life_n be_v end_v 3._o consider_v that_o though_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v manage_v in_o separate_a congregation_n distinct_a from_o the_o national_a church_n yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v count_v the_o manager_n of_o schism_n and_o rebellion_n but_o the_o promoter_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o high_a degree_n of_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 4._o consider_v that_o for_o such_o man_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o live_v five_o mile_n from_o city_n and_o corporation_n or_o else_o to_o live_v in_o a_o goal_n seem_v to_o be_v hard_a deal_n thus_o be_v compel_v to_o live_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o banishment_n from_o our_o country_n while_o in_o our_o country_n and_o all_o this_o for_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o church_n and_o for_o not_o swear_v all_o the_o particular_n in_o the_o oath_n provide_v by_o the_o say_a act_n one_o particular_a be_v this_o that_o i_o will_v not_o anytime_n endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n which_o word_n do_v at_o least_o suppose_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n government_n be_v so_o well_o and_o so_o complete_a that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o endeavour_n to_o alter_v or_o amend_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a scruple_n to_o many_o person_n that_o be_v good_a protestant_n vi_o another_o statute_n by_o which_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v distress_v be_v the_o 22d_o of_o car._n 2._o chap._n 1._o entitle_v a_o act_n to_o surpress_v seditious_a conventicle_n from_o which_o statute_n let_v these_o particular_a thing_n be_v sober_o consider_v 1._o that_o this_o statute_n be_v provide_v as_o a_o further_a and_o more_o speedy_a remedy_n against_o the_o grow_a and_o dangerous_a practice_n of_o seditious_a sectary_n and_o other_o disloyal_a person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n have_v or_o may_v at_o their_o meeting_n contrive_v insurrection_n as_o late_a experience_n have_v show_v see_v paragraph_n 1_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v throughout_o this_o kingdom_n that_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n even_o every_o sort_n of_o they_o do_v abhor_v to_o be_v such_o person_n and_o therefore_o do_v deem_v it_o a_o great_a wrong_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v and_o prosecute_v as_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o though_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v they_o to_o be_v seditious_a sectary_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n profess_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v profess_v by_o the_o dissenter_n with_o a_o great_a care_n to_o live_v suitable_o unto_o such_o a_o holy_a profession_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v make_v conscience_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v such_o as_o further_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o sedition_n 2._o they_o deem_v it_o a_o wrong_a to_o be_v count_v person_n of_o dislovalty_n mere_o because_o of_o their_o nonconformity_n especial_o consider_v what_o a_o demonstration_n they_o have_v give_v of_o be_v peaceable_a under_o the_o government_n for_o so_o many_o year_n notwithstanding_o many_o and_o great_a trouble_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o most_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n mere_o for_o matter_n of_o conscience_n 3._o and_o forasmuch_o as_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o meet_v under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o contrive_v insurrection_n the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o general_a can_v comfortable_o appeal_v to_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o good_a reason_n that_o contrive_v of_o insurrection_n can_v be_v at_o all_o manage_v in_o the_o dissenter_n meeting_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n do_v resort_v unto_o they_o viz._n rich_a and_o poor_a young_a and_o old_a and_o do_v daily_o find_v no_o other_o matter_n but_o the_o real_a exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n praise_v of_o god_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v further_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o each_o other_o furthermore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o since_o the_o make_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n and_o the_o violent_a prosecution_n thereof_o to_o the_o very_a great_a damage_n of_o many_o protestant_a family_n his_o majesty_n do_v take_v such_o grievance_n of_o his_o subject_n of_o tender_a conscience_n into_o his_o princely_a and_o compassionate_a consideration_n and_o do_v declare_v his_o dislike_n of_o such_o forceable_a course_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n see_v his_o majesty_n declaration_n to_o all_o his_o love_a subject_n march_v 15._o 1672._o publish_a by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n 2._o the_o person_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n who_o be_v account_v offender_n be_v all_z such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n or_o upward_o be_v subject_n of_o this_o realm_n who_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o assembly_n conventicle_n or_o meeting_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 then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v in_o number_n five_o or_o more_o beside_o the_o family_n or_o household_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o family_n inhabit_v than_o the_o number_n of_o five_o or_o more_o be_v deem_v offender_n now_o from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o act_n consider_v that_o the_o person_n account_v offender_n be_v such_o who_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v 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 and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a sober_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v in_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v well_o consider_v and_o compare_v together_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v whether_o it_o be_v contradictious_a or_o harmonious_a 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n respect_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n for_o spiritual_n and_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o their_o meeting_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n do_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o mercy_n receive_v from_o god_n as_o the_o gracious_a act_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodwill_n unto_o such_o as_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o mercy_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o their_o meeting_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v instruct_v soul_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n viz._n from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o from_o the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n which_o do_v contain_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n for_o which_o they_o be_v prosecute_v to_o their_o great_a damage_n 4._o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v perform_v religious_a worship_n in_o english_a and_o so_o do_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n that_o all_o party_n which_o come_v to_o attend_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o may_v understand_v what_o they_o be_v about_o 5._o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v observe_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n common_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n in_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n and_o so_o do_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n yea_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o dissenter_n be_v more_o careful_a that_o the_o day_n may_v be_v religious_o observe_v than_o the_o church-protestants_a 6._o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n respect_v the_o main_a and_o substantial_a matter_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n brief_o thus_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a trinity_n viz._n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v very_a god_n as_o well_o as_o very_a man_n and_o that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n consider_v as_o god_n and_o man_n together_o with_o his_o complete_a keep_n of_o god_n holy_a law_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o his_o suffering_n the_o
