Selected quad for the lemma: lord_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
lord_n case_n zeal_n zealous_a 26 3 9.2942 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A30510 The memorable works of a son of thunder and consolation namely that true prophet and faithful servant of God and sufferer for the testimony of Jesus, Edward Burroughs, who dyed a prisoner for the word of God in the city of London, the fourteenth of the twelfth moneth, 1662. Burrough, Edward, 1634-1662.; Howgill, Francis, 1618-1669. 1672 (1672) Wing B5980; ESTC R31282 1,280,745 962

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but_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o true_a knowledge_n and_o thus_o the_o jew_n be_v zealous_o perform_v that_o as_o their_o duty_n and_o as_o out_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o the_o lord_n require_v not_o at_o their_o hand_n and_o so_o they_o make_v conscience_n to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n require_v not_o and_o their_o conscience_n be_v mislead_v and_o not_o right_o inform_v and_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o this_o case_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a so_o now_o be_v it_o among_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o apostasy_n their_o conscience_n be_v misguide_v by_o a_o false_a spirit_n they_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v the_o thing_n in_o great_a zeal_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o require_v of_o they_o thus_o do_v the_o papist_n they_o do_v and_o practice_v the_o thing_n in_o great_a zeal_n and_o through_o a_o false_a fear_n in_o their_o blind_a conscience_n which_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o idolatry_n and_o not_o command_v nor_o require_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o in_o many_o particular_n i_o may_v show_v even_o in_o many_o part_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o religion_n which_o out_o of_o a_o fear_n and_o blind_a zeal_n and_o misguide_v conscience_n they_o practise_v which_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o idolatry_n and_o not_o require_v nor_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o many_o thing_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o protestant_n worship_n and_o among_o all_o the_o several_a false_a sect_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v do_v and_o practise_v in_o great_a zeal_n and_o out_o of_o a_o false_a fear_n and_o as_o in_o pretence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o idolatrous_a as_o do_v and_o practise_v by_o they_o and_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o i_o have_v say_v because_o the_o conscience_n be_v misinform_v and_o a_o false_a spirit_n guide_v and_o rule_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o people_n be_v 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how_o general_o we_o be_v man_n of_o the_o strict_a sect_n and_o of_o the_o great_a zeal_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a righteousness_n and_o go_v through_o and_o try_v all_o sort_n of_o teacher_n and_o run_v from_o mountain_n to_o mountain_n and_o from_o man_n to_o man_n and_o from_o one_o form_n to_o another_o as_o do_v many_o to_o this_o very_a day_n who_o yet_o remain_v ungathered_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o we_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o we_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n beside_o and_o for_o one_o i_o may_v speak_v who_o from_o a_o child_n even_o a_o few_o year_n old_a he_o set_v his_o face_n to_o seek_v and_o find_v the_o saviour_n and_o more_o than_o life_n and_o treasure_n or_o any_o mortal_a crown_n seek_v after_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n the_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o wit_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o after_o our_o long_a seek_v the_o lord_n appear_v 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that_o which_o you_o yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o case_n will_v not_o allo●_n to_o that_o in_o all_o your_o conscience_n i_o speak_v oh_o that_o ever_o you_o shall_v thus_o req●…_n the_o lord_n for_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o break_v the_o yoke_n o●_n the_o oppressor_n from_o off_o your_o neck_n and_o now_o power_n be_v give_v into_o your_o hand_n to_o relieve_v the_o innocent_a and_o to_o set_v the_o oppress_a free_a to_o execute_v judgement_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o the_o transgressor_n who_o the_o law_n be_v against_o and_o this_o do_v god_n require_v of_o you_o that_o his_o wi●●_n may_v be_v do_v and_o your_o will_n deny_v that_o so_o the_o nation_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o your_o latter_a end_n may_v be_v better_o than_o your_o beginning_n but_o if_o you_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n you_o be_v beginning_n and_o ●ur●_n justice_n backward_o and_o l●●_n equity_n fall_v in_o the_o street_n and_o not_o suffer_v judgement_n to_o enter_v than_o misery_n will_v be_v your_o end_n woe_n be_v i_o for_o you_o have_v all_o forget_v the_o rock_n from_o whence_o you_o be_v h●●en_o and_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o in_o the_o time_n of_o di●●●●ss_n yea_o you_o have_v forget_v and_o your_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o by_o your_o policy_n think_v to_o establish_v your_o own_o will_n and_o to_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o a_o way_n and_o set_v up_o your_o standard_n by_o he_o and_o tru●●_n in_o the_o ar●_n of_o flesh_n what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o tender_a conscience_n you_o hau●_n speak_v of_o and_o we_o have_v engage_v with_o you_o to_o purchase_v and_o be_v it_o end_v in_o this_o o●_n horrible_a hypocrisy_n that_o they_o who_o bear_v witness_n against_o all_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n and_o against_o all_o deceit_n that_o they_o shall_v now_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n of_o and_o we_o charge_v all_o i●_n the_o name_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o ireland_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o evil_a or_o the_o transgression_n of_o any_o law_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v let_v none_o lay_v hold_n on_o we_o to_o abridge_v 〈◊〉_d of_o our_o liberty_n lest_o you_o bring_v guilt_n upon_o yourselves_o and_o do_v not_o take_v counsel_n at_o they_o nor_o hold_v they_o up_o who_o be_v hireling_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o in_o the_o error_n of_o balaam_n who_o speak_v for_o gift_n and_o reward_n who_o in_o all_o generation_n resist_v every_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o now_o will_v make_v all_o bow_n to_o their_o image_n and_o they_o bend_v their_o tongue_n and_o report_n lie_v and_o make_v lie_v their_o refuge_n the_o hand_n of_o the_o dreadful_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v against_o they_o yea_o the_o lord_n will_v thunder_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v blow_v away_o in_o the_o whirlwind_n of_o god_n wrath_n who_o have_v pervert_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o they_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o flatter_v you_o 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v do_v the_o prince_n in_o all_o generation_n till_o all_o be_v lay_v waste_n together_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o you_o have_v you_o consult_v have_v you_o take_v counsel_n together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o servant_n who_o he_o have_v send_v unto_o you_o and_o do_v you_o thus_o requi●●_n the_o lord_n already_o have_v you_o send_v out_o your_o decree_n to_o shut_v out_o and_o root_n out_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n in_o a_o day_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o above_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n sure_o your_o decree_n will_v be_v break_v and_o your_o cord_n wi●●_n 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o a_o bulrush_n for_o they_o who_o you_o now_o set_v at_o nought_o be_v precious_a in_o the_o ey●●_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o our_o god_n shall_v you_o bow_v and_o worship_n at_o his_o foot_n consider_v if_o there_o be_v any_o honesty_n leave_v among_o you_o what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o the_o persecut●●●_n of_o old_a and_o will_v you_o tell_v of_o reformation_n and_o yet_o act_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o persecutor_n if_o you_o go_v on_o you_o be_v at_o the_o brink_n of_o destruction_n and_o at_o ●●e_z side_n of_o the_o pit_n and_o you_o will_v be_v make_v a_o ruinous_a heap_n and_o as_o desolate_a as_o mo●…_n esau_n which_o be_v a_o place_n for_o dragon_n be_v not_o persecution_n ever_o blind_a will_v they_o ever_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o for_o very_o if_o you_o know_v we_o you_o will_v 〈◊〉_d have_v do_v so_o unto_o we_o when_o herod_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n to_o vex_v certain_a of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o you_o hear_v of_o he_o he_o be_v eat_v up_o of_o worm_n the_o dread_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v upon_o all_o the_o proud_a and_o lofty_a and_o high_a oak_n and_o the_o wind_n o●_n the_o almighty_a shall_v blow_v they_o all_o down_o root_n and_o branch_n and_o all_o your_o strength_n be_v which_o you_o trust_v if_o you_o take_v counsel_n at_o egypt_n will_v become_v as_o a_o bow_a wall_n and_o as_o a_o rot_a hedge_n and_o god_n will_v make_v they_o that_o exalt_v themselves_o against_o he_o 〈◊〉_d a_o dunghill_n and_o as_o the_o prince_n of_o gog_n of_o mesek_n and_o tubal_n which_o be_v all_o perish_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o uncricumcised_a oh_o you_o potsherd_n do_v you_o think_v y●●_n can_v limit_v the_o lord_n will_v he_o be_v instruct_v by_o you_o he_o that_o reprove_v he_o let_v hi●_n answer_v it_o can_v you_o command_v the_o wind_n that_o it_o blow_v not_o upon_o the_o earth_n c●●_n you_o stop_v the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o he_o still_o can_v you_o stop_v the_o bottle_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o if_o you_o can_v all_o be_v silent_a and_o 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o resist_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o own_o work_n which_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o 〈◊〉_d own_o day_n he_o will_v confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o bring_v to_o nought_o the_o honourable_a of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v all_o as_o a_o plain_a before_o he_o who_o can_v withstand_v he_o oh_o you_o potsherd_n fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o he_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o all_o the_o ungodly_a who_o be_v visit_v the_o transgressor_n with_o vengeance_n dread_a and_o fury_n and_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o cup_n of_o tremble_a and_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o burdensome_a stone_n all_o that_o meddle_v with_o it_o shall_v be_v weary_v they_o shall_v faint_v and_o bow_v themselves_o and_o sink_v under_o it_o and_o be_v crush_v as_o with_o a_o cartwheel_n to_o piece_n and_o their_o name_n shall_v rot_v from_o under_o heaven_n and_o all_o shall_v know_v our_o god_n be_v the_o live_a god_n yea_o the_o god_n of_o god_n yea_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o and_o know_v this_o no_o power_n you_o have_v of_o we_o except_o it_o have_v be_v from_o above_o we_o be_v with_o you_o in_o the_o city_n of_o dublin_n near_o three_o month_n some_o of_o we_o and_o none_o lay_v hand_n on_o we_o but_o the_o time_n be_v not_o come_v and_o till_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v near_o finish_v which_o he_o send_v we_o to_o do_v none_o can_v lay_v hand_n on_o we_o and_o know_v this_o though_o this_o be_v a_o time_n of_o temptation_n and_o trial_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o you_o think_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o send_v we_o out_o of_o your_o nation_n that_o so_o all_o will_v cease_v and_o deceit_n will_v stand_v without_o molestation_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o even_o the_o child_n that_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o womb_n shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o hear_v witness_n against_o the_o deceit_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o know_v this_o there_o be_v a_o stump_n which_o be_v but_o little_a which_o be_v bind_v about_o as_o with_o iron_n and_o brass_n and_o out_o of_o it_o shall_v spring_v fire_n that_o shall_v be_v kindle_v and_o flame_n to_o the_o torment_n of_o all_o they_o who_o worship_n the_o beast_n and_o have_v receive_v his_o mark_n and_o to_o the_o torment_a of_o all_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o it_o shall_v burn_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v it_o many_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o come_v not_o in_o our_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o live_v eternal_a god_n who_o by_o his_o power_n have_v accomplish_v his_o own_o work_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o many_o shall_v bless_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o our_o opposer_n shall_v gnash_v their_o tooth_n and_o gnaw_v their_o tongue_n
all_o be_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v that_o can_v swear_v or_o take_v a_o oath_n for_o many_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n can_v swear_v for_o conscience_n sake_n because_o christ_n have_v command_v not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o though_o such_o do_v deny_v the_o pope_n and_o all_o his_o authority_n and_o doctrine_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v signify_v in_o that_o oath_n who_o can_v just_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v any_o way_n adherent_a to_o the_o pope_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n except_o through_o wicked_a envy_n you_o seek_v occasion_n against_o they_o thereby_o and_o you_o abuse_v your_o power_n and_o subvert_v the_o law_n if_o you_o judge_v such_o to_o be_v popish_a recusant_n because_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v because_o they_o can_v for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o walk_v in_o christ_n doctrine_n who_o command_v not_o to_o swear_v and_o follow_v the_o apostle_n example_n who_o say_v above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o and_o such_o can_v just_o be_v suspect_v or_o judge_v for_o popish_a recusant_n who_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n and_o keep_v his_o command_n therefore_o you_o must_v be_v considerate_a and_o search_v deep_a into_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o weighty_a lest_o you_o cause_v the_o guiltless_a to_o suffer_v and_o thereby_o vex_v the_o lord_n against_o yourselves_o and_o you_o must_v make_v a_o special_a difference_n betwixt_o such_o as_o will_v not_o swear_v because_o they_o be_v guilty_a and_o such_o as_o can_v swear_v for_o conscience_n sake_n though_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a but_o clear_a and_o free_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v false_o suspect_v and_o charge_v against_o they_o by_o envious_a man_n which_o may_v watch_v for_o evil_a and_o give_v information_n against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n unto_o you_o but_o let_v your_o eye_n be_v single_a in_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o you_o may_v save_v 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be_v commit_v and_o this_o we_o know_v by_o experience_n be_v the_o law_n never_o so_o just_a and_o good_a yet_o if_o the_o executioner_n of_o the_o law_n be_v unjust_a and_o unrighteous_a true_a justice_n and_o judgement_n be_v turn_v backward_o and_o for_o want_v thereof_o the_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a daily_o suffer_v which_o kindle_v and_o increase_v the_o fierce_a anger_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o these_o nation_n and_o likewise_o all_o you_o that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n you_o ought_v not_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n of_o any_o man_n which_o the_o law_n give_v you_o no_o power_n to_o command_v for_o do_v so_o you_o make_v yourselves_o transgressor_n as_o for_o instance_n you_o have_v no_o power_n by_o any_o law_n to_o command_v man_n to_o put_v off_o their_o hat_n when_o they_o come_v before_o you_o neither_o by_o any_o law_n can_v you_o just_o punish_v they_o if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o neither_o can_v you_o just_o punish_v such_o by_o any_o law_n who_o deny_v to_o swear_v because_o for_o conscience_n sake_n they_o can_v but_o what_o have_v be_v inflict_v upon_o some_o in_o such_o case_n have_v be_v by_o will_n and_o malice_n and_o not_o by_o any_o law_n and_o the_o lord_n do_v account_v such_o thing_n against_o the_o wicked_a who_o cause_n such_o suffering_n and_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v give_v you_o warn_v and_o it_o be_v in_o perfect_a love_n unto_o you_o all_o as_o to_o inform_v you_o true_o lest_o you_o cause_v the_o innocent_a to_o suffer_v i_o be_o a_o real_a friend_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o justice_n and_o true_a judgement_n and_o full_o affect_v towards_o just_a government_n and_o wish_v well_o to_o magistrate_n e._n b._n the_o 9th_o month_n 1657._o a_o 1658_o epistle_n to_o go_v abroad_o among_o friend_n in_o westmorland_z and_o cumberland_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n friend_n my_o love_n and_o life_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o which_o be_v in_o the_o live_a god_n do_v reach_v unto_o and_o salute_v all_o you_o that_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o life_n and_o in_o the_o truth_n itself_o which_o change_v not_o which_o endure_v for_o ever_o which_o we_o receive_v of_o god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n through_o the_o gospel_n which_o come_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n to_o the_o change_n of_o we_o from_o death_n which_o reign_v over_o we_o to_o life_n in_o which_o we_o have_v power_n over_o death_n and_o to_o the_o turn_n of_o we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n wherein_o we_o be_v hold_v unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o live_a god_n wherein_o we_o become_v fruitful_a and_o a_o good_a savour_n unto_o he_o through_o nation_n dear_o belove_v in_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n in_o that_o which_o can_v sin_v nor_o be_v overcome_v of_o the_o tempter_n which_o satan_n have_v nothing_o in_o wherein_o only_o our_o fellowship_n and_o union_n stand_v one_o with_o another_o as_o we_o abide_v in_o the_o live_a vine_n christ_n jesus_n the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o you_o have_v believe_v unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v prepare_v as_o you_o continue_v therein_o you_o can_v be_v move_v or_o shake_v but_o be_v as_o mount-sion_n establish_v in_o the_o power_n and_o life_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n which_o condemn_v darkness_n and_o all_o its_o work_n and_o give_v dominion_n and_o rule_n over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n which_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n who_o know_v not_o god_n nor_o receive_v the_o truth_n much_o more_o in_o they_o who_o turn_v from_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n into_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o serve_v sin_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o fear_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n who_o shall_v bear_v their_o own_o shame_n and_o condemnation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o 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not_o of_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o wicked_a neither_o give_v place_n to_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v pervert_v by_o he_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o be_v truth_n in_o itself_o for_o ever_o though_o the_o backslider_n despise_v the_o way_n of_o it_o and_o every_o one_o abide_v in_o your_o own_o and_o know_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o you_o to_o defend_v you_o from_o the_o enemy_n who_o seek_v to_o beguile_v and_o to_o devour_v and_o to_o divert_v from_o the_o perfect_a way_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n and_o dwell_v in_o your_o own_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v perfect_a which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v and_o lead_v and_o preserve_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o the_o unclean_a can_v walk_v
