a_o order_n to_o sr_n christopher_n pack_n lord_n mayor_n of_o london_n to_o cause_n biddle_n to_o be_v apprehend_v which_o be_v honest_o do_v by_o the_o marshal_n of_o the_o city_n and_o thereupon_o a_o city-officer_n be_v send_v to_o acquaint_v the_o honourable_a council_n that_o biddle_n be_v apprehend_v and_o to_o know_v their_o further_a pleasure_n in_o the_o case_n who_o return_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o give_v encouragement_n for_o the_o prosecute_n of_o he_o at_o the_o common_a law_n whereupon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o 2_o of_o may_n 1648._o entitle_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o for_o the_o punish_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n be_v pitch_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a law_n in_o force_n that_o will_v reach_v he_o if_o any_o for_o other_o law_n against_o blasphemy_n none_o can_v be_v find_v since_o the_o way_n of_o convict_v a_o blasphemer_n by_o bishop_n be_v at_o a_o end_n except_o that_o against_o the_o ranter_n which_o will_v not_o reach_v he_o and_o according_a to_o that_o ordinance_n process_n be_v make_v one_o be_v bind_v to_o prosecute_v do_v exhibit_v these_o two_o indictment_n against_o he_o london_z ss_z at_o the_o gaol_n delivery_n of_o newgate_n hold_v for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n at_o justice-hall_n in_o the_o old_a bailey_n london_n on_o wednesday_n the_o five_o day_n of_o september_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o fifty_o and_o five_o london_z ss_z the_o juror_n for_o the_o lord_n protector_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n upon_o their_o oath_n do_v present_a that_o john_n biddle_n of_o london_n gent_n not_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o england_n any_o whit_n regard_v the_o four_o and_o twenty_o day_n of_o march_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o fifty_o and_o five_o at_o london_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o gregory_n in_o the_o ward_n of_o faringdon_n within_o london_n aforesaid_a out_o of_o his_o devilish_a mind_n and_o imagination_n false_o willing_o and_o felonious_o do_v devise_v compose_v and_o write_v a_o certain_a heretical_a and_o blasphemous_a book_n entitle_v a_o two_o fold_v catechism_n the_o one_o a_o scripture-catechism_n the_o other_o a_o brief_a scripture_n catechism_n for_o child_n in_o which_o say_v book_n among_o other_o thing_n the_o say_a john_n biddle_n then_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o say_v four_o and_o twenty_o day_n of_o march_n in_o the_o say_a year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o fifty_o and_o four_o at_o the_o parish_n and_o ward_n aforesaid_a false_o devilish_o and_o felonious_o do_v write_v put_z assert_v affirm_v and_o maintain_v that_o god_n be_v not_o present_a in_o all_o place_n do_v not_o know_v and_o forâ—_n knâ—w_v all_o thing_n that_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o one_o eternal_a god_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n that_o the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o several_a nature_n that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o meritorious_a in_o behalf_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o same_o book_n afterward_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o say_v four_o and_o twenty_o day_n of_o march_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o fifty_o and_o four_o there_o with_o the_o say_a error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n aforesaid_a therein_o contain_v false_o willing_o devilish_o and_o felonious_o do_v imprint_v and_o publish_v and_o cause_v to_o be_v imprint_v and_o publish_v with_o the_o intent_n to_o spread_v abroad_o within_o this_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n the_o error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n aforesaid_a to_o the_o high_a dishonour_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o growth_n and_o spread_v of_o heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n within_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n in_o contempt_n of_o the_o law_n of_o england_n against_o the_o form_n of_o a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o publish_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n make_v publish_v and_o set_v forth_o on_o tuesday_n the_o second_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o forty_o and_o eight_o and_o against_o the_o