severity_n of_o divine_a justice_n in_o the_o room_n of_o sinner_n be_v thereby_o the_o complete_a and_o only_a saviour_n of_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n 3._o that_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v conceive_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o be_v bury_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v also_o ascend_v to_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n in_o heaven_n there_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o advocate_n and_o intercessor_n for_o all_o they_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a 4._o both_o party_n do_v believe_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n 5._o as_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n the_o dissenter_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o that_o description_n give_v of_o christ_n visible_a church_n see_v the_o nineteenth_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o very_a word_n the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a man_n in_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o sacrament_n be_v due_o minister_v according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o of_o necessity_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o same_o so_o profess_v and_o confess_v the_o dissenter_n also_o 3._o consider_v the_o punishment_n provide_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a statute_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o offender_n viz._n five_o shilling_n for_o the_o first_o offence_n and_o ten_o shilling_n for_o the_o second_o offence_n for_o be_v only_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o hearer_n and_o twenty_o pound_n for_o every_o house_n that_o shall_v entertain_v any_o such_o conventicle_n and_o twenty_o pound_n for_o the_o first_o offence_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v teach_v or_o preach_v in_o such_o meeting_n and_o forty_o pound_n for_o every_o such_o offence_n after_o the_o first_o conviction_n and_o also_o power_n in_o give_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o peace_n to_o levy_v the_o fine_n of_o some_o person_n upon_o other_o so_o far_o as_o ten_o pound_n and_o all_o these_o fine_n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o good_n and_o chattle_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o in_o the_o prosecute_n of_o many_o person_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a statute_n much_o more_o than_o the_o sum_n of_o money_n levy_v have_v be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o good_n sell_v without_o make_v any_o return_n of_o the_o overpluss_a to_o the_o very_a great_a damage_n of_o many_o good_a protestant_a family_n and_o now_o whether_o such_o proceed_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o surpress_v popery_n and_o promote_v the_o protestant_a religion_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o protestant_n especial_o to_o protestant_a magistrate_n who_o oftentimes_o have_v opportunity_n to_o display_v justice_n with_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v far_o better_a than_o such_o severity_n as_o look_v too_o much_o like_o cruelty_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o help_n to_o such_o magistrate_n as_o be_v perplex_v with_o informer_n by_o the_o demand_n of_o warrant_n to_o disturb_v peaceable_a protestant_n in_o their_o meeting_n and_o in_o the_o seizure_n of_o their_o good_n afterward_o let_v these_o follow_a thing_n be_v inquire_v into_o by_o such_o magistrate_n as_o desire_v to_o discharge_v their_o office_n faithful_o in_o do_v justice_n between_o the_o king_n and_o the_o subject_a 1._o whether_o all_o the_o people_n above_o the_o number_n of_o five_o beside_o the_o family_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n for_o they_o be_v the_o offender_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o statute_n and_o not_o the_o subject_n of_o other_o realm_n and_o therefore_o the_o informer_n ought_v to_o swear_v that_o those_o he_o do_v inform_v against_o be_v subject_n of_o this_o realm_n 2._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o endeavour_n to_o make_v or_o contrive_v any_o insurrection_n against_o the_o government_n for_o the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n be_v to_o prevent_v such_o meeting_n 3._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o seditious_a word_n speak_v in_o the_o prayer_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o people_n see_v this_o act_n be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o suppress_v seditious_a meeting_n 4._o whether_o the_o pray_v and_o preach_v be_v according_o to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n viz._n whether_o the_o prayer_n be_v protestant_a prayer_n and_o the_o preach_a protestant_n preach_v so_o as_o to_o promote_v the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o some_o other_o religion_n if_o the_o informer_n shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o there_o long_o enough_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o such_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v swear_v evidence_n against_o such_o meeting_n forasmuch_o as_o their_o oath_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o statute_n and_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o narrow_o look_v into_o because_o those_o that_o turn_v informer_n be_v usual_o such_o as_o have_v some_o particular_a spite_n against_o some_o particular_a person_n and_o so_o instead_o of_o do_v justice_n according_a to_o law_n do_v but_o seek_v after_o some_o revenge_n for_o themselves_o upon_o the_o person_n of_o such_o as_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o or_o else_o it_o be_v do_v that_o they_o may_v have_v that_o wage_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n viz._n the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o fine_n of_o such_o person_n they_o swear_v against_o and_o so_o strive_v to_o make_v themselves_o rich_a by_o make_v other_o poor_a and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v great_o lament_v that_o some_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n have_v mighty_o further_v the_o informer_n by_o be_v too_o ready_a to_o receive_v their_o information_n and_o by_o convict_a person_n of_o divers_a offence_n as_o they_o call_v they_o before_o ever_o the_o person_n know_v of_o such_o conviction_n and_o so_o send_v divers_a warrant_n of_o distress_n altogether_o amount_v to_o very_o considerable_a sum_n of_o money_n a_o hotheaded_a constable_n present_o become_v a_o slave_n to_o the_o proud_a informer_n and_o so_o make_v a_o sudden_a seizure_n upon_o the_o outward_a substance_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o love_n godliness_n and_o whereas_o the_o justice_n may_v if_o they_o will_v lay_v but_o the_o fine_a of_o five_o shilling_n upon_o a_o person_n for_o his_o first_o or_o ten_o shilling_n for_o his_o second_o offence_n they_o do_v sometime_o lay_v the_o sum_n of_o ten_o pound_n for_o the_o default_n of_o other_o and_o so_o add_v many_o ten_o pound_n together_o to_o the_o near_o ruine_v of_o some_o person_n and_o thus_o they_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_n make_v themselves_o a_o