the_o land_n which_o if_o you_o he_o the_o instrument_n in_o such_o a_o work_n it_o will_v be_v your_o great_a crown_n and_o your_o perpetual_a honour_n for_o the_o lord_n purpose_n be_v 〈◊〉_d ●●y_n or_o other_o to_o cleanse_v the_o land_n of_o all_o these_o and_o other_o oppression_n whatsoever_o that_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n may_v be_v a_o free_a people_n from_o all_o the_o heavy_a y●…_n of_o antichrist_n which_o have_v long_o sore_o press_v they_o down_o and_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o break_v the_o yoke_n of_o oppression_n and_o tyranny_n from_o off_o the_o neck_n of_o this_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o overturn_v yea_o and_o will_v overturn_v all_o man_n and_o authority_n that_o shall_v oppose_v his_o work_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o stand_v before_o he_o for_o the_o presence_n of_o my_o lord_n be_v more_o dreadful_a to_o a_o nation_n when_o he_o show_v himself_o in_o wrath_n than_o any_o multitude_n of_o arm_a man_n and_o woe_n be_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v find_v oppose_v of_o he_o and_o if_o you_o seek_v to_o stop_v his_o work_n you_o shall_v not_o cumber_v the_o earth_n very_o long_o nor_o oppress_v the_o nation_n ma●●_n 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o consider_v curse_a will_v you_o be_v if_o you_o be_v unfaithful_a in_o what_o 〈◊〉_d have_v to_o do_v on_o the_o lord_n behalf_n for_o your_o hour_n pass_v ever_o that_o be_v allot_v you_o and_o will_v be_v sudden_o expire_v never_o to_o be_v recall_v and_o then_o you_o can_v work_v and_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o great_a cry_n about_o ministry_n for_o send_v forth_o and_o main●…ng_v and_o encourage_v a_o godly_a ministry_n as_o you_o say_v now_o to_o this_o i_o do_v answer_n on_o my_o lord_n behalf_n and_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o plain_o as_o for_o a_o true_a godly_a ministry_n true_o call_v and_o s●nt_v of_o god_n such_o a_o ministry_n and_o such_o mi●isters_n you_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o hinder_v but_o the_o lord_n will_v send_v they_o out_o ●●●●taining_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o whether_o you_o will_v or_o no_o and_o while_o you_o be_v ●●●●bling_a yourselves_o about_o such_o a_o matter_n you_o be_v but_o meddle_v with_o thing_n above_o your_o line_n and_o out_o of_o your_o jurisdiction_n while_o you_o act_n in_o such_o a_o case_n 〈◊〉_d it_o belong_v to_o his_o government_n to_o send_v out_o minister_n who_o and_o as_o he_o will_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d maintain_v they_o and_o defend_v they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n and_o all_o this_o without_o you_o for_o such_o minister_n true_o call_v thereunto_o and_o send_v of_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o seek_v to_o you_o to_o be_v send_v forth_o or_o maintain_v by_o you_o they_o will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o you_o in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o even_o without_o you_o and_o contrary_a to_o you_o must_v they_o be_v send_v out_o and_o maintain_v so_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v a_o ministry_n in_o this_o nation_n pure_o of_o his_o own_o and_o not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n and_o such_o a_o ministry_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o hinder_v and_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o plain_o as_o for_o these_o man_n call_v minister_n in_o this_o nation_n the_o way_n of_o their_o set_n up_o and_o send_v forth_o and_o the_o way_n of_o their_o maintenance_n and_o the_o way_n of_o their_o stand_n and_o defence_n and_o in_o every_o particular_a of_o their_o be_v such_o they_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o woeful_a oppression_n in_o the_o nation_n even_o the_o most_o abominable_a and_o unjust_a cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n be_v act_v through_o they_o as_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o they_o be_v as_o such_o aforesaid_a the_o woeful_a cause_n of_o the_o nation_n groan_v under_o merciless_a deal_v and_o there_o be_v upon_o their_o account_n the_o gild_n of_o blood_n injustice_n and_o oppression_n lie_v upon_o this_o nation_n their_o inqivity_n their_o iniquity_n cry_v for_o vengeance_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n for_o they_o be_v full_a they_o be_v full_a and_o the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v near_o finish_v and_o god_n eternal_a vengeance_n be_v their_o next_o reward_n from_o the_o eternal_a god_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o they_o but_o this_o the_o earth_n be_v oppress_v by_o they_o the_o inhabitant_n groan_v under_o they_o and_o the_o righteous_a god_n be_v vex_v through_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a man_n of_o high_a indignation_n and_o fierce_a wrath_n and_o all_o their_o practice_n as_o such_o be_v the_o fuel_n of_o his_o anger_n to_o be_v consume_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o jealousy_n the_o nation_n be_v weary_a and_o its_o inhabitant_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v weary_a because_o of_o these_o man_n and_o be_v this_o the_o ministry_n cry_v up_o by_o you_o as_o godly_a and_o pi●●●_n &_o c_o be_v these_o the_o man_n that_o the_o nation_n must_v be_v force_v to_o maintain_v in_o their_o pride_n and_o idolatry_n be_v this_o the_o ministry_n that_o must_v be_v encourage_v well_o if_o these_o be_v the_o man_n and_o this_o the_o ministry_n which_o must_v be_v establish_v and_o encourage_v by_o you_o in_o so_o do_v you_o shall_v never_o prosper_v but_o thereby_o gain_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o almighty_a unto_o you_o to_o bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o all_o your_o do_n even_o because_o hereof_o for_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v seek_v to_o defend_v they_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o their_o do_n because_o their_o oppression_n cruelty_n deceit_n and_o abomination_n be_v nigh_o finish_v and_o fulfil_v wherefore_o take_v ●●ed_v unto_o yourselves_o for_o this_o be_v my_o master_n advice_n unto_o you_o let_v this_o ministry_n alone_o and_o join_v not_o yourselves_o to_o baal_n lest_o you_o perish_v neither_o take_v part_n with_o antichrist_n any_o long_a neither_o be_v you_o fighter_n against_o the_o lamb_n and_o his_o kingdom_n but_o free_a the_o nation_n and_o let_v all_o its_o inhabitant_n be_v free_v from_o the_o 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do_v reserve_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o for_o a_o glorious_a work_n that_o he_o have_v to_o do_v by_o they_o and_o he_o have_v form_v they_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o can_v join_v with_o any_o of_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o great_a beast_n neither_o can_v a_o place_n of_o honour_n pervert_v they_o from_o their_o perfect_a way_n but_o my_o lord_n he_o compass_v they_o about_o on_o every_o side_n and_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o trial_n reproach_n and_o suffering_n and_o cover_v they_o in_o the_o heat_n and_o in_o the_o storm_n till_o his_o pleasure_n be_v to_o make_v further_a use_n of_o they_o they_o be_v his_o and_o not_o their_o own_o and_o they_o must_v fulfil_v his_o will_n and_o none_o beside_o and_o they_o lie_v at_o rest_n in_o he_o while_o mountain_n be_v overturn_v and_o while_o one_o potsherd_v of_o the_o earth_n break_v another_o and_o this_o must_v be_v even_o till_o the_o appoint_a time_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o though_o much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v they_o be_v have_v in_o remembrance_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v with_o they_o even_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o nation_n be_v perpetual_a good_a and_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o high_a through_o they_o shall_v king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n bow_n and_o tremble_v wherefore_o you_o man_n touch_v they_o not_o neither_o do_v you_o afflict_v they_o even_o as_o you_o hope_v to_o prosper_v remember_v their_o cause_n and_o suffer_v it_o not_o always_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o it_o have_v long_o be_v but_o keep_v yourselves_o free_a from_o the_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o they_o that_o have_v go_v before_o you_o who_o have_v be_v merciless_a and_o oppressor_n
it_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o desire_n yea_o and_o otherwise_o even_o that_o which_o have_v the_o image_n of_o our_o god_n upon_o it_o whenever_o it_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v rejoice_v therein_o and_o be_v glad_a to_o see_v it_o prosper_v for_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n have_v we_o labour_v and_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o have_v side_v with_o one_o or_o another_o for_o we_o have_v behold_v all_o hitherto_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n as_o we_o have_v say_v but_o we_o true_o seek_v the_o general_a good_a of_o our_o nation_n and_o though_o we_o be_v account_v so_o and_o so_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o lose_v true_a reason_n nor_o understanding_n but_o we_o well_o know_v what_o be_v wrong_a and_o what_o will_v be_v right_a even_o in_o way_n of_o government_n but_o the_o time_n appear_v not_o to_o be_v yet_o when_o innocency_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n can_v be_v embrace_v for_o man_n be_v yet_o too_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o can_v receive_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v prosper_v and_o therefore_o be_v they_o and_o must_v they_o be_v confound_v among_o themselves_o and_o dash_v one_o against_o another_o till_o they_o learn_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n the_o substance_n of_o this_o be_v give_v forth_o the_o twenty_o day_n of_o the_o ten_o month_n 1659._o be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n thereunto_o through_o edward_n burrough_n a_o presentation_n to_o london_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o youngman_n and_o apprentice_n return_v to_o some_o part_n of_o their_o petition_n and_o address_v direct_v by_o they_o to_o the_o mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-council_n assemble_v and_o this_o be_v direct_v to_o they_o for_o their_o better_a information_n and_o to_o the_o citizen_n of_o london_n for_o their_o better_a satisfaction_n if_o the_o lord_n shall_v so_o work_v upon_o their_o heart_n as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o moderation_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n fit_a for_o his_o instruction_n whereas_o you_o say_v it_o have_v please_v the_o god_n and_o only_o wise_a god_n for_o you_o and_o the_o nation_n be_v crying-sin_n to_o manifest_v his_o displeasure_n for_o many_o year_n together_o against_o these_o nation_n and_o yet_o you_o say_v this_o honourable_a city_n have_v be_v no_o great_a sharer_n in_o the_o calamity_n which_o your_o brethren_n in_o other_o part_n have_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n answer_v friend_n it_o be_v very_o true_a because_o of_o you_o and_o the_o nation_n crying-sin_n the_o lord_n displeasure_n be_v against_o you_o and_o the_o nation_n and_o his_o judgement_n bang_n over_o your_o city_n and_o the_o nation_n even_o because_o of_o your_o crying-sin_n o_o the_o pride_n the_o hypocrisy_n and_o double-dealing_a and_o wantonness_n and_o all_o other_o the_o abominable_a wickedness_n which_o abound_v among_o you_o which_o be_v your_o sin_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o you_o and_o the_o nation_n which_o he_o will_v show_v one_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o you_o for_o iniquity_n be_v full_a but_o see_v that_o your_o sin_n have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n be_v it_o not_o now_o time_n to_o come_v to_o humility_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o forsake_v your_o sin_n that_o the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o you_o or_o be_v it_o a_o time_n for_o you_o to_o be_v envious_a and_o to_o seek_v revenge_n upon_o man_n and_o to_o make_v insurrection_n and_o tumult_n and_o bloodshed_n and_o so_o to_o add_v sin_n unto_o your_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o a_o time_n for_o you_o to_o proceed_v thus_o for_o hereby_o you_o will_v gain_v god_n displeasure_n more_o unto_o you_o and_o not_o turn_v his_o wrath_n away_o and_o its_o true_a this_o city_n have_v be_v wonderful_o preserve_v from_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o have_v come_v upon_o some_o in_o this_o nation_n and_o therefore_o its_o time_n for_o you_o to_o answer_v the_o lord_n love_n unto_o you_o by_o meekness_n and_o fear_v and_o righteousness_n and_o not_o to_o abuse_v his_o mercy_n by_o oppose_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o set_v yourselves_o to_o fight_v as_o against_o he_o in_o his_o proceed_n though_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n even_o because_o of_o your_o own_o multiply_a iniquity_n when_o you_o may_v bring_v calamity_n and_o misery_n upon_o this_o city_n and_o it_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o nation_n be_v tribulation_n and_o sorrow_n and_o then_o you_o complain_v of_o the_o general_a decay_n of_o trading_n but_o what_o can_v you_o attribute_v that_o unto_o but_o to_o your_o sin_n also_o for_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o double_a deal_n deceit_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o trade_n that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o the_o lord_n to_o turn_v your_o former_a mercy_n into_o a_o present_a judgement_n in_o that_o respect_n but_o in_o this_o case_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v content_v and_o to_o be_v still_o and_o not_o to_o murmur_v against_o god_n nor_o against_o any_o other_o in_o the_o nation_n but_o the_o rather_o to_o repent_v that_o the_o wrath_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o you_o and_o whereas_o you_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o your_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z common-council-man_n of_o this_o city_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v instrument_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o three_o nation_n and_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n answ._n alas_o my_o friend_n these_o trouble_n distraction_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v approach_v and_o which_o further_o may_v ensue_v be_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o you_o and_o the_o nation_n sin_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v nor_o remit_v but_o as_o you_o and_o the_o nation_n repent_v and_o turn_v from_o your_o sin_n so_o that_o you_o take_v a_o wrong_a course_n to_o remove_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o you_o and_o this_o nation_n for_o its_o certain_a that_o repentance_n from_o sin_n that_o remove_v the_o judgement_n for_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v not_o add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o to_o who_o you_o do_v appeal_v to_o remove_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o what_o be_v they_o but_o mortal_a man_n like_o yourselves_o and_o transgressor_n with_o yourselves_o and_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o sin_n act_v by_o you_o and_o must_v have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o same_o judgement_n though_o you_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o improve_v themselves_o and_o their_o talent_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o say_v whenas_o alas_o its_o jesus_n christ_n only_o that_o must_v keep_v his_o church_n in_o peace_n by_o his_o good_a spirit_n and_o not_o mortal_a man_n with_o mortal_a weapon_n though_o you_o say_v the_o discharge_v of_o their_o trust_n may_v make_v these_o nation_n happy_a or_o leave_v they_o miserable_a to_o which_o i_o say_v if_o they_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o trust_n than_o they_o will_v keep_v your_o city_n in_o peace_n and_o doubtless_o they_o will_v be_v bless_v therein_o but_o yet_o the_o happiness_n of_o these_o nation_n depend_v not_o upon_o they_o nor_o upon_o what_o they_o can_v do_v for_o while_o many_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o improve_v their_o trust_n its_o possible_a they_o may_v be_v persecute_v righteousness_n under_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n and_o persecute_v christ_n in_o his_o people_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o deceiver_n &_o false_a prophet_n this_o have_v often_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o city_n and_o nation_n man_n have_v improve_v their_o power_n and_o place_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o persecute_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n while_o as_o they_o have_v be_v think_v they_o have_v be_v punish_v sin_n heresy_n and_o error_n and_o in_o such_o case_n some_o have_v improve_v their_o talent_n not_o true_o for_o god_n but_o rather_o against_o he_o but_o whereas_o you_o say_v you_o humble_o present_a that_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o faithful_a preach_v and_o dispence_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o sacrament_n with_o the_o labour_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o you_o humble_o desire_v the_o ministry_n may_v be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v the_o university_n uphold_v and_o maintain_v etc._n etc._n answ._n alas_o my_o friend_n what_o do_v you_o think_v concern_v the_o lord_n god_n sure_o you_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o little_a belief_n in_o he_o do_v not_o you_o think_v he_o will_v maintain_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o faithful_a preach_v and_o dispense_v of_o his_o word_n and_o his_o faithful_a ministry_n without_o you_o do_v you_o think_v that_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a or_o that_o his_o power_n