public_a peace_n etc._n etc._n sadler_n london_z ss_z at_o the_o gael-delivery_n of_o newgate_n hold_v for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n at_o justice-hall_n in_o the_o old_a bailey_n london_n on_o wednesday_n the_o five_o day_n of_o september_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o fifty_o and_o five_o london_z ss_z the_o juror_n for_o the_o lord_n protector_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n upon_o their_o oath_n do_v present_a that_o john_n biddle_n late_o of_o london_n gent._n not_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o england_n any_o whit_n regard_v the_o eight_o and_o twenty_o day_n of_o june_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o fifty_o and_o five_o at_o london_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o ward_n of_o faringdon_n within_o london_n aforesaid_a by_o teach_v public_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o hear_n of_o very_a many_o people_n then_o and_o there_o present_a unlawful_o willing_o obstinate_o devilish_o and_o felonious_o do_v maintain_v and_o publish_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o god_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o equal_a with_o god_n the_o father_n to_o the_o high_a dishonour_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o growth_n and_o spread_v of_o heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n within_o this_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n in_o contempt_n of_o the_o law_n of_o england_n against_o the_o form_n of_o a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o punish_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n make_v publish_v and_o set_v forth_o on_o tuesday_n the_o second_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o forty_o and_o eight_o and_o against_o the_o public_a peace_n etc._n etc._n sadler_n the_o bill_n be_v find_v by_o the_o grand_a inquest_n the_o trial_n begin_v witness_n ready_a among_o who_o a_o eminent_a and_o worthy_a gentleman_n of_o public_a place_n be_v one_o to_o evidence_n that_o a_o book_n which_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o the_o parliament_n record_n that_o contain_v all_o the_o blasphemy_n charge_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o first_o indictment_n be_v that_o very_a individual_a book_n which_o he_o own_v at_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n as_o publish_v by_o he_o the_o indictment_n be_v read_v biddle_n with_o much_o ado_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o plead_v and_o obtain_v leave_n of_o the_o court_n to_o put_v in_o his_o exception_n to_o the_o two_o bill_n of_o indictment_n ingross_v in_o these_o word_n london_z ss_z at_o the_o gaol-delivery_n of_o newgate_n hold_v for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n at_o justice-hall_n in_o the_o old-bailey_n london_n on_o wednesday_n the_o five_o day_n of_o september_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o fifty_o and_o five_o exception_n take_v by_o john_n biddle_n gentleman_n prisoner_n at_o the_o bar_n to_o two_o bill_n of_o indictment_n prefer_v against_o he_o ground_v upon_o a_o ordinance_n entitle_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o punish_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n date_v die_v martis_n secundo_fw-la maii_n 1648._o first_o the_o prisoner_n say_v that_o the_o say_a indictment_n be_v insufficient_a both_o in_o matter_n and_o form_n because_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n which_o be_v not_o bind_v long_o than_o the_o parliament_n sit_v and_o that_o parliament_n be_v long_o since_o dissolve_v second_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o obstinacy_n express_v in_o the_o indictment_n without_o which_o though_o the_o ordinance_n be_v of_o force_n there_o be_v no_o offence_n against_o it_o three_o the_o ordinance_n if_o it_o be_v of_o force_n do_v direct_v the_o offender_n to_o be_v indict_v the_o next_o gaol_n delivery_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o second_o gaol-delivery_n after_o complaint_n and_o imprisonment_n the_o ordinance_n be_v not_o pursue_v by_o elapse_v the_o time_n prefix_v four_o though_o the_o ordinance_n be_v admit_v to_o bind_v after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n yet_o the_o same_o parliament_n do_v after_o the_o say_a ordinance_n viz._n the_o nine_o of_o august_n 1650._o make_v a_o act_n against_o the_o same_o opinion_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o if_o cause_n be_v the_o prisoner_n may_v be_v proceed_v against_o upon_o the_o act_n