prey_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v see_v and_o show_v himself_o displease_v at_o it_o see_v isaiah_n 59.15_o vii_o another_o way_n of_o distrese_v and_o perplex_v the_o poor_a protestant_a dissenter_n be_v by_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o who_o proceed_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o the_o say_v ecclesiastical_a court_n do_v require_v the_o churchwarden_n and_o minister_n to_o make_v presentment_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o come_v to_o their_o parish-church_n and_o unto_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o upon_o receive_v such_o presentment_n than_o the_o say_a court_n do_v issue_n forth_o citation_n for_o such_o person_n be_v present_v to_o come_v and_o make_v answer_n to_o the_o say_a presentment_n 3._o if_o the_o say_a citation_n be_v not_o serve_v upon_o the_o person_n who_o be_v present_v than_o the_o say_a court_n cause_v a_o paper_n call_v viis_fw-la &_o modis_fw-la to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o church-door_n or_o upon_o the_o person_n own_o door_n require_v the_o person_n to_o appear_v upon_o a_o certain_a day_n 4._o if_o the_o person_n do_v not_o appear_v than_o the_o say_a court_n proceed_v to_o excommunication_n for_o contempt_n 5._o if_o the_o person_n do_v appear_v than_o the_o court_n do_v acquaint_v such_o person_n that_o he_o be_v present_v for_o not_o come_v to_o church_n and_o for_o not_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n 6._o if_o the_o person_n do_v not_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v be_v at_o church_n and_o take_v the_o sacrament_n within_o the_o time_n mention_v in_o the_o say_a presentment_n than_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o say_a court_n do_v proceed_v to_o admonition_n that_o the_o say_a person_n shall_v repair_v to_o his_o parish_n church_n and_o take_v the_o sacrament_n by_o such_o a_o day_n as_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o admonition_n and_o bring_v a_o certificate_n from_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o say_a parish_n that_o he_o have_v so_o do_v whether_o fit_a for_o it_o
or_o no._n 7._o if_o the_o say_a person_n do_v not_o obey_v the_o say_a admonition_n then_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n do_v decree_v he_o excommunicate_v and_o so_o send_v a_o excommunication_n to_o the_o minister_n require_v he_o to_o publish_v the_o same_o upon_o such_o sunday_n or_o holiday_n as_o they_o appoint_v 8._o if_o the_o say_a person_n stand_v excommunicate_v forty_o day_n than_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n do_v certify_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o high-court_n of_o chancery_n by_o a_o certain_a thing_n call_v a_o significant_fw-la 9_o then_o the_o high-court_n of_o chancery_n in_o the_o termtime_n do_v award_n forth_o or_o grant_v a_o writ_n call_v de_fw-fr excommunicato_fw-la capiendo_fw-la which_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o sheriff_n of_o the_o city_n or_o county_n where_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v a_o inhabitant_n that_o the_o say_a person_n may_v be_v apprehend_v and_o commit_v to_o prison_n and_o there_o to_o remain_v without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n until_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v the_o church-party_n so_o as_o 〈◊〉_d absolution_n which_o may_v be_v obtain_v several_a way_n as_o it_o be_v allow_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a 〈…〉_o first_o by_o swear_v the_o ecclesiastical_a oath_n which_o be_v to_o swear_v to_o obey_v all_o the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a law_n 〈◊〉_d the_o lawful_a command_n of_o his_o ordinary_n second_o give_v a_o bond_n to_o conform_v upon_o the_o penalty_n of_o so_o much_o money_n as_o shall_v be_v agree_v upon_o between_o the_o excommunicate_v person_n and_o the_o aforesaid_a court_n which_o former_o use_v to_o be_v ten_o pound_n but_o now_o of_o late_a year_n the_o ecclesiastical_a market_n be_v rise_v and_o twenty_o pound_n bond_n be_v require_v three_o such_o as_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o take_v the_o aforesaid_a oath_n nor_o give_v the_o aforesaid_a bond_n may_v be_v absolve_v and_o so_o allow_v some_o time_n to_o conform_v if_o they_o will_v pay_v a_o pledge_n which_o usual_o be_v ten_o pound_n present_a payment_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o any_o of_o these_o way_n must_v abide_v in_o goal_n whatever_o become_v of_o his_o poor_a family_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o say_a person_n must_v pay_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n which_o be_v sometime_o ordinary_a and_o sometime_o extraordinary_a the_o ordinary_a charge_n be_v about_o forty_o shilling_n and_o now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v not_o obstinate_a but_o conscientious_a in_o their_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n let_v these_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o nonconformity_n be_v sober_o consider_v in_o the_o particular_n follow_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n can_v conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o because_o they_o can_v find_v a_o national_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o the_o church_n they_o find_v there_o be_v congregational_a church_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n have_v convert_v from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n samaria_n antioch_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v person_n separate_v from_o the_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n do_v by_o a_o mutual_a consent_n and_o agreement_n one_o with_o another_o maintain_v a_o holy_a communion_n together_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v sound_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o nonconformist_n of_o that_o day_n and_o undergo_v great_a suffering_n for_o not_o conform_v to_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o inhabit_v 2._o because_o they_o can_v find_v any_o such_o officer_n belong_v to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new-testament_n as_o archbishop_n lord_n bishop_n dean_n arch-deacon_n prebend_n commissary_n official_o etc._n etc._n but_o they_o find_v such_o officeer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v call_v pastor_n eldery_n a_o 〈◊〉_d d_o overseer_n and_o the_o word_n bishop_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o same_o person_n under_o the_o former_a title_n consider_v as_o feeder_n of_o and_o ruler_n over_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v forbid_v the_o bishop_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o 3._o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n can_v conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n call_v in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n supper_n because_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v not_o administer_v unto_o the_o communicant_n as_o convert_v person_n but_o as_o those_o who_o by_o tradition_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v christ_n although_o in_o work_n too_o many_o deny_v he_o by_o live_v profane_a life_n be_v great_o guilty_a of_o swear_v curse_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o divers_a other_o scandalous_a matter_n which_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o although_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v the_o reform_a religion_n yet_o thousand_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o be_v not_o reform_a person_n and_o beside_o this_o too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o say_a church_n and_o so_o be_v administrator_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o unholy_a in_o their_o conversation_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n have_v a_o great_a veneration_n and_o high_a esteem_n of_o