for_o matter_n mere_o of_o religion_n and_o in_o particular_a for_o meet_v together_o mere_o for_o matter_n of_o religion_n doubtless_o their_o answer_n will_v have_v be_v give_v with_o one_o general_a voice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a and_o that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n quod_fw-la tibi_fw-la non_fw-la vis_fw-la fieri_fw-la alteri_fw-la non_fw-la feceris_fw-la do_v not_o unto_o another_o what_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v do_v unto_o thyself_o and_o that_o true_a it_o be_v the_o jew_n who_o persecute_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n do_v allege_v for_o their_o justification_n that_o they_o have_v a_o law_n and_o that_o by_o their_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v but_o that_o that_o law_n and_o all_o law_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v i_o think_v a_o most_o undeniable_a thing_n these_o age_n by_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o be_v esteem_v the_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n religion_n be_v then_o most_o pure_a when_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v most_o poor_a and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v conceive_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o age_n will_v have_v give_v any_o other_o answer_n contrary_a to_o what_o i_o have_v here_o frame_v for_o they_o and_o shall_v give_v a_o convince_a reason_n for_o such_o his_o apprehension_n i_o shall_v confess_v my_o mistake_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o other_o answer_n they_o can_v have_v give_v but_o what_o must_v have_v justify_v the_o persecution_n against_o themselves_o to_o have_v be_v innocent_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o persecutor_n who_o believe_v those_o first_o christian_n to_o err_v in_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o their_o country_n and_o their_o meeting_n to_o be_v unlawful_a assembly_n and_o much_o more_o innocent_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o inferior_a magistrate_n who_o take_v care_n to_o put_v those_o law_n in_o execution_n they_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v in_o all_o civil_a respect_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o law_n of_o their_o superior_n as_o our_o inferior_a magistrate_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o our_o law_n and_o they_o give_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n as_o seem_v very_o clear_a from_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o offer_v for_o his_o persecutor_n father_n forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v here_o than_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christianity_n undivided_a in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v christianity_n in_o england_n when_o divide_v only_o into_o two_o distinct_a party_n viz._n protestant_n and_o papist_n and_o when_o the_o protestant_n have_v make_v a_o sub_n division_n among_o themselves_o here_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n hen._n 8._o k._n edw._n 6._o q._n marry_o and_o part_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o q._n elizabeth_n for_o though_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n among_o protestant_n as_o well_o here_o as_o in_o other_o country_n even_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v into_o party_n be_v everywhere_o upon_o the_o defensive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n hen._n 8._o which_o i_o intend_v to_o instance_n in_o both_o party_n be_v persecute_v the_o case_n stand_v thus_o that_o king_n at_o his_o come_n to_o the_o crown_n find_v the_o whole_a nation_n in_o a_o quiet_a possession_n of_o popery_n and_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o principle_n whereon_o they_o believe_v the_o unity_n of_o their_o faith_n depend_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o government_n next_o under_o christ_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o the_o then_o national-church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o member_n the_o king_n have_v defend_v this_o article_n by_o write_v so_o vigorous_o against_o m._n luther_n that_o the_o pope_n have_v for_o that_o very_a work_n confer_v upon_o he_o the_o title_n of_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o be_v enjoy_v and_o use_v by_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n for_o ever_o after_o this_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n this_o supreme_a pastor_n this_o visible_a head_n be_v throw_v off_o and_o this_o king_n put_v in_o his_o place_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o the_o title_n of_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n annex_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o this_o by_o a_o law_n 26_o hen._n 8._o c._n 1._o and_o then_o by_o another_o law_n 26_o hen._n 8._o c._n 13._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o if_o any_o by_o word_n or_o write_n shall_v attempt_v to_o deprive_v the_o king_n of_o the_o title_n of_o his_o royal_a estate_n he_o shall_v be_v adjudge_v a_o traitor_n this_o change_n of_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v and_o be_v true_o at_o least_o in_o england_n a_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o undoubted_o there_o be_v no_o protestant_n whatsoever_o but_o approve_v the_o cast_n off_o the_o pope_n headship_n as_o