v not_o have_v you_o assume_v to_o yourselves_o 〈◊〉_d attribute_n unto_o other_o a_o power_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o man_n faith_n and_o conscience_n especial_o when_o man_n walk_v obedient_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n and_o live_v a_o godly_a sober_a honest_a peaceable_a and_o unblameable_a life_n if_o man_n will_v do_v wicked_o and_o defend_v a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v let_v they_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n for_o so_o do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n to_o draw_v a_o weak_a brother_n a_o saint_n and_o fellow_n servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o no_o man_n can_v accuse_v but_o for_o his_o differ_a judgement_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o conscience_n whereby_o he_o shall_v â—ondemn_v himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 14._o how_o much_o more_o ought_v governor_n to_o be_v tender_a and_o abstemious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o violent_a and_o coercive_a mean_n to_o precipitate_v man_n into_o such_o perilous_a and_o destructive_a course_n all_o authority_n be_v give_v of_o god_n for_o man_n welfare_n and_o much_o more_o for_o the_o preservation_n and_o not_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o consideration_n i_o conceive_v be_v clear_o domonstrate_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n in_o heâ—_z commerce_n for_o heaven_n which_o since_o the_o merciful_a bounty_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o indifferent_o to_o all_o the_o cruel_a covetousness_n of_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o obstruct_v to_o any_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o monopoly_n to_o lay_v imposition_n upon_o the_o way_n to_o paradiâ—e_n christ_n by_o his_o death_n remove_v the_o angel_n that_o chase_v from_o thence_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o shall_v any_o of_o we_o take_v the_o flame_a sword_n into_o our_o hand_n to_o sheathe_v it_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o poor_a pilgrim_n who_o with_o a_o sincere_a heart_n travail_v to_o the_o same_o country_n only_o because_o he_o go_v noâ—_z in_o our_o company_n in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n say_v christ_n why_o may_v there_o not_o be_v as_o many_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o if_o they_o that_o have_v no_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v without_o the_o law_n â—ertainly_o they_o that_o unblamable_o mistake_v the_o law_n shall_v be_v try_v according_a to_o those_o exposition_n which_o appear_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n for_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o letter_n special_o have_v so_o gracious_a a_o judge_n who_o have_v already_o declare_v by_o his_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 8._o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o by_o a_o sudden_a violence_n break_v into_o
communion_n to_o these_o even_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o not_o afford_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o liberty_n to_o possess_v their_o own_o temporal_a good_n the_o lutheran_n believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v as_o real_o in_o the_o eucharist_n as_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n but_o do_v not_o adore_v he_o the_o papist_n both_o believe_v and_o adore_v for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v clear_o either_o do_v both_o or_o neither_o at_o least_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o partiality_n to_o cherish_v the_o one_o as_o brethren_n and_o persecute_v the_o other_o as_o enemy_n especial_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o christian_n proceed_n of_o the_o protestant_n in_o new-england_n virginia_n and_o the_o other_o plantation_n in_o the_o indies_n where_o we_o abhor_v to_o destroy_v the_o native_n though_o confess_o idolater_n but_o rather_o strive_v to_o convert_v they_o by_o hold_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n whether_o papist_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o civil_a government_n by_o the_o next_o post_n i_o receive_v from_o the_o same_o hand_n another_o letter_n concerning_o the_o common_a objection_n that_o papist_n hold_v many_o principle_n destructive_a to_o civil_a society_n wherein_o the_o recusant_n protest_v first_o solemn_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n to_o use_v all_o ingenuity_n and_o candour_n in_o his_o relation_n of_o the_o catholic_a doctrine_n earnest_o entreat_v i_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o report_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o for_o the_o right_a to_o judge_v free_o as_o i_o see_v cause_n we_o will_v divide_v say_v he_o the_o main_a question_n into_o two_o point_n as_o it_o relate_v either_o to_o our_o equal_n or_o superior_n for_o the_o first_o touch_v commerce_n and_o conversation_n we_o absolute_o disclaim_v that_o scandalous_a opinion_n that_o no_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v with_o heretic_n and_o flat_o deny_v that_o our_o engagement_n promise_n or_o contract_n may_v lawful_o be_v break_v by_o ourselves_o or_o dispense_v with_o by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o a_o three_o person_n of_o what_o religion_n soever_o and_o for_o equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o confident_a though_o i_o have_v not_o here_o any_o opportunity_n to_o look_v into_o book_n that_o no_o general_n council_n mention_v either_o any_o such_o word_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n schoolman_n indeed_o dispute_v frequent_o such_o subtlety_n which_o by_o man_n of_o different_a principle_n and_o affection_n in_o religion_n be_v easy_o misunderstand_v and_o often_o pervert_v but_o among_o catholic_n every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o deny_v they_o as_o he_o please_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o faith_n and_o though_o those_o speculation_n general_o deserve_v encouragement_n yet_o when_o they_o arrive_v at_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o niceness_n they_o rather_o become_v a_o innocent_a curiosity_n than_o profitable_a employment_n and_o in_o such_o a_o infinity_n of_o opinion_n as_o catholic_a writer_n have_v leisure_n to_o publish_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o through_o passion_n unwariness_n or_o human_a frailty_n some_o mistake_n must_v escape_v and_o then_o the_o unhappiness_n be_v that_o prejudiceâ—_n and_o captious_a reader_n apply_v their_o whole_a study_n to_o find_v fault_n forget_v the_o good_a and_o wholesome_a notion_n they_o meet_v and_o remember_v nothing_o but_o the_o error_n as_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n concerning_o our_o duty_n to_o magistrate_n we_o deny_v say_v the_o letter_n any_o earthly_a power_n can_v dispense_v with_o our_o civil_a obedience_n and_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v not_o only_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n to_o render_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o fear_n but_o conscience_n sake_n what_o christian_a prince_n