many_o both_o of_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n clergy_n and_o common_a people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o live_v sober_a life_n and_o walk_v conscientious_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n several_a other_o reason_n may_v be_v add_v but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a conclusion_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v profess_v by_o his_o majesty_n subject_n in_o general_a consider_v as_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n and_o both_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n thereof_o and_o also_o both_o party_n be_v in_o a_o like_a danger_n of_o the_o papist_n if_o ever_o the_o government_n of_o this_o realm_n shall_v fall_v into_o their_o hand_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n prevent_v for_o then_o the_o church-protestants_a as_o well_o as_o the_o dissent_v protestant_n will_v be_v deem_v fanatic_n schismatic_n heretic_n yea_o rebelis_n and_o will_v be_v prosecute_v as_o such_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v all_o sort_n of_o protestant_n to_o say_v to_o one_o another_o as_o abraham_n to_o lot_n gen._n 13.7_o 8._o let_v there_o be_v no_o strife_n between_o we_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n especial_o consider_v the_o popish_a canaanite_n and_o perizite_n be_v now_o too_o much_o in_o our_o land_n mat._n 7.12_o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n finis_fw-la
nonconformity_n not_o inconsistent_a with_o loyalty_n or_o protestant-dissenters_a no_o seditious_a or_o disloyal_a sectary_n evidence_v in_o a_o sober_a discourse_n upon_o those_o statute_n by_o which_o the_o protestant-dissenters_a be_v prosecute_v at_o this_o day_n humble_o offer_v to_o the_o candid_a consideration_n of_o all_o protestant_n whether_o conformist_n or_o nonconformist_n by_o james_n jones_n a_o protestant-dissent_a and_o now_o a_o prisoner_n in_o wood-street-compter_n for_o nonconformity_n esther_n 3.8_o 9_o and_o haman_n say_v unto_o king_n ahasuerus_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a people_n scatter_v abroad_o and_o disperse_v among_o the_o people_n in_o all_o the_o province_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n and_o their_o law_n be_v divers_a from_o all_o the_o people_n neither_o keep_v they_o the_o king_n law_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o king_n profit_n to_o suffer_v they_o if_o it_o please_v the_o king_n let_v it_o be_v write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v destroy_v isa_n 42.22_o but_o this_o be_v a_o people_n rob_v and_o spoil_v they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o snare_v in_o hole_n and_o they_o be_v hide_v in_o prison-house_n they_o be_v for_o a_o prey_n and_o none_o deliver_v and_o for_o a_o spoil_n and_o none_o say_v restore_v london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o william_n bateman_n and_o most_o bookseller_n 1684._o to_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n whether_o they_o be_v conformist_n or_o nonconformist_n fellow_z protestant_n i_o do_v humble_o present_a to_o your_o sober_a consideration_n a_o brief_a discourse_n concern_v several_a statute_n by_o which_o they_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v prosecute_v to_o the_o very_a great_a damage_n of_o multitude_n of_o family_n who_o be_v his_o majesty_n faithful_a subject_n and_o can_v appeal_v to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n that_o they_o be_v person_n of_o loyalty_n notwithstanding_o their_o nonconformity_n and_o as_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v holy_a daniel_n who_o be_v the_o great_a nonconformist_n of_o that_o day_n dan._n 6.5_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v fair_o accuse_v of_o any_o matter_n to_o make_v he_o a_o criminal_a except_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o his_o god_n even_o so_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o england_n however_o they_o may_v be_v reproach_v and_o be_v spatter_v as_o a_o seditious_a and_o rebellious_a people_n but_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v great_o favour_v by_o god_n to_o be_v miscall_v jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n viz._n god_n the_o king_n of_o king_n mat._n 5.35_o be_v call_v the_o rebellious_a and_o bad_a city_n ezra_n 4.12_o and_o in_o verse_n 19_o a_o city_n of_o insurrection_n rebellion_n and_o sedition_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v charge_v with_o blasphemy_n mat._n 26.56_o and_o call_v a_o deceiver_n mat._n 27.63_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v call_v a_o postilent_a fellow_n a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_n act_n 24.5_o and_o his_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v call_v heresy_n verse_n 14._o and_o no_o marvel_n if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o those_o our_o day_n but_o now_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v by_o some_o that_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v in_o a_o conspiracy_n and_o bloody_a plot_n against_o the_o king_n person_n and_o government_n unto_o which_o let_v this_o answer_n be_v consider_v that_o although_o some_o particular_a person_n that_o have_v be_v count_v dissenter_n may_v be_v so_o wicked_o concern_v yet_o that_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o dissenter_n plot_n no_o more_o then_o because_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o have_v be_v in_o such_o a_o conspiracy_n it_o can_v be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n plot_n which_o to_o affirm_v will_v be_v very_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a for_o it_o will_v render_v the_o church-protestants_a no_o better_o than_o traitor_n however_o if_o either_o any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n or_o of_o the_o churchman_n shall_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o to_o be_v real_o guilty_a let_v they_o suffer_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o law_n that_o other_o may_v bear_v and_o fear_v and_o do_v no_o more_o so_o wicked_o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o a_o whole_a party_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o wickedness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o same_o party_n simeon_n and_o levi_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o horrid_a and_o bloody_a fact_n in_o cut_v off_o hamor_n and_o shechem_n which_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o that_o land_n and_o his_o son_n and_o they_o also_o cut_v off_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o city_n where_o they_o rule_v because_o that_o shechem_n the_o son_n of_o hamor_n have_v defile_v jacob_n daughter_n see_v the_o whole_a story_n in_o gen._n 34._o but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a unrighteous_a thing_n to_o charge_v good_a old_a jacob_n with_o this_o bloody_a crime_n because_o he_o it_o as_o their_o father_n or_o to_o charge_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o son_n because_o they_o be_v simeon_n and_o levi's_fw-la brethren_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o who_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o any_o crime_n be_v charge_v with_o they_o and_o be_v prosecute_v so_o as_o to_o suffer_v just_o for_o they_o and_o beside_o this_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o such_o as_o have_v be_v innocent_a person_n have_v be_v accuse_v of_o high_a crime_n and_o have_v suffer_v death_n as_o for_o instance_n naboth_n be_v accuse_v that_o he_o have_v blaspheme_v god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n for_o it_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o plot_n invent_v by_o jezebel_n and_o manage_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n where_o naboth_n dwell_v see_v 1_o king_n 21._o v._o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o