conformable_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_n and_o upon_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o two_o law_n divers_a suffer_v death_n for_o their_o deny_v the_o king_n supremacy_n this_o be_v the_o first_o step_n make_v in_o england_n from_o popery_n towards_o protestancy_n and_o the_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o this_o latter_a law_n encourage_v several_a protestant_n from_o foreign_a part_n to_o come_v into_o england_n not_o doubt_v but_o to_o have_v a_o liberty_n to_o exercise_n their_o religion_n here_o and_o it_o give_v confidence_n to_o many_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n to_o receive_v and_o to_o other_o to_o entertain_v good_a thought_n of_o protestancy_n be_v persuade_v that_o after_o the_o shed_n of_o so_o much_o blood_n as_o have_v be_v shed_v here_o upon_o that_o occasion_n england_n will_v never_o any_o more_o admit_v of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o consequent_o will_v every_o day_n make_v great_a step_n from_o that_o church_n of_o which_o the_o pope_n be_v own_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o protestancy_n upon_o this_o occasion_n also_o make_v its_o entrance_n into_o england_n and_o gain_v ground_n here_o and_o such_o if_o not_o by_o open_a application_n to_o the_o king_n for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o at_o least_o in_o their_o heart_n desire_v a_o toleration_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o preach_v and_o exercise_v their_o religion_n here_o without_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o so_o do_v so_o that_o their_o principle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n at_o least_o against_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n but_o protestancy_n be_v now_o take_v notice_n of_o to_o grow_v another_o law_n be_v make_v 31_o hen._n 8._o for_o settle_v unity_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o six_o article_n therein_o name_v by_o which_o the_o denial_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o several_a other_o doctrine_n therein_o name_v be_v enact_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n and_o now_o persecution_n in_o england_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n grow_v sharp_a and_o high_a so_o that_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o our_o historian_n that_o upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o day_n some_o who_o be_v profess_v papist_n be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o deny_v the_o king_n supremacy_n which_o be_v a_o protestant_a article_n and_o some_o who_o be_v profess_a protestant_n be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o deny_v transubstantiation_n which_o be_v a_o article_n of_o the_o papist_n so_o that_o at_o this_o time_n the_o government_n can_v neither_o be_v say_v to_o be_v popish_a nor_o protestant_a but_o both_o party_n be_v persecute_v most_o severe_o for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o he_o who_o shall_v then_o have_v say_v to_o either_o party_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o either_o of_o those_o law_n that_o that_o party_n do_v not_o then_o suffer_v for_o any_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n but_o for_o break_v of_o the_o peace_n in_o break_v of_o the_o king_n law_n will_v certain_o have_v be_v take_v not_o to_o have_v understand_v those_o law_n or_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o then_o suffer_v and_o now_o suppose_v each_o of_o these_o party_n separately_z interrogated_a when_o thus_o under_o persecution_n for_o afflictio_fw-la that_fw-mi intellectum_fw-la be_v it_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v and_o to_o make_v and_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o inflict_v of_o pain_n and_o penalty_n upon_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a people_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n for_o it_o seem_v a_o time_n to_o teach_v both_o party_n a_o
persecution_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n upon_o the_o papist_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o popery_n so_o the_o papist_n be_v as_o industrious_a to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o protestancy_n i_o may_v here_o by_o way_n of_o apology_n and_o extenuation_n refer_v the_o papist_n as_o they_o do_v the_o protestant_n to_o consider_v of_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o thing_n which_o occasion_v their_o severity_n against_o they_o as_o the_o unruliness_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v among_o the_o people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n edw._n the_o vi_o to_o see_v their_o religion_n alter_v as_o they_o conceive_v by_o the_o protector_n and_o in_o q._n elizabeth_n time_n beside_o the_o rensentment_n which_o the_o protestant_n have_v of_o the_o cruelty_n which_o be_v exercise_v against_o they_o in_o q._n mary_n time_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o papist_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o q._n elizabeth_n to_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o crown_n she_o have_v be_v declare_v by_o the_o judicial_a sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o archbishop_n cranmer_n to_o be_v illegitimate_a and_o the_o marriage_n between_o k._n henry_n viii_o and_o anne_n of_o bullen_n her_o mother_n be_v by_o the_o same_o sentence_n declare_v absolute_o