and_o thou_o of_o the_o devil_n see_v they_o that_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n hence_o i_o query_n of_o thou_o xii_o whether_o by_o this_o rule_n thou_o be_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o without_o god_n who_o abide_v not_o in_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o be_v call_v of_o man_n master_n and_o stand_v pray_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o have_v the_o chief_a seat_n in_o the_o assembly_n and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n command_n answer_v these_o query_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o soberness_n if_o thou_o have_v it_o and_o show_v thyself_o a_o man_n if_o thou_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n and_o repent_v of_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o own_o thy_o condemnation_n upon_o thy_o former_a word_n and_o work_n i_o be_o a_o friend_n unto_o thy_o soul_n but_o a_o witness_n against_o thy_o deceit_n e._n b._n and_o after_o which_o time_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n i_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o christopher_n fowler_n till_o this_o last_o nine_o month_n at_o a_o place_n call_v east-h●●sted_n where_o a_o meeting_n of_o dispute_n be_v appoint_v and_o challenge_v by_o some_o of_o his_o brethren_n at_o which_o place_n again_o i_o meet_v with_o this_o my_o adversary_n where_o we_o have_v some_o hour_n discourse_v and_o many_o particular_n of_o false_a doctrine_n fall_v from_o fowler_n be_v mouth_n some_o few_o of_o which_o hereafter_o follow_v first_o one_o of_o his_o brethren_n in_o his_o prayer_n before_o the_o dispute_n pray_v to_o god_n to_o forgive_v they_o the_o atheism_n that_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n of_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n answer_v now_o a_o atheist_n be_v one_o that_o deny_v god_n and_o atheism_n be_v deny_v of_o god_n according_a to_o common_a reputation_n atheism_n be_v so_o take_v so_o that_o how_o shall_v such_o a_o generation_n of_o man_n bring_v people_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o their_o ministry_n or_o how_o shall_v they_o ever_o convert_v people_n to_o profit_v they_o who_o yet_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n deny_v god_n as_o the_o man_n acknowledge_v in_o his_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o many_o witness_n the_o poor_a people_n of_o england_n have_v think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v be_v in_o your_o heart_n but_o now_o we_o know_v that_o you_o deny_v god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o you_o have_v confess_v it_o to_o your_o own_o shame_n be_v you_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o deny_v god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o who_o heart_n lodge_v atheism_n oh_o let_v not_o people_n be_v deceive_v by_o you_o but_o repent_v you_o that_o know_v not_o god_n but_o with_o your_o mouth_n confess_v he_o and_o with_o your_o heart_n do_v deny_v he_o christopher_n fowler_n also_o affirm_v that_o day_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o glorious_a everlase_a foundation_n of_o foundation_n answ._n and_o hereby_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a that_o he_o have_v total_o deny_v christ_n and_o so_o prove_v with_o his_o brother_n confess_v in_o his_o prayer_n that_o indeed_o atheism_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o he_o have_v deny_v christ_n who_o the_o scripture_n say_v be_v the_o foundation_n and_o no_o other_o foundation_n can_v any_o man_n lay_v and_o upon_o he_o be_v the_o saint_n build_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o all_o their_o practice_n of_o religion_n for_o he_o be_v the_o corner_n stone_n as_o it_o be_v write_v and_o thus_o he_o have_v dishonour_v christ_n in_o set_v the_o scripture_n above_o he_o and_o take_v the_o honour_n from_o he_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v leave_v this_o his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v consider_v with_o a_o query_n to_o these_o people_n of_o his_o church_n in_o read_v whether_o he_o be_v worth_a hear_n or_o give_v money_n to_o for_o preach_v that_o hold_v forth_o such_o doctrine_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o shall_v bring_v they_o to_o christ_n who_o have_v in_o effect_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o glorious_a everlasting_a foundation_n of_o foundation_n much_o i_o need_v not_o say_v to_o uncover_v the_o error_n of_o suc●_n a_o doctrine_n again_o he_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n may_v be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o deceiver_n answ._n and_o here_o all_o may_v see_v the_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o this_o strange_a paradox_n and_o indeed_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o say_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n and_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o he_o that_o serve_v the_o devil_n do_v ●ot_n serve_v christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v christ_n do_v not_o serve_v the_o devil_n and_o so_o his_o doctrine_n be_v antichristian_a which_o will_v make_v people_n believe_v that_o though_o they_o serve_v the_o devil_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v say_v that_o one_o may_v be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o a_o deceiver_n now_o a_o deceiver_n be_v one_o that_o follow_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o that_o follow_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o two_o spirit_n be_v contrary_a and_o not_o both_o rule_n in_o one_o man_n at_o one_o time_n but_o then_o to_o help_v the_o matter_n he_o say_v a_o man_n may_v serve_v christ_n in_o office_n but_o not_o in_o love_n to_o which_o my_o answer_n be_v let_v he_o say_v whether_o he_o and_o the_o priest_n of_o england_n do_v serve_v christ_n by_o way_n of_o office_n or_o love_n both_z or_o either_o and_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o contrary_a but_o that_o we_o prosecute_v no_o further_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v affirm_v by_o he_o that_o day_n not_o now_o remember_v he_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o sinner_n from_o this_o argument_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o all_o that_o die_v ●●e_z sinner_n christ_n die_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n these_o and_o such_o thing_n he_o hold_v forth_o all_o that_o day_n beside_o the_o unsoberness_n of_o his_o word_n and_o carriage_n towards_o i_o who_o call_v i_o a_o dog_n divers_a time_n and_o do_v use_v very_o ridiculous_a jesture_n and_o word_n towards_o i_o even_o to_o his_o own_o shame_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o many_o people_n and_o the_o people_n of_o that_o county_n do_v yet_o well_o remember_v his_o unchristianlike_a proceed_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o but_o at_o last_o go_v his_o way_n and_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o i_o be_v leave_v among_o the_o people_n and_o i_o need_v not_o now_o mention_v for_o many_o even_o themselves_o know_v it_o what_o loss_n and_o disadvantage_n they_o sustain_v that_o day_n and_o god_n love_a truth_n be_v advance_v and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o that_o be_v obtain_v on_o the_o lord_n behalf_n but_o i_o be_v not_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v whole_o satisfy_v but_o will_v endeavour_v further_o to_o the_o lay_v open_a deceit_n and_o to_o invade_v antichrist_n kingdom_n the_o next_o morning_n after_o the_o dispute_n it_o be_v upon_o i_o to_o write_v forth_o and_o to_o send_v he_o this_o paper_n of_o proposition_n follow_v whereunto_o be_v annex_v his_o answer_n c._n fowler_n friend_n see_v thou_o be_v so_o high_a in_o thy_o spirit_n against_o we_o and_o against_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v open_v thy_o mouth_n so_o wide_o in_o justification_n of_o thyself_o and_o thy_o practice_n and_o in_o false_a charge_n against_o we_o and_o though_o we_o have_v have_v divers_a meeting_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o always_o appear_v great_a and_o great_a therefore_o this_o i_o propound_v unto_o thou_o whether_o thou_o will_v give_v another_o meeting_n of_o open_a dispute_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o thou_o and_o thy_o way_n and_o of_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o hold_v forth_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o these_o thing_n follow_v i_o propound_v as_o the_o subject_a matter_n worthy_a to_o be_v handle_v which_o may_v discover_v thou_o and_o we_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o desire_n in_o that_o case_n first_o what_o be_v the_o evident_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o a_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o whether_o thou_o or_o we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n god_n can_v clear_v ourselves_o to_o be_v clear_a and_o free_a from_o the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o such_o aforesaid_a second_o whether_o will_v thou_o stand_v to_o be_v try_v in_o thy_o ministry_n in_o thy_o call_n to_o it_o practice_n in_o it_o and_o maintenance_n of_o it_o by_z and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o will_v thou_o admit_v of_o trial_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o
god_n or_o any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n though_o you_o say_v it_o be_v yet_o we_o never_o have_v other_o proof_n of_o you_o then_o tradition_n of_o time_n and_o long_a custom_n and_o by_o this_o you_o will_v seem_v to_o plead_v the_o practice_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o this_o satisfy_v not_o we_o though_o we_o do_v not_o quarrel_v nor_o deride_v at_o your_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a as_o thou_o ground_v thy_o argument_n but_o this_o we_o do_v we_o free_o give_v our_o testimony_n against_o your_o practice_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o not_o as_o quarrel_v and_o deride_v after_o the_o flesh_n though_o we_o do_v say_v they_o be_v compose_v in_o rhyme_n and_o meet_a by_o sternhold_n and_o hopkins_n and_o other_o which_o be_v musicianer_n to_o the_o queen_n and_o in_o this_o we_o say_v true_a and_o be_v neither_o ignorant_a foolish_a nor_o profane_a as_o thou_o say_v and_o we_o give_v witness_n against_o such_o your_o practice_n to_o be_v antichristian_a and_o you_o deceiver_n of_o the_o people_n thereby_o so_o hereby_o be_v thy_o conclusion_n make_v void_a and_o a_o place_n be_v bring_v in_o for_o another_o they_o that_o act_v such_o thing_n and_o observe_v such_o practice_n in_o pretence_n of_o honour_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n which_o be_v not_o command_v nor_o institute_v of_o god_n nor_o which_o his_o spirit_n lead_v unto_o they_o be_v idolater_n and_o their_o worship_n and_o their_o practice_n be_v abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n but_o thus_o do_v the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v idolater_n and_o their_o practice_n abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n answer_v to_o the_o ten_o thy_o minor_a proposition_n i_o do_v deny_v for_o we_o do_v not_o charge_v the_o office_n and_o call_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o lie_n and_o calumny_n but_o this_o we_o say_v their_o office_n and_o their_o call_n be_v not_o from_o the_o lord_n nor_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o spirit_n neither_o be_v their_o office_n and_o call_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v different_a and_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o rather_o from_o the_o whore_n of_o rome_n and_o though_o we_o do_v affirm_v these_o thing_n concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o england_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o charge_v it_o with_o lie_n and_o calumny_n but_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o what_o will_v c._n fowler_n and_o his_o brethren_n have_v say_v of_o the_o true_a prophet_n that_o call_v the_o priest_n and_o watchman_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v make_v by_o divine_a institution_n which_o the_o office_n and_o call_v of_o england_n ministry_n never_o be_v that_o call_v they_o blind_a watchman_n and_o greedy_a dumb_a dog_n and_o devourer_n of_o soul_n may_v not_o they_o have_v say_v to_o the_o true_a prophet_n you_o charge_v the_o office_n and_o call_v of_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o lie_n and_o slander_n and_o this_o be_v like_o the_o case_n between_o we_o and_o the_o priest_n of_o england_n and_o do_v not_o christ_n call_v the_o chief_a priest_n serpent_n viper_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o those_o priest_n be_v in_o their_o office_n and_o call_v of_o god_n institution_n but_o may_v not_o they_o have_v say_v that_o he_o charge_v the_o office_n and_o call_v of_o the_o priesthood_n with_o calumny_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o it_o be_v account_v no_o sin_n by_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o to_o give_v our_o witness_n against_o the_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o priest_n of_o england_n and_o utter_o to_o deny_v both_o its_o office_n and_o call_v for_o they_o that_o do_v profess_v their_o office_n and_o call_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o from_o he_o and_o yet_o can_v give_v no_o true_a testimony_n thereof_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n such_o be_v deceive_v and_o deceiver_n of_o other_o but_o such_o be_v the_o priest_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o i_o have_v return_v answer_n to_o his_o ten_o proposition_n and_o lay_v down_o some_o other_o in_o their_o place_n his_o be_v confound_v and_o i_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o witness_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o show_v his_o madness_n and_o folly_n in_o his_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o proceed_n as_o for_o the_o matter_n he_o charge_v we_o withal_o it_o be_v whole_o invalid_a as_o for_o the_o end_n propose_v by_o h●●_n and_o we_o account_v of_o his_o work_n as_o but_o the_o malice_n of_o a_o antichristian_a spirit_n and_o as_o for_o his_o proceed_n they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n to_o fly_v from_o i_o at_o his_o dispute_n at_o east-hamsted_n as_o before_o mention_v as_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v their_o cause_n this_o he_o and_o they_o do_v as_o many_o in_o that_o country_n know_v use_v then_o for_o he_o the_o next_o morning_n when_o i_o do_v invite_v he_o to_o meet_v again_o upon_o sober_a reason_n which_o he_o also_o deny_v and_o refuse_v to_o meet_v i_o any_o more_o and_o yet_o afterward_o when_o i_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o country_n to_o go_v and_o hatch_v such_o mischief_n in_o his_o mind_n as_o to_o invent_v ten_o such_o rain_n argument_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v set_v up_o on_o the_o steeple-house-door_n o●_n purpose_n to_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v the_o innocent_a people_n of_o god_n this_o be_v his_o wickedness_n as_o all_o upright_a man_n may_v see_v and_o further_o for_o he_o to_o challenge_v to_o dispute_v these_o particular_n and_o leave_v time_n and_o place_n to_o our_o appoint_v which_o when_o time_n and_o place_n be_v appoint_v suitable_a and_o equitable_a on_o 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his_o covetous_a curse_a practice_n have_v a_o heart_n exercise_v with_o covetousness_n and_o oppression_n as_o be_v well_o know_v in_o the_o town_n of_o read_v as_o for_o instance_n first_o it_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o confess_v by_o he_o that_o he_o sue_v at_o law_n twelve_o poor_a man_n of_o read_v for_o the_o tithe_n of_o their_o turnip_n and_o with_o much_o malice_n and_o greediness_n do_v prosecute_v the_o twelve_o poor_a man_n and_o put_v himself_o and_o they_o to_o great_a charge_n and_o trouble_n only_o he_o confess_v he_o take_v but_o twenty_o noble_n of_o they_o and_o think_v he_o do_v favourable_o with_o they_o now_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o his_o own_o mouth_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o covetousness_n and_o oppression_n of_o this_o man_n
this_o be_v your_o meaning_n as_o may_v just_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n deliver_v the_o nation_n from_o you_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o further_a you_o go_v on_o in_o this_o way_n as_o you_o have_v former_o walk_v in_o the_o more_o will_v your_o profession_n and_o religion_n stink_v in_o the_o nostril_n of_o all_o good_a man_n your_o four_o evidence_n be_v immensity_n and_o bounless_a liberty_n permit_v assume_v and_o free_o practise_v by_o many_o to_o write_v print_n and_o publish_v all_o manner_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o opinion_n etc._n etc._n the_o sad_a and_o woeful_a effect_n thereof_o appear_v in_o many_o some_o be_v in_o apostasy_n other_o in_o lukewarmness_n and_o much_o decay_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n answ._n as_o i_o have_v acknowledge_v 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v without_o doubt_n many_o error_n blasphemy_n and_o false_a opinion_n extant_a in_o this_o nation_n both_o write_a publish_a and_o maintain_v but_o upon_o who_o and_o what_o sort_n of_o man_n this_o can_v true_o be_v charge_v this_o be_v very_o doubtful_a to_o many_o and_o your_o charge_n be_v only_o general_a no_o particular_a answer_n can_v well_o be_v give_v only_o it_o appear_v you_o will_v have_v none_o to_o write_v print_n or_o publish_v but_o yourselves_o or_o by_o your_o consent_n and_o you_o will_v tie_v the_o nation_n up_o in_o the_o bondage_n of_o your_o own_o spirit_n and_o you_o will_v be_v the_o only_a judge_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o error_n but_o that_o we_o allow_v not_o for_o enemy_n must_v not_o be_v judge_n and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a such_o be_v your_o darkness_n that_o you_o may_v call_v truth_n error_n and_o error_n truth_n in_o some_o particular_n but_o if_o you_o shall_v instance_n any_o particular_a doctrine_n blasphemy_n error_n and_o opinion_n publish_v and_o maintain_v in_o my_o next_o i_o shall_v free_o give_v my_o witness_n against_o they_o if_o they_o be_v real_o so_o and_o against_o the_o people_n that_o hold_v they_o as_o well_o as_o yourselves_o and_o more_o particular_o i_o can_v now_o say_v and_o there_o be_v indeed_o woeful_a and_o sad_a effect_n of_o error_n bring_v forth_o in_o this_o nation_n and_o many_o be_v in_o the_o apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o lukewarmness_n also_o and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v decay_v and_o they_o have_v the_o form_n and_o hold_v that_o without_o the_o power_n yourselves_o may_v do_v well_o and_o your_o congregation_n also_o to_o search_v your_o own_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o guilty_a may_v see_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o his_o wrath_n come_v not_o upon_o they_o your_o five_o evidence_n be_v sabbath_n profanation_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n grow_v to_o a_o great_a height_n than_o ever_o former_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n cry_v up_o instead_o of_o the_o christian_a shop_n open_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n yea_o some_o work_v the_o work_n of_o their_o ordinary_a calling_n in_o knit_v and_o sow_v of_o garment_n in_o our_o assembly_n even_o in_o the_o pulpit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n etc._n etc._n answ._n this_o remain_v doubtful_a to_o many_o what_o the_o true_a sabbath_n be_v and_o whether_o the_o lord_n do_v require_v of_o this_o generation_n the_o observe_v one_o day_n above_o another_o and_o if_o so_o what_o day_n it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v the_o observe_n of_o as_o for_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o week_n we_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o jew_n to_o keep_v