be_v accuse_v that_o he_o say_v he_o will_v destroy_v the_o temple_n which_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n and_o within_o three_o day_n build_v another_o without_o hand_n mark_v 14.58_o now_o christ_n have_v speak_v of_o destroy_v and_o raise_v of_o a_o temple_n in_o three_o day_n see_v john_n 2._o v._o 19_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o up_o v._o 21._o but_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n thus_o we_o have_v two_o famous_a instance_n of_o false_a accusation_n concern_v word_n naboth_n be_v accuse_v of_o word_n that_o he_o never_o speak_v christ_n be_v accuse_v of_o some_o word_n he_o have_v speak_v but_o the_o accusation_n be_v not_o just_a as_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v for_o though_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o temple_n and_o destroy_v of_o it_o and_o raise_v of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o temple_n that_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n neither_o do_v he_o say_v that_o he_o himself_o will_v destroy_v any_o temple_n but_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o he_o know_v will_v destroy_v his_o body_n and_o say_v to_o they_o destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o as_o for_o raise_v of_o it_o up_o that_o he_o say_v shall_v be_v his_o own_o work_n and_o i_o will_v raise_v it_o up_o in_o three_o day_n but_o he_o be_v prosecute_v for_o say_v he_o will_v destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n and_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n when_o it_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o in_o our_o english_a chronicle_n it_o be_v stoir_v of_o a_o good_a housekeeper_n or_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o four_o that_o tell_v his_o son_n who_o be_v a_o child_n say_v thou_o be_v heir_n to_o the_o crown_n mean_v his_o house_n which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n but_o the_o honest_a citizen_n be_v accuse_v of_o treason_n and_o suffer_v death_n as_o a_o traitor_n see_v baker_n chron._n however_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o traitorous_a design_n have_v be_v too_o many_o time_n manage_v against_o the_o king_n of_o several_a kingdom_n and_o against_o the_o king_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a and_o whosoever_o can_v be_v prove_v real_o guilty_a thereof_o aught_o to_o suffer_v according_a to_o their_o crime_n but_o as_o for_o my_o own_o part_n who_o do_v profess_v myself_o a_o protestant_n dissenter_n i_o do_v solemn_o profess_v before_o almighty_a god_n that_o i_o do_v with_o my_o soul_n abhor_v all_o act_n of_o violence_n to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o king_n subject_n and_o do_v deem_v it_o ten_o thousand_o time_n worse_o to_o offer_v any_o violence_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n he_o be_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o head_n of_o the_o nation_n 2._o because_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o take_v away_o of_o his_o life_n be_v the_o
ready_a way_n to_o make_v the_o kingdom_n swim_v in_o blood_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o distraction_n that_o will_v attend_v such_o a_o bloody_a action_n beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o god_n who_o will_v make_v inquisition_n for_o blood_n and_o therefore_o though_o person_n of_o contrary_a mind_n to_o the_o government_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v great_o oppress_v because_o of_o law_n make_v against_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o walk_v by_o these_o follow_v rule_n 1._o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n rom._n 13.1_o 2._o to_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n viz._n tribute_n custom_n fear_v and_o honour_n rom_n 13.7_o 3._o to_o be_v patient_a in_o tribulation_n rom._n 12.12_o 4._o to_o recompense_n to_o no_o man_n evil_a for_o evil_n rom._n 12.17_o 5._o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o persecute_v they_o and_o despiteful_o use_v they_o mat._n 5.44_o 6._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n rom._n 12.11_o 7._o not_o to_o be_v overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o to_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a rom._n 12.21_o james_n jones_n a_o table_n of_o the_o principal_a thing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n 1._o of_o government_n in_o general_n page_z 1._o 2._o of_o the_o government_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a page_n 2._o 3._o a_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o object_n against_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n because_o venner_n insurrection_n page_n 3_o 4._o a_o discourse_n upon_o the_o statute_n of_o 1_o eliz._n 2._o concern_v the_o penalty_n of_o twelvepence_n for_o not_o come_v to_o some_o church_n or_o chapel_n to_o hear_v common-prayer_n every_o sunday_n and_o holiday_n p._n 4_o 5._o 5._o a_o discourse_n upon_o the_o statute_n of_o 23._o eliz._n concern_v the_o penalty_n of_o twenty_o pound_n a_o month_n for_o not_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n or_o chappel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common-prayer_n p._n 6._o 6._o a_o discourse_n upon_o the_o statute_n of_o 29._o eliz._n and_o the_o three_o of_o king_n james_n concern_v the_o same_o offence_n page_z 7_o 8._o 7._o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 35th_o of_o queen_n elizabeth_n common_o call_v the_o abjuration_n act._n page_n 9_o 10_o 11._o 8._o a_o discourse_n upon_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n page_n 12_o 13._o 9_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n itself_o and_o king_n james_n his_o exposition_n of_o it_o page_n 14_o 15._o 10._o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o queen_n elizabeth_n exposition_n of_o it_o and_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n confirm_v the_o say_a queen_n exposition_n page_z 15_o 16._o 11._o the_o statute_n of_o 17._o car._n 2._o chap._n 2._o consider_v entitle_v a_o act_n for_o restrain_v nonconformist_n from_o inhabit_v corporation_n common_o call_v the_o five-mile_n act_n page_n 16_o 17_o 12._o consideration_n upon_o the_o statute_n of_o 22._o car._n 2._o chap._n 1._o entitle_v a_o act_n to_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n etc._n etc._n page_n 17_o 18_o 19_o 13._o a_o acoount_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n for_o not_o come_v to_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n page_n 19_o 20._o 14._o the_o several_a way_n of_o obtain_v absolution_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n ibid._n 15._o reasins_z why_o protestant_a dissenter_n can_v conform_v ibid._n 16._o the_o conclusion_n ibid._n nonconformity_n not_o inconsistent_a with_o loyalty_n or_o protestant-dissenters_a no_o seditious_a or_o disloyal_a sectary_n evidence_v in_o a_o sober_a discourse_n upon_o all_o those_o statute_n by_o which_o the_o protestant-dissenters_a be_v prosecute_v at_o this_o day_n i._o government_n in_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n for_o thereby_o thing_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o person_n of_o all_o degree_n be_v regular_o manage_v and_o dispose_v of_o and_o though_o some_o government_n be_v far_o better_o than_o other_o yet_o that_o government_n that_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v far_o better_a than_o no_o government_n at_o all_o for_o without_o government_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o dreadful_a confusion_n each_o party_n strive_v to_o have_v his_o own_o lust_n a_o law_n for_o other_o therefore_o it_o be_v far_o better_a for_o common_a good_a to_o be_v under_o a_o government_n by_o settle_a law_n though_o in_o some_o thing_n bad_a then_o to_o be_v under_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o any_o number_n of_o person_n who_o proceed_n may_v be_v according_a