void_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o that_o sentence_n confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 28_o hen._n 8._o c._n 7._o so_o that_o the_o papist_n take_v q._n marry_o of_o scotland_n to_o be_v the_o rightful_a heir_n to_o the_o crown_n and_o rightful_a queen_n and_o q._n elizabeth_n be_v constrain_v by_o great_a necessity_n to_o keep_v they_o under_o but_o apology_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o be_v make_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o authority_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v subject_v and_o as_o the_o protestant_n in_o general_a and_o the_o papist_n reproach_v each_o other_o reciprocal_o charge_v upon_o each_o other_o that_o persecution_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o each_o other_o religion_n so_o do_v the_o episcopal_a protestant_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o episcopal_a party_n who_o first_o persecute_v the_o nonconformist_n under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o puritan_n or_o presbyterian_o affirm_v that_o their_o first_o beginner_n in_o scotland_n from_o whence_o they_o derive_v themselves_o do_v more_o than_o any_o party_n upon_o earth_n persecute_v other_o for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o have_v gain_v a_o power_n by_o their_o usurpation_n oppression_n and_o persecution_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o want_v the_o very_a essential_o as_o they_o say_v of_o religion_n viz._n a_o right_a ordination_n without_o which_o as_o they_o allege_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n no_o true_a ministry_n or_o true_a sacrament_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v by_o penal_a law_n timely_o make_v to_o be_v prevent_v from_o make_v disturbance_n in_o england_n the_o puritan_n to_o justify_v themselves_o deny_v persecution_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n to_o be_v their_o principle_n or_o to_o be_v lawful_a labour_v to_o fix_v it_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o their_o principle_n and_o as_o take_v up_o by_o they_o from_o the_o papist_n and_o as_o to_o the_o particular_n charge_v upon_o those_o of_o scotland_n they_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o those_o of_o the_o reformation_n have_v do_v in_o scotland_n be_v approve_v and_o abet_v by_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o the_o protestant_n of_o england_n without_o who_o advice_n nothing_o in_o scotland_n have_v be_v transact_v and_o without_o who_o assistance_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v so_o effect_v they_o further_o say_v as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o ordination_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o account_v episcopal_a ordination_n to_o be_v such_o a_o essential_a of_o religion_n as_o they_o charge_v for_o that_o if_o no_o ordination_n can_v be_v valid_a but_o by_o bishop_n that_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o ordination_n can_v be_v valid_a but_o from_o true_a and_o rightful_a bishop_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v as_o invalid_a as_o the_o ordination_n of_o those_o of_o scotland_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v make_v out_o no_o succession_n of_o bishop_n but_o through_o the_o popish_a church_n which_o both_o party_n as_o well_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o those_o of_o scotland_n have_v condemn_v and_o agree_v to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n and_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o harlot_n and_o anti-christian_n thus_o the_o episcopal_a protestant_n and_o the_o puritan_n charge_v and_o recriminate_v each_o other_o the_o episcopal_a party_n nevertheless_o make_v good_a their_o ground_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o support_v they_o but_o when_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o k._n charles_n the_o i_o the_o nonconformist_n gain_v the_o civil_a power_n into_o their_o hand_n the_o church_n of_o england_n party_n like_o all_o party_n oppress_v be_v under_o persecution_n together_o with_o the_o papist_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n do_v absolute_o condemn_v all_o such_o persecution_n as_o unlawful_a and_o then_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n subdivide_v and_o branch_a out_o into_o several_a other_o party_n give_v occasion_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n and_o put_v they_o to_o use_v the_o same_o argument_n to_o clear_v themselves_o as_o the_o episcopel_n party_n and_o papist_n have_v respective_o before_o make_v use_n of_o when_o the_o government_n be_v in_o they_o to_o prevail_v with_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o abhor_v the_o principle_n of_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o persecution_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o for_o any_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n nor_o in_o truth_n persecution_n but_o pure_o act_v of_o prudence_n and_o do_v right_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o just_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o episcopal_a party_n and_o the_o papist_n out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o persecute_v they_o any_o more_o for_o the_o future_a but_o none_o of_o they_o can_v find_v any_o reason_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o excuse_v