as_o a_o sabbath_n and_o to_o rest_n but_o that_o be_v never_o command_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o as_o for_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o be_v call_v the_o christian_n sabbath_n that_o be_v doubtful_a to_o many_o whether_o god_n command_v and_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o day_n by_o the_o gentile_a believer_n yea_o or_o nay_o see_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o command_n nor_o bind_a example_n for_o it_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o i_o do_v desire_n that_o you_o will_v show_v it_o in_o your_o next_o and_o by_o what_o authority_n whether_o from_o man_n or_o from_o heaven_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v now_o keep_v by_o you_o as_o your_o sabbath_n for_o real_o many_o be_v doubtful_a in_o this_o case_n and_o you_o will_v do_v very_o well_o if_o you_o have_v a_o command_n from_o god_n or_o example_n from_o his_o servant_n in_o former_a age_n to_o discover_v so_o much_o unto_o the_o people_n and_o as_o for_o your_o call_n it_o the_o lordsday_n it_o be_v certain_a every_o day_n be_v he_o and_o not_o one_o day_n more_o than_o another_o and_o as_o for_o shop_n open_v and_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o mention_v though_o every_o one_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o yet_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o may_v be_v justify_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v unto_o it_o and_o who_o shall_v limit_v the_o lord_n and_o why_o may_v not_o other_o labour_n in_o their_o ordinary_a calling_n that_o day_n as_o well_o as_o you_o in_o your_o ordinary_a calling_n i_o mean_v your_o ordinary_a call_n of_o preach_v that_o be_v a_o ordinary_a call_n it_o be_v certain_a because_o you_o deny_v any_o extrordinary_a call_n in_o these_o day_n and_o so_o i_o only_o query_n this_o why_o other_o may_v not_o follow_v their_o ordinary_a calling_n as_o well_o as_o you_o for_o it_o have_v be_v affirm_v very_o late_o by_o some_o that_o preach_v be_v a_o trade_n and_o a_o function_n for_o man_n to_o get_v a_o live_n by_o and_o we_o do_v not_o question_v but_o there_o be_v many_o now_o in_o this_o nation_n call_v minister_n that_o do_v preach_v for_o that_o end_n and_o will_v cease_v to_o preach_v if_o money_n and_o tithe_n be_v cease_v to_o be_v give_v they_o i_o speak_v this_o of_o some_o not_o of_o all_o which_o do_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o way_n 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of_o worship_n and_o practice_n upon_o people_n and_o what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o godly_a ministry_n will_v you_o admit_v of_o just_a trial_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n whether_o you_o be_v that_o godly_a ministry_n or_o no_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n papist_n and_o protestant_n and_o all_o other_o they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o their_o ministry_n be_v the_o godly_a ministry_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o many_o prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o you_o be_v the_o godly_a ministry_n except_o you_o will_v prove_v it_o to_o we_o by_o and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a godly_a ministry_n and_o if_o you_o agree_v with_o they_o than_o we_o will_v confess_v that_o you_o be_v the_o true_a godly_a ministry_n therefore_o tell_v we_o plain_o do_v you_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o your_o call_n and_o in_o your_o maintenance_n and_o in_o your_o practice_n and_o in_o your_o fruit_n and_o effect_n in_o your_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o in_o your_o doctrine_n be_v you_o just_o according_a to_o and_o do_v you_o agree_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o lay_v you_o to_o the_o line_n that_o you_o may_v be_v judge_v this_o be_v but_o as_o a_o hint_n at_o thing_n whereby_o you_o may_v just_o be_v try_v for_o if_o you_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o case_n mention_v than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o your_o ministry_n be_v not_o the_o true_a godly_a ministry_n but_o hereafter_o we_o may_v have_v a_o better_a occasion_n to_o try_v you_o and_o thus_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o your_o exhortation_n be_v answer_v and_o if_o you_o can_v receive_v it_o in_o love_n to_o all_o you_o sixty_o one_o teacher_n in_o london_n under_o who_o hand_n your_o exhortation_n pass_v this_o i_o say_v to_o you_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n oh_o you_o man_n consider_v 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there_o be_v abundance_n of_o corrupt_a tree_n and_o fruitless_a branch_n which_o cumber_v the_o ground_n oh_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a sad_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o street_n and_o to_o view_v the_o abomination_n that_o be_v daily_o bring_v forth_o by_o a_o people_n profess_v scripture_n church_n ministry_n and_o christ._n oh_o it_o burden_n the_o just_a and_o grieve_v the_o righteous_a soul_n to_o consider_v how_o high_a iniquity_n be_v grow_v among_o the_o sheep_n of_o your_o pasture_n who_o you_o shall_v have_v feed_v with_o knowledge_n and_o convert_v unto_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v you_o be_v messenger_n send_v of_o god_n the_o very_a jew_n and_o heathen_n they_o blaspheme_v against_o christ_n through_o the_o abomination_n bring_v forth_o among_o christian_n that_o have_v the_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a oh_o let_v it_o enter_v into_o your_o heart_n and_o smite_v you_o that_o your_o many_o year_n ministry_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a 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wherefore_o be_v thou_o so_o bold_a thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o but_o rather_o fall_v under_o just_a reproof_n for_o in_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n have_v i_o proceed_v towards_o you_o and_o not_o in_o my_o own_o but_o in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n and_o oh_o that_o your_o flock_n will_v also_o consider_v among_o who_o there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v zealous_a in_o their_o way_n oh_o that_o their_o zeal_n and_o judgement_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o shall_v it_o be_v well_o with_o they_o oh_o that_o they_o will_v be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o learn_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n oh_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o will_v consider_v and_o turn_v from_o their_o iniquity_n and_o become_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o shall_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o peace_n and_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o family_n and_o their_o city_n if_o they_o will_v come_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o be_v teach_v of_o he_o and_o be_v exercise_v by_o his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n then_o shall_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o then_o shall_v they_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o deceiver_n oh_o there_o be_v a_o pity_n for_o many_o poor_a soul_n which_o be_v zealous_a in_o their_o way_n of_o religion_n without_o knowledge_n and_o they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n while_o yet_o their_o conscience_n be_v not_o exercise_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o a_o false_a spirit_n that_o rule_v and_o lead_v and_o may_v hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o they_o know_v not_o but_o that_o they_o do_v
case_n be_v silent_a and_o full_o determine_v not_o this_o be_v not_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o of_o any_o reward_n by_o he_o either_o to_o he_o or_o they_o that_o force_v and_o compel_v the_o keep_n of_o a_o day_n nor_o in_o that_o nation_n or_o from_o that_o people_n that_o so_o keep_v it_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o time_n or_o the_o command_v of_o man_n when_o as_o their_o conscience_n be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n by_o which_o way_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v only_o right_o worship_v and_o the_o force_n of_o observe_v day_n and_o thing_n either_o against_o pure_a conscience_n or_o in_o the_o ignorance_n thereof_o be_v but_o abomination_n and_o idolatry_n both_o in_o the_o imposer_n and_o in_o the_o impose_v and_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o king_n to_o consider_v who_o great_a wisdom_n it_o will_v be_v and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n in_o he_o neither_o to_o compel_v and_o impose_v by_o rigour_n the_o keep_n of_o a_o day_n or_o observe_v of_o practice_n as_o pertain_v to_o the_o wor●●●p_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n nor_o yet_o to_o punish_v or_o persecute_v any_o for_o the_o keep_v any_o day_n or_o for_o observe_v such_o or_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o religion_n but_o let_v every_o man_n do_v in_o such_o case_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n towards_o god_n and_o about_o religion_n as_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n without_o either_o impose_v upon_o they_o or_o persecute_v of_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n about_o religion_n and_o let_v he_o only_o rule_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o case_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o over_o man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o earthly_a thing_n but_o between_o god_n and_o man_n conscience_n let_v he_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o meddle_v for_o there_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o rule_v nor_o judge_n but_o to_o leave_v that_o to_o the_o lord_n god_n who_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a in_o such_o thing_n to_o persuade_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o judge_v and_o rule_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o about_o religion_n ●nd_v the_o observance_n thereof_o and_o this_o trust_n and_o power_n be_v only_o in_o himself_o to_o effect_v all_o this_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o commit_v to_o any_o earthly_a king_n and_o how_o i_o come_v to_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o his_o petition_n which_o be_v in_o these_o word_n say_v he_o i_o most_o humble_o beg_v that_o your_o grace_n will_v uphold_v cherish_v and_o f●ster_v a_o learned_a and_o pious_a ministry_n in_o your_o kingdom_n who_o be_v account_v vile_a and_o lade_v with_o reproach_n and_o such_o minister_n say_v he_o who_o loyal_a constancy_n and_o integrity_n do_v bespeak_v they_o to_o be_v not_o time-serving_a politition_n to_o gratify_v man_n humour_n and_o serve_v their_o own_o interest_n but_o lux_fw-la mundi_fw-la sal_fw-la terrae_fw-la etc._n etc._n answ._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o let_v the_o king_n wise_o and_o sober_o consider_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v a_o faithful_a pious_a and_o spiritual_a learned_a and_o true_a ministry_n send_v forth_o by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o convert_v people_n to_o god_n from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n who_o be_v indeed_o god_n ambassador_n and_o watchman_n for_o soul_n and_o be_v lux_fw-la mundi_fw-la sal_fw-la terrae_fw-la the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o not_o deny_v nor_o doubt_v of_o but_o who_o it_o be_v and_o who_o the_o person_n be_v of_o and_o among_o all_o the_o many_o kind_n of_o minister_n and_o sect_n that_o be_v now_o in_o be_v in_o the_o nation_n this_o be_v very_o doubtful_a to_o many_o its_o possible_a to_o the_o king_n himself_o see_v here_o be_v in_o this_o nation_n divers_a sort_n of_o minister_n as_o prelate_n and_o presbyterian_o so_o call_v and_o divers_a other_o sort_n all_o of_o who_o say_v they_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n and_o they_o be_v the_o pious_a learned_a ministry_n and_o that_o other_o be_v deceiver_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cry_n of_o they_o all_o each_o sort_n justify_v themselves_o and_o cry_v up_o their_o ministry_n against_o other_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o this_o all_o of_o they_o do_v with_o pretence_n of_o prove_v their_o ministry_n by_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o case_n remain_v still_o doubtful_a to_o many_o who_o be_v it_o and_o who_o be_v it_o not_o that_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n and_o have_v the_o true_a ministry_n send_v of_o christ_n jesus_n see_v one_o sort_n as_o well_o as_o another_o do_v seem_v to_o justify_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o be_v divide_v and_o incontention_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v kill_v and_o destroy_v and_o persecute_v one_o of_o another_o and_o each_o sort_n of_o other_o 2._o if_o the_o king_n without_o certain_a knowledge_n by_o the_o 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he_o and_o such_o proceed_n will_v be_v both_o contrary_a to_o god_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a effect_n in_o these_o nation_n for_o man_n will_v be_v provoke_v in_o their_o spirit_n not_o to_o fear_v any_o danger_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o such_o captivity_n under_o the_o ministry_n and_o worship_n of_o such_o who_o they_o in_o conscience_n can_v not_o join_v with_o and_o there_o be_v a_o woeful_a example_n in_o this_o nation_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o prohibition_n and_o force_n for_o be_v not_o that_o very_a matter_n to_o wit_n the_o establish_n of_o one_o ●ort_n of_o minister_n and_o persecute_v other_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n cause_v of_o the_o last_o bloody_a war_n and_o may_v not_o the_o nation_n fear_v the_o like_a now_o if_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v lay_v and_o the_o foundation_n raise_v as_o beforementioned_a and_o therefore_o let_v this_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n to_o consider_v very_o weighty_o but_o the_o petitioner_n seem_v to_o define_v to_o the_o king_n what_o minister_n he_o beg_v to_o be_v uphold_v and_o cherish_v in_o these_o word_n such_o who_o loyal_a constancy_n and_o integrity_n do_v bespeak_v they_o to_o be_v not_o time-serving_a politician_n to_o gratify_v man_n humour_n and_o serve_v their_o own_o sordid_a interest_n but_o lux_fw-la mundi_fw-la sal_fw-la terrae_fw-la etc._n etc._n answ._n 1._o they_o who_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v call_v true_o of_o he_o into_o that_o work_n and_o be_v god_n ambassador_n neither_o set_v this_o petitioner_n a_o beg_n for_o they_o nor_o can_v accept_v of_o this_o his_o work_n for_o christ_n true_a minister_n be_v no_o beggar_n neither_o seek_v to_o be_v approve_v to_o king_n nor_o any_o man_n by_o flattery_n and_o deceit_n but_o be_v approve_v
down_o the_o heavy_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o you_o i_o can_v flatter_v you_o by_o feign_a word_n of_o guile_n nor_o give_v you_o flatter_a title_n but_o i_o judge_v you_o be_v reasonable_a man_n in_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o hear_v and_o consider_v our_o defence_n as_o well_o as_o our_o enemy_n charge_v and_o i_o hope_v you_o be_v wise_a in_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o judge_v between_o truth_n and_o a_o lie_n and_o to_o distinguish_v one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o i_o suppose_v you_o be_v just_a in_o that_o measure_n as_o to_o receive_v what_o you_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o to_o reject_v what_o you_o know_v to_o be_v false_a be_v convince_v in_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o as_o such_o i_o must_v place_v my_o plea_n before_o you_o particular_o and_o make_v my_o defence_n to_o your_o judgement_n seat_n even_a to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o your_o conscience_n i_o intend_v and_o mean_v and_o i_o shall_v omit_v to_o say_v much_o to_o the_o accuser_n himself_o as_o 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then_o he_o charge_v the_o same_o thing_n upon_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o q●…_n as_o he_o scornful_o call_v they_o in_o these_o day_n and_o then_o he_o applaud_v you_o th●…_n 〈◊〉_d word_n of_o high_a stile_n for_o be_v instrumental_a to_o suppress_v their_o insolent_a tyrannical_a 〈◊〉_d authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v ever_o god_n people_n in_o this_o nation_n to_o ●nslave_v 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o to_o their_o insatiable_a lust_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n in_o his_o epistle_n answ._n in_o answer_n to_o all_o this_o divers_a thing_n be_v very_o considerable_a which_o i_o desire_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o 1._o concern_v the_o anabaptist_n so_o call_v in_o germany_n and_o their_o doctri●…_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o several_a transaction_n fall_v out_o in_o that_o tim●_n it_o be_v not_o my_o work_n now_o to_o plead_v their_o cause_n nor_o yet_o can_v i_o justify_v they_o in_o their_o proceed_n if_o the_o relation_n give_v of_o they_o be_v true_a which_o be_v many_o and_o to_o i_o seem_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n credible_a because_o i_o find_v it_o be_v their_o enemy_n who_o be_v our_o author_n who_o seldom_o give_v true_a relation_n of_o such_o who_o they_o hate_v but_o be_v the_o relation_n true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v not_o material_a in_o this_o case_n in_o hand_n for_o my_o occasion_n be_v not_o concern_v a_o people_n so_o far_o off_o as_o in_o germany_n and_o of_o so_o long_a time_n as_o above_o a_o hundred_o of_o year_n but_o i_o be_o to_o clear_v the_o innocent_a who_o be_v now_o live_v from_o the_o present_a accusation_n of_o a_o envious_a man_n though_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o will_v edify_v or_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o pertinency_n i_o can_v say_v somewhat_o more_o concern_v that_o people_n appear_v in_o germany_n but_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o suit_v ●y_a occasion_n i_o do_v forbear_v it_o 2._o as_o for_o they_o call_v anabaptist_n of_o this_o our_o age_n and_o country_n i_o shall_v not_o plead_v their_o cause_n at_o this_o time_n though_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o murder_n and_o tyranny_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v repute_v by_o your_o informer_n though_o their_o judgement_n in_o every_o case_n neither_o about_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a thing_n i_o dare_v not_o justify_v nor_o may_v i_o lawful_o clear_v all_o of_o they_o from_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n vainglory_n and_o self-seeking_a for_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v just_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o just_a reproof_n and_o by_o this_o time_n i_o believe_v some_o of_o they_o may_v see_v some_o error_n in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o more_o i_o may_v not_o say_v of_o they_o but_o that_o i_o believe_v the_o present_a accusation_n against_o they_o by_o your_o present_a informer_n be_v more_o out_o of_o bitter_a and_o perverse_a enmity_n and_o devour_a malice_n that_o he_o bear_v towards_o they_o than_o out_o of_o any_o other_o end_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o clear_v their_o innocency_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a and_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a let_v they_o fall_v in_o their_o trial_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o