to_o that_o power_n and_o may_v in_o a_o way_n of_o force_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_n over_o each_o other_o and_o so_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o uncertainty_n of_o command_v there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o uncertainty_n of_o obey_v and_o so_o a_o uncertainty_n of_o any_o safety_n ii_o the_o government_n of_o nation_n do_v very_o much_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o in_o the_o particular_a form_n thereof_o some_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n and_o some_o by_o state_n and_o some_o by_o other_o governor_n but_o though_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o form_n of_o government_n and_o in_o the_o title_n of_o governor_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o government_n viz._n to_o maintain_v a_o public_a peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v so_o unite_v unto_o each_o other_o as_o to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o foreign_a foe_n and_o to_o punish_v such_o as_o be_v offender_n in_o offer_v any_o kind_n of_o violence_n to_o the_o person_n or_o power_n of_o their_o governor_n or_o to_o the_o person_n privilege_n and_o property_n of_o each_o other_o and_o in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n those_o that_o differ_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n from_o what_o may_v be_v the_o establish_v worship_n of_o the_o country_n where_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o peaceable_a manner_n with_o subjection_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n though_o in_o religious_a matter_n they_o differ_v from_o those_o country_n where_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n yet_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o maintain_v the_o welfare_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o government_n see_v rom._n 13.7_o render_v therefore_o to_o all_o their_o due_n tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n fear_v to_o who_o fear_n honour_n to_o who_o honour_n and_o also_o to_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n under_o authority_n see_v 1_o tim._n 2.2_o iii_o and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o england_n be_v most_o happy_a in_o its_o government_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o king_n lord_n and_o commons_o by_o who_o law_n be_v make_v for_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o the_o lawmaker_n be_v also_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n they_o make_v and_o this_o be_v most_o excellent_a that_o each_o party_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n consider_v as_o king_n lord_n and_o commons_o can_v impose_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n upon_o the_o subject_n in_o general_n nor_o upon_o each_o other_o without_o a_o mutual_a consent_n viz._n the_o king_n can_v impose_v a_o law_n upon_o the_o peer_n the_o peer_n can_v impose_v a_o law_n upon_o the_o king_n the_o king_n and_o peer_n can_v impose_v a_o law_n upon_o the_o commons_o the_o commons_o can_v impose_v a_o law_n upon_o the_o king_n and_o peer_n but_o king_n peer_n and_o commons_o by_o a_o joint_a consent_n do_v make_v law_n iu._n and_o each_o party_n who_o have_v matter_n one_o against_o another_o can_v determine_v or_o issue_v their_o case_n according_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n but_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o matter_n must_v be_v in_o a_o legal_a way_n be_v try_v before_o the_o honourable_a judge_n of_o the_o realm_n who_o be_v require_v by_o law_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o deny_v nor_o delay_v justice_n &_o the_o whole_a issue_n of_o matter_n in_o controversy_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o jury_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n viz._n twelve_o man_n of_o honesty_n and_o wisdom_n that_o so_o the_o king_n subject_n may_v receive_v no_o wrong_n by_o knave_n or_o fool_n and_o in_o some_o great_a criminal_a case_n the_o prisoner_n or_o accuse_v party_n be_v allow_v by_o law_n to_o except_v against_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v summon_v to_o be_v of_o his_o jury_n without_o show_v any_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o they_o and_o may_v after_o that_o number_n be_v expire_v except_o against_o many_o other_o upon_o such_o reason_n as_o the_o court_n can_v just_o approve_v of_o so_o tender_a be_v the_o law_n of_o man_n life_n that_o good_a
provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o justice_n that_o so_o the_o innocent_a may_v be_v acquit_v and_o none_o but_o the_o guilty_a may_v be_v punish_v unless_o the_o king_n extend_v mercy_n in_o pardonable_a case_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o offender_n amendment_n v._o and_o this_o further_a must_v be_v consider_v that_o one_o part_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n be_v the_o house_n of_o commons_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o have_v power_n to_o prepare_v bill_n for_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o also_o to_o accept_v or_o reject_v bill_n from_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n before_o they_o be_v present_v to_o his_o majesty_n for_o his_o royal_a assent_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o law_n be_v make_v that_o be_v not_o for_o the_o people_n profit_n the_o elector_n of_o such_o member_n of_o parliament_n must_v reflect_v upon_o themselves_o for_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n and_o look_v better_o to_o their_o choice_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v vi_o and_o sometime_o his_o majesty_n liege_n people_n may_v receive_v and_o sustain_v damage_n and_o wrong_n not_o because_o the_o law_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o it_o be_v bad_o manage_v by_o such_o as_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o law_n or_o else_o because_o they_o may_v have_v some_o antipathy_n in_o their_o mind_n against_o those_o that_o be_v prosecute_v and_o so_o that_o they_o may_v accomplish_v their_o own_o will_n against_o some_o particular_a person_n do_v sometime_o venture_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n vii_o and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o nation_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n do_v sometime_o upon_o mature_a consideration_n prepare_v bill_n for_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o which_o some_o former_a law_n be_v confirm_v and_o explain_v and_o some_o law_n be_v repeal_v and_o some_o new_a law_n be_v make_v viii_o now_o therefore_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v right_o administer_v unto_o all_o the_o king_n subject_n it_o do_v high_o concern_v all_o mayor_n of_o city_n and_o of_o other_o corporation_n as_o also_o all_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n in_o the_o several_a county_n of_o this_o realm_n together_o with_o all_o other-peace-officer_n concern_v in_o the_o execute_n of_o the_o law_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o their_o several_a office_n according_a to_o law_n that_o as_o they_o may_v not_o come_v short_a so_o they_o may_v not_o go_v beyond_o that_o power_n the_o law_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o become_v needless_a prosecuter_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o king_n subject_n to_o their_o shirt_n and_o damage_n though_o after_o great_a charge_n and_o expense_n such_o may_v be_v relieve_v by_o the_o king_n honourable_a judge_n and_o it_o may_v be_v those_o that_o be_v their_o troubler_n may_v pay_v for_o it_o afterward_o to_o their_o cost_n and_o shame_n when_o justice_n shine_v in_o the_o king_n court_n of_o justice_n be_v display_v impartial_o between_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o also_o between_o subject_a and_o subject_a ix_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o