notwithstanding_o finis_fw-la a_o postscript_n touch_v prosecution_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n have_v thus_o do_v with_o the_o temporal_a prosecution_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o add_v a_o word_n concern_v the_o spiritual_a persecution_n now_o on_o foot_n by_o citation_n and_o excommunication_n not_o only_o to_o the_o great_a perplexity_n and_o trouble_n but_o to_o the_o great_a expense_n of_o the_o people_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o man_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a severity_n be_v according_a to_o law_n or_o no_o for_o what_o ever_o be_v do_v to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o particular_a subject_n contrary_a to_o law_n be_v down_o right_a oppression_n that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o excommunication_n and_o a_o anathema_n be_v allowable_a against_o obdurate_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n be_v apparent_a from_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o scriptute_fw-la direct_v both_o by_o who_o how_o and_o upon_o who_o these_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v pronounce_v on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o erect_v any_o ecclesiastical_a court_n of_o judicature_n or_o warrant_v the_o formal_a process_n of_o citation_n plea_n and_o answer_n or_o the_o extravagant_a fee_n of_o proctor_n apparitor_n and_o promoter_n so_o it_o appear_v that_o since_o the_o reformation_n they_o have_v be_v abrogate_a by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o be_v look_v upon_o mere_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o popish_a usurpation_n for_o episcopal_a authority_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o keep_v court_n as_o in_o a_o true_a inspection_n and_o care_n over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n the_o weapon_n of_o their_o authory_n be_v only_a admonition_n and_o reprehension_n and_o then_o excommunication_n come_v of_o course_n a_o more_o regular_a and_o apostolic_a way_n than_o by_o process_n and_o citation_n as_o to_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n comprehend_v force_n and_o compulsion_n it_o be_v vest_v sole_o in_o the_o king_n who_o be_v by_o all_o true_a protestant_n account_v the_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o law_n itself_o run_v thus_o and_o whereas_o the_o arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o other_o spiritual_a person_n in_o this_o realm_n do_v use_n to_o make_v and_o send_v out_o their_o summons_n citation_n and_o other_o process_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o in_o such_o form_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o usurp_a power_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o the_o summons_n and_o process_n of_o the_o common_a law_n use_v in_o this_o realm_n see_v that_o all_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a be_v derive_v and_o deduct_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o supreme_a head_n of_o these_o church_n and_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n so_o just_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o say_a realm_n that_o all_o court_n ecclesiastical_a within_o the_o say_v two_o realm_n be_v keep_v by_o no_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n either_o foreign_a or_o within_o the_o realm_n but_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n be_v it_o therefore_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o all_o summons_n and_o citation_n or_o other_o process_n ecclesiastical_a in_o all_o suit_n and_o cause_n of_o instance_n betwixt_o party_n and_o party_n and_o all_o cause_n of_o correction_n and_o all_o cause_n of_o bastardy_n or_o bigamy_n or_o enquiry_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la patronatus_fw-la probates_n of_o testament_n and_o commission_n of_o administartion_n of_o person_n decease_v and_o all_o acquittance_n of_o and_o upon_o account_n make_v by_o the_o executor_n administrator_n or_o collector_n of_o good_n of_o any_o dead_a person_n be_v from_o the_o first_o day_n of_o july_n next_o follow_v make_v in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o style_n of_o the_o king_n as_o it_o be_v in_o writ_n original_a or_o judicial_a at_o the_o common_a law_n and_o that_o the_o test_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n or_o other_o have_v excclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n who_o have_v the_o commission_n and_o grant_n of_o the_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a immediate_o from_o the_o king_n highness_n and_o that_o his_o commissary_n official_a or_o substitute_n exercise_v jurisdiction_n under_o he_o shall_v put_v his_o name_n in_o the_o citation_n or_o process_n after_o the_o test_n further_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o all_o manner_n of_o person_n or_o person_n who_o have_v the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n shall_v have_v from_o the_o first_o day_n of_o july_n before_o express_v in_o their_o seal_n of_o office_n the_o king_n highness_n arm_n decent_o set_v with_o certain_a character_n under_o the_o arm_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o shall_v use_v no_o other_o seal_n of_o jurisdiction_n but_o where_o his_o mejesties_n arm_n be_v engrave_v upon_o pain_n that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v use_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n after_o the_o day_n before_o express_v in_o this_o