the_o persecution_n which_o they_o use_v towards_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n they_o can_v not_o charge_v they_o with_o ever_o have_v persecute_v any_o party_n or_o person_n yet_o in_o fact_n both_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o the_o episcopal_a party_n do_v persecute_v they_o in_o their_o turn_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v be_v charge_v for_o persecute_v a_o quiet_a people_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n they_o pretend_v sometime_o that_o the_o quaker_n be_v all_o madman_n and_o that_o they_o imprison_v they_o only_o to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o peace_n and_o those_o who_o have_v get_v the_o government_n will_v upon_o that_o title_n claim_v the_o right_n of_o judge_v what_o person_n be_v mad_a as_o they_o do_v always_o of_o judge_v what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o error_n at_o other_o time_n they_o pretend_v to_o punish_v the_o quaker_n as_o blasphemer_n and_o the_o persecutor_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v blasphemy_n under_o their_o government_n they_o may_v make_v what_o they_o please_v blasphemy_n when_o they_o grow_v ashamed_a of_o this_o charge_n they_o then_o pretend_v that_o the_o quaker_n be_v conceal_v papist_n and_o that_o every_o one_o who_o speak_v or_o utter_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o meeting_n whether_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v a_o jesuit_n disguise_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o quaker_n suffer_v high_o and_o it_o be_v as_o clear_v there_o can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n be_v any_o thing_n charge_v against_o they_o but_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n now_o upon_o the_o whole_a business_n what_o shall_v such_o a_o person_n judge_v of_o these_o matter_n who_o esteem_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v judge_v by_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v make_v any_o rash_a judgement_n shall_v we_o take_v for_o a_o sufficient_a solid_a proof_n the_o charge_n of_o a_o exasperate_v enemy_n against_o a_o enemy_n who_o have_v provoke_v he_o and_o this_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o to_o render_v not_o a_o single_a person_n but_o a_o whole_a party_n unworthy_a to_o live_v this_o be_v to_o judge_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o to_o sin_n against_o charity_n and_o this_o way_n of_o judge_v will_v render_v each_o party_n the_o quaker_n only_o except_v to_o be_v guilty_a and_o to_o give_v a_o just_a title_n to_o each_o party_n where_o it_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o power_n and_o government_n to_o put_v to_o death_n all_o of_o the_o other_o party_n for_o though_o we_o in_o england_n shall_v refuse_v
to_o admit_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o papist_n hear_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n against_o the_o protestant_n in_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o popish_a country_n the_o charge_n of_o papist_n against_o protestant_n will_v not_o be_v take_v to_o be_v at_o the_o least_o as_o valid_a as_o the_o charge_n of_o protestant_n will_v be_v take_v to_o be_v against_o papist_n here_o shall_v we_o go_v another_o way_n and_o say_v that_o in_o regard_n every_o party_n take_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o only_a good_a and_o true_a christian_a and_o in_o regard_n we_o see_v every_o party_n when_o in_o power_n practise_v this_o thing_n and_o persecute_v the_o other_o when_o in_o their_o power_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n that_o therefore_o every_o party_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n to_o make_v and_o execute_v penal_a law_n against_o such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a christian_n and_o to_o inflict_v pain_n and_o penalty_n upon_o they_o for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n that_o be_v for_o error_n hold_v by_o they_o as_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n but_o neither_o will_v this_o be_v reasonable_a or_o convenient_a for_o this_o will_v also_o give_v title_n to_o those_o who_o have_v the_o actual_a power_n and_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o each_o respective_a government_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o put_v to_o death_n and_o destroy_v all_o within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n who_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v erroneous_a christian_n and_o this_o will_v be_v also_o to_o entitle_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o every_o christian_a country_n to_o the_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a right_n of_o judge_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o appeal_n from_o his_o definitive_a judgement_n and_o to_o entail_v against_o common_a sense_n a_o infallibility_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n of_o every_o country_n of_o determine_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n i_o say_v against_o common_a sense_n for_o christianity_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o true_a faith_n and_o if_o this_o power_n of_o judge_v shall_v be_v allow_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o faith_n as_o there_o be_v government_n among_o christian_n that_o will_v be_v true_a faith_n in_o one_o country_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o