or_o state_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o the_o subject_n serve_v with_o more_o fidelity_n than_o the_o spaniard_n french_a and_o italian_a all_o catholic_n dominion_n and_o particular_o in_o england_n where_o we_o be_v some_o of_o paul_n and_o some_o of_o apollo_n and_o some_o of_o cephas_n what_o comparison_n be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o behaviour_n of_o catholic_n towards_o h._n 8._o edw._n 6._o and_o eliz._n and_o the_o fury_n of_o lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n in_o germany_n and_o indeed_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v discontent_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n as_o to_o government_n between_o these_o two_o case_n to_o oppose_v by_o force_n the_o introducement_n of_o innovation_n by_o which_o the_o peace_n must_v needs_o be_v endanger_v and_o to_o attempt_v by_o force_n the_o extinguishment_n of_o a_o ancient_a religion_n whereof_o the_o people_n be_v universal_o in_o quiet_a and_o immemoriall_n possession_n the_o one_o drive_v other_o out_o of_o possession_n the_o other_o maintain_v himself_o in_o the_o one_o invade_v his_o neighbour_n right_n the_o other_o defend_v his_o own_o how_o many_o modern_a experience_n the_o easy_a argument_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o sure_a to_o be_v rely_v on_o clear_o resolve_v this_o question_n if_o we_o but_o consider_v the_o union_n of_o heart_n and_o common_a interest_n of_o state_n between_o the_o protestant_a and_o catholic_n canton_n of_o switzerland_n where_o very_o many_o church_n serve_v by_o turn_n upon_o the_o same_o day_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o religion_n divide_v every_o sundny_n morning_n into_o 2_o part_n and_o assign_v to_o each_o about_o 3_o hour_n for_o their_o devotion_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o punctual_a to_o maintain_v equality_n that_o if_o the_o protestant_n have_v the_o first_o three_o hour_n one_o morning_n next_o week_n they_o be_v to_o have_v the_o last_o and_o this_o they_o continual_o practice_n without_o enterfer_v or_o offend_v one_o another_o to_o this_o so_o pregnant_a example_n sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o clear_v the_o consistency_n of_o these_o two_o religion_n i_o shall_v further_o add_v their_o fair_a comportment_n one_o towards_o another_o in_o many_o province_n and_o free-town_n in_o germany_n but_o most_o remarkable_a be_v their_o friendly_a and_o peaceable_a live_n together_o in_o holland_n even_o during_o so_o long_a and_o dangerous_a war_n with_o spain_n spain_n the_o chief_a protector_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n spain_n the_o most_o zealous_a propagator_n of_o the_o pontifical_a authority_n to_o who_o dominion_n if_o the_o united-provinces_n shall_v again_o return_v certain_o the_o catholic_n there_o may_v prudent_o promise_v to_o themselves_o all_o possible_a advantage_n yet_o notwithstanding_o so_o great_a occasion_n of_o jealousy_n the_o state_n than_o who_o none_o be_v more_o vigilant_a over_o their_o true_a interest_n have_v not_o only_o with_o security_n but_o exceed_a henefit_n to_o their_o commonwealth_n tolerate_v the_o catholic_n of_o quiet_a conversation_n to_o live_v free_o among_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o catholic_n ingratitude_n for_o so_o favourable_a a_o treat_v have_v exact_o correspond_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o their_o magistrate_n with_o a_o most_o constant_a sincere_a and_o faithful_a obedience_n to_o none_o of_o these_o suspicion_n be_v the_o recusant_n of_o england_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n obnoxious_a because_o whatever_o change_n of_o government_n can_v happen_v they_o must_v expect_v but_o a_o mild_a degree_n of_o disaffection_n towards_o they_o at_o most_o a_o sufferance_n no_o encouragement_n or_o particular_a confidence_n and_o infallible_o if_o the_o rigor_n of_o the_o law_n make_v upon_o far_o different_a motive_n which_o be_v now_o no_o way_n press_v be_v qualify_v to_o a_o temper_n of_o mercy_n that_o the_o catholic_n may_v enjoy_v but_o half_a the_o liberty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v they_o will_v be_v the_o most_o quiet_a and_o useful_a subject_n of_o england_n since_o their_o religion_n oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n not_o only_o for_o fear_n but_o conscience_n nor_o do_v ever_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o they_o stir_v in_o any_o sedition_n at_o any_o time_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o but_o half_o the_o common_a right_n of_o englishman_n nor_o be_v they_o many_o that_o ever_o attempt_v their_o own_o relief_n by_o enlarge_v their_o country_n peace_n all_o the_o rest_n sit_v quiet_o and_o patient_o under_o the_o burden_n which_o the_o heavy_a hand_n of_o those_o time_n continual_o heap_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o the_o crime_n though_o never_o so_o heinous_a of_o a_o few_o discontent_a and_o desperate_a spirit_n shall_v be_v impute_v to_o their_o religion_n who_o principle_n express_o condemn_v such_o conspiracy_n seem_v extreme_o rigorous_a but_o when_o to_o those_o dishonourable_a imputation_n be_v join_v intolerable_a penalty_n both_o upon_o our_o life_n and_o estate_n and_o not_o only_o against_o the_o then_o live_a catholic_n but_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o this_o very_a day_n sure_o it_o must_v
their_o country_n by_o treat_v they_o at_o least_o merciful_o in_o it_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a try_v all_o of_o their_o fidelity_n i_o do_v not_o know_v one_o example_n where_o to_o a_o prince_n or_o state_n that_o use_v they_o well_o they_o have_v show_v themselves_o ungrateful_a and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o love_v his_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o those_o that_o persecute_v he_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o the_o most_o sincere_a professor_n of_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o find_v difficulty_n enough_o to_o observe_v it_o even_o protestant_n as_o well_o as_o papist_n know_v how_o to_o fall_v out_o with_o those_o magistrate_n that_o oppress_v they_o else_o how_o shall_v we_o excuse_v the_o civil_a war_n of_o france_n germany_n holland_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o have_v not_o recourse_n to_o the_o harsh_a usage_n of_o their_o superior_n nor_o need_v we_o seek_v the_o reason_n of_o these_o disorder_n among_o 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insolent_o infringe_v the_o old_a to_o which_o they_o stout_o answer_v we_o must_v now_o take_v such_o condition_n as_o you_o please_v to_o give_v if_o they_o be_v moderate_a you_o shall_v find_v we_o faithful_a fâ—too_o heavy_a we_o shall_v observe_v they_o only_o till_o we_o may_v safe_o break_v they_o which_o free_a and_o generous_a expression_n induce_v that_o wise_a senate_n to_o assign_v they_o their_o own_o demand_n this_o so_o full_a and_o pregnant_a instance_n i_o humble_o offer_v as_o most_o worthy_a the_o imitation_n of_o our_o english_a senate_n that_o even_o to_o recusant_n who_o engage_v to_o live_v innocent_o and_o quiet_o among_o we_o such_o reasonable_a