realm_n of_o england_n wales_n or_o other_o his_o dominion_n or_o territory_n and_o not_o send_v or_o make_v out_o the_o citation_n of_o process_n in_o the_o king_n name_n or_o use_v any_o seal_n of_o jurisdiction_n other_o than_o before_o limit_v that_o every_o such_o offender_n shall_v incur_v and_o run_v in_o the_o king_n majesty_n displeasure_n and_o indignation_n and_o suffer_v imprisonment_n at_o his_o highness_n will_n and_o pleasure_n provide_v that_o no_o more_o nor_o other_o fee_n be_v take_v or_o pay_v for_o the_o seal_n and_o write_n of_o any_o citation_n or_o other_o process_n than_o be_v heretofore_o accustom_v which_o be_v true_a what_o power_n the_o bishop_n have_v to_o hold_v their_o spiritual_a court_n and_o send_v out_o process_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o to_o make_v citation_n and_o execution_n of_o judgement_n under_o their_o own_o seal_n be_v a_o enquiry_n not_o improper_a for_o they_o that_o believe_v themselves_o wrong_v this_o act_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v repeal_v by_o the_o 1._o and_o 2._o of_o philip_n and_o mary_n c._n 8._o though_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o it_o among_o the_o repeal_v act_n of_o that_o time_n however_o though_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o revive_v by_o the_o 1._o of_o eliz._n c._n 1._o in_o these_o word_n most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n 1_o your_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a subject_n the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o the_o commons_o in_o this_o your_o present_a parliament_n assemble_v that_o where_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o your_o most_o dear_a father_n of_o worthy_a memory_n king_n henry_n the_o 8_o divers_a good_a law_n and_o statute_n be_v make_v and_o establish_v as_o well_o for_o the_o utter_a extinguishment_n and_o put_v away_o of_o all_o usurp_v and_o foreign_a power_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o this_o your_o realm_n and_o other_o your_o highness_n dominion_n and_o country_n as_o also_o for_o the_o restore_n and_o unite_n to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o ancient_a jurisdiction_n authority_n superiority_n and_o preeminency_n to_o the_o same_o of_o right_n belong_v and_o appertain_v by_o reason_n whereof_o we_o your_o most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a subject_n from_o the_o five_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o your_o say_a dear_a father_n be_v continual_o keep_v in_o good_a order_n and_o be_v disburden_v of_o divers_a great_a and_o intolerable_a charge_n and_o exaction_n before_o that_o time_n unlawful_o take_v and_o exact_v by_o such_o foreign_a power_n and_o authority_n as_o before_o that_o be_v usurp_v until_o such_o time_n as_o all_o the_o say_v good_a law_n and_o statute_n by_o one_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o year_n of_o the_o reign_v of_o the_o late_a king_n philip_n and_o queen_n marry_o your_o highness_n sister_n entitle_v a_o act_n repeal_n all_o statue_n article_n and_o provision_n make_v against_o the_o see_v apostolic_a of_o rome_n since_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o and_o also_o for_o the_o establishment_n of_o all_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a possession_n and_o hereditament_n convey_v to_o the_o laity_n be_v all_o clear_o repeal_v and_o make_v void_a as_o by_o the_o same_o act_n of_o repeal_n more_o at_o large_a do_v and_o may_v appear_v by_o reason_n of_o which_o act_n of_o repeal_n your_o say_a humble_a subject_n be_v eftsoons_o bring_v under_o a_o usurp_a foreign_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o yet_o do_v remain_v in_o that_o bondage_n to_o the_o intolerable_a charge_n of_o your_o love_a subject_n if_o some_o redress_n by_o authority_n of_o this_o your_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n with_o the_o assent_n of_o your_o highness_n be_v not_o have_v and_o provide_v
it_o be_v easy_o demonstrable_a in_o story_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o advance_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o england_n than_o the_o weakness_n which_o henry_n 8._o perceive_v in_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o papist_n bring_v against_o the_o reformer_n in_o all_o their_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o a_o convocation_n dispute_v have_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a for_o this_o controversy_n than_o the_o destructive_a argument_n of_o distress_n and_o crown_n office_n writ_n which_o if_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o test_n there_o be_v many_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o law-provoker_n may_v not_o come_v by_o the_o worst_a for_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o true_a worship_n true_a religion_n have_v none_o but_o what_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o either_o as_o part_n or_o help_v to_o our_o devotion_n as_o part_n of_o devotion_n they_o consist_v in_o promulgation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o require_v also_o decent_a composure_n of_o gesture_n and_o posture_n as_o help_v to_o devotion_n they_o be_v divide_v into_o fast_v and_o vow_n and_o these_o be_v all_o the_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o true_a worship_n ceremony_n of_o form_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v into_o superstition_n if_o not_o plain_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o some_o