punishable_a with_o death_n which_o in_o another_o country_n will_v be_v a_o error_n and_o a_o false_a faith_n and_o the_o affirm_v of_o it_o punishable_a with_o death_n it_o will_v also_o be_v to_o justify_v not_o only_o what_o the_o papist_n in_o england_n but_o what_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o protestant_n in_o all_o other_o part_v cast_v as_o a_o charge_n upon_o our_o nation_n that_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o england_n be_v the_o parliament_n of_o england_n that_o nothing_o be_v true_a christian_a doctrine_n in_o england_n nor_o any_o translation_n or_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n a_o true_a translation_n or_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n in_o england_n but_o what_o be_v judge_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n whereas_o though_o in_o the_o statute_n make_v 2_o 3_o edw._n 6._o c._n 1_o entitle_v a_o act_n for_o the_o uniformity_n of_o service_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n throughout_o the_o realm_n it_o be_v affirm_v by_o that_o parliament_n that_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n enjoin_v by_o that_o statute_n to_o be_v use_v be_v make_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o that_o very_a book_n be_v by_o that_o very_a parliament_n alter_v and_o amend_v as_o appear_v by_o statute_n 5_o edw._n 6._o c._n 1._o and_o it_o have_v receive_v several_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n since_o and_o be_v in_o and_o by_o a_o parliament_n in_o q._n marys_n day_n judge_v to_o be_v heretical_a as_o to_o my_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o particular_a affair_n it_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o discourse_v i_o do_v and_o i_o think_v i_o be_o bind_v in_o charity_n to_o believe_v that_o every_o person_n and_o party_n who_o profess_v christianity_n do_v at_o least_o intend_v to_o be_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o that_o they_o do_v all_o in_o their_o heart_n full_o give_v consent_n unto_o all_o those_o common_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o as_o stand_v principle_n of_o that_o pure_a religion_n be_v never_o question_v or_o deny_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o christian_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v of_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v unto_o we_o and_o of_o not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o and_o those_o other_o of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o yea_o and_o of_o love_v our_o very_a enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o who_o hate_v we_o and_o use_v we_o despiteful_o all_o which_o when_o sober_o consider_v without_o passion_n or_o humane_a interest_n be_v express_o against_o all_o persecution_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o do_v not_o only_o tie_v up_o protestant_n from_o destroy_v of_o protestant_n but_o even_o from_o persecute_v of_o any_o sort_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n as_o those_o command_n thou_o shall_v do_v no_o murder_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n and_o against_o and_o tie_v up_o all_o christian_n from_o shed_v of_o blood_n unlawful_o and_o malicious_o and_o against_o rapine_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o such_o do_v also_o in_o their_o heart_n believe_v that_o whatever_o counsel_n or_o work_n be_v of_o man_n will_v fall_v of_o itself_o and_o that_o what_o be_v of_o god_n will_v stand_v maugre_o all_o the_o persecution_n and_o opposition_n of_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o do_v intend_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n or_o will_v willing_o be_v find_v so_o do_v all_o this_o be_v take_v by_o i_o in_o my_o own_o thought_n to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a when_o ever_o i_o come_v to_o inquire_v how_o then_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v how_o can_v all_o these_o party_n among_o which_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o good_a sober_a judicious_a and_o sincere_a person_n offend_v against_o these_o common_a principle_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o all_o christian_n by_o make_v and_o execute_v penal_a law_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n immediate_o adjoin_v to_o this_o another_o question_n which_o be_v and_o how_o can_v so_o many_o person_n profess_v to_o be_v christian_n take_v revenge_n by_o blood_n usurp_v the_o good_n of_o their_o neighour_n and_o commit_v the_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n yet_o all_o these_o be_v once_o do_v by_o that_o great_a and_o good_a king_n and_o prophet_n who_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n that_o which_o to_o i_o answer_v this_o latter_a question_n seem_v clear_o to_o solve_v the_o former_a that_o the_o beast_n get_v the_o better_a of_o the_o man_n the_o passion_n commit_v a_o force_n upon_o reason_n and_o humane_a frailty_n be_v too_o weak_a bring_v the_o best_a of_o man_n sometime_o though_o but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o careless_a man_n oftentimes_o to_o contradict_v their_o faith_n by_o their_o practice_n until_o by_o affliction_n they_o gain_v understanding_n and_o come_v to_o repentance_n for_o the_o save_v of_o their_o soul_n this_o to_o i_o seem_v so_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o until_o