condition_n of_o subsistence_n may_v be_v allow_v since_o they_o be_v equal_o with_o ourselves_o bear_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o their_o conscience_n be_v not_o violate_v their_o spirit_n inbitter_v nor_o human_a infirmity_n tempt_v to_o despair_n let_v we_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o come_v to_o our_o meeting_n and_o free_o propose_v their_o difficulty_n which_o now_o they_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o discover_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o estate_n let_v we_o use_v the_o same_o gentleness_n here_o in_o england_n that_o his_o excellency_n the_o lord_n general_n practice_n in_o scotland_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v not_o only_o otherwise_o mind_v in_o religion_n but_o contrary_a mind_v in_o civil_a concernment_n and_o actual_a in_o arm_n to_o maintain_v their_o opposition_n he_o invite_v they_o to_o conference_n and_o himself_o with_o admirable_a temper_n and_o moderation_n manage_n the_o discourse_n allow_v free_a liberty_n of_o reply_n to_o the_o adverse_a party_n without_o passion_n bitterness_n or_o threaten_v and_o though_o he_o find_v not_o the_o event_n answerable_a to_o his_o endeavour_n remain_v at_o least_o satisfy_v in_o his_o conscience_n by_o have_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n and_o who_o can_v we_o better_o imitate_v than_o so_o great_a a_o instrument_n of_o the_o liberty_n we_o all_o enjoy_v or_o wherein_o can_v we_o follow_v he_o with_o so_o much_o praise_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n as_o in_o the_o mildness_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o conquer_v more_o powerful_o than_o by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o sword_n have_v not_o the_o papist_n understanding_n as_o well_o as_o we_o which_o our_o argument_n may_v rectify_v have_v they_o not_o soul_n to_o save_v which_o our_o charity_n may_v gain_v to_o heaven_n why_o do_v we_o not_o erect_v a_o committee_n to_o purchase_v soul_n as_o we_o have_v contractor_n to_o sell_v land_n why_o be_v there_o not_o establish_v a_o committee_n of_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o indemnity_n where_o the_o question_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v free_o discuss_v and_o the_o distress_n of_o a_o tender_a and_o innocent_a conscience_n impartial_o relieve_v if_o man_n deal_v mild_o and_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n way_n of_o persuasion_n sure_o there_o will_v in_o time_n grow_v society_n commerce_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o so_o frequent_a opportunity_n of_o clear_a information_n when_o once_o all_o jealousy_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o one_o another_o shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n will_v soon_o be_v reconcile_v if_o not_o to_o a_o absolute_a and_o precise_a unity_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o a_o bless_a union_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n oh_o how_o much_o better_a and_o more_o admirable_o divine_a be_v the_o gentle_a method_n of_o the_o christian_a how_o to_o propagate_v itself_o in_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o unnatural_a turkish_a cruelty_n of_o take_v child_n from_o their_o parent_n or_o the_o unworthy_a machiavilian_a policy_n of_o take_v the_o inheritance_n from_o the_o child_n or_o last_o which_o be_v worse_a than_o either_o the_o barbarous_a hethenish_a tyranny_n of_o shed_v of_o blood_n and_o tear_v limb_n from_o limb_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v i_o find_v any_o satisfaction_n in_o that_o shuffle_n and_o hypocritical_a distinction_n invent_v by_o the_o lawyer_n to_o deceive_v the_o common_a people_n who_o simplicity_n and_o innocency_n they_o easy_o beguile_v by_o pretend_v that_o none_o be_v execute_v for_o religion_n but_o for_o offend_v against_o the_o law_n what_o can_v be_v more_o palpable_o false_a or_o devilish_o malicious_a than_o this_o who_o do_v not_o see_v but_o by_o this_o rule_n those_o bloody_a tyrant_n nero_n dioclesian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ten_o infamous_a persecutor_n must_v be_v canonize_v for_o good_a and_o conscientious_a justicer_n because_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o law_n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o by_o this_o rule_n those_o glorious_a martyr_n who_o water_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o their_o precious_a blood_n must_v be_v account_v traitor_n because_o they_o suffer_v according_a to_o law_n nay_o even_o the_o curse_a jew_n who_o crucify_v our_o bless_a saviour_n impious_o allege_v the_o selfsame_a reason_n for_o themselves_o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o that_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v ioh._n 19_o 7._o nor_o can_v i_o forbear_v to_o confess_v how_o extreme_o unwelcome_a that_o scurvy_a news_n be_v to_o i_o of_o one_o wright_n a_o jesuit_n be_v draw_v to_o tyburn_n as_o a_o traitor_n upon_o a_o hurdle_n for_o his_o religion_n on_o the_o 19_o of_o may_n 1651._o because_o i_o have_v so_o often_o commend_v the_o moderation_n of_o the_o present_a authority_n as_o have_v never_o spill_v one_o drop_n of_o blood_n for_o religion_n and_o though_o the_o sequestration_n of_o all_o peaceable_a recusant_n be_v flat_o against_o our_o maxim_n yet_o the_o press_a necessity_n of_o the_o state_n and_o their_o purpose_n which_o i_o always_o believe_v of_o take_v away_o all_o penalty_n upon_o the_o conscience_n after_o a_o short_a time_n when_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v a_o little_a better_o settle_v exceed_o qualify_v the_o harshness_n of_o those_o pecuniary_a severity_n but_o now_o with_o grief_n i_o must_v lay_v down_o my_o arm_n and_o with_o shame_n revoke_v all_o my_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o use_v to_o lessen_v the_o injustice_n of_o our_o sequester_n for_o conscience_n and_o pacify_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o welaffected_a and_o religious_a person_n who_o high_o dislike_v even_o that_o soul-money_n as_o king_n james_n use_v to_o call_v it_o wherein_o as_o i_o have_v have_v no_o small_a success_n so_o now_o i_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n endeavour_v any_o more_o lest_o i_o shall_v cooperate_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n sequestration_n i_o confess_v do_v shrewd_o crack_v but_o this_o kill_v have_v break_v quite_o in_o piece_n all_o our_o principle_n against_o what_o have_v we_o principal_o fight_v all_o this_o while_n but_o coercency_n in_o religion_n for_o what_o have_v we_o make_v so_o many_o tedious_a march_n and_o declaration_n but_o liberty_n