unbiased_a person_n not_o without_o reason_n fear_v that_o the_o dissenter_n who_o have_v abandon_v all_o will_v have_v much_o more_o argument_n on_o their_o side_n than_o they_o whoretain_v some_o it_o be_v thus_o apparent_a that_o the_o law_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o prevent_v such_o assembly_n who_o only_a end_n of_o meet_v be_v to_o worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o that_o too_o according_a to_o the_o same_o fundamental_o which_o the_o statute_n enforcer_n profess_v it_o now_o remain_v to_o examine_v whether_o the_o evidence_n offer_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o dissenter_n guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n assign_v by_o the_o law_n viz._n disloyalty_n and_o insurrection_n first_o then_o as_o for_o colour_n and_o pretence_n they_o be_v only_a non-appearance_n lodge_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v only_o disclose_v to_o the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o to_o judge_v of_o colour_n and_o pretence_n appertain_v only_o to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o any_o law_n from_o whence_o arise_v that_o common_a maxim_n that_o de_fw-fr non_fw-fr apperentibus_fw-la the_o law_n take_v no_o cognizance_n much_o less_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o informer_n to_o make_v oath_n of_o colour_n or_o pretence_n until_o colour_n and_o pretence_n break_v forth_o into_o some_o overt_a and_o apparent_a act_n which_o may_v afford_v matter_n for_o testimony_n and_o proof_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o unless_o there_o be_v due_a and_o sufficient_a proof_n make_v of_o false_a doctrine_n seditious_a word_n or_o contrivance_n tend_v to_o insurrection_n and_o disloyalty_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n and_o law_n can_v never_o punish_v where_o there_o be_v no_o breach_n commit_v nor_o do_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o magistrate_n oblige_v he_o to_o sine_fw-la and_o levy_v upon_o the_o bare_a information_n of_o colour_n or_o pretence_n as_o for_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o word_n do_v or_o may_v contrive_v it_o seem_v somewhat_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o plot_n and_o contrivance_n shall_v ever_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o woman_n and_o child_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n seem_v only_o to_o be_v of_o the_o teacher_n move_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n but_o as_o for_o that_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n rather_o for_o the_o permission_n of_o conventicle_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n far_o more_o easy_a to_o discover_v a_o man_n that_o preach_v open_a sedition_n than_o one_o that_o go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n clandestin_o insinuate_v the_o same_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v this_o branch_n independent_a but_o cast_v its_o influence_n into_o the_o whole_a crime_n describe_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o act_n thus_o embody_v if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o conventicle_n etc._n etc._n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n perhaps_o some_o person_n carry_v away_o with_o the_o present_a torment_n of_o unwary_a passion_n may_v from_o hence_o assent_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v true_o real_a and_o sincere_a but_o only_o colourable_a and_o pretend_a which_o be_v not_o perform_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n according_a to_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o england_n to_o which_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o be_v give_v yet_o the_o consequent_a word_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n clear_o contradict_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a paraphrase_n for_o that_o in_o all_o parochial_a church_n it_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n to_o pray_v both_o before_o and_o after_o sermon_n but_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n liturgy_n be_v due_o consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o liturgy_n be_v not_o more_o than_o the_o office_n of_o prayer_n the_o compiler_n themselves_o call_v the_o english_a liturgy_n a_o order_n for_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n or_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o it_o become_v only_o a_o species_n of_o the_o grand_fw-fr genus_fw-la prayer_n or_o oration_n by_o which_o with_o a_o true_a and_o humble_a contrition_n of_o heart_n we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n concern_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v consentaneous_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o this_o divide_a into_o two_o part_n invocation_n and_o thanksgiving_n now_o suppose_v that_o the_o liturgy_n of_o england_n now_o the_o most_o exact_a liturgy_n in_o the_o world_n as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o the_o dissenter_n be_v oblige_v by_o this_o statute_n to_o use_v no_o other_o prayer_n than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o liturgy_n for_o then_o the_o law_n enforcer_n may_v be_v presume_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o statute_n themselves_o who_o after_o the_o full_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v order_v in_o the_o liturgy_n both_o for_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v out_o