be_v a_o strange_a linsey_n wolsey_n mixture_n of_o man_n of_o several_a interest_n and_o different_a opinion_n weave_v together_o in_o a_o new_a fashion_a parliament_n the_o major_a part_n we_o fear_v and_o just_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o ministry_n university_n and_o to_o all_o magistracy_n too_o that_o shall_v not_o reside_v in_o themselves_o or_o their_o party_n the_o government_n be_v unsety_v and_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o sober_a intelligent_a christian_n fill_v with_o fear_n of_o sudden_a ruin_n to_o true_a religion_n from_o that_o assembly_n some_o be_v know_v enemy_n and_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n no_o know_a friend_n the_o then_z general_n also_o think_v meet_a for_o a_o time_n to_o conceal_v which_o side_n he_o will_v take_v the_o better_a i_o shall_v say_v the_o great_a half_a of_o that_o parliament_n be_v resolve_v to_o put_v down_o the_o very_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n take_v away_o tithe_n and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o university_n enlarge_v the_o toleration_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v unlimited_o at_o which_o time_n set_v aside_o the_o general_n the_o scale_n be_v even_o nay_o rather_o worse_o for_o the_o worst_a end_n be_v the_o heavy_a and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o sad_a time_n of_o imminent_a danger_n have_v they_o all_o unite_a or_o the_o one_o half_a of_o they_o but_o head_v we_o have_v be_v ruin_v except_o preserve_v by_o a_o miracle_n at_o this_o time_n there_o want_v nothing_o but_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o general_n or_o his_o close_n with_o the_o antichristian_a crew_n but_o this_o time_n of_o extremity_n be_v god_n opportunity_n god_n divide_v our_o enemy_n and_o engage_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o lord_n general_n to_o join_v with_o that_o party_n which_o make_v a_o good_a profession_n of_o love_n and_o reality_n of_o affection_n to_o the_o ministry_n their_o maintenance_n and_o the_o university_n who_o take_v a_o opportunity_n though_o they_o be_v the_o minor_a part_n if_o the_o house_n have_v be_v full_a to_o break_v up_o that_o meeting_n to_o their_o perpetual_a honour_n and_o so_o we_o be_v deliver_v the_o lord_n pardon_v our_o unthankfulness_n for_o this_o great_a deliverance_n and_o make_v we_o thankful_a for_o the_o future_a and_o our_o child_n after_o we_o ii_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o suffer_v too_o much_o their_o child_n their_o family_n the_o people_n under_o their_o command_n to_o do_v what_o they_o listen_v in_o these_o respect_n contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n certain_o the_o magistrate_n do_v at_o least_o interpretative_o allow_v of_o these_o evil_n while_o he_o omit_v by_o good_a law_n to_o reform_v these_o thing_n or_o so_o lisp_n that_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v i_o shall_v here_o presume_v to_o assert_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v either_o no_o law_n against_o blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n or_o else_o the_o law_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o questionable_a that_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o most_o that_o be_v chief_o concern_v that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a toleration_n except_o of_o public_a mass_n 2._o nor_o any_o law_n or_o ordinance_n in_o force_n against_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o press_n 3._o nor_o against_o any_o man_n be_v and_o do_v almost_o what_o himself_o will_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n every_o man_n may_v learn_v god_n word_n or_o not_o learn_v hear_v it_o or_o not_o hear_v it_o go_v to_o church_n or_o stay_v at_o home_n profess_v the_o truth_n or_o hold_v forth_o error_n or_o neither_o of_o blasphemy_n and_o error_n as_o concern_v the_o first_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o august_n 9_o 1650._o against_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o ranter_n which_o alone_o have_v quite_o vanquish_v all_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o blaspheme_v by_o the_o dread_n of_o it_o though_o scarce_o ever_o any_o person_n suffer_v the_o penalty_n of_o it_o a_o happy_a act_n it_o was._n and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o