peaceable_a christian_a be_v deprive_v of_o the_o chief_n content_a and_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n which_o certain_o consist_v in_o a_o real_a and_o impartial_a yet_o unoffensive_a liberty_n to_o serve_v his_o god_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n many_o petition_n i_o can_v here_o cite_v in_o affirmance_n of_o this_o truth_n from_o several_a province_n of_o this_o land_n but_o i_o shall_v trouble_v the_o reader_n only_o with_o these_o two_o the_o first_o be_v present_v to_o the_o parliament_n upon_o the_o six_o and_o twenty_o of_o march_n 1649._o from_o the_o county_n of_o leicester_n wherein_o though_o i_o be_v none_o of_o the_o subscriber_n yet_o i_o do_v both_o by_o myself_o and_o friend_n promote_v be_v what_o i_o can_v as_o conceive_v the_o request_n of_o it_o both_o just_a and_o reasonable_a it_o bear_v this_o title_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o divers_a well-affected_a of_o the_o county_n of_o leicester_n in_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o seven_o article_n or_o branch_n of_o the_o petition_n be_v this_o 7._o that_o every_o one_o may_v enjoy_v the_o just_a freedom_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n without_o any_o coercive_a or_o restrictive_a course_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o petition_n be_v read_v the_o gentleman_n that_o present_v it_o be_v call_v in_o and_o master_n speaker_n by_o order_n of_o the_o house_n give_v they_o hearty_a thanks_o etc._n etc._n and_o on_o the_o 2_o of_o april_n follow_v a_o like_a petition_n be_v present_v entitle_v the_o humble_a petition_n and_o representation_n of_o several_a church_n of_o god_n in_o london_n common_o though_o fâ—lsly_o call_v anabaptist_n which_o be_v also_o gracious_o accept_v by_o the_o house_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o so_o conscientious_a a_o suit_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o parliament_n at_o which_o time_n we_o happy_o begin_v to_o shake_v off_o that_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o isachar_n the_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o have_v be_v since_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n effect_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o pious_a care_n of_o his_o instrument_n the_o governor_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n insomuch_o as_o no_o person_n of_o what_o society_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v at_o present_a persecute_v for_o their_o conscience_n only_o or_o difference_n in_o outward_a worship_n but_o the_o papist_n who_o i_o be_o therefore_o according_a to_o that_o principle_n 〈◊〉_d charity_n which_o absolute_o command_v my_o spirit_n oblige_v to_o make_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o order_n to_o which_o performance_n i_o have_v since_o the_o writing_n of_o my_o former_a sheet_n often_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o humility_n of_o spirit_n and_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v myself_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o particular_a manner_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o to_o that_o end_n have_v sometime_o purposely_o attend_v at_o haberdasher_n hall_n to_o hear_v their_o case_n plead_v where_o though_o i_o suffer_v some_o persecution_n from_o the_o crowd_n and_o noise_n of_o that_o place_n yet_o far_o more_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o my_o mind_n to_o behold_v so_o many_o distress_a suitor_n who_o countenance_n be_v make_v sad_a by_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o fatal_a order_n for_o their_o impoverishment_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o any_o of_o those_o particular_n i_o must_v at_o least_o in_o my_o own_o judgement_n clear_v the_o papist_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o non-submission_n to_o the_o present_a government_n wherewith_o they_o be_v by_o some_o accuse_v as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o all_o their_o punishment_n from_o which_o imputation_n i_o shall_v easy_o deliver_v they_o by_o transcribe_v a_o copy_n of_o their_o petition_n which_o they_o have_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o humble_a importunity_n address_v to_o very_a many_o member_n of_o parliament_n profess_v to_o wait_v only_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o opportunity_n to_o present_v it_o to_o the_o house_n and_o be_v a_o paper_n at_o least_o 5_o or_o 6_o month_n old_a and_o deliver_v to_o so_o many_o person_n with_o who_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v acquaint_v it_o fall_v by_o chance_n into_o my_o hand_n have_v i_o confess_v of_o late_o entertaiâ—ed_v a_o particular_a delight_n and_o recreation_n to_o pass_v some_o part_n of_o my_o time_n in_o such_o curiosity_n to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o this_o nation_n the_o parliament_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n show_v that_o your_o petitioner_n have_v long_o wait_v some_o happy_a leisure_n when_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hear_v allow_v they_o of_o their_o many_o sad_a pressure_n the_o weight_n whereof_o have_v sink_v they_o so_o ruinousâ—â—_z low_a that_o they_o be_v utter_o disable_v to_o discharge_v their_o many_o debt_n make_v the_o least_o provision_n for_o their_o child_n or_o relieve_v 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by_o composition_n or_o otherwise_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d honourable_a house_n may_v consist_v with_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o your_o petitioner_n comfortable_a live_n in_o their_o native_a country_n and_o they_o further_o humble_o pray_v that_o it_o will_v please_v the_o parliament_n to_o voâ—chsafe_v they_o the_o permission_n of_o clear_n their_o religion_n from_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o government_n which_o will_v assure_o be_v do_v to_o full_a satisfaction_n if_o there_o may_v be_v a_o committee_n appoint_v by_o this_o honourable_a house_n on_o who_o they_o may_v have_v the_o privilege_n 〈◊〉_d attend_v and_o your_o petitioner_n shall_v ever_o pray_v and_o â—â—_z this_o to_o my_o sense_n bear_v itself_o with_o so_o much_o respect_n and_o submissiveness_n in_o the_o style_n that_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v interpret_v misbecome_a the_o duty_n of_o good_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o petition_n it_o 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no_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v account_v any_o crime_n at_o all_o be_v mere_o their_o different_a judgement_n in_o religion_n a_o proceed_v wherein_o cerâ—â—inly_o we_o shall_v use_v too_o much_o severity_n and_o partiality_n if_o we_o make_v it_o not_o only_o unpardonable_a but_o unredeemable_a in_o the_o close_a of_o their_o petition_n they_o humble_o beg_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o opportunity_n to_o satisfy_v the_o parliament_n in_o the_o point_n of_o consistency_n with_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a objection_n that_o without_o passion_n can_v be_v make_v against_o they_o sure_o we_o shall_v not_o take_v offence_n at_o their_o most_o diligent_a application_n and_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o so_o destructive_a a_o charge_n lay_v upon_o their_o religion_n and_o as_o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o their_o readiness_n and_o earnest_n desire_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o their_o petition_n offer_v i_o be_o inform_v divers_a of_o considerable_a quality_n among_o they_o be_v then_o in_o town_n
