truth_n and_o passionate_o in_o love_n with_o its_o own_o invention_n beside_o instead_o of_o jealousy_n and_o danger_n i_o can_v see_v but_o great_a security_n and_o advantage_n will_v accrue_v to_o this_o nation_n by_o treat_v in_o mercy_n all_o peaceable_a papist_n the_o pope_n will_v 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 suffering_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 wiseman_n to_o live_v 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believe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o transubstantiation_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o in_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n thereof_o by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o purgatory_n and_o that_o the_o consecrate_a host_n crucifix_n or_o image_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v neither_o that_o any_o worship_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o also_o believe_v that_o salvation_n can_v be_v merit_v by_o work_n and_o all_o doctrine_n in_o affirmation_n of_o the_o say_a point_n i_o do_v abjure_v and_o renounce_v without_o any_o equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n or_o secret_a evasion_n whatsoever_o take_v the_o word_n by_o i_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o common_a and_o usual_a meaning_n of_o they_o so_o help_v i_o god_n 1._o whether_o this_o oath_n do_v not_o flat_o contradict_v the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o enforce_v a_o freeborn_a englishman_n to_o accuse_v himself_o with_o so_o strong_a and_o dangerous_a a_o temptation_n to_o perjury_n where_o the_o choice_n be_v only_o this_o either_o forswear_v your_o religion_n or_o ruin_v your_o estate_n a_o severity_n that_o far_o exceed_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o prelate_n who_o indignation_n stay_v itself_o upon_o the_o exterior_a nonconformity_n whereas_o this_o pass_v on_o to_o constrain_v the_o inward_a belief_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o all_o this_o in_o question_n no_o way_n concerning_o either_o idolatry_n or_o the_o security_n of_o the_o state_n as_o purgatory_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o that_o conscience_n that_o be_v not_o wide_a enough_o to_o swallow_v all_o the_o oath_n how_o great_a soever_o the_o part_n be_v that_o he_o can_v digest_v it_o will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a 2._o this_o oath_n be_v whole_o negative_a and_o no_o positive_a article_n establish_v by_o the_o parliament_n to_o be_v propose_v to_o all_o as_o the_o touchstone_n of_o faith_n whether_o it_o be_v conscientious_a to_o oblige_v the_o papist_n to_o swear_v away_o his_o own_o religion_n before_o we_o have_v provide_v another_o for_o he_o 3._o whether_o it_o be_v conscientious_a or_o reasonable_a for_o 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_o mention_v synodical_a confession_n page_n 238._o there_o be_v a_o great_a restraint_n lay_v upon_o we_o now_o then_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 ensnare_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 because_o 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 paint_v 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
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 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 disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a repose_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o breach_n of_o peace_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n but_o only_o his_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o in_o england_n and_o that_o this_o be_v his_o only_a crime_n be_v unquestionable_o clear_a by_o the_o minister_n charitable_a offer_n at_o the_o gallow_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o time_n enough_o for_o he_o to_o save_v his_o life_n if_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o religion_n and_o become_v a_o protestant_a which_o he_o resolute_o deny_v as_o against_o his_o conscience_n be_v first_o hang_v among_o the_o thief_n and_o murderer_n and_o then_o quarter_v as_o a_o traitor_n and_o yet_o both_o sheriff_n jury_n judge_n and_o every_o one_o that_o cooperate_v to_o the_o execution_n all_o serious_o profess_v that_o nothing_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o they_o nothing_o so_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o as_o incoercency_n in_o matter_n concerning_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o pray_v god_n we_o be_v not_o too_o guilty_a of_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o i_o pray_v god_n these_o severe_a and_o ungospellary_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 brethren_n beyond_o the_o sea_n a_o discontent_n of_o 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_a witted_a man_n say_v these_o very_a 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_v 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 let_v the_o papist_n for_o a_o while_n practise_v their_o kind_n of_o christianity_n then_o upon_o a_o sudden_a deprive_v they_o of_o the_o only_a religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v accustom_v and_o so_o endanger_v the_o drive_n of_o they_o to_o atheism_n instead_o of_o reduce_v they_o to_o protestancy_n beside_o how_o easy_o may_v the_o like_a severity_n be_v exercise_v against_o ourselves_o if_o any_o power_n disaffect_v to_o godliness_n shall_v gain_v authority_n over_o we_o it_o be_v but_o strain_v the_o word_n recusant_n a_o little_a above_o the_o common_a note_n it_o be_v but_o make_v our_o holy_a conference_n treason_n by_o statute_n and_o then_o all_o the_o precious_a saint_n and_o dear_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v hang_v draw_v and_o quarter_v by_o law_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n our_o executioner_n may_v profess_v as_o serious_o as_o we_o now_o seem_v to_o do_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n only_o they_o will_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o their_o own_o interpreter_n and_o consequent_o intend_v by_o this_o charm_a sound_n of_o liberty_n a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a freedom_n indeed_o but_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o how_o do_v the_o papist_n themselves_o in_o france_n outgo_v we_o in_o their_o tender_a and_o moderate_a behaviour_n towards_o the_o protestant_n of_o their_o country_n notwithstanding_o former_a provocation_n to_o jealousy_n in_o the_o last_o civil_a war_n nay_o notwithstanding_o present_a provocation_n by_o our_o severity_n against_o all_o of_o their_o profession_n in_o england_n they_o dispute_v open_o and_o frequent_o together_o not_o only_o the_o clergy_n but_o tradesman_n one_o with_o another_o at_o many_o of_o which_o conference_n i_o have_v be_v present_a in_o paris_n where_o every_o one_o free_o defend_v his_o own_o opinion_n so_o civil_o and_o peaceable_o that_o i_o never_o return_v from_o the_o place_n of_o those_o discourse_n without_o exceed_a comfort_n and_o 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 transpoort_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 though_o 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 haberdasher_n 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 notwithstanding_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 16â—1_n 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 haberdasher_n 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