of_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o liturgy_n yet_o somewhat_o to_o the_o discredit_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v never_o satisfy_v till_o they_o have_v give_v it_o the_o supplement_n of_o their_o tedious_a and_o vain_o ostentatious_a addition_n of_o superexcellent_a and_o super-fine_a which_o after_o a_o full_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o innovation_n and_o thanksgiving_n seem_v in_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o tautology_n forbid_v in_o scripture_n however_o because_o the_o dissenter_n use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o prayer_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o word_n avoid_v that_o inconvenience_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v reduce_v into_o obedience_n to_o something_o not_o well_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v by_o constable_n and_o informer_n but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o exquisite_a liturgy_n yet_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o liturgy_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o which_o though_o out_o of_o veneration_n it_o be_v reduce_v into_o one_o prayer_n for_o general_a use_n yet_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n teach_v heedless_a mortal_n who_o may_v else_o be_v extravagant_a in_o their_o petition_n the_o true_a matter_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o implore_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o give_v thanks_o for_o as_o enjoy_v examine_v then_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o if_o they_o differ_v either_o in_o the_o cause_n the_o matter_n the_o form_n or_o end_n from_o the_o english_a liturgy_n of_o man_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n or_o the_o heavenly_a liturgy_n of_o christ_n let_v they_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o all_o deserve_a punishment_n but_o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o prescribe_v form_n of_o both_o nay_o if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o celestial_a liturgy_n though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o verbatim_o of_o the_o establish_v liturgy_n of_o england_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o any_o statute_n be_v adjudge_v not_o to_o exercise_v such_o a_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o many_o be_v abortive_a and_o through_o weakness_n may_v deserve_v reprehension_n there_o be_v a_o easy_a way_n to_o remedy_v those_o error_n by_o impose_v a_o more_o equal_a injunction_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o church_n discipline_n that_o no_o person_n shall_v
of_o this_o paragraph_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o impose_v upon_o they_o but_o the_o eleven_o section_n be_v more_o particular_a in_o these_o word_n and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v etc._n etc._n that_o if_o any_o constable_n etc._n etc._n who_o shall_v know_v or_o be_v credible_o inform_v of_o any_o such_o meeting_n hold_v within_o his_o precinct_n and_o shall_v not_o give_v information_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n according_a to_o his_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o party_n but_o shall_v wilful_o omit_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n and_o shall_v be_v convict_v thereof_o shall_v forfeit_v the_o sum_n of_o five_o pound_n by_o this_o paragraph_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a indeed_o that_o if_o the_o constable_n do_v either_o know_v of_o himself_o or_o be_v credible_o inform_v and_o do_v not_o do_v his_o duty_n he_o forfeit_v 5_o l._n but_o still_o if_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o be_v credible_o inform_v he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v so_o sedulous_a as_o to_o go_v upon_o the_o hunt_n but_o suppose_v the_o constable_n etc._n etc._n shall_v either_o know_v of_o himself_o and_o be_v credible_o inform_v and_o shall_v do_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v give_v information_n and_o shall_v receive_v a_o warrant_n to_o break_v open_a the_o house_n and_o enter_v yet_o find_v nothing_o of_o resistance_n he_o be_v still_o but_o where_o he_o be_v in_o regard_n that_o not_o have_v be_v there_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n he_o can_v be_v positive_a whether_o the_o person_n there_o assemble_v do_v exercise_v a_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o not_o which_o if_o they_o do_v he_o have_v no_o power_n either_o to_o take_v their_o name_n or_o apprehend_v their_o person_n unless_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o imprudent_a as_o to_o make_v resistance_n and_o give_v a_o occasion_n for_o their_o military_a power_n to_o be_v raise_v for_o their_o suppression_n for_o then_o as_o mutineer_n and_o seditious_a person_n they_o break_v their_o own_o peace_n by_o disturb_v the_o king_n and_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v they_o be_v the_o person_n intend_v by_o this_o act_n render_v themselves_o obnoxi_fw-la we_o not_o only_o to_o the_o penalty_n of_o this_o but_o of_o much_o more_o severe_a law_n from_o which_o enjoin_v of_o the_o military_a officer_n to_o be_v aid_v and_o assist_v to_o the_o constable_n with_o arm_a force_n reason_n may_v not_o improper_o collect_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o act_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o have_v be_v already_o presume_v for_o arm_a force_n and_o constable_n can_v