council_n that_o we_o may_v once_o have_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o contention_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n other_o refer_v themselves_o without_o further_a instance_n to_o a_o provincial_n assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o very_o few_o but_o will_v prefer_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o this_o nation_n before_o their_o own_o particular_a sense_n ready_o conform_v to_o that_o declaration_n which_o the_o parliament_n shall_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o almost_o every_o one_o agree_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o external_a authority_n to_o decide_v such_o controversy_n as_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o different_a interpretation_n of_o god_n word_n which_o be_v the_o main_a exception_n against_o the_o papist_n in_o that_o they_o pin_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n sleeve_n and_o yield_v a_o blind_a obedience_n that_o be_v without_o appeal_n any_o further_a to_o her_o determination_n and_o for_o the_o second_o branch_n i_o be_o sure_a many_o protestant_n continue_v still_o those_o old_a custom_n of_o bare_n their_o head_n when_o they_o come_v into_o a_o church_n nay_o of_o bow_n at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n practice_n that_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o objection_n whichour_n more_o godly_a and_o conscientious_a pen_n make_v against_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o question_n of_o picture_n yet_o i_o hope_v there_o will_v never_o be_v the_o least_o think_v entertain_v of_o impose_v penalty_n upon_o the_o private_a and_o unscandalous_a use_n of_o any_o such_o ceremony_n rather_o let_v we_o apply_v our_o endeavour_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n with_o a_o mild_a and_o gentle_a hand_n than_o beat_v they_o out_o with_o the_o club-fist_n of_o the_o law_n but_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o three_o conclusion_n in_o the_o recusant_n paper_n i_o be_o astonish_v to_o consider_v how_o education_n with_o a_o little_a mixture_n of_o passion_n or_o interest_n make_v every_o slight_a distemper_n among_o christian_n so_o desperate_a that_o it_o often_o become_v irrecoverable_a and_o endanger_v both_o the_o health_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n sure_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o strange_o mistake_v one_o another_o i_o profess_v sincere_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o seize_v on_o the_o estate_n of_o a_o papist_n for_o refuse_v that_o part_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n wherein_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n that_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o suffer_v a_o thousand_o death_n rather_o than_o abjure_v so_o great_a and_o manifest_a a_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n wherein_o they_o explain_v themselves_o or_o affirm_v so_o great_a and_o manifest_a a_o error_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n wherein_o we_o explain_v ourselves_o for_o when_o we_o censure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n we_o understand_v by_o that_o word_n our_o desert_n as_o they_o exclude_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o abstract_v from_o the_o covenant_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v with_o we_o in_o his_o son_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n we_o just_o condemn_v all_o opinion_n of_o merit_n even_o of_o the_o best_a work_n as_o presumptuous_a and_o luciferian_a but_o i_o now_o see_v when_o the_o papist_n affirm_v that_o good_a work_n be_v meritorious_a they_o include_v both_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o effect_n when_o all_o be_v sum_v up_o it_o amount_v only_o to_o this_o that_o god_n have_v gracious_o promise_v and_o will_v faithful_o keep_v his_o word_n to_o reward_v all_o those_o with_o eternal_a life_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o commandment_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o papist_n hold_v mercifulness_n to_o be_v meritorious_a or_o available_a to_o salvation_n because_o the_o scripture_n say_v bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n mat._n 5._o 7._o in_o this_o sense_n the_o papist_n hold_v patience_n in_o affliction_n to_o be_v meritorious_a or_o available_a to_o salvation_n because_o the_o scripture_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o who_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 5._o 10._o and_o this_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v by_o very_a understanding_n man_n among_o they_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n concerning_o good_a work_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n differ_v nothing_o from_o we_o but_o only_o in_o the_o unsavoury_a and_o proud_a sound_a word_n merit_n the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o papist_n note_v which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v be_v so_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o their_o word_n i_o shall_v neither_o fear_v to_o have_v such_o neighbour_n or_o need_v any_o magistrate_n fear_v to_o have_v such_o subject_n and_o to_o prove_v their_o trustiness_n and_o fidelity_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o oath_n i_o can_v imagine_v a_o more_o evident_a demonstration_n than_o that_o they_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o what_o oath_n they_o take_v he_o that_o swear_v any_o thing_n without_o distinction_n may_v just_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v as_o false_a to_o man_n as_o he_o be_v fearless_a of_o god_n whereas_o no_o clear_a argument_n can_v be_v allege_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o that_o they_o intend_v to_o keep_v all_o the_o oath_n they_o take_v than_o this_o that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v all_o the_o oath_n you_o offer_v sure_o if_o either_o the_o pope_n or_o their_o own_o conscience_n can_v give_v they_o this_o extravagant_a privilege_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o no_o oath_n they_o may_v without_o difficulty_n take_v any_o and_o if_o they_o be_v allow_v by_o their_o religion_n to_o swear_v any_o thing_n certain_o they_o be_v all_o worse_a than_o mad_a if_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o post_v away_o to_o haberdâ—shers-hall_n call_v for_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n swallow_v it_o down_o quick_o without_o any_o chew_a and_o so_o save_v at_o least_o 50000_o l._n a_o year_n in_o a_o morning_n in_o the_o late_a king_n day_n many_o papist_n be_v smart_o punish_v for_o not_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n none_o for_o observe_v it_o nay_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o papist_n dâ—linquents_n argue_v for_o themselves_o that_o the_o utter_a ruin_n which_o now_o endanger_v their_o whole_a estate_n proceed_v sole_o from_o their_o perform_n to_o the_o late_a king_n that_o service_n which_o he_o call_v allegiance_n and_o this_o be_v yet_o a_o high_a proof_n of_o their_o fidelity_n in_o their_o promise_n since_o they_o adventure_v with_o so_o much_o hazard_n to_o keep_v that_o oath_n in_o substance_n which_o they_o refuse_v with_o almost_o as_o