something_o more_o evident_a shall_v convince_v i_o of_o my_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o as_o great_a a_o sin_n against_o charity_n for_o i_o to_o charge_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o any_o party_n profess_v to_o be_v christian_n that_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n be_v lawful_a because_o i_o see_v it_o practise_v by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n among_o that_o party_n as_o to_o charge_v the_o same_o party_n to_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o murder_n theft_n and_o adultery_n be_v lawful_a because_o great_a number_n of_o that_o party_n be_v too_o often_o guilty_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o sin_n if_o this_o way_n of_o consider_v thing_n be_v not_o find_v unreasonable_a but_o upon_o due_a reflection_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v those_o who_o be_v public_a person_n will_v forgive_v i_o when_o i_o wish_v they_o will_v lay_v it_o to_o their_o heart_n and_o think_v well_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v of_o use_n to_o preserve_v this_o poor_a nation_n from_o the_o further_a guilt_n of_o those_o additional_a injustice_n and_o cruelty_n which_o the_o contrary_a way_n of_o rash_a judge_n must_v involve_v and_o
that_o very_a religion_n which_o those_o person_n profess_v by_o who_o those_o law_n be_v make_v yet_o true_a religion_n and_o true_a reason_n of_o state_n always_o keep_v those_o person_n from_o intend_v to_o have_v those_o law_n rigid_o and_o severe_o execute_v i_o will_v confirm_v this_o by_o one_o single_a instance_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o best_a of_o time_n the_o last_o popish_a priest_n that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o england_n for_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o time_n of_o cromwell_n i_o suppose_v we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o passionate_a heat_n which_o inflame_v those_o who_o be_v then_o in_o authority_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o popery_n they_o look_v on_o the_o papist_n as_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o their_o government_n and_o as_o fast_a friend_n and_o devote_a servant_n to_o the_o crown_n and_o royal_a family_n notwithstanding_o which_o when_o the_o say_a priest_n come_v upon_o his_o trial_n at_o the_o sessions-house_n in_o the_o old-bailey_n in_o london_n and_o upon_o his_o arraignment_n plead_v that_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o treason_n but_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o clear_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o be_v his_o judge_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o preserve_v his_o life_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o execution_n against_o he_o of_o those_o law_n upon_o which_o he_o stand_v indict_v for_o they_o do_v for_o many_o hour_n suspend_v the_o record_v of_o his_o confession_n make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o plead_v not_o gluilty_a to_o the_o indictment_n they_o press_v he_o to_o this_o in_o the_o public_a court_n assure_v he_o that_o if_o he_o will_v so_o plead_v his_o life_n shall_v be_v safe_a and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o evidence_n which_o can_v prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o when_o the_o old_a man_n age_v about_o seventy_o two_o year_n will_v not_o be_v draw_v to_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o priest_n take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o deny_v of_o his_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o court_n be_v compel_v to_o give_v judgement_n against_o he_o the_o magistrate_n who_o give_v the_o sentence_n be_v so_o drown_v in_o tear_n upon_o that_o sad_a occasion_n that_o it_o be_v long_o before_o he_o can_v pronounce_v the_o sentence_n which_o the_o law_n compel_v as_o he_o profess_v to_o give_v now_o i_o ask_v can_v it_o be_v presume_v that_o in_o those_o severe_a time_n against_o popery_n those_o who_o then_o sit_v upon_o the_o seat_n of_o justice_n will_v or_o dare_v have_v proceed_v thus_o in_o a_o public_a out_o and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n so_o open_o so_o avowed_o to_o have_v save_v the_o life_n of_o a_o priest_n of_o that_o party_n if_o they_o have_v not_o well_o consider_v that_o the_o maker_n of_o those_o law_n and_o even_o cromwell_n who_o have_v then_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n of_o these_o nation_n do_v not_o in_o truth_n intend_v a_o rigid_a and_o severe_a execution_n of_o those_o law_n which_o be_v for_o inflict_v pain_n and_o penalty_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v give_v no_o further_a instance_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o my_o opinion_n whosoever_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o the_o present_a genius_n of_o our_o whole_a nation_n and_o consider_v in_o what_o detestation_n all_o man_n have_v the_o execution_n of_o persecute_v law_n of_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n how_o public_o informer_n be_v abhor_v and_o discountenance_v when_o they_o labour_v to_o persecute_v any_o upon_o any_o such_o law_n will_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o general_n be_v convince_v that_o those_o law_n be_v never_o any_o of_o they_o make_v with_o intention_n to_o have_v they_o rigid_o execute_v i_o have_v be_v tell_v