thus_o omit_v any_o further_a answer_n on_o their_o behalf_n 3._o as_o for_o we_o who_o in_o scorn_n the_o accuser_n call_v quaker_n and_o who_o he_o have_v accuse_v as_o guilty_a in_o all_o thing_n with_o the_o anabaptist_n so_o call_v in_o germany_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n i_o say_v there_o be_v great_a difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o thing_n civil_a so_o account_v and_o thing_n spiritual_a between_o we_o and_o they_o as_o be_v well_o know_v and_o be_v they_o full_o guilty_a of_o all_o what_o be_v say_v of_o they_o which_o i_o dare_v not_o believe_v yet_o how_o can_v we_o be_v charge_v guilty_a of_o their_o crime_n be_v they_o and_o we_o be_v different_a in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n as_o i_o have_v say_v sure_o your_o informer_n have_v neither_o show_v good_a conscience_n nor_o yet_o pure_a reason_n in_o his_o proceed_n who_o have_v lay_v thing_n to_o our_o charge_n which_o we_o never_o know_v and_o have_v accuse_v we_o guilty_a of_o that_o which_o never_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o practice_v and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v charge_v other_o man_n crime_n upon_o we_o be_v whole_o innocent_a as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o he_o have_v wrong_v we_o and_o abuse_v you_o by_o dedicate_a falsehood_n for_o your_o approof_n and_o send_v slander_n abroad_o as_o it_o be_v under_o your_o name_n or_o pa●●●●age_n 4._o as_o concern_v the_o charge_n itself_o include_v in_o these_o word_n say_v your_o informer_n and_o consider_v how_o instrumental_a your_o honour_n have_v be_v to_o suppress_v their_o ●…t_n tyrannical_a usurp_v authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v over_o god_n people_n in_o 〈◊〉_d nation_n to_o enslave_v we_o etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v very_o deep_a accusation_n ●…ders_n and_o unjust_a reproach_n vent_v against_o we_o and_o with_o what_o face_n except_o ●…ent_a we_o can_v be_v thus_o charge_v be_v almost_o wonderful_a especial_o consider●…●●at_v we_o have_v be_v ourselves_o a_o suffer_a people_n by_o every_o authority_n since_o 〈◊〉_d time_n the_o lord_n raise_v we_o up_o and_o never_o have_v any_o outward_a authority_n in_o 〈◊〉_d nation_n but_o all_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o place_n and_o power_n both_o civil_a and_o military_a when_o as_o they_o have_v become_v one_o with_o we_o in_o our_o way_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o deal_n with_o we_o by_o all_o that_o ever_o have_v rule_v and_o yet_o we_o be_v charge_v most_o unjust_o with_o exercise_v insolent_a tyrannical_a u●…d_a authority_n in_o this_o nation_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v say_v their_o insolent_a and_o they_o exercise_v to_o wit_n the_o quaker_n when_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a as_o i_o have_v shewe●_n that_o we_o never_o exercise_v any_o outward_a authority_n at_o all_o but_o have_v be_v suffer_v people_n by_o all_o authority_n unto_o this_o day_n therefore_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n how_o great_a be_v this_o slander_n and_o how_o false_a this_o accusation_n and_o how_o wicked_a be_v our_o adversary_n in_o thus_o accuse_v we_o before_o you_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o you_o so_o well_o know_v be_v utter_o and_o detestable_o false_a and_o the_o accuser_n and_o his_o accusation_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v together_o 5._o but_o and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o or_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o time_n to_o come_v that_o we_o have_v any_o or_o all_o outward_a authority_n in_o our_o hand_n i_o may_v
because_o of_o our_o bondage_n and_o strive_v for_o liberty_n and_o also_o if_o we_o be_v man_n of_o disposion_n to_o war_n and_o plot_n etc._n etc._n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v by_o reasonable_a man_n that_o any_o engagement_n by_o any_o sum_n of_o money_n will_v bind_v we_o from_o it_o upon_o occasion_n see_v we_o may_v hope_v in_o such_o attempt_n to_o save_v our_o sum_n of_o money_n and_o to_o gain_v far_o more_o advantage_n or_o else_o we_o hazard_v to_o loose_v all_o and_o to_o gain_v a_o great_a advantage_n if_o we_o be_v man_n of_o strife_n we_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o attempt_v to_o lose_v a_o less_o and_o we_o be_v not_o man_n of_o strife_n we_o can_v bind_v ourselves_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o this_o or_o any_o case_n neither_o can_v any_o in_o good_a reason_n desire_v the_o same_o of_o we_o if_o they_o right_o consider_v the_o case_n 3._o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v full_o manifest_a that_o upon_o good_a reason_n and_o a_o clear_a conscience_n we_o do_v refuse_v and_o deny_v to_o give_v bond_n and_o make_v such_o and_o such_o engagement_n by_o forfeiture_n of_o sum_n of_o money_n it_o be_v i_o say_v in_o good_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o not_o in_o any_o wilfulness_n or_o stubbornness_n or_o contempt_n of_o authority_n that_o we_o do_v it_o nor_o as_o though_o we_o be_v guilty_a in_o such_o matter_n suspect_v and_o dare_v not_o answer_v the_o law_n but_o we_o do_v it_o to_o keep_v our_o innocency_n clear_a and_o not_o to_o betray_v it_o into_o real_a cause_n of_o doubt_n that_o we_o be_v guilty_a 2._o that_o we_o may_v not_o lay_v ourselves_o liable_a to_o a_o great_a suffer_v by_o answer_v false_a suspicion_n and_o accusation_n as_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o proceed_n in_o course_n of_o law_n 3._o that_o we_o may_v not_o come_v under_o man_n of_o evil_n prejudice_v mind_n that_o seek_v more_o occasion_n against_o we_o than_o they_o have_v and_o we_o may_v not_o fulfil_v their_o will_n and_o to_o give_v they_o occasion_n against_o we_o when_o as_o in_o the_o accusation_n they_o have_v just_o none_o 4._o that_o we_o may_v not_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o be_v entrap_v and_o ensnare_v into_o great_a suffering_n to_o avoid_v a_o less_o 5._o that_o we_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o have_v command_v to_o let_v our_o yea_o be_fw-mi yea_o and_o our_o nay_o be_v nay_o and_o whatsoever_o oath_n or_o engagement_n out_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v more_o come_v of_o evil_a which_o we_o may_v not_o do_v these_o with_o some_o other_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n why_o we_o can_v for_o conscience_n sake_n bind_v ourselves_o in_o such_o kind_n of_o formal_a engagement_n out_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v to_o answer_v this_o false_a suspicion_n or_o the_o other_o but_o we_o do_v deny_v it_o out_o of_o good_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o also_o there_o be_v no_o example_n for_o it_o that_o we_o know_v among_o the_o saint_n in_o former_a age_n that_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o bind_v themselves_o to_o any_o king_n or_o ruler_n in_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o engagement_n neither_o can_v we_o at_o this_o day_n but_o as_o i_o say_v if_o we_o transgress_v the_o law_n let_v we_o suffer_v by_o it_o if_o we_o be_v already_o or_o hereafter_o be_v find_v guilty_a we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o the_o just_a execution_n of_o just_a law_n and_o in_o patience_n we_o shall_v bear_v it_o but_o beforehand_o we_o may_v not_o bind_v ourselves_o in_o formal_a engagement_n out_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o promise_v upon_o forfeiture_n and_o penalty_n what_o we_o will_v do_v or_o say_v or_o what_o we_o will_v not_o do_v or_o say_v for_o at_o the_o will_n and_o disposure_n of_o the_o almighty_a we_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o case_n and_o it_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o belief_n that_o we_o abide_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o ●ther_o than_o peaceable_a just_a righteous_a and_o innocent_a in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o may_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o this_o case_n of_o deny_v to_o give_v bond_n or_o engage_v ourselves_o so_o and_o so_o as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v for_o truth_n be_v sake_n and_o such_o our_o suffering_n be_v persecution_n and_o unequal_a and_o we_o must_v commit_v our_o cause_n to_o god_n who_o will_v plead_v it_o in_o his_o season_n if_o that_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o groundless_a suspicion_n and_o because_o we_o can_v engage_v to_o answer_v causeless_a objection_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v seek_v out_o this_o matter_n and_o lay_v it_o before_o the_o king_n and_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o he_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o show_v justice_n equity_n mercy_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o will_v be_v bless_v but_o if_o the_o cortrary_n be_v bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n thereof_o will_v be_v more_o miserable_a chap._n v._n the_o case_n state_v and_o plead_v concern_v government_n itself_o and_o particular_o of_o this_o present_a authority_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o it_o 1._o we_o do_v acknowledge_v government_n and_o rule_n and_o magistracy_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n ordain_v and_o institute_v of_o he_o to_o be_v exercise_v among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n for_o to_o be_v a_o praise_n and_o a_o defence_n to_o all_o that_o do_v well_o and_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n and_o corrector_n to_o all_o that_o do_v evil._n and_o we_o believe_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v rule_n and_o government_n and_o authority_n exercise_v and_o execute_v in_o every_o kingdom_n nation_n city_n and_o country_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a to_o wit_n that_o evil-doer_n may_v be_v make_v afraid_a and_o correct_v limit_v restrain_v and_o subdue_v and_o that_o sin_n and_o transgression_n may_v be_v suppress_v and_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n promote_v and_o they_o that_o do_v well_o praise_v and_o strengthen_v and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o outward_a government_n of_o king_n prince_n or_o other_o among_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n even_o that_o the_o outward_a man_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o good_a order_n and_o subjection_n in_o his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o may_v be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v from_o all_o wrong_n do_v o●_n speak_v against_o his_o neighbour_n person_n or_o estate_n and_o if_o he_o do_v he_o be_v punishable_a by_o such_o just_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o extend_v not_o over_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o rule_v govern_v or_o exercise_v authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o case_n between_o god_n and_o man_n conscience_n this_o dominion_n and_o authority_n only_o partain_v to_o the_o inward_a government_n and_o rule_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n but_o not_o to_o any_o outward_a government_n of_o king_n prince_n parliament_n or_o any_o other_o they_o i_o say_v ought_v only_o to_o exercise_v authority_n over_o the_o person_n and_o estate_n of_o people_n in_o all_o just_a and_o lawful_a thing_n and_o matter_n but_o not_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o duty_n towards_o god_n or_o in_o the_o case_n and_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o religion_n 2._o the_o exercise_n and_o execution_n of_o this_o just_a government_n over_o the_o outward_a man_n as_o afore_o describe_v aught_o to_o be_v commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o faithful_a just_a and_o upright_a man_n such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o hate_n covetousness_n and_o every_o evil_a way_n in_o all_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n the_o execution_n of_o the_o government_n in_o all_o just_a law_n ought_v i_o say_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o such_o man_n and_o not_o to_o drunkard_n liar_n covetous_a or_o evil-minded_n person_n ambitious_a or_o vain_a glorious_a person_n in_o any_o nation_n such_o as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o good_a law_n of_o any_o kingdom_n for_o such_o will_v not_o be_v a_o blessing_n unto_o the_o land_n nor_o unto_o any_o people_n but_o a_o curse_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o provoke_a god_n to_o vengeance_n and_o wrath_n against_o themselves_o the_o people_n and_o the_o government_n if_o such_o man_n who_o god_n choose_v not_o be_v choose_v to_o make_v law_n and_o execute_v they_o and_o to_o exercise_v government_n in_o any_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o delight_n in_o justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o lowly_a person_n aught_o to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o place_n of_o government_n and_o only_o such_o be_v fit_a to_o exercise_v rule_n and_o authority_n and_o to_o make_v and_o
exercise_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o religion_n to_o god-ward_n may_v be_v allow_v and_o maintain_v unto_o all_o without_o any_o imposition_n violence_n or_o persecution_n exercise_v about_o the_o same_o on_o the_o person_n estate_n or_o conscience_n of_o any_o in_o any_o relation_n to_o religion_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n church_n government_n and_o ministry_n but_o that_o all_o christian_a people_n may_v be_v leave_v free_a in_o all_o these_o kingdom_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n without_o be_v restrain_v from_o or_o compel_v to_o any_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o practice_v of_o religion_n upon_o any_o pain_n and_o penalty_n and_o that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o way_n as_o his_o spirit_n persuade_v the_o heart_n and_o may_v be_v defend_v in_o such_o their_o profession_n of_o religion_n while_o they_o make_v not_o use_v of_o their_o liberty_n to_o the_o detrement_n of_o any_o other_o man_n person_n or_o estate_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a to_o you_o why_o i_o appear_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o matter_n at_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o for_o your_o very_a happiness_n prosperity_n and_o establishment_n or_o the_o contrary_a depend_v hereupon_o even_o in_o allow_v and_o maintain_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o limit_v and_o force_v and_o persecute_v about_o the_o same_o and_o this_o may_v appear_v if_o you_o just_o consider_v these_o thing_n follow_v 1._o the_o lordship_n in_o and_o over_o conscience_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o duty_n to_o god-ward_n be_v god_n alone_o only_a and_o proper_a right_n and_o privilege_n and_o he_o have_v reserve_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o himself_o and_o not_o commit_v the_o lordship_n over_o conscience_n nor_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o the_o case_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n to_o any_o upon_o earth_n not_o to_o perscribe_v and_o impose_v principle_n and_o practice_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o religion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n on_o the_o person_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n but_o this_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n even_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o convert_v to_o holiness_n and_o to_o lead_v and_o teach_v people_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o conscience_n in_o all_o his_o way_n for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o say_v they_o have_v not_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o but_o the_o lord_n alone_o and_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o say_v in_o his_o meditation_n page_n 91._o of_o that_o edition_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n i_o have_v often_o declare_v how_o little_a i_o desire_v my_o law_n and_o sceptre_n shall_v entrench_v on_o god_n sovereignty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a king_n of_o man_n conscience_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o be_v lord_n in_o conscience_n and_o exerciser_n thereof_o in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v his_o only_a proper_a right_n and_o to_o he_o alone_o it_o appertain_v 2._o and_o therefore_o consider_v if_o you_o do_v not_o allow_v free_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o lordship_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n to_o himward_n but_o do_v impose_v by_o violence_n in_o force_v to_o and_o restrain_v from_o such_o and_o such_o way_n of_o religion_n than_o you_o take_v dominion_n over_o man_n faith_n which_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o you_o entrench_v on_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o usurp_v his_o authority_n in_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n in_o and_o over_o which_o christ_n be_v only_a king_n as_o before_z recite_v and_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v his_o right_n from_o he_o nor_o to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n over_o ruens_fw-la faith_n and_o conscience_n which_o only_o appertain_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a privilege_n for_o in_o so_o do_v how_o dangerous_a effect_n may_v it_o bring_v forth_o even_o you_o may_v easy_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o wrath_n against_o you_o and_o bring_v upon_o yourselves_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n if_o you_o exercise_v violence_n upon_o man_n conscience_n in_o and_o concern_v religious_a matter_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n of_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o conscience_n sake_n but_o do_v never_o persecute_v nor_o punish_v any_o for_o that_o cause_n nor_o ever_o use_v violence_n about_o their_o religion_n as_o charles_n the_o i._o in_o his_o meditation_n pag._n 82._o nothing_o say_v he_o violent_a nor_o injurious_a can_v be_v religious_a etc._n etc._n 3._o consider_v if_o you_o allow_v not_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o conscience_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n but_o do_v take_v dommion_n over_o man_n faith_n and_o impose_v by_o violence_n in_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o religion_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v the_o lord_n to_o enjoy_v his_o only_a right_n to_o be_v king_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n than_o you_o divert_v the_o end_n of_o just_a rule_n and_o government_n among_o man_n and_o pervert_v the_o end_n of_o god_n great_a love_n and_o favour_n show_v unto_o you_o in_o restore_v of_o you_o to_o the_o place_n of_o authority_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o end_n of_o just_a government_n upon_o earth_n by_o king_n and_o ruler_n be_v to_o exercise_v justice_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n among_o man_n and_o over_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o to_o be_v a_o praise_n to_o all_o that_o do_v well●_n and_o walk_v upright_o and_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o all_o transgressor_n and_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a in_o their_o outward_a man_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o outward_a man_n in_o good_a order_n by_o just_a judgement_n in_o all_o case_n between_o man_n and_o man_n this_o be_v only_o the_o extent_n of_o your_o authority_n over_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o