much_o hazard_n to_o take_v because_o against_o their_o conscience_n in_o some_o circumstance_n and_o now_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n indifferent_o whether_o they_o that_o firm_o believe_v all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n worship_n and_o adore_v only_o one_o god_n rely_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o sole_a mediator_n and_o profess_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n may_v not_o reasonable_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o their_o native_a country_n with_o the_o peaceable_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o their_o private_a house_n especial_o those_o who_o will_v quiet_o submit_v to_o such_o caution_n and_o restriction_n as_o the_o commonwealth_n shall_v require_v for_o prevention_n of_o scandal_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n beside_o i_o be_o persuade_v a_o far_o less_o liberty_n will_v oblige_v the_o papist_n than_o content_a any_o other_o because_o hitherto_o all_o liberty_n have_v be_v whole_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o whole_o allow_v to_o every_o one_o else_o so_o that_o they_o will_v glad_o receive_v as_o a_o mercy_n and_o favour_n what_o other_o challenge_v as_o a_o right_a and_o their_o affection_n be_v once_o purchase_v at_o so_o cheap_a a_o price_n as_o a_o little_a private_a exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n free_a from_o the_o fright_n and_o smart_n of_o penalty_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v neither_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o forfeit_v their_o liberty_n nor_o so_o ungrateful_a as_o to_o forget_v they_o that_o give_v it_o since_o out_o of_o all_o our_o history_n not_o one_o example_n can_v be_v assign_v that_o they_o ever_o offer_v to_o move_v the_o least_o sedition_n in_o a_o time_n when_o they_o enjoy_v but_o half_o the_o liberty_n of_o freeborn_a englishman_n therefore_o i_o shall_v close_v my_o thought_n upon_o this_o paper_n with_o a_o short_a and_o free_a conclusion_n which_o i_o conceive_v abridge_v in_o few_o word_n the_o whole_a difficulty_n betwixt_o subject_n and_o superior_a the_o magistrate_n that_o protect_v any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o his_o dominion_n may_v just_o require_v their_o service_n and_o safe_o rely_v upon_o their_o obedience_n but_o if_o he_o
education_n if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o have_v fix_v a_o strong_a apprehension_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o their_o cause_n it_o will_v appear_v severe_a if_o not_o unreasonable_a to_o force_v they_o by_o penalty_n to_o any_o new_a way_n or_o altogether_o restrain_v they_o from_o continue_v in_o their_o old_a persuasion_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o by_o degree_n they_o sink_v into_o the_o heart_n so_o gentle_o by_o degree_n they_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v since_o they_o serious_o and_o constant_o profess_v religion_n that_o after_o all_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o diligent_a read_n of_o his_o word_n they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o satisfaction_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o that_o their_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o perfect_a peace_n and_o serenity_n in_o their_o own_o it_o seem_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o christian_a charity_n either_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o a_o religion_n where_o their_o conscience_n can_v live_v in_o repose_n or_o restrain_v they_o from_o a_o religion_n wherein_o only_o they_o find_v comfort_n here_o and_o hope_v salvation_n hereafter_o since_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o mark_n of_o tender_a conscience_n be_v most_o apparent_o discernible_a in_o roman_a catholic_n conscience_n they_o can_v but_o hope_v the_o charity_n and_o indulgence_n universal_o hold_v forth_o to_o tender_a conscience_n will_v not_o universal_o be_v deny_v to_o they_o they_o all_o suffer_v for_o their_o conscience_n a_o impoverish_v and_o afflict_a life_n and_o many_o of_o they_o a_o cruel_a and_o ignominious_a death_n and_o can_v any_o rational_a and_o unpassionate_a person_n see_v so_o much_o suffer_v for_o conscience_n and_o say_v the_o sufferer_n have_v no_o conscience_n as_o for_o the_o religion_n it_o allow_v no_o voice_n or_o licentiousness_n against_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o magistrate_n care_v but_o strict_o require_v a_o religious_a severity_n against_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o nature_n and_o a_o conscientious_a observance_n both_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n liberty_n how_o different_a soever_o in_o religion_n how_o disaffect_v soever_o to_o the_o quiet_a of_o this_o commonwealth_n but_o enjoy_v by_o by_o its_o allowance_n and_o protection_n a_o perfect_a quiet_a for_o his_o conscience_n only_o the_o roman_a catholic_n though_o they_o have_v general_o take_v and_o punctual_o keep_v the_o engagement_n be_v single_v out_o to_o misery_n and_o ruin_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n yet_o can_v all_o the_o heavy_a pressure_n they_o have_v so_o long_o endure_v make_v they_o lay_v down_o their_o hope_n to_o be_v at_o last_o relieve_v especial_o from_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o not_o only_o bind_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o deal_v with_o other_o as_o they_o will_v be_v deal_v with_o themselves_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n even_o to_o render_v good_a for_o evil_n the_o cause_n of_o impose_v penalty_n upon_o catholic_n be_v now_o whole_o cease_v cease_v they_o humble_o hope_v it_o can_v be_v think_v too_o great_a a_o boldness_n in_o their_o duty_n to_o petition_v a_o readmittance_n to_o the_o common_a right_n of_o free_a bear_v english_a man_n since_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o catholic_a competitor_n for_o the_o crown_n nor_o any_o such_o detestable_a conspiracy_n as_o some_o few_o of_o their_o religion_n have_v be_v former_o guilty_a of_o so_o that_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o charge_n but_o that_o of_o conscience_n to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o privilege_n of_o their_o native_a country_n no_o question_n can_v be_v make_v of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o their_o engagement_n fidelity_n who_o esteem_v the_o keep_n of_o a_o oath_n sacred_a and_o what_o strong_a testimony_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n than_o that_o of_o catholic_n in_o free_o offer_v up_o their_o estate_n to_o seizure_n and_o their_o person_n to_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o persecute_a life_n rather_o than_o against_o their_o conscience_n dissemble_o to_o swear_v one_o oath_n for_o can_v they_o with_o the_o pope_n dispensation_n or_o their_o own_o mental_a reservation_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v still_o furnish_v with_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n abjure_v the_o doctrine_n they_o believe_v there_o remain_v nothing_o now_o to_o distinguish_v they_o into_o that_o sad_a and_o miserable_a condition_n they_o be_v