never_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o law_n against_o passive_a submission_n and_o obedience_n naked_a sword_n and_o constable_n staff_n can_v never_o be_v intend_v by_o christian_a legislator_n to_o compel_v the_o compliance_n of_o sincere_a and_o upright_a conscience_n to_o thing_n of_o small_a concernment_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o fundamental_o wherein_o the_o prosecutor_n and_o the_o prosecute_v both_o agree_v and_o therefore_o while_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v take_v such_o extraordinary_a care_n for_o the_o public_a safety_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o other_o to_o carve_v out_o for_o they_o their_o care_n the_o support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o any_o by_o interest_n whatever_o a_o aim_n too_o apparent_a by_o their_o public_a dissatisfaction_n and_o open_a exclaim_n against_o that_o noble_a act_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o royal_a goodness_n his_o declaration_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n too_o unhappy_o severe_a those_o counsel_n that_o remove_v the_o landmark_n of_o his_o regal_a benignity_n a_o presumption_n that_o they_o believe_v themselves_o more_o worthy_a or_o more_o able_a to_o manage_v that_o part_n of_o prerogative_n themselves_o and_o grutch_v he_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o right_n whereas_o the_o legislator_n with_o more_o duty_n provide_v that_o nothing_o in_o their_o act_n shall_v extend_v to_o invalidate_v or_o avoid_v his_o majesty_n supermacy_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n but_o the_o dissent_v protestant_n acknowledge_v their_o sovereign_n to_o be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n a_o king_n as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o government_n a_o priest_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o as_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o head_n of_o the_o government_n as_o they_o have_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o yield_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o obedience_n so_o shall_v they_o never_o withdraw_v from_o he_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o fidelity_n and_o from_o who_o priestly_a office_n they_o have_v yet_o hope_n to_o feel_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o former_a grace_n and_o mercy_n when_o their_o cause_n shall_v be_v better_o examine_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o exasperation_n of_o the_o pen_n of_o wicked_a man_n continual_o scribble_a division_n nor_o the_o subornation_n of_o popery_n to_o fix_v imaginary_a plot_n and_o load_v their_o innocence_n with_o the_o guilt_n and_o villainy_n of_o other_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o their_o upright_a walk_n before_o god_n and_o man_n which_o they_o hope_v will_n at_o length_n turn_v the_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n of_o their_o enemy_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n it_o be_v union_n which_o all_o true_a protestant_n desire_v which_o they_o daily_o implore_v from_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o union_n want_v in_o this_o rich_a and_o plentiful_a land_n which_o as_o it_o be_v only_o obstruct_v by_o papist_n or_o person_n papistical_o affect_v as_o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o their_o daily_a machination_n and_o contrivance_n to_o unsettle_v and_o weaken_v the_o true_a protestant_a interest_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a argument_n for_o protestant_n to_o unite_v with_o protestant_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o their_o religion_n from_o these_o and_o ground_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v draw_v this_o general_a conclusion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o conduce_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n that_o the_o penal_a law_n against_o nonconformist_n in_o reference_n to_o difference_n of_o religion_n may_v not_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n but_o forbear_v till_o our_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n and_o his_o great_a council_n the_o parliament_n shall_v take_v the_o state_n of_o divide_a protestant_n into_o their_o wise_a consideration_n and_o reduce_v thing_n to_o a_o happy_a legal_a establishment_n eor_fw-la proof_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o improper_a to_o give_v a_o short_a recapitulation_n of_o the_o reason_n bring_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o position_n 1._o that_o it_o can_v be_v good_a to_o execute_v the_o 35_o of_o eliz._n which_o the_o whole_a parliament_n think_v dangerous_a to_o the_o whole_a protestant_a interest_n in_o england_n and_o do_v as_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v disannul_v 2._o it_o can_v be_v proper_a to_o execute_v that_o law_n upon_o they_o who_o can_v proper_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n at_o which_o the_o law_n aim_v 3._o it_o can_v be_v proper_a to_o execute_v any_o law_n upon_o dissent_v protestant_n which_o be_v promote_v by_o man_n popish_o incline_v and_o which_o since_o appear_v to_o be_v papist_n as_o be_v the_o five_o mile_n act._n 4._o because_o it_o seem_v somewhat_o preposterous_a to_o rid_v the_o land_n of_o dissent_v protestant_n person_n profess_v true_a religion_n and_o loyalty_n yet_o leave_v the_o papist_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o king_n and_o church_n to_o stay_v behind_o 