to_o your_o jurisdiction_n only_o this_o belong_v to_o judge_v in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n to_o make_v law_n and_o execute_v they_o between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o preserve_v man_n person_n and_o estate_n from_o the_o wrong_a one_o of_o another_o but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o make_v law_n and_o execute_v they_o between_o god_n and_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n this_o power_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o he_o have_v not_o commit_v it_o to_o you_o to_o exercise_v and_o therefore_o let_v justice_n equity_n and_o mercy_n be_v exercise_v by_o you_o among_o man_n and_o over_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o in_o all_o case_n between_o man_n and_o man_n but_o meddle_v not_o in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n faith_n to_o god_n and_o their_o conscience_n to_o he_o but_o leave_v that_o unto_o he_o alone_o who_o right_a it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o will_v bring_v woeful_a effect_n if_o you_o entrench_v on_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o if_o you_o divert_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o just_a government_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o restore_v you_o into_o authority_n and_o power_n 4._o consider_v if_o you_o allow_v not_o free_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o will_v compel_v by_o violence_n about_o religion_n than_o this_o will_v inavoidable_o produce_v and_o bring_v forth_o cruel_a persecution_n in_o the_o kingdom_n imprisonment_n banishment_n and_o death_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o persecution_n will_v fill_v the_o nation_n for_o though_o never_o so_o forceable_a imposition_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o person_n estate_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o tocompel_v into_o conformity_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o all_o will_v bow_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o deny_v of_o that_o way_n which_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v right_a and_o to_o the_o embrace_v of_o what_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n believe_v be_v of_o god_n but_o will_v rather_o suffer_v the_o cruel_a death_n then_o conform_v to_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o if_o free_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v deny_v many_o such_o must_v needs_o be_v expose_v to_o persecution_n even_o to_o death_n though_o they_o may_v be_v peaceable_a people_n and_o profitable_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o thing_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n temporal_a pertain_v to_o the_o king_n may_v be_v just_o and_o righteous_a and_o unreprovable_a yet_o because_o of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n expose_v to_o be_v destroy_v in_o person_n and_o estate_n and_o such_o effect_n will_v not_o be_v of_o honour_n nor_o saftey_n to_o these_o nation_n if_o innocent_a and_o just_a man_n be_v destroy_v and_o their_o relation_n ruin_v
separation_n from_o god_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o enmity_n against_o he_o till_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o good_a shepherd_n of_o israel_n find_v you_o out_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o darkness_n and_o bring_v you_o home_o from_o your_o stray_a condition_n even_o unto_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n in_o you_o which_o call_v you_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o also_o change_v you_o and_o regenerate_v you_o into_o the_o inheritance_n of_o a_o better_a kingdom_n and_o glory_n than_o that_o which_o be_v of_o this_o world_n and_o you_o now_o know_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v your_o shepherd_n his_o spirit_n to_o teach_v you_o his_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n to_o dwell_v in_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o through_o the_o eternal_a light_n which_o once_o shine_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o darkness_n can_v not_o comprehend_v it_o but_o now_o it_o be_v rise_v in_o much_o glory_n and_o power_n and_o death_n and_o darkness_n be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o light_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o subdue_v these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a unto_o many_o let_v all_o such_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v thus_o see_v his_o day_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o power_n and_o be_v witness_n that_o the_o kingdom_n be_v come_v which_o never_o fade_v away_o 2._o consider_v what_o the_o tender_a deal_n of_o god_n towards_o you_o and_o his_o gentle_a leading_n have_v be_v since_o he_o have_v call_v you_o out_o of_o your_o forme●_n stray_v estate_n have_v not_o his_o light_n shine_v upon_o your_o tabernacle_n with_o much_o clearness_n persuade_v your_o heart_n full_o of_o his_o way_n and_o truth_n have_v not_o your_o heart_n often_o be_v refresh_v and_o soul_n true_o comfort_v by_o the_o refresh_a presence_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v make_v so_o clear_a unto_o you_o and_o the_o way_n of_o your_o peace_n so_o perfect_o discover_v that_o no_o occasion_n have_v be_v leave_v of_o unbelief_n or_o stumble_v unto_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n sure_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o you_o in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o he_o have_v so_o reach_v home_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n to_o your_o heart_n and_o conscience_n with_o such_o full_a conviction_n and_o persuasion_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n that_o no_o sincere_a heart_n can_v doubt_v or_o waver_v concern_v the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o his_o soul_n peace_n and_o comfort_n 〈◊〉_d for_o so_o large_a and_o evident_a have_v god_n testimony_n be_v unto_o you_o even_o since_o he_o first_o call_v you_o by_o his_o grace_n that_o no_o man_n have_v sense_n and_o experience_n thereof_o but_o must_v bear_v witness_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v good_a long_o suffer_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o all_o that_o fear_v he_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o taste_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n and_o power_n remain_v stedfe_v in_o your_o remembrance_n and_o enjoyment_n even_o his_o mercy_n and_o lovingkindness_n that_o have_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o you_o since_o you_o have_v know_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v use_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n and_o carry_v you_o in_o his_o arm_n of_o preservation_n and_o bear_v you_o on_o his_o shoulder_n in_o all_o your_o affliction_n insomuch_o that_o through_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n only_o we_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o the_o adversary_n have_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o though_o his_o attempt_n have_v often_o be_v great_a to_o destroy_v we_o 3._o consider_v what_o i●_n now_o your_o present_a state_n and_o stand_a how_o be_v it_o with_o your_o inward_a man_n in_o what_o life_n and_o strength_n and_o dominion_n be_v he_o be_v he_o ●●●ong_v over_o all_o the_o corruptible_a or_o be_v he_o weak_a under_o corruption_n be_v he_o in_o ●●e_z growth_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v he_o so_o beget_v and_o bear_v in_o you_o that_o life_n have_v swallow_v up_o death_n have_v he_o victory_n over_o the_o grave_a and_o do_v he_o reign_v in_o you_o even_o the_o new_a man_n the_o spiritual_a man_n the_o immortal_a man_n christ_n i●_n you_o be_v he_o come_v in_o power_n and_o dominion_n to_o dwell_v with_o you_o dear_o ●●loved_v mind_n each_o particu●…_n in_o what_o state_n you_o be_v and_o what_o be_v your_o present_a stand_v to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o have_v faith_n in_o god_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o boldness_n for_o god_n and_o be_v you_o fir●ly_o continue_v therein_o or_o be_v any_o such_o weaken_v and_o decrease_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v your_o love_n grow_v cold_a and_o your_o zeal_n lose_v and_o your_o confidence_n decay_v if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o any_o their_o present_a state_n be_v not_o ●●ght_n before_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o must_v repent_v and_o return_v to_o their_o first_o love_n and_o return_v again_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d in_o they_o that_o their_o strength_n may_v be_v renew_v for_o they_o only_o that_o dwell_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o faithfulness_n and_o abide_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o 〈◊〉_d see_v his_o glory_n and_o be_v feed_v daily_o with_o the_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o refre●…_n with_o the_o fountain_n of_o endless_a mercy_n if_o so_o be_v you_o be_v perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n after_o your_o inward_a man_n strong_a and_o lively_a and_o zealous_a faithful_a and_o constant_a have_v a_o clean_a heart_n and_o a_o pure_a conscience_n guiltless_a and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n this_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o you_o be_v thus_o bless_a be_v you_o if_o you_o be_v increase_v daily_o in_o the_o love_n and_o life_n of_o the_o father_n if_o your_o inward_a man_n grow_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creator_n if_o you_o receive_v the_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o yourselves_o if_o this_o be_v your_o present_a state_n oh_o happy_a people_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o you_o because_o you_o be_v save_v of_o the_o lord_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o present_a work_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n you_o must_v always_o feel_v the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o you_o even_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n hear_v that_o word_n and_o do_v it_o always_o and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o word_n beat_v down_o whatsoever_o tempt_v and_o draw_v from_o god_n which_o will_v defile_v you_o and_o load_v your_o conscience_n and_o vex_v the_o spirit_n for_o if_o any_o obey_v the_o temptation_n they_o become_v darken_v unbelief_n enter_v and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o grow_v and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o fall_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o depart_n from_o his_o way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o mind_n the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o and_o be_v constant_a and_o faithful_a therein_o that_o you_o may_v be_v preserve_v unto_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o you_o that_o at_o last_o you_o may_v sit_v down_o in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o place_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o where_o the_o lord_n be_v enjoy_v all_o in_o all_o which_o you_o must_v wait_v for_o to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o you_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o you_o must_v wit●●●s_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o he_o must_v work_v in_o you_o by_o his_o spirit_n regeneration_n recon●…on_n sanctification_n justification_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o profess_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a must_v witness_v at_o th●●_n day_n the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n even_o the_o work_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o salvation_n that_o you_o may_v in_o each_o man_n particular_a receive_v the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v of_o his_o love_n and_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n in_o particular_a for_o though_o never_o so_o large_a testimony_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o or_o receive_v by_o you_o concern_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o salvation_n yet_o the_o particular_a feel_n of_o 〈◊〉_d love_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n must_v you_o sta●●_n by_o in_o the_o day_n o●_n trial_n for_o that_o alone_o can_v uphold_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trou●…_n even_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n unto_o salvation_n feel_v in_o each_o particular_a heart_n and_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o knowledge_n
hereby_o and_o in_o this_o way_n be_v true_a conversion_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o turn_a man_n from_o all_o error_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o heresy_n and_o evil_a way●s_n unto_o the_o true_a christian-worship_n and_o conformity_n to_o holy_a church_n and_o religion_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o way_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n ●…d_v apostle_n of_o old_a and_o be_v the_o same_o among_o the_o true_a christian_n in_o this_o age_n and_o they_o that_o will_v conform_v other_o and_o be_v conform_v themselves_o otherwise_o in_o this_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n to_o god-ward_n be_v not_o in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n but_o out_o of_o the_o life_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o precedent_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o hereafter_o be_v manifest_v the_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o impose_v religion_n and_o conformity_n in_o worship_n and_o church-government_n by_o force_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v even_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o tare_n mat._n 13._o when_o it_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o servant_n that_o they_o may_v go_v and_o gather_v out_o the_o tare_n that_o the_o enemy_n have_v sow_v from_o among_o the_o wheat_n it_o be_v command_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o husbandman_n even_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o tare_n to_o grow_v among_o the_o wheat_n till_o the_o harvest_n and_o not_o pluck_v they_o up_o lest_o they_o hurt_v the_o wheat_n thereby_o now_o though_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n secret_o signify_v in_o this_o parable_n more_o than_o may_v here_o be_v say_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o clear_o signify_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v no_o imposition_n nor_o violence_n use_v upon_o th●_n tare_n nor_o that_o they_o shall_v pluck_v they_o up_o by_o force_n but_o that_o the_o good_a corn_n and_o the_o bad_a 〈◊〉_d grow_v together_o in_o one_o field_n till_o the_o harvest_n and_o thus_o much_o this_o parable_n bear_v the_o proof_n of_o suppose_v there_o be_v heresy_n and_o heretic_n and_o profane_a person_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n but_o in_o error_n who_o be_v bad_a corn_n even_o as_o the_o tare_n to_o the_o wheat_n in_o that_o kingdom_n city_n or_o family_n where_o there_o be_v also_o convert_a saint_n and_o holy_a person_n and_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v as_o the_o wheat_n to_o the_o tare_n yet_o such_o heretic_n and_o profane_a person_n that_o be_v in_o error_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o violent_o to_o wit_n imprison_v banish_v and_o put_v to_o death_n burn_v and_o destroy_v from_o among_o the_o righteous_a though_o they_o grow_v among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o s●…_n field_n the_o convert_a saint_n ought_v not_o i_o say_v to_o destroy_v by_o punishment_n or_o death_n the_o heretic_n and_o unconvert_v and_o unconformable_a person_n from_o among_o they_o but_o they_o be_v to_o let_v they_o live_v even_o grow_v among_o they_o in_o the_o same_o field_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n city_n or_o family_n till_o harvest_n and_o thus_o much_o the_o parable_n may_v true_o signify_v even_o a_o liberty_n to_o live_v for_o the_o tare_n the_o bad_a corn_n the_o evil_a person_n among_o the_o wheat_n the_o righteous_a pers●…_n without_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o cruel_a force_n and_o outward_a violence_n to_o compel_v into_o conformity_n 2._o as_o in_o the_o case_n among_o the_o saint_n and_o true_a believer_n where_o some_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d may_v 〈◊〉_d all_o 〈◊〉_d other_o do_v 〈◊〉_d h●…s_n and_o some_o esteem_v one_o day_n above_o 〈◊〉_d ●nd_v othery_a esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o rome_n 14._o here_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n among_o the_o believer_n about_o m●●ts_n and_o d●●es_n abou●●_n which_o thi●…_n there_o have_v be_v much_o imposition_n and_o force_n use_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n well_o but_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n 〈◊〉_d and_o advise_v in_o this_o case_n do_v 〈◊〉_d threaten_v violence_n towards_o any_o of_o they_o or_o signify_v any_o forcible_a command_n or_o imposition_n to_o be_v use_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o conformity_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o matter_n about_o which_o they_o be_v divide_v no_o no_o but_o this_o be_v his_o advice_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o able_a minister_n judge_v not_o one_o another_o about_o such_o thing_n nor_o do_v not_o impose_v any_o practice_n upon_o thy_o brother_n for_o to_o christ_n jesus_n ●…is_n master_n every_o believer_n stand_v or_o fall_v and_o say_v the_o apostle_n l●●_n every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n vers_fw-la 5._o and_o hereby_o it_o be_v manifest_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o primitive_a christian_n the_o saint_n and_o true_a christian_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o commandment_n of_o m●n_z or_o outward_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o practice_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v no_o signification_n of_o force_n to_o be_v use_v for_o conformity_n but_o wh●●y_o contrary_a even_o every_o believe●_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o he_o be_v by_o that_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v in_o such_o case_n and_o every_o one_o be_v to_o mind_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o himself_o for_o to_o that_o he_o be_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v and_o not_o to_o impose_v upon_o another_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o judge_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o case_n of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n but_o they_o be_v to_o leave_v one_o another_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n 3._o as_o in_o the_o case_n where_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o saint_n to_o be_v likeminded_a ●●il_n 3._o but_o say_v he_o if_o any_o 〈◊〉_d otherwise-minded_n god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o by_o which_o say_v it_o be_v manife_a that_o the_o unity_n and_o conformity_n of_o saint_n in_o mind_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o by_o imposition_n or_o any_o outward_a force_n threaten_v or_o exercise_v upon_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n but_o contrariwise_a if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n in_o mind_n and_o practice_n among_o any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v amend_v and_o unity_n make_v up_o when_o god_n reveal_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o all_o as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o some_o if_o any_o be_v not_o so_o mind_v in_o any_o thing_n as_o other_o be_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o let_v god_n reveal_v the_o same_o and_o bring_v into_o conformity_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n and_o vers_fw-la 16._o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o ●●y_v so_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v manifest_a or_o in_o wh●●_n measure_v the_o perfection_n thereof_o be_v attain_v unto_o let_v every_o one_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o if_o any_o have_v not_o the_o selfsame_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o know_v the_o selfsame_a thing_n let_v such_o alone_a without_o impose_v upon_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o selfsame_a measure_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v and_o if_o they_o want_v any_o knowledge_n or_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n otherwise-minded_n god_n shall_v reveal_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o even_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o here_o be_v the_o perfect_a way_n of_o unity_n and_o conformity_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o true_a christian_a religion_n in_o their_o day_n and_o so_o to_o impose_v by_o force_n upon_o paint_n and_o forfeiture_n in_o religious_a matter_n be_v clear_o contrary_a to_o all_o these_o scripture_n and_o to_o many_o more_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 4._o in_o that_o case_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 2_o 3._o where_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o elder_n to_o take_v ●●e_z over●●ght_n of_o god_n flock_n not_o by_o constraint_n or_o force_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o 〈◊〉_d by_o luc●●_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n neither_o 〈◊〉_d be_v lord_n ●ver_o god_n heritage_n which_o c●…ly_o signify_v against_o