these_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 the_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 coercency_n in_o matter_n 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 embâ—…e_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 which_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 secret_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 shar_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 then_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 jure_fw-la divine_a assembly_n and_o classical_a high_a 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-indemnity_n firm_o to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o fundamental_a and_o unalterable_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 finis_fw-la 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
as_o may_v beget_v their_o torture_n and_o not_o permit_v they_o to_o rest_v where_o they_o find_v satisfaction_n either_o prohibit_v to_o search_v at_o all_o or_o leave_v we_o sensible_a of_o some_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 soul_n 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 themselves_o 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 themselves_o 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 for_o bear_v in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v if_o god_n peradventure_o 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 wise_a 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 whither_o thou_o shall_v save_v thy_o husband_n and_o what_o know_v thou_o o_o man_n whither_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 noâ—_z trample_v upon_o they_o as_o dust_n under_o your_o foot_n mat._n 10._o 14._o constant_a 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 luke_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 persecutition_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 principle_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 unparalleled_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_o triumph_v 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 exercicer_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 coercive_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 september_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 then_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 can_v not_o bend_v which_o one_o act_n have_v win_v more_o heart_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 force_v body_n to_o confess_v and_o fear_v their_o power_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o check_v by_o limitation_n and_o partiality_n in_o the_o execution_n will_v render_v they_o absolute_a master_n of_o all_o that_o understand_v their_o own_o felicity_n for_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o welcome_a to_o a_o christian_a people_n new_o deliver_v from_o a_o antichristian_a bondage_n then_o to_o see_v themselves_o enfranchise_v into_o a_o holy_a liberty_n of_o proceed_v sincere_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_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 punishmeut_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 shape_n 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 at_o liberty_n then_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 then_o to_o use_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o suppress_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 yet_o 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 scotch_a commissioner_n 17._o feb._n 1648._o 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 be_v such_o as_o 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 believe_v what_o god_n suffer_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v persuade_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 religious_o observe_v for_o ever_o by_o all_o tender_a conscience_n as_o a_o oracle_n conformable_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a principle_n be_v that_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o advise_v set_v down_o by_o mr._n parker_n and_o 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 page_n 128._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v infringe_v first_o by_o seek_v by_o 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 thus_o 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_v and_o act_n 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 ver._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 or_o attribute_v 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-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 condemn_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 demonstrate_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n in_o her_o 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 paradise_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 not_o 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 certain_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
persecute_v as_o malicious_a nor_o can_v i_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n since_o as_o to_o this_o point_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v no_o more_o opposite_a to_o we_o then_o that_o of_o the_o lutheran_n why_o we_o shall_v free_o allow_v 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 keep_z 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 frequent_o dispute_v 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 then_o profitable_a euployment_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 thorough_a 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 prejudice_v 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 by_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_a 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 introduce_v man_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_a 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 sunday_n morning_n into_o two_o part_n and_o assign_v to_o each_o about_o three_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 practise_v 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 those_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_a 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_a faith_n spain_n the_o most_o zealous_a propagator_n of_o the_o pontificial_a authority_n to_o who_o dominion_n if_o the_o unite_a province_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 benefit_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 in_o gratitude_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 rigour_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 they_o 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 a_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 endanger_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
criminal_a malefactor_n only_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o anticipate_v his_o condemnation_n before_o he_o be_v legal_o convince_v of_o some_o actual_a offence_n against_o the_o public_a repose_n if_o we_o suspect_v the_o disaffection_n of_o any_o party_n as_o the_o papist_n let_v we_o first_o make_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o love_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 trial_n 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_a 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 the_o article_n of_o any_o party_n religion_n when_o by_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n not_o only_o man_n but_o even_o the_o most_o trivial_a creature_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n attend_v with_o diligence_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o itself_o who_o can_v blame_v the_o humble_a worm_n that_o whilâ—st_a we_o walk_v fair_o by_o it_o prostrate_v itself_o before_o we_o and_o low_o creep_v upon_o the_o ground_n if_o when_o we_o tread_v upon_o it_o it_o lift_v its_o head_n and_o strive_v to_o wring_v itself_o from_o under_o our_o cruel_a foot_n notable_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o old_a example_n of_o 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