of_o the_o 2_o of_o may_n 1648._o very_a full_a against_o the_o socinian_n blasphemy_n but_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o present_a government_n seem_v to_o repeal_v that_o act_n and_o that_o ordinance_n and_o all_o other_o law_n whatsoever_o that_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o man_n as_o to_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o profess_v of_o they_o if_o any_o other_o be_v in_o be_v at_o the_o make_v thereof_o the_o word_n of_o the_o instrument_n be_v these_o article_n xxxvii_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v faith_n in_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n though_o differ_v in_o judgement_n from_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n public_o hold_v forth_o shall_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o but_o shall_v be_v protect_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n so_o as_o they_o abuse_v not_o this_o liberty_n to_o the_o civil_a injury_n of_o other_o and_o to_o the_o actual_a disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n on_o their_o part_n provide_v this_o liberty_n be_v not_o extend_v to_o popery_n or_o prelacy_n nor_o to_o such_o as_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n hold_v forth_o and_o practice_v licentiousness_n and_o article_n xxxviii_o that_o all_o law_n statute_n ordinance_n and_o clause_n in_o any_o law_n statute_n and_o ordinance_n to_o the_o contrary_a of_o the_o aforesaid_a liberty_n shall_v be_v esteem_v as_o null_n and_o void_a so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v prosecute_v a_o blasphemer_n upon_o either_o the_o foresaid_a act_n or_o ordinance_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o law_n if_o any_o be_v in_o force_n at_o the_o make_n of_o the_o instrument_n as_o it_o be_v believe_v there_o be_v none_o all_o will_v depend_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o court_n where_o the_o cause_n be_v try_v of_o the_o sense_n or_o extent_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o instrument_n viz._n art_n 37._o such_o as_o profess_v faith_n in_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o provide_v this_o liberty_n be_v not_o extend_v to_o popery_n etc._n etc._n nor_o to_o such_o as_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n hold_v forth_o and_o practice_v licentiousness_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o one_o judge_n and_o court_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o instrument_n to_o repeal_v any_o law_n or_o clause_n of_o a_o law_n against_o blasphemy_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o another_o but_o the_o clean_a contrary_n beside_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o be_v in_o force_n and_o do_v not_o expire_v with_o the_o parliament_n that_o make_v it_o which_o be_v one_o of_o biddle_n pleas._n it_o may_v charitable_o be_v presume_v that_o the_o lord_n protector_n his_o highness_n do_v doubt_n whether_o the_o session_n of_o peace_n for_o london_n will_v in_o the_o case_n of_o john_n biddle_n adjudge_v the_o foresay_a ordinance_n of_o may_n 2_o 1648._o upon_o which_o he_o be_v indict_v to_o be_v in_o force_n notwithstanding_o the_o instrument_n of_o government_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o the_o lord_n protector_n do_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o council_n remove_v biddle_n by_o a_o special_a warrant_n from_o newgate_n before_o judgement_n unto_o the_o isle_n of_o silly_a there_o to_o be_v keep_v close-prisoner_n to_o hinder_v he_o from_o infect_v the_o people_n with_o his_o damnable_a opinion_n notwithstanding_o the_o petition_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o abettor_n style_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o church_n for_o his_o enlargement_n and_o because_o i_o have_v mention_v biddle_n case_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o give_v this_o brief_a account_n of_o he_o and_o it_o that_o any_o that_o desire_v it_o may_v know_v what_o be_v become_v of_o he_o and_o his_o trial_n on_o june_n 28_o 1656._o john_n biddle_n engage_v himself_o in_o a_o disputation_n in_o paul_n before_o many_o hundred_o with_o a_o weak_a man_n just_a as_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v it_o upon_o this_o thesis_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o almighty_a or_o most_o high_a god_n where_o biddle_n be_v the_o opponent_n and_o indeed_o very_o learned_a witty_a and_o zealous_a he_o