justice_n it_o do_v high_o concern_v the_o executor_n of_o the_o law_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n punishable_a by_o the_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v great_a or_o small_a whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v any_o way_n a_o hurt_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n or_o to_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o though_o the_o law_n do_v count_v offence_n yet_o in_o themselves_o be_v not_o matter_n at_o all_o criminal_a viz._n matter_n of_o conscience_n by_o reason_n of_o man_n differ_v opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v no_o way_n hurtful_a to_o any_o man_n person_n name_n or_o estate_n x._o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v sober_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n the_o deem_v and_o repute_a offender_n be_v whether_o they_o do_v at_o all_o own_o and_o adhere_v to_o any_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v own_o and_o approve_v of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o all_o other_o his_o dominion_n and_o country_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n who_o though_o they_o may_v in_o some_o thing_n of_o religion_n differ_v from_o some_o matter_n of_o worship_n as_o establish_v by_o law_n be_v yet_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o honour_n the_o king_n and_o profess_v practice_n and_o promote_v the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o government_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o it_o both_o with_o person_n and_o purse_n as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o general_a and_o that_o in_o a_o time_n and_o time_n of_o great_a distress_n when_o they_o have_v be_v severe_o prosecute_v in_o city_n and_o country_n to_o the_o very_a great_a damage_n of_o many_o good_a family_n who_o desire_v to_o live_v and_o die_v his_o majesty_n peaceable_a subject_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v object_v and_o say_v that_o the_o dissenter_n have_v be_v troubler_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o government_n and_o so_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o insurrection_n that_o be_v make_v by_o venner_n and_o his_o party_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n unto_o which_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n may_v be_v return_v and_o therefore_o pray_v let_v these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n 1._o that_o the_o insurrection_n of_o venner_n party_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o dissenter_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n as_o a_o act_n of_o great_a violence_n and_o wickedness_n 2._o that_o conspiracy_n be_v but_o by_o a_o few_o viz._n 29._o who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o fiery_a spirit_n and_o swim_a brain_n and_o will_v fain_o have_v be_v at_o the_o same_o work_n in_o the_o time_n of_o oliver_n cromwell_n if_o he_o have_v not_o very_o timely_o prevent_v it_o 3._o though_o they_o be_v dissenter_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v fierce-spirited_n man_n against_o all_o other_o dissenter_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o desperate_a mind_n 4._o the_o law_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o their_o person_n have_v be_v punish_v severe_o for_o that_o desperate_a practice_n and_o the_o dissenter_n in_o general_a throughout_o this_o realm_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o that_o business_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o fair_a that_o any_o party_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o and_o condemn_v for_o the_o foolish_a rash_a proceed_n of_o some_o that_o may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o distinguish_a name_n for_o suppose_v some_o presbyterian_o some_o independent_n some_o anabaptist_n and_o some_o quaker_n shall_v conspire_v against_o the_o government_n it_o will_v not_o be_v fair_a deal_n to_o deem_v that_o all_o of_o those_o name_n be_v all_o alike_o in_o such_o bad_a thing_n for_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o frenchman_n scotchman_n irishman_n and_o other_o country_n must_v be_v deem_v enemy_n to_o the_o government_n because_o some_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o yea_o according_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a rule_n all_o sort_n of_o tradesman_n gentleman_n clergyman_n knight_n lord_n earls_z duke_n though_o good_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v censure_v and_o fear_v to_o be_v traitor_n because_o some_o of_o such_o degree_n and_o quality_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v such_o criminal_n but_o as_o this_o be_v far_o from_o christianity_n so_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o good_a humanity_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o those_o and_o only_o those_o who_o be_v the_o criminal_n be_v punish_v according_a to_o their_o crime_n and_o as_o for_o all_o other_o who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o such_o crime_n though_o they_o be_v under_o the_o same_o denomination_n respect_v degree_n in_o the_o world_n or_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o favour_v as_o loyal_a subject_n to_o the_o king_n although_o there_o may_v be_v some_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o law_n do_v account_v offence_n xi_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v right_o administer_v and_o oppression_n may_v be_v avoid_v the_o nature_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o offence_n especial_o if_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o punishment_n for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o offence_n and_o if_o the_o executor_n of_o the_o law_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o take_v which_o way_n they_o please_v of_o the_o great_a or_o small_a punishment_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o savore_v too_o much_o or_o severity_n if_o not_o
three_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n from_o popery_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o therefore_o a_o gentle_a way_n of_o punishment_n be_v provide_v viz._n twelvepence_n forfeit_a for_o every_o sunday_n and_o holiday_n for_o not_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o common-prayer_n so_o as_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o attend_v it_o now_o if_o the_o poor_a protestant-dissenters_a must_v be_v punish_v by_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n let_v such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n consider_v that_o this_o law_n will_v not_o do_v their_o fellow_n protestant_n so_o much_o harm_n as_o some_o other_o law_n and_o yet_o this_o punishment_n of_o twelvepence_n a_o day_n be_v a_o heavy_a punishment_n for_o such_o poor_a people_n as_o be_v not_o worth_a twelvepence_n and_o more_o especial_o if_o five_o or_o ten_o or_o twenty_o day_n forfeit_v be_v lay_v upon_o such_o poor_a people_n 4._o consider_v that_o though_o this_o be_v a_o gentle_a way_n of_o punishment_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v it_o for_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o kind_n of_o fines_n or_o forfeiture_n great_a or_o small_a as_o a_o punishment_n for_o not_o conform_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o if_o either_o papist_n or_o protestant_n shall_v conform_v only_o to_o avoid_v this_o or_o any_o other_o punishment_n they_o will_v be_v but_o hypocrite_n the_o conformity_n be_v only_o to_o save_v their_o purse_n and_o not_o the_o act_n of_o their_o spirit_n 5._o consider_v that_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o this_o statute_n if_o protestant_n may_v be_v prosecute_v great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v church-protestants_a be_v a_o kind_n of_o nonconformist_n because_o they_o do_v not_o go_v to_o