reduce_v to_o be_v all_o burden_n take_v off_o from_o the_o conscience_n abroad_o of_o such_o as_o shall_v engage_v to_o live_v peaceable_o and_o unoffensive_o in_o their_o country_n this_o nation_n will_v rather_o improve_v its_o security_n at_o home_n since_o coercency_n in_o matter_n of_o belief_n have_v always_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o our_o trouble_n and_o for_o abroad_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o beget_v a_o conceit_n of_o danger_n from_o the_o catholic_n correspondence_n with_o foreign_a prince_n will_v convince_v a_o benefit_n if_o by_o mercy_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o employ_v their_o credit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o benefactor_n reason_n why_o composition_n be_v preferable_a before_o sale_n and_o now_o we_o beg_v pardon_v humble_o to_o state_n offer_v up_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o indifferent_a the_o most_o afflict_a condition_n of_o many_o catholic_n who_o land_n be_v now_o design_v to_o be_v sell_v for_o their_o delinquency_n most_o of_o which_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o late_a war_n see_v themselves_o unprotected_a by_o the_o parliament_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o plunder_n of_o the_o than_o soldiery_n flee_v into_o the_o king_n garrison_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n without_o take_v up_o arm_n to_o offend_v other_o and_o even_o they_o who_o actual_o engage_v for_o the_o king_n the_o sole_a disposal_n of_o all_o penal_a law_n be_v in_o his_o power_n be_v owner_n both_o of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n mere_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o so_o great_a a_o plea_n for_o their_o excuse_n as_o the_o supreme_a law_n of_o self-preservation_n they_o be_v all_o ready_a humble_o to_o submit_v to_o composition_n a_o proceed_v which_o they_o hope_v will_v be_v condescend_v unto_o since_o it_o be_v as_o well_o apparent_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o state_n as_o less_o destructive_a to_o the_o compounder_n for_o after_o all_o just_a claim_n and_o true_a debt_n allow_v and_o the_o vast_a expense_n of_o surveyor_n and_o other_o officer_n deduct_v the_o clear_a profit_n that_o arise_v upon_o sale_n be_v by_o experience_n find_v to_o come_v far_o short_a of_o what_o be_v expect_v and_o this_o after_o a_o tedious_a controversy_n about_o the_o allowance_n of_o encumbrance_n very_o chargeable_a to_o the_o suitor_n and_o altogether_o unprofitable_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n beside_o catholic_n be_v general_o tenant_n only_o for_o life_n and_o as_o general_o subject_a before_o the_o late_a trouble_n to_o very_o many_o engagement_n real_o and_o unavoidable_o charge_v upon_o their_o estate_n and_o unless_o such_o encumbrance_n be_v allow_v thousand_o of_o well_o affect_a people_n will_v be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o joust_n debt_n whereas_o by_o set_v rule_n for_o composion_n a_o great_a sum_n may_v be_v raise_v and_o every_o one_o immediate_o bring_v his_o money_n into_o the_o public_a treasury_n without_o any_o further_a charge_n delay_v or_o trouble_v either_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o compounder_n the_o compounder_n will_v have_v a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o live_v quiet_o hereafter_o both_o by_o the_o fine_a they_o part_v with_o and_o the_o estate_n they_o retain_v advance_v so_o much_o to_o purchase_v their_o peace_n and_o have_v still_o something_o to_o lose_v if_o they_o break_v it_o the_o state_n will_v by_o this_o show_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o seek_v only_o the_o security_n of_o the_o government_n establish_v and_o not_o the_o ruin_n or_o utter_v extirpation_n of_o any_o private_a family_n these_o motive_n and_o reason_n i_o have_v both_o serious_o think_v upon_o in_o my_o own_o spirit_n and_o often_o confer_v about_o with_o other_o and_o after_o all_o my_o endeavour_n i_o find_v they_o so_o reasonable_a and_o satisfactory_a that_o i_o confess_v they_o have_v not_o only_o move_v my_o bowel_n to_o a_o compassion_n of_o such_o sufferer_n but_o true_o even_o to_o a_o zeal_n of_o their_o relief_n so_o far_o i_o mean_v as_o that_o they_o who_o neither_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n nor_o refuse_v their_o contribution_n to_o maintain_v it_o shall_v no_o long_o be_v compel_v by_o oath_n and_o sequestration_n to_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n beside_o these_o diligence_n of_o late_a use_v by_o the_o papist_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o relief_n from_o the_o committee_n for_o regulation_n of_o the_o law_n they_o prepare_v also_o certain_a proposal_n with_o intent_n as_o i_o understand_v to_o present_v they_o to_o the_o committee_n for_o
propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v call_v into_o the_o country_n by_o a_o urgent_a and_o importunate_a occasion_n i_o be_o disable_v to_o give_v any_o far_a account_n concerning_o their_o proposal_n not_o know_v either_o how_o they_o be_v accept_v or_o indeed_o whether_o they_o be_v actual_o offer_v and_o therefore_o can_v only_o furnish_v you_o with_o a_o faithful_a copy_n of_o the_o paper_n itself_o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o committee_n for_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o humble_a proposal_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n 1._o since_o all_o compulsion_n upon_o the_o conscience_n be_v clear_o against_o the_o principle_n both_o of_o parliament_n and_o army_n as_o appearâ—â—_z by_o the_o parliamentâ—declaration_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o scotch_a commissioner_n 17._o feb._n 1648._o in_o these_o word_n as_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n intrinsical_a between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o no_o natural_a light_n can_v reach_v we_o conceive_v there_o be_v no_o human_a power_n of_o coercion_n thereunto_o nor_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o believe_v what_o god_n suffer_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o among_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o army_n 1._o aug._n 1647._o this_o be_v one_o that_o all_o coercive_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a penalty_n for_o non-formity_n be_v whole_o repeal_v and_o some_o other_o provision_n make_v against_o such_o papist_n as_o shall_v disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o since_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o germany_n poland_n switzerland_n holland_n france_n etc._n etc._n the_o consistency_n of_o diverse_a religion_n under_o one_o government_n be_v evident_o prove_v aswell_o where_o the_o protestant_a command_n the_o roman_n catholic_n as_o where_o the_o roman_a catholic_n command_v the_o protestant_a it_o be_v humble_o offer_v that_o no_o penalty_n be_v impose_v upon_o any_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n mere_o for_o dâ—fference_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2._o the_o public_a use_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o entire_a benefit_n of_o church-endowment_n be_v whole_o submit_v to_o