be_v to_o baffle_v all_o that_o hear_v he_o out_o of_o their_o christianity_n the_o day_n be_v spend_v that_o day_n seven-night_n be_v appoint_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o dispute_n in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o the_o heart-cutting_a of_o some_o that_o dear_o love_v our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o carry_v in_o a_o information_n of_o the_o whole_a unto_o his_o highness_n and_o the_o council_n of_o state_n humble_o beg_v that_o the_o say_v bidle_n or_o any_o other_o may_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o propagate_v he_o or_o their_o blasphemous_a assertion_n against_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n or_o his_o law_n and_o statute_n the_o holy_a scripture_n whereupon_o the_o council_n send_v
no_o more_o there_o the_o master_n question_v whether_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v incumbent_a upon_o he_o towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o resolve_v that_o to_o command_v and_o compel_v he_o constant_o to_o hear_v the_o minister_n be_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v do_v according_o and_o the_o boy_n be_v convert_v and_o become_v a_o very_a godly_a man_n and_o ever_o after_o praise_v god_n for_o that_o good_a providence_n what_o christian_a can_v or_o will_v blame_v this_o master_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o army_n in_o their_o garrison_n i_o be_o sure_a at_o the_o garrison_n of_o james_n do_v compel_v their_o soldier_n to_o hear_v the_o public_a sermon_n that_o be_v in_o those_o garrison_n even_o all_o except_o some_o anabaptist_n that_o give_v cause_n to_o believe_v do_v scruple_n it_o as_o to_o theological_a legality_n and_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o go_v to_o hear_v elsewhere_o and_o how_o smart_o have_v i_o see_v the_o soldier_n cane_v unto_o the_o sermon_n in_o westminster-abby_n a_o pious_a work_n it_o be_v to_o drive_v dream_v idle_a sot_n to_o the_o receipt_n of_o their_o pay_n if_o i_o may_v so_o allude_v or_o rather_o of_o a_o alm_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o perish_v it_o be_v a_o good_a example_n for_o all_o in_o authority_n from_o the_o great_a prince_n and_o parliament_n to_o the_o mean_a master_n or_o parent_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o look_v upon_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n as_o the_o chief_a appointer_n of_o such_o discipline_n in_o the_o army_n and_o then_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n object_n this_o be_v against_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n no_o such_o matter_n it_o be_v against_o liberty_n of_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o man_n will_v but_o not_o against_o their_o liberty_n of_o be_v as_o good_a as_o they_o will_n if_o neither_o anabaptist_n presbyterian_a or_o independent_a minister_n will_v serve_v they_o their_o conscience_n be_v not_o tender_a in_o any_o sense_n but_o sear_v papist_n and_o jew_n except_v and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n or_o any_o other_o to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o a_o oration_n only_o of_o what_o doctrine_n soever_o where_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o assent_n be_v not_o require_v until_o from_o inward_a conviction_n they_o do_v it_o willing_o indeed_o they_o have_v more_o to_o say_v against_o it_o if_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o be_v at_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o sacrament_n where_o it_o be_v suppose_v all_o say_v amen_o to_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v iv_o a_o law_n to_o compel_v all_o person_n if_o it_o may_v be_v if_o not_o than_o all_o under_o such_o a_o age_n for_o if_o god_n servant_n can_v have_v what_o they_o will_v they_o must_v be_v thankful_a for_o what_o they_o can_v get_v better_a some_o be_v look_v after_o then_o none_o at_o all_o to_o learn_v a_o good_a catechism_n and_o to_o attend_v upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v if_o a_o member_n either_o of_o a_o independent_a or_o anabaptist_n church_n otherwise_o upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o parish_n where_o they_o live_v if_o there_o be_v one_o approve_v of_o there_o at_o such_o time_n and_o time_n as_o the_o minister_n shall_v either_o visit_v they_o or_o send_v for_o they_o and_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o progress_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o