imposer_n which_o be_v to_o make_v people_n true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v utter_o frustrate_v and_o void_a and_o none_o be_v make_v true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n by_o such_o imposition_n and_o force_n but_o many_o be_v make_v hypocrite_n thereby_o and_o sinner_n against_o god_n for_o what_o any_o perform_v to_o god-ward_n by_o force_n and_o not_o of_o faith_n give_v into_o the_o heart_n by_o god_n it_o be_v sin_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n as_o say_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o sin_n be_v unrighteous_a and_o temptation_n but_o such_o be_v impose_v on_o conscience_n by_o force_n in_o religious_a matter_n 7._o it_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o impose_v by_o force_n upon_o conscience_n because_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o absolute_a e●…remity_n put_v upon_o many_o that_o be_v dear_a and_o precious_a to_o the_o lord_n even_o such_o a●_n extremity_n as_o may_v force_v avoidable_a the_o ruin_n of_o either_o soul_n or_o body_n or_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o hereafter_o for_o suppose_v such_o law_n be_v make_v for_o the_o force_n of_o conformity_n to_o comm●…_n man_n to_o worship_n upon_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o whole_a estate_n banishment_n o●_n death_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o if_o such_o law_n be_v not_o obey_v and_o such_o conformity_n make_v but_o the_o conscience_n keep_v clear_a to_o god_n than_o the_o outward_a man_n in_o his_o person_n estate_n and_o family_n be_v ruin_v in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o such_o law_n be_v obey_v and_o such_o conformity_n yield_v contrary_a to_o good_a conscience_n than_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v ruin_v and_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n wound_v and_o grieve_v because_o god_n be_v offend_v and_o christ_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o law_n of_o man_n obey_v rather_o than_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v by_o a_o extremity_n occasion_v through_o impose_v force_n in_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n by_o authority_n and_o law_n of_o men._n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o such_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v a_o unrighteous_a thing_n which_o administer_v that_o woeful_a extremity_n to_o deny_v god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o his_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n or_o to_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o so_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o destruction_n of_o person_n and_o estate_n in_o this_o world_n and_o such_o be_v impose_v of_o worship_n 8._o it_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o may_v destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o even_o of_o such_o upon_o who_o imposition_n be_v lay_v against_o their_o pure_a conscience_n for_o suppose_v a_o person_n or_o people_n be_v true_o persuade_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o true_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v therein_o true_a peace_n with_o god_n in_o a_o clean_a conscience_n and_o by_o force_n of_o law_n and_o through_o cruel_a imposition_n shall_v be_v force_v from_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o have_v have_v peace_n with_o god_n in_o and_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o unto_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n in_o nor_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o such_o conformity_n force_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v certain_o unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o a_o people_n or_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v force_v by_o law_n from_o that_o way_n wherein_o they_o have_v peace_n and_o blessing_n with_o god_n to_o that_o way_n wherein_o their_o soul_n be_v famish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n like_a as_o if_o a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o call_v follow_v the_o same_o in_o a_o certain_a city_n or_o town_n whereby_o he_o maintain_v himself_o in_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o want_v nothing_o and_o yet_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o say_a city_n or_o town_n shall_v forcible_o compel_v by_o violence_n the_o say_a person_n of_o so_o good_a a_o call_v from_o that_o his_o call_v whereby_o he_o so_o well_o maintain_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v force_v upon_o he_o to_o follow_v another_o call_v of_o which_o he_o can_v not_o live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o by_o it_o he_o may_v perish_v and_o starve_v will_v not_o all_o reasonable_a man_n conclude_v the_o same_o imposition_n of_o the_o say_a magistrate_n upon_o the_o say_v poor_a man_n be_v oppression_n cruelty_n unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o the_o case_n of_o impose_v religion_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v the_o great_a oppression_n and_o cruelty_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o respect_v the_o immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o body_n and_o the_o other_o respect_v but_o the_o body_n which_o be_v of_o less_o worth_n with_o all_o that_o concern_v it_o then_o be_v the_o soul_n which_o be_v immortal_a last_o it_o be_v unrighteous_a inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v before_o cite_v and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n example_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christian_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o impose_v by_o force_n upon_o conscience_n in_o religious_a matter_n be_v unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n but_o of_o antichrist_n as_o be_v by_o plain_a reason_n demonstrate_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v in_o a_o few_o word_n show_v the_o danger_n of_o impose_v worship_n 〈◊〉_d aforesaid_a and_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o any_o king_n prince_n or_o outward_a authority_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v the_o imposer_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o force_n in_o the_o case_n of_o worship_n and_o religion_n 1._o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o sin_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o conform_v in_o appearance_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o devout_a to_o god_n and_o this_o make_v they_o hypocrite_n dangerous_a to_o cause_v people_n to_o perform_v duty_n to_o god-ward_n without_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o this_o make_v they_o sinner_n against_o he_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n dangerous_a to_o cause_v some_o to_o deny_v christ_n before_o man_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o world_n and_o terror_n of_o violent_a man_n and_o to_o forsake_v that_o way_n which_o they_o know_v be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o follow_v that_o way_n which_o they_o know_v be_v not_o of_o he_o and_o this_o deny_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o a_o great_a abomination_n against_o he_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o cause_n be_v impose_v by_o force_n upon_o conscience_n in_o matter_n religious_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o imposer_n such_o as_o make_v and_o execute_v such_o force_n and_o this_o danger_n all_o such_o be_v involve_v in_o even_o the_o danger_n of_o cause_v people_n to_o sin_n against_o god_n of_o deny_v christ_n of_o make_v hypocrite_n and_o so_o even_o in_o the_o danger_n of_o destroy_a soul_n which_o be_v a_o desperate_a danger_n oh_o that_o all_o the_o imposer_n of_o religion_n by_o force_n will_v consider_v it_o and_o look_v upon_o the_o danger_n which_o they_o be_v deep_o fall_v into_o and_o involve_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o their_o impose_v upon_o conscience_n alas_o they_o be_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o destroy_a soul_n of_o cause_v a_o nation_n and_o people_n to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o how_o great_a be_v such_o a_o danger_n even_o to_o be_v avoid_v of_o all_o if_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o destroy_v soul_n by_o cause_v people_n to_o sin_n and_o this_o danger_n all_o the_o imposer_n upon_o conscience_n be_v captivate_v in_o and_o 2._o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o destroy_v that_o kingdom_n city_n or_o country_n and_o the_o ruler_n thereof_o by_o beget_v and_o nourish_v discontent_n heartburning_n and_o envy_v among_o the_o people_n one_o against_o another_o and_o against_o their_o ruler_n because_o of_o such_o unrighteous_a force_n and_o violence_n exercise_v by_o imposition_n upon_o their_o conscience_n dangerous_a i_o say_v to_o raise_v into_o contention_n strife_n broil_n and_o bloodshed_n itself_o in_o a_o kingdom_n among_o people_n and_o this_o be_v a_o danger_n violent_o impend_v upon_o such_o ruler_n or_o do_v impose_v as_o aforesaid_a even_o a_o danger_n to_o ruin_v their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o to_o ruin_v the_o people_n under_o their_o dominion_n by_o raise_v the_o people_n into_o discontent_n and_o broil_n through_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o oppression_n of_o
receive_v and_o so_o be_v divide_v in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n from_o the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v receive_v also_o and_o do_v hold_v some_o false_a principle_n opinion_n and_o practice_n either_o different_a from_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o believe_v in_o know_v and_o profess_v such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o heretic_n though_o general_o yet_o true_o describe_v not_o such_o as_o be_v heathen_n unconvert_v who_o never_o believe_v yet_o in_o the_o gospel_n such_o who_o have_v always_o resist_v the_o truth_n and_o never_o yet_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o ever_o taste_v of_o his_o word_n and_o power_n but_o have_v always_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n such_o be_v not_o proper_o call_v heretic_n though_o they_o do_v err_v in_o mind_n heart_n and_o practice_n but_o such_o only_a as_o have_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o profess_v his_o truth_n and_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v fall_v away_o from_o the_o perfect_a truth_n into_o some_o false_a principle_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v become_v unsound_a in_o judgement_n and_o erroneous_a in_o their_o understanding_n and_o have_v forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n and_o be_v corrupt_v and_o lose_v their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o be_v obstinate_a and_o harden_v against_o the_o truth_n which_o once_o they_o believe_v and_o with_o false_a doctrine_n principle_n and_o practice_n do_v gainsay_v and_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o they_o that_o be_v steadfast_a in_o it_o these_o be_v heretic_n and_o true_o so_o call_v man_n that_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n that_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o it_o and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v turn_v against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n and_o gainsay_v the_o truth_n that_o once_o themselves_o have_v believe_v and_o profess_v these_o be_v erroneous_a man_n and_o heretic_n and_o such_o heretic_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o among_o the_o corinthian_n and_o there_o be_v such_o who_o do_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o privy_o bring_v in_o heresy_n among_o they_o as_o before_o be_v prove_v and_o these_o heretic_n be_v such_o as_o have_v once_o be_v among_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o true_a jesus_n and_o have_v sometime_o walk_v with_o they_o but_o be_v depart_v from_o they_o and_o have_v forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o receive_v false_a principle_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v true_o nominate_v heretic_n and_o all_o such_o at_o this_o day_n be_v true_o so_o call_v and_o this_o be_v the_o description_n in_o general_n of_o a_o heretic_n 4._o now_o i_o come_v to_o declare_v who_o be_v the_o true_a judge_n of_o heresy_n and_o heretic_n not_o every_o man_n can_v judge_v in_o this_o case_n in_o his_o own_o thought_n imagination_n and_o supposition_n who_o be_v heretic_n and_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o heresy_n though_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n for_o many_o generation_n among_o the_o apostate_n christian_n to_o reproach_n traduce_v and_o accuse_v one_o another_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o each_o sort_n and_o sect_n of_o false_a christian_n to_o judge_v censure_n and_o condemn_v other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n but_o different_a from_o they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o erroneous_a and_o this_o have_v be_v usual_a among_o many_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a judgement_n not_o the_o way_n to_o try_v and_o judge_v true_o who_o heretic_n be_v by_o one_o sect_n and_o sort_n slander_v and_o accuse_v other_o to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o have_v not_o conform_v to_o their_o way_n and_o principles_n but_o be_v different_a from_o they_o true_a judgement_n have_v not_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o this_o case_n on_o this_o wise_a but_o rather_o envy_n and_o enmity_n have_v judge_v and_o man_n thought_n imagination_n and_o jealousy_n have_v false_o judge_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o no_o sound_a judgement_n determine_v who_o have_v be_v heretic_n for_o man_n have_v judge_v of_o one_o another_o by_o their_o private_a jealousy_n and_o evil_a conceiving_n and_o censure_v one_o another_o to_o be_v heretic_n without_o the_o spirit_n of_o sound_n discern_v and_o just_a judgement_n and_o all_o that_o judgement_n bring_v forth_o in_o that_o case_n without_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v only_o true_a discerner_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v false_a judgement_n and_o man_n have_v judge_v one_o another_o false_o upon_o envy_n and_o evil_a supposition_n and_o without_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o have_v often_o happen_v by_o reason_n hereof_o that_o such_o so_o judge_v for_o heretic_n have_v be_v more_o righteous_a and_o more_o in_o the_o truth_n than_o they_o that_o have_v so_o judge_v they_o and_o the_o judge_n have_v be_v more_o out_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o more_o heretic_n themselves_o than_o they_o who_o they_o have_v false_o judge_v and_o this_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v through_o several_a time_n and_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n among_o the_o false_a christian_n 5._o none_o be_v able_a to_o dilcern_v of_o heresy_n nor_o to_o try_v and_o judge_v just_o who_o be_v heretic_n none_o but_o they_o i_o say_v that_o have_v the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o to_o guide_v they_o and_o have_v infallibility_n and_o perfect_a certainty_n of_o judgement_n and_o knowledge_n in_o that_o case_n of_o heresy_n none_o else_o be_v right_o able_a to_o judge_v who_o be_v heretic_n but_o such_o i_o say_v as_o have_v the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v infallible_a and_o certain_a in_o their_o judgement_n these_o only_a and_o none_o else_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v they_o only_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o this_o case_n of_o heresy_n and_o who_o be_v heretic_n and_o if_o any_o judge_n in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v but_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o enmity_n and_o in_o the_o evil_a supposition_n and_o conceiving_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a judgement_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o infallibility_n of_o judgement_n to_o discern_v by_o and_o determine_v with_o in_o that_o case_n for_o no_o man_n nor_o man_n may_v or_o can_v just_o judge_v another_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o heresy_n as_o a_o heretic_n by_o their_o own_o thought_n or_o supposition_n out_o of_o their_o enmity_n and_o for_o their_o self-interest_n but_o the_o judgement_n in_o that_o matter_n must_v be_v just_a equal_a holy_a and_o true_a and_o only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v infallible_a and_o give_v infallibility_n of_o judgement_n and_o discern_v into_o all_o case_n and_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o saint_n that_o have_v the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o infallibility_n of_o judgement_n that_o can_v only_o judge_v just_o of_o such_o thing_n who_o be_v heretic_n and_o who_o be_v not_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o jew_n nor_o pharisee_n that_o can_v just_o discern_v or_o judge_v in_o god_n spiritual_a matter_n but_o they_o always_o judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n false_o and_o unjust_o in_o their_o evil_a supposition_n and_o envy_n and_o this_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o judgement_n nor_o the_o certain_a infallible_a knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o different_a thing_n in_o spiritual_a case_n and_o so_o it_o be_v now_o at_o this_o day_n among_o they_o call_v christian_n there_o be_v none_o can_v discern_v true_o nor_o judge_v just_o what_o heresy_n be_v nor_o who_o be_v a_o heretic_n but_o such_o as_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v infallibility_n of_o judgement_n nor_o none_o can_v make_v law_n whereby_o just_o to_o judge_v of_o heresy_n and_o heretic_n but_o they_o who_o have_v the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v they_o and_o have_v receive_v infallibility_n of_o judgement_n so_o both_o the_o lawmaker_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o law_n must_v be_v infallible_a in_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n of_o heresy_n otherwise_o the_o law_n make_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o the_o judgement_n give_v by_o that_o law_n be_v both_o false_a and_o unjust_a and_o not_o according_a to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n but_o be_v to_o be_v just_o judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o the_o lord_n god_n in_o his_o day_n and_o season_n 6._o now_o it_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o