and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o our_o law_n that_o even_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o against_o reason_n be_v void_a in_o itself_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o methinks_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v i_o think_v we_o be_v very_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o all_o our_o present_a law_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o which_o any_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n persecute_v for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n will_v be_v repeal_v by_o the_o general_a voice_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o that_o when_o the_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o the_o great_a body_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v compose_v shall_v have_v consider_v something_o more_o deliberate_o than_o their_o passion_n have_v yet_o permit_v all_o to_o do_v that_o every_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v against_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n unjust_a and_o cruel_a in_o punish_v man_n for_o not_o proceed_v against_o their_o conscience_n express_o against_o the_o very_a principle_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o principle_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o pretend_v to_o own_o destructive_a to_o the_o trade_n and_o wellbeing_a of_o our_o nation_n by_o oppress_v and_o drive_v away_o the_o most_o industrious_a work_v hand_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o depopulate_v and_o thereby_o impoverish_v our_o country_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o employ_v three_o time_n the_o number_n of_o people_n which_o we_o now_o have_v contradictory_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n ground_v upon_o common_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n which_o require_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o another_o what_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v unto_o himself_o and_o consequent_o void_a in_o itself_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n there_o will_v not_o be_v find_v a_o magistrate_n nay_o a_o common_a subject_n in_o england_n who_o will_v not_o as_o positive_o renounce_v the_o put_n in_o execution_n or_o be_v accessary_a to_o the_o execute_n of_o any_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o he_o will_v renounce_v the_o become_a guilty_a of_o those_o detestable_a sin_n of_o murder_n or_o theft_n but_o until_o man_n be_v a_o little_a further_o convince_v of_o these_o truth_n you_o sir_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o but_o rather_o pity_v those_o magistrate_n from_o who_o hand_n you_o have_v late_o suffer_v for_o a_o matter_n mere_o of_o religion_n peradventure_o they_o do_v not_o full_o consider_v that_o the_o matter_n with_o which_o you_o be_v charge_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o mere_a religion_n but_o take_v your_o meeting_n in_o a_o assembly_n mere_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a assembly_n because_o prohibit_v by_o a_o present_a law_n as_o the_o poor_a magistrate_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n take_v their_o meeting_n in_o their_o assembly_n mere_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v unlawful_a assembly_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n because_o they_o be_v prohibit_v by_o their_o law_n or_o perhaps_o their_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o forfeiture_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v have_v deny_v their_o warrant_n to_o the_o informer_n make_v they_o fall_v under_o that_o humane_a frailty_n for_o secure_v of_o themselves_o however_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v you_o have_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v any_o effect_n of_o malice_n against_o you_o or_o your_o friend_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o same_o magistrate_n now_o their_o fear_n be_v over_o may_v yet_o be_v instrumental_a to_o do_v you_o and_o themselves_o right_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o upon_o a_o strict_a reflection_n upon_o what_o the_o informer_n have_v swear_v the_o devil_n may_v have_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o swear_v something_o which_o may_v be_v prove_v untrue_a for_o informer_n be_v not_o squeamish_a in_o swear_v for_o their_o own_o profit_n as_o it_o have_v appear_v in_o london_n and_o middlesex_n and_o one_o point_n of_o perjury_n prove_v will_v invalidate_v all_o his_o testimony_n and_o reverse_v all_o that_o be_v do_v at_o which_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a no_o man_n beside_o the_o informer_n will_v be_v displease_v and_o this_o be_v in_o plain_a truth_n the_o great_a reason_n why_o your_o friend_n here_o desire_v to_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o your_o case_n the_o certify_n of_o which_o may_v be_v a_o advantage_n to_o yourself_o and_o your_o friend_n there_o and_o will_v be_v particular_o very_o welcome_a unto_o sir_n your_o old_a true_a friend_n and_o humble_a servant_n a._n n._n postscript_n i_o have_v here-omitted_n many_o of_o those_o great_a argument_n both_o which_o other_o have_v use_v and_o which_o may_v yet_o be_v advance_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o subject_a partly_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o discourse_n extant_a and_o