the_o disposure_n of_o the_o state_n it_o be_v humble_o offer_v that_o no_o person_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o live_v peaceable_o and_o unoffensive_o be_v by_o any_o penalty_n restrain_v from_o the_o quiet_a exercise_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o private_a house_n observe_v therein_o such_o rule_n as_o the_o state_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v for_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n a_o practice_n which_o by_o long_a experience_n in_o holland_n be_v find_v both_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o people_n and_o secure_a to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n 3._o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v any_o penal_a sentence_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o enforce_a oath_n of_o the_o party_n that_o it_o express_o forbid_v any_o offence_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o one_o witness_n deut._n 19_o 15._o mat._n 18._o 16._o it_o be_v humble_o propose_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v exact_v of_o any_o person_n compel_v he_o under_o forfeiture_n of_o life_n liberty_n or_o estate_n to_o swear_v against_o his_o conscience_n or_o to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v himself_o especial_o in_o matter_n that_o concrn_v his_o inward_a belief_n 4._o since_o in_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v still_o find_v some_o scandalous_a liver_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v the_o woe_n against_o he_o only_o by_o who_o the_o scandal_n come_v mat._n 18._o 7._o luke_n 17._o 1._o it_o be_v humble_o propose_v that_o whoever_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o order_n of_o so_o mild_a and_o christian_a a_o settlement_n may_v be_v severe_o censure_v but_o that_o other_o though_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n in_o religion_n be_v no_o far_o make_v subject_a to_o the_o punishment_n than_o prove_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n in_o stead_n of_o my_o opinion_n concerning_o these_o four_o proposal_n of_o the_o papist_n because_o to_o my_o sense_n they_o carry_v in_o themselves_o both_o their_o own_o evidence_n and_o justification_n i_o shall_v beg_v the_o reader_n permission_n to_o set_v down_o a_o particular_a conceit_n which_o i_o have_v often_o observe_v to_o be_v very_o well_o relish_v by_o all_o that_o have_v examine_v it_o that_o doubtless_o there_o be_v no_o way_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n no_o way_n so_o probable_a to_o satisfy_v all_o conscience_n as_o not_o to_o impose_v any_o other_o obligation_n for_o proof_n of_o conformity_n than_o this_o profession_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n plain_o contain_v therein_o this_o acknowledgement_n to_o be_v express_v in_o general_a term_n without_o descend_v minutely_o to_o particular_a question_n which_o have_v certain_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o so_o many_o controversy_n and_o division_n in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o humble_o appeal_v to_o the_o honourable_a and_o religious_a committee_n for_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o the_o sweet_a spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n who_o give_v his_o apostle_n no_o further_o power_n 24._o than_o to_o relinquish_v such_o as_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o be_v reconcilable_a to_o the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o high_a commissioner_n or_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o our_o sequestrator_n whether_o when_o the_o great_a apostle_n paul_n prescribe_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o forbear_v and_o in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v he_o shall_v be_v thus_o cros-interprete_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o those_o who_o be_v contrary_a mind_v be_v first_o secure_v or_o forbear_v and_o then_o after_o a_o time_n quite_o take_v away_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o meekness_n or_o how_o to_o bear_v patient_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o vain_a and_o transitory_a riches_n of_o this_o world_n and_o now_o i_o humble_o appeal_v to_o the_o honourable_a and_o learned_a committee_n for_o regulation_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o since_o all_o those_o penalty_n which_o the_o rigorous_a humour_n of_o former_a age_n have_v under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n be_v either_o by_o disuse_n forget_v or_o by_o express_a act_n of_o parliament_n revoke_v the_o papist_n alone_o shall_v still_o be_v continue_v under_o the_o same_o severity_n nay_o their_o burden_n increase_v by_o the_o strange_a method_n of_o the_o new_a proceed_n towards_o they_o their_o conscience_n be_v now_o not_o only_o punishable_a in_o the_o common_a way_n of_o indictment_n but_o compellable_a even_o to_o accuse_v themselves_o by_o the_o new_a presbyterian_a oath_n of_o abjuration_n against_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o reverend_a law_n of_o this_o land_n and_o now_o with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o renown_a parliament_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n whether_o in_o this_o general_a goal-delivery_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o prelate_n the_o conscience_n of_o papist_n alone_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o prison_n whether_o when_o all_o the_o fetters_o which_o the_o rigid_a kirkesman_n have_v buy_v up_o in_o scotland_n be_v break_v in_o piece_n just_a as_o they_o be_v lock_v they_o fast_o about_o our_o conscience_n in_o england_n the_o conscience_n of_o papist_n alone_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o chain_n whether_o when_o all_o the_o society_n profess_v christ_n jesus_n and_o live_v obedient_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o peaceable_o one_o with_o another_o be_v protect_v in_o the_o quiet_a and_o unoffensive_a exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n the_o papist_n alone_o shall_v be_v force_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n not_o only_o to_o profess_v but_o swear_v against_o their_o conscience_n a_o course_n that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v unavoidable_o bring_v they_o either_o to_o absolute_a beggary_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o hypocrisy_n or_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o perjury_n all_o the_o people_n of_o this_o nation_n look_v upon_o you_o as_o their_o common_a father_n all_o promise_n themselves_o liberty_n and_o protection_n under_o your_o government_n though_o some_o may_v just_o be_v exclude_v from_o share_v in_o the_o government_n be_v there_o in_o my_o family_n one_o child_n that_o profess_v to_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o live_v dutiful_o to_o i_o and_o love_o with_o his_o brethren_n i_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o great_a unnaturalness_n to_o deprive_v he_o altogether_o of_o his_o portion_n much_o more_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o bounty_n of_o any_o collateral_a kinsman_n or_o acquire_v by_o his_o own_o particular_a