of_o his_o people_n he_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o lord_n god_n and_o the_o spirit_n which_o shall_v comfort_v he_o do_v daily_o vex_v and_o judge_v he_o and_o the_o people_n among_o who_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v he_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o cast_v out_o to_o satan_n be_v now_o among_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n the_o child_n of_o wickedness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o must_v be_v condemn_v and_o this_o man_n be_v now_o reject_v of_o the_o saint_n that_o once_o be_v embrace_v of_o they_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a punishment_n and_o vexation_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v once_o taste_v of_o god_n love_n mercy_n peace_n and_o blessing_n among_o god_n people_n and_o to_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n and_o without_o his_o love_n in_o his_o anger_n in_o his_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o curse_n among_o the_o wicked_a without_o peace_n and_o blessing_n among_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v punishment_n indeed_o from_o which_o the_o lord_n deliver_v all_o his_o people_n that_o fear_v he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o kind_a and_o manner_n of_o punishment_n pertain_v to_o heretic_n as_o such_o most_o proper_o and_o not_o to_o be_v destroy_v in_o person_n or_o estate_n by_o outward_a penalty_n this_o i_o only_o mean_v and_o intend_v where_o the_o error_n of_o a_o man_n and_o his_o heresy_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n do_v only_o extend_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o against_o god_n and_o not_o to_o the_o harm_n of_o his_o neighbour_n person_n or_o estate_n in_o that_o case_n he_o ought_v only_o to_o suffer_v as_o beforementioned_a to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n and_o to_o be_v reject_v etc._n etc._n but_o if_o his_o error_n and_o heresy_n do_v extend_v further_a then_o only_o against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n even_o to_o the_o wrong_v injure_v and_o defraud_v of_o his_o neighbour_n person_n and_o estate_n and_o outward_a wrong_n or_o evil_n or_o violence_n or_o visible_a mischief_n be_v commit_v as_o murder_n or_o other_o the_o like_o visible_a crime_n against_o man_n to_o the_o injure_v of_o other_o than_o i_o forbid_v not_o outward_a external_a punishment_n to_o be_v corporal_o inflict_v upon_o the_o person_n and_o estate_n of_o such_o a_o man_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o by_o law_n of_o man_n provide_v for_o the_o same_o end_n even_o such_o a_o man_n error_n in_o such_o his_o wrong_a deal_n may_v just_o and_o lawful_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n banishment_n or_o penalty_n according_a to_o the_o desert_n of_o the_o crime_n if_o his_o sin_n and_o error_n be_v against_o man_n let_v man_n deal_v with_o he_o and_o punish_v he_o according_o if_o his_o offence_n and_o error_n be_v only_o against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n let_v god_n deal_v with_o he_o and_o punish_v he_o by_o his_o wrath_n in_o his_o conscience_n which_o one_o day_n will_v be_v execute_v upon_o all_o that_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o tribulation_n and_o anguish_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o soul_n that_o do_v evil_a as_o it_o be_v write_v but_o it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a and_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o man_n to_o kill_v burn_v or_o banish_v man_n for_o the_o error_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n while_o they_o do_v walk_v just_o and_o true_o as_o man_n in_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o man_n and_o be_v not_o injurious_a to_o the_o person_n or_o estate_n of_o any_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o their_o error_n but_o they_o only_a sin_n and_o err_v against_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o the_o hurt_n thereof_o and_o not_o man_n by_o any_o outward_a punishment_n or_o violence_n execute_v upon_o their_o person_n but_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o afore_o declare_v aught_o for_o such_o their_o error_n and_o heresy_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o and_o proceed_v towards_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o punishment_n for_o the_o same_o last_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o say_v in_o general_a concern_v error_n and_o heresy_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o punish_v and_o by_o who_o and_o to_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v error_n and_o heresy_n heretic_n and_o erroneous_a person_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o it_o be_v not_o now_o my_o work_n to_o ennumerate_v the_o particular_a part_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n that_o be_v hold_v in_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o large_a but_o yet_o more_o particular_o thus_o i_o will_v in_o brief_a define_v heretic_n and_o heresy_n that_o man_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v be_v in_o error_n in_o all_o part_n of_o his_o principle_n and_o practice_n hold_v and_o maintain_v by_o he_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n especial_o that_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o verity_n of_o his_o way_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o lead_v guide_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o performance_n and_o practice_n thereof_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v not_o in_o he_o and_o do_v not_o preswade_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o teach_v and_o lead_v the_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o such_o a_o man_n even_o that_o man_n err_v and_o be_v in_o error_n in_o all_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o do_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n to_o god-ward_n and_o that_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n be_v not_o the_o only_a leader_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o thing_n profess_v and_o practise_v but_o either_o tradition_n example_n of_o other_o or_o custom_n of_o place_n and_o time_n or_o something_o else_o beside_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o only_o persuade_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o teach_v into_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o and_o thus_o be_v distinguish_v and_o know_v a_o man_n that_o be_v erroneous_a in_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n not_o teach_v and_o persuade_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o what_o he_o be_v and_o in_o what_o he_o do_v he_o be_v in_o error_n and_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o heresy_n err_v in_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n in_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o subject_a to_o err_v in_o all_o thing_n now_o as_o for_o the_o case_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o the_o matter_n have_v stand_v in_o distinguish_v of_o heretic_n and_o heresy_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o proceed_v with_o heretic_n in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a for_o many_o generation_n in_o the_o apostasy_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n all_o this_o have_v be_v wrong_a and_o not_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o man_n case_n and_o proceed_n all_o have_v be_v pervert_v from_o truth_n in_o that_o matter_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n have_v rule_v and_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n which_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n be_v only_o pure_a perfect_a and_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o can_v true_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o these_o case_n have_v be_v lord_n and_o judge_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o man_n out_o of_o their_o envy_n and_o hatred_n one_o towards_o another_o have_v judge_v one_o another_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o heretic_n and_o proceed_v against_o they_o thereupon_o and_o such_o as_o have_v differ_v in_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n one_o sect_n and_o sort_n from_o another_o and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o way_n practice_n and_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v common_a for_o all_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n to_o cry_v out_o one_o upon_o another_o and_o against_o each_o other_o heresy_n heresy_n heretic_n erroneous_a person_n and_o the_o like_a and_o proceed_v against_o one_o another_o man_n against_o man_n differ_v from_o they_o and_o sect_n against_o sect_n contrary_a to_o itself_o and_o especial_o that_o sect_n or_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o have_v have_v the_o government_n of_o nation_n and_o country_n in_o their_o power_n can_v and_o have_v easy_o proceed_v against_o all_o other_o dissent_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o error_n to_o the_o destroy_n of_o many_o absolute_o through_o envy_n hatred_n and_o prejudice_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o truth_n soundness_n and_o verity_n of_o judgement_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o this_o have_v be_v common_a for_o many_o age_n sometime_o according_a to_o the_o occasion_n offer_v papist_n have_v destroy_v protestant_n and_o sometime_o protestant_n have_v destroy_v the_o papist_n on_o this_o account_n of_o heresy_n and_o error_n all_o which_o
neighbour_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o man_n conscience_n shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o we_o and_o all_o these_o do_v give_v judgement_n for_o we_o in_o these_o case_n to_o who_o we_o do_v appeal_v for_o judgement_n and_o o_o lord_n god_n everlasting_a do_v thou_o judge_v our_o cause_n do_v thou_o make_v it_o manifest_a in_o thy_o due_a season_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v thy_o people_n that_o we_o love_v thou_o above_o all_o that_o we_o fear_v thy_o name_n more_o than_o all_o that_o we_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_n iniquity_n and_o that_o we_o now_o suffer_v for_o thy_o holy_a name_n and_o truth_n and_o for_o thy_o honour_n and_o justice_n and_o for_o thy_o truth_n and_o holiness_n o_o lord_n thou_o know_v we_o be_v resolve_v to_o perish_v rather_o than_o to_o lose_v one_o grain_n hereof_o amen_n amen_n our_o accusation_n and_o answer_n true_o compare_v and_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n of_o the_o case_n do_v we_o deserve_v to_o be_v ruin_v destroy_v imprison_v and_o banish_v and_o that_o to_o be_v devour_v of_o wild_a beast_n as_o our_o enemy_n threaten_v we_o he_o will_v do_v be_v it_o so_o be_v we_o heretic_n be_v we_o seditious_a be_v we_o drunkard_n be_v we_o double-dealer_n be_v we_o such_o as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n condemn_v what_o evil_n have_v we_o do_v in_o the_o land_n do_v we_o hurt_v any_o body_n be_v we_o not_o innocent_a before_o the_o lord_n &_o man_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o just_a witness_n of_o god_n and_o man_n let_v it_o be_v answer_v and_o though_o no_o man_n will_v hear_v and_o consider_v our_o cause_n this_o day_n yet_o the_o lord_n will_v plead_v our_o cause_n in_o his_o time_n and_o season_n and_o make_v the_o world_n to_o know_v we_o be_v his_o people_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v the_o reproach_n of_o ungodly_a man_n till_o the_o lord_n work_v deliverance_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o now_o it_o may_v be_v object_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n that_o we_o have_v now_o a_o law_n against_o you_o and_o you_o must_v suffer_v for_o we_o can_v but_o put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n according_a to_o our_o oath_n and_o office_n and_o it_o be_v not_o we_o that_o persecute_v you_o but_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o which_o you_o now_o suffer_v and_o we_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o your_o suffering_n we_o only_o execute_v the_o law_n and_o after_o this_o manner_n be_v the_o reason_v of_o some_o at_o this_o day_n etc._n etc._n answ._n to_o all_o which_o i_o do_v answer_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o law_n now_o enact_v against_o we_o which_o be_v pretend_o make_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o suffer_v but_o whether_o that_o law_n be_v in_o itself_o just_o or_o unjust_a i_o shall_v not_o now_o demonstrate_v but_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o christian_a man_n that_o know_v we_o our_o principle_n doctrine_n way_n and_o conversation_n and_o let_v they_o judge_v whether_o we_o deserve_v the_o penalty_n and_o punishment_n therein_o describe_v for_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n hold_v and_o maintain_v by_o we_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o law_n against_o we_o yet_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v executor_n thereof_o may_v execute_v the_o same_o with_o moderation_n or_o with_o violence_n with_o discretion_n or_o too_o much_o rigour_n and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o they_o to_o use_v moderation_n and_o discretion_n in_o this_o case_n hereby_o may_v they_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o weight_n of_o anger_n and_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n that_o will_v come_v upon_o all_o violent_a doer_n who_o seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o innocent_a and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o occasion_n administer_v and_o though_o this_o law_n be_v enact_v against_o our_o meeting_n not_o we_o i_o may_v say_v but_o such_o meeting_n as_o be_v dangerous_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o people_n but_o our_o meeting_n be_v not_o such_o and_o therefore_o this_o law_n may_v not_o just_o extend_v in_o its_o execution_n to_o the_o break_n of_o our_o meeting_n nor_o to_o banish_v we_o because_o of_o our_o meet_v together_o which_o be_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v peaceable_a and_o of_o good_a report_n among_o all_o good_a man_n and_o be_v not_o for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n nor_o terror_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o just_o free_a from_o this_o law_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o though_o this_o law_n be_v pretend_v against_o we_o for_o to_o banish_v we_o and_o to_o rid_v the_o land_n of_o we_o as_o some_o vain_o suppose_v yet_o must_v it_o needs_o be_v execute_v to_o the_o height_n of_o it_o without_o limitation_n or_o restriction_n must_v this_o law_n be_v execute_v to_o its_o height_n more_o than_o some_o other_o law_n that_o be_v as_o true_o enact_v and_o as_o full_o in_o force_n as_o this_o act_n can_v be_v yet_o some_o such_o law_n there_o be_v which_o better_a deserve_v execution_n than_o this_o yet_o they_o lie_v dormant_a as_o be_v visible_o apparent_a at_o this_o day_n as_o in_o 4_o jac._n cap._n 5._o in_o these_o word_n be_v it_o enact_v etc._n etc._n that_o all_o and_o every_o person_n or_o person_n which_o after_o forty_o day_n next_o follow_v the_o end_n of_o this_o present_a session_n of_o parliament_n shall_v be_v drink_v and_o of_o the_o same_o offence_n of_o drunkenness_n shall_v be_v lawful_o convict_v shall_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n forfeit_a and_o lose_v five_o shilling_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n warden_n of_o that_o parish_n where_o the_o offence_n shall_v be_v commit_v who_o shall_v be_v accountable_a therefore_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o same_o parish_n and_o if_o the_o say_a person_n or_o person_n so_o convict_v shall_v refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o pay_v the_o say_a forfeiture_n than_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v levy_v of_o the_o good_n of_o every_o such_o person_n or_o person_n by_o warrant_n of_o precept_n from_o the_o court_n judge_n or_o justice_n before_o who_o the_o same_o conviction_n shall_v be_v and_o if_o the_o offender_n be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v the_o sum_n of_o five_o shilling_n than_o he_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o stock_n for_o the_o space_n of_o six_o hour_n i_o pray_v you_o read_v the_o statute_n at_o large_a it_o be_v worth_a a_o sober_a man_n pain_n to_o read_v over_o and_o then_o judge_v whether_o that_o law_n be_v due_o execue_v at_o this_o day_n and_o also_o whether_o it_o deserve_v not_o more_o strict_a execution_n than_o the_o present_a act_n against_o we_o also_o the_o 1_o jac._n cap._n 7._o in_o these_o word_n that_o all_o person_n call_v themselves_o scholar_n go_v about_o beg_v all_o idle_a person_n go_v about_o in_o any_o country_n either_o beg_v or_o use_v any_o subtle_a craft_n or_o unlawful_a game_n or_o play_n or_o feign_v themselves_o to_o have_v knowledge_n in_o physiognomy_n or_o pretend_v that_o they_o can_v tell_v fortune_n or_o such_o other_o like_o fantastical_a imagination_n all_o fencer_n bearward_n common-player_n of_o interlude_n and_o minstrel_n wander_v abroad_o shall_v be_v take_v adjudge_v and_o deem_v as_o rogue_n vagabond_n and_o sturdy_a beggar_n and_o shall_v suffer_v such_o pain_n and_o punishment_n as_o be_v express_v 39_o eliz._n cap._n 4._o viz._n that_o every_o such_o person_n shall_v be_v strip_v naked_a from_o the_o middle_a upward_o and_o shall_v be_v open_o whip_v until_o his_o or_o her_o body_n be_v bloody_a etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v be_v forthwith_o send_v from_o parish_n to_o parish_n etc._n etc._n and_o read_v the_o statute_n at_o large_a and_o then_o consider_v how_o due_o it_o be_v execute_v now_o and_o whether_o it_o deserve_v not_o the_o execution_n as_o much_o as_o the_o late_a act_n against_o we_o though_o in_o some_o place_n the_o one_o be_v more_o execute_v than_o the_o other_o where_o many_o of_o our_o friend_n be_v honest_a sober_a person_n and_o of_o good_a conversation_n and_o yet_o be_v hale_v out_o of_o their_o meeting_n where_o they_o be_v meet_v only_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n and_o ●sent_a to_o prison_n and_o persecute_v to_o the_o very_a height_n of_o the_o say_a act_n whenas_o idle_a person_n follow_v unlawful_a game_n and_o play_n and_o bearward_n common-player_n of_o interlude_n and_o minstrel_n of_o divers_a kind_n do_v wander_v up_o and_o down_o city_n and_o country_n and_o have_v their_o playhouse_n public_a where_o their_o wickedness_n be_v act_v such_o person_n and_o such_o thing_n though_o appear_v public_o yet_o be_v permit_v and_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o by_o some_o of_o the_o