common-prayer_n upon_o every_o holiday_n and_o sure_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v so_o prosecute_v themselves_o as_o they_o prosecute_v their_o fellow_n protestant_n ii_o the_o next_o statute_n by_o which_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v prosecute_v and_o distress_a which_o now_o shall_v be_v discourse_v be_v anno_fw-la vicessimo_fw-la tertio_fw-la reginae_fw-la elizabethae_fw-la chap._n 1._o paragraph_n 5._o where_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o every_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n which_o shall_v not_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n chappel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common-prayer_n but_o forbear_v the_o same_o contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o a_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o her_o majesty_n reign_n for_o uniformity_n of_o common-prayer_n and_o be_v lawful_o convict_v shall_v forfeit_v to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n for_o every_o month_n twenty_o pound_n of_o english_a lawful_a money_n now_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a statute_n it_o will_v be_v best_a to_o peruse_v the_o whole_a of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o statute_n book_n of_o the_o realm_n in_o which_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v design_v direct_o against_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a religion_n see_v paragraph_n 1._o where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o divers_a ill_a affect_a person_n who_o use_v divers_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o withdraw_v her_o majesty_n subject_n from_o their_o due_a obedience_n to_o obey_v the_o usurp_v authority_n of_o rome_n see_v paragraph_n 2._o where_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o that_o shall_v absolve_v or_o by_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n persuade_v the_o queen_n subject_n from_o their_o natural_a obedience_n to_o any_o obedience_n to_o the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n or_o of_o any_o other_o prince_n state_n or_o potentate_n to_o be_v have_v or_o use_v within_o her_o dâ—minions_n shall_v be_v judge_v as_o traitor_n and_o shall_v suffer_v as_o traitor_n see_v paragraph_n 3_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o enact_v that_o every_o person_n and_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v willing_o aider_n or_o maintainer_n of_o such_o person_n or_o shall_v conceal_v and_o not_o disclose_v such_o offence_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o judge_v and_o suffer_v as_o offender_n in_o misprision_n of_o treason_n see_v paragraph_n 4._o it_o be_v likewise_o enact_v that_o every_o person_n which_o shall_v say_v or_o sing_v mass_n be_v lawful_o convict_v shall_v forfeit_v the_o sum_n of_o two_o hundred_o mark_n and_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o next_o goal_n there_o to_o remain_v for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o year_n and_o that_o every_o person_n which_o shall_v willing_o hear_v mass_n shall_v forfeit_v one_o hundred_o mark_n and_o suffer_v imprisonment_n a_o year_n and_o in_o paragraph_n 5._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o every_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n which_o shall_v not_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n or_o chappel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common-prayer_n shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o month_n the_o sum_n of_o twenty_o pound_n from_o which_o particular_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a statute_n let_v these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o queen_n as_o a_o protestant_a monarch_n in_o her_o own_o realm_n in_o opposition_n to_o any_o pretend_a authority_n by_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n be_v plain_o assert_v 2._o a_o further_a proceed_v in_o provide_v punishment_n for_o those_o that_o shall_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o realm_n and_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v the_o subject_n of_o england_n to_o obey_v the_o authority_n of_o rome_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o english_a monarch_n 3._o it_o seem_v by_o this_o statute_n that_o after_o twenty_o three_o year_n reign_v of_o this_o protestant_a queen_n the_o popish_a party_n be_v still_o busy_a in_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o therefore_o further_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o a_o great_a penalty_n to_o reduce_v they_o viz._n from_o twelvepence_n a_o day_n unto_o twenty_o pound_n a_o month._n 4._o and_o though_o this_o statute_n do_v mention_v every_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n as_o be_v require_v to_o come_v to_o church_n there_o be_v good_a ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o by_o every_o person_n be_v intend_v every_o such_o person_n as_o absent_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o popish_a religion_n and_o adhere_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n and_o thereby_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v implacable_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n 5._o consider_v that_o if_o the_o lawmaker_n have_v intend_v such_o as_o be_v now_o call_v protestant-dissenters_a such_o will_v have_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o popish_a party_n by_o some_o other_o name_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 35th_o of_o elizabeth_n which_o shall_v be_v next_o discourse_v of_o and_o therefore_o to_o prosecute_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n by_o this_o law_n which_o undoubted_o be_v make_v against_o the_o papist_n and_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v make_v against_o any_o protestant_n seem_v to_o be_v hard_a deal_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v other_o law_n by_o which_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v great_o distress_v 6._o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o punishment_n viz._n of_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o twenty_o pound_n a_o month_n for_o not_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n of_o chapel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common-prayer_n for_o though_o a_o person_n may_v be_v indict_v but_o for_o one_o month_n and_o be_v convict_v thereof_o he_o shall_v forfeit_v twenty_o pound_n a_o month_n all_o the_o time_n after_o such_o conviction_n until_o he_o shall_v make_v such_o submission_n in_o a_o way_n of_o conformity_n as_o the_o law_n do_v require_v without_o any_o more_o indictment_n or_o conviction_n see_v this_o in_o the_o statute_n anno_fw-la vicessimo_fw-la nono_fw-la reginae_fw-la elizabethae_fw-la chap._n 3._o paragraph_n 3_o 4._o where_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o such_o offender_n shall_v also_o for_o every_o month_n after_o such_o conviction_n without_o any_o other_o indictment_n or_o conviction_n pay_v into_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o exchequer_n after_o the_o rate_n or_o twenty_o pound_n for_o every_o month_n after_o such_o conviction_n so_o that_o after_o this_o rate_n such_o offender_n will_v forfeit_v two_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o pound_n a_o year_n there_o be_v according_a to_o law_n thirteen_o month_n in_o the_o year_n and_o it_o be_v further_o provide_v by_o this_o last-mentioned_a statute_n that_o if_o default_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o any_o part_n of_o any_o payment_n aforesaid_a that_o then_o and_o so_o often_o the_o queen_n majesty_n shall_v and_o may_v by_o process_n out_o of_o the_o say_a exchequer_n take_v seize_v and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o good_n and_o two_o part_n as_o well_o of_o all_o the_o land_n tenement_n and_o hereditament_n liable_a to_o such_o seizure_n