teach_n and_o instruct_v of_o they_o so_o often_o as_o he_o shall_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o deal_v personal_o with_o they_o that_o so_o minister_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o do_v that_o which_o probable_o will_v do_v a_o world_n of_o good_a to_o million_o that_o now_o reap_v but_o very_o little_a benefit_n by_o their_o ministry_n without_o all_o controversy_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o pope_n will_v rage_v at_o these_o two_o last_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v do_v and_o then_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o god_n and_o his_o righteous_a seed_n that_o desire_v nothing_o more_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o own_o happiness_n than_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n yea_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a mercy_n to_o this_o commonwealth_n than_o the_o gain_v a_o hundred_o million_o of_o gold_n from_o that_o grand_a enemy_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o religion_n the_o spaniard_n and_o thus_o have_v cast_v in_o my_o poor_a mite_n towards_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o temple_n i_o desire_v that_o what_o i_o have_v write_v may_v be_v look_v upon_o but_o only_o as_o the_o work_n of_o a_o remembrancer_n to_o those_o who_o i_o hope_v will_v do_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o way_n method_n and_o time_n according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n which_o almighty_a god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o the_o piety_n which_o he_o and_o his_o servant_n expect_v from_o they_o and_o in_o regard_n i_o plead_v for_o no_o particular_a interest_n but_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o protestant_n which_o lie_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n and_o their_o liberty_n and_o agreement_n i_o can_v but_o promise_v myself_o if_o not_o acceptance_n yet_o pardon_v from_o my_o governor_n for_o what_o weakness_n shall_v be_v find_v among_o these_o overflowing_n of_o my_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n to_o who_o i_o have_v make_v my_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o direct_v and_o incline_v the_o lord_n protector_n and_o the_o parliament_n to_o do_v in_o the_o premise_n in_o such_o wise_a as_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o their_o allegiance_n to_o his_o majesty_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o even_o god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n be_v everlasting_a thanksgiving_n and_o obedience_n amen_n finis_fw-la
but_o can_v be_v proceed_v against_o upon_o the_o say_a ordinance_n which_o be_v precedent_n to_o the_o act_n and_o intend_v by_o the_o parliament_n to_o expire_v with_o itself_o five_o that_o although_o the_o say_a ordinance_n have_v not_o expire_v with_o the_o parliament_n that_o make_v it_o yet_o by_o the_o 38_o article_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o government_n the_o same_o ordinance_n be_v make_v and_o esteem_v as_o null_n and_o void_a jo._n norbury_n moses_n keling_n john_n biddle_n sadler_n this_o the_o court_n have_v receive_v adjourn_v the_o further_a trial_n of_o the_o cause_n until_o the_o next_o session_n after_o but_o two_o day_n before_o the_o say_v next_o session_n his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n possible_o upon_o the_o ground_n before_o specify_v by_o a_o special_a order_n take_v he_o out_o of_o newgate_n and_o send_v he_o by_o a_o party_n of_o horse_n to_o the_o isle_n of_o silly_a where_o no_o doubt_n he_o be_v keep_v a_o prisoner_n in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o to_o the_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o the_o press_n it_o may_v be_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n sufficient_a to_o prevent_v the_o print_n and_o publish_v of_o blasphemous_a heretical_a and_o obscene_a book_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v out_o as_o follow_v after_o the_o decree_n of_o star-chamber_n for_o regulate_v of_o the_o press_n be_v null_v the_o lord_n and_o commons_o put_v forth_o a_o ordinance_n june_n 14_o 1643._o and_o therein_o ordain_v that_o no_o book_n pamphlet_n paper_n or_o sheet_n be_v print_v bind_v stitch_v or_o put_v to_o sale_n by_o any_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o unless_o the_o same_o be_v first_o approve_v of_o and_o