5._o because_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o proper_a object_n as_o seditious_a sectary_n disloyal_a person_n hypocrite_n that_o make_v religion_n a_o cloak_n and_o pretence_n to_o install_v principle_n of_o schism_n and_o sedition_n not_o upon_o meeting_n where_o there_o be_v no_o tendency_n to_o any_o such_o design_n 6._o a_o six_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n principle_n and_o the_o peaceableness_n of_o their_o behaviour_n find_v so_o to_o be_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o year_n 7._o because_o they_o be_v protestant_n and_o it_o seem_v not_o so_o well_o do_v to_o use_v protestant_n the_o kingdom_n friend_n and_o strength_n worse_o than_o papist_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o protestant_n religion_n 8._o because_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o execute_v the_o law_n with_o a_o heavy_a hand_n upon_o all_o and_o every_o offender_n without_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o one_o man_n and_o another_o between_o one_o offence_n and_o another_o 9_o because_o by_o their_o public_a preach_v their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v best_a discover_v and_o be_v in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o young_a dissenter_n they_o be_v as_o direction_n and_o example_n to_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o
dangerous_a excursion_n 10._o because_o that_o when_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n have_v their_o public_a liberty_n and_o make_v use_n of_o that_o liberty_n only_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n one_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o magistrate_n care_v of_o the_o state_n be_v obtain_v which_o be_v to_o maintain_v sound_a doctrine_n 11._o because_o thereby_o they_o will_v be_v better_o enable_v and_o encourage_v to_o perform_v other_o good_a office_n to_o the_o king_n and_o state_n 2._o then_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n these_o reason_n be_v add_v 1._o because_o agree_v in_o fundamental_o with_o their_o prosecutor_n they_o be_v a_o great_a addition_n of_o strength_n against_o the_o force_n and_o subtlety_n of_o rome_n 2._o because_o thereby_o schism_n will_v come_v to_o a_o great_a closure_n when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o profitable_a doctrine_n and_o peaceable_a behaviour_n which_o will_v create_v a_o great_a desire_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n 3._o because_o by_o this_o public_a preach_v multitude_n of_o poor_a soul_n that_o will_v go_v no_o where_o else_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o some_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v so_o deep_o sensible_a that_o they_o treat_v the_o nonconformist_n as_o friend_n and_o fellow_n labourer_n all_o which_o reason_n be_v more_o at_o large_a discuss_v in_o the_o conformist_n plea_n for_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o which_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v there_o remain_v now_o no_o more_o than_o only_a the_o humble_a proposal_n of_o some_o few_o query_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v first_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n 1._o whether_o a_o dissenter_n may_v be_v lawful_o prohibit_v from_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n at_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o place_n 2._o whether_o by_o the_o blessing_n and_o reward_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o propagate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o 3._o whether_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o preach_v in_o house_n street_n and_o field_n to_o more_o than_o five_o in_o a_o company_n 4._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o something_a erroneon_n for_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o contradict_v the_o law_n 5._o whether_o the_o passive_a obedience_n of_o person_n prohibit_v by_o a_o law_n from_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o destructive_a to_o the_o propagation_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 1._o whether_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o commons_o of_o england_n that_o the_o prosecution_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n upon_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v at_o this_o time_n grievous_a to_o the_o subject_a a_o weaken_n of_o the_o protestant_n interest_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o popery_n and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o a_o more_o serious_a consideration_n 2._o whether_o the_o prosecution_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o seem_v a_o little_a strange_a as_o to_o the_o present_a time_v of_o it_o when_o the_o papist_n lie_v under_o several_a conviction_n of_o seek_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o protestant_n religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o when_o the_o kingdom_n be_v under_o such_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o predominancy_n of_o their_o abettor_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o proper_a to_o begin_v with_o popery_n before_o they_o go_v about_o to_o extirpate_v nonconformity_n 4._o whether_o they_o who_o have_v with_o so_o much_o inveteracy_n rake_v into_o the_o forget_a and_o pardon_v miscarriage_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v not_o better_o have_v spare_v their_o pain_n as_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n except_o to_o what_o be_v unbecoming_a either_o peaceable_a or_o wise_a man_n 5._o five_o whether_o a_o law_n that_o create_v arbitrary_a distress_n and_o imprisonment_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la 3._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n and_o nature_n 1._o whether_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o law_n enforcer_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n whatever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o the_o same_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n 2._o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n for_o protestant_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o jesus_n the_o same_o scripture_n and_o agree_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n only_o for_o difference_n in_o human_a ceremony_n to_o tear_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o 3._o whether_o in_o point_n of_o appeal_n to_o make_v party_n themselves_o judges_n be_v a_o thing_n usual_a 4._o whether_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o protestant_n by_o protestant_n to_o make_v use_n of_o informer_n and_o promoter_n which_o the_o lord_n cook_n call_v turbiolum_fw-la hominum_fw-la genus_fw-la instead_o of_o christian_a advice_n and_o solid_a argument_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n 4._o in_o point_n of_o policy_n 1._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o policy_n for_o englishman_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n by_o cruelty_n and_o severity_n to_o destroy_v one_o another_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n weaken_v the_o force_n and_o destroy_v the_o trade_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o lord_n cook_n be_v maxim_n that_o a_o king_n can_v never_o be_v poor_a when_o his_o subject_n be_v rich_a and_o therefore_o 2._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o policy_n to_o set_v up_o a_o law_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o vexatious_a informer_n who_o under_o the_o reverend_a mantle_n of_o love_n and_o justice_n to_o use_v the_o lord_n cook_n be_v own_o word_n institute_v for_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o innocent_a and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n vex_v and_o depauperize_v the_o subject_a for_o malice_n and_o private_a end_n never_o for_o love_v of_o justice_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n to_o make_v attempt_n in_o fruitless_a undertake_n since_o it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o persecution_n rather_o increase_v than_o appease_v enmity_n and_o the_o common_a maxim_n be_v that_o sanguis_fw-la martyrum_fw-la est_fw-la semen_fw-mi ecclesiae_fw-la 4._o whether_o forbearance_n and_o mildness_n will_v not_o absolute_o remove_v the_o scandal_n give_v to_o the_o protestant_n church_n abroad_o and_o endear_v we_o to_o our_o foreign_a protestant_n alliance_n 5._o whether_o it_o be_v prudence_n to_o afflict_v protestant_n at_o home_n when_o we_o entertain_v afflict_a protestant_n from_o abroad_a 6._o whether_o by_o these_o unnatural_a division_n the_o necessary_a league_n and_o tie_v of_o friendship_n and_o acquaintance_n common_a trust_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n may_v not_o in_o time_n be_v break_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o all_o society_n 7._o whether_o the_o wicked_a distinction_n of_o tory_n and_o whigg_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o set_v on_o foot_n to_o increase_v the_o dissension_n between_o protestant_n and_o whether_o the_o invention_n and_o the_o malicious_a continuance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v a_o punishment_n equal_a to_o the_o worst_a of_o felony_n 5._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o executive_a part_n 1._o whether_o the_o issue_v out_o of_o general_a warrant_n by_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n not_o authorize_v by_o the_o statute_n do_v not_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o other_o law_n 2._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o almost_o moral_o impossible_a to_o swear_v a_o dissenter_n meet_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o there_o be_v no_o overt_a act_n of_o public_a disturbance_n or_o seditious_a doctrine_n 3._o whether_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o law_n do_v not_o afford_v several_a advantage_n to_o the_o spiteful_a and_o revengeful_a to_o reck_v their_o spleen_n upon_o their_o neighbour_n upon_o every_o slight_a disgust_n or_o fall_v out_o 4._o whither_o it_o do_v not_o afford_v great_a opportunitis_n of_o combination_n between_o some_o needy_a justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o their_o more_o needy_a associate_n the_o informer_n to_o prosecute_v unlawful_a gain_n it_o be_v the_o general_a complaint_n of_o treble_a distress_n make_v without_o any_o return_n 5._o whether_o the_o constable_n not_o be_v authorize_v to_o break_v open_a any_o door_n or_o force_n and_o gate_n or_o hedge_n if_o the_o informer_n be_v so_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o do_v either_o and_o the_o constable_n follow_v he_o the_o constable_n and_o the_o informer_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o law_n 6._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o penalty_n above_o 5_o l._n direct_v by_o this_o act_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o a_o constable_n that_o shall_v be_v negligent_a in_o make_v distress_n pursuant_n