license_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n or_o person_n as_o both_o or_o either_o of_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n shall_v appoint_v and_o in_o the_o same_o ordinance_n do_v authorise_v certain_a person_n to_o make_v diligent_a search_n in_o all_o suspect_a place_n for_o such_o scandalous_a unlicensed_a book_n paper_n pamphlet_n and_o all_o other_o book_n not_o enter_v in_o the_o register-book_n of_o the_o company_n of_o stationer_n or_o not_o sign_v with_o the_o printer_n name_n and_o the_o same_o to_o seize_v and_o carry_v away_o to_o the_o stationers-hall_n there_o to_o remain_v at_o the_o dispose_n of_o both_o or_o either_o of_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o to_o apprehend_v the_o person_n employ_v about_o they_o afterward_o the_o ordinance_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o of_o septemb_n 28_o 1647._o ordain_v these_o penalty_n on_o the_o maker_n printer_n and_o publisher_n of_o any_o book_n pamphlet_n treatise_n ballet_n libel_n sheet_n or_o sheet_n of_o news_n except_o the_o same_o be_v license_v viz._n upon_o the_o maker_n 2_o or_o forty_o day_n imprisonment_n upon_o the_o printer_n 1_o or_o twenty_o day_n imprisonment_n and_o the_o press_v to_o be_v break_v in_o piece_n the_o bookseller_n 10_o or_o ten_o day_n imprisonment_n the_o hawker_n or_o pedlar_n to_o lose_v all_o the_o book_n and_o to_o be_v whip_v thus_o far_o the_o business_n grow_v better_a and_o better_o but_o septemb_n 20._o 1649_o the_o parliament_n do_v enact_v that_o whoever_o shall_v write_v print_n publish_v sell_v or_o uâ—ter_v or_o cause_n to_o be_v make_v print_a or_o utter_v any_o scandalous_a or_o libellous_a book_n pamphlet_n paper_n or_o picture_n whatsoever_o shall_v be_v punish_v viz._n the_o author_n 10_o or_o forty_o day_n imprisonment_n the_o printer_n 5_o or_o twenty_o day_n imprisonment_n and_o his_o press_n break_v in_o piece_n the_o bookseller_n 2_o or_o ten_o day_n imprisonment_n and_o repeal_v the_o penalty_n in_o the_o ordinance_n 1647._o not_o at_o all_o enjoin_v the_o licens_v of_o book_n as_o the_o former_a ordinance_n do_v except_o only_o new_a book_n concern_v the_o parliament_n and_o the_o army_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o former_a ordinance_n of_o parliament_n which_o be_v repeal_v and_o the_o act_n of_o septemb_n 20._o 1649._o the_o ordinance_n 1._o provide_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v print_v under_o a_o penalty_n that_o be_v not_o first_o license_v 2._o the_o ordinance_n do_v appoint_v licenser_n for_o all_o book_n 3._o the_o ordinance_n make_v the_o not_o licens_v of_o a_o book_n to_o be_v as_o a_o judgement_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n to_o print_v it_o so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v plead_v ignorance_n 4._o the_o ordinance_n permit_v no_o book_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v print_v until_o license_v though_o they_o have_v be_v enter_v though_o indeed_o none_o in_o those_o day_n be_v enter_v that_o be_v not_o first_o license_v the_o act._n 1._o the_o act_n provide_v under_o a_o penalty_n that_o only_a no_o news-book_n be_v print_v without_o licence_n 2._o the_o act_n appoint_v none_o for_o any_o but_o news-book_n 3._o the_o act_n allow_v of_o the_o print_n and_o publish_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v not_o prove_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o council_n of_o state_n or_o two_o justice_n of_o peace_n faulty_a so_o that_o it_o fall_v out_o often_o the_o printer_n bookseller_n or_o writer_n of_o a_o book_n can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o his_o action_n in_o write_v print_v or_o publish_v of_o a_o book_n be_v unlawful_a until_o it_o be_v so_o adjudge_v by_o the_o council_n of_o state_n or_o two_o justice_n of_o peace_n after_o the_o fault_n be_v commit_v 4._o the_o act_n permit_v all_o book_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v print_v if_o they_o be_v but_o enter_v in_o the_o stationer_n register-book_n without_o any_o licence_n except_o news-book_n and_o according_o book_n be_v now_o enter_v and_o not_o license_v whence_o i_o infer_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n in_o force_n for_o the_o sufficient_a hinder_v of_o the_o print_n of_o blasphemous_a heretical_a and_o scandalous_a book_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o council_n of_o state_n or_o the_o justice_n mention_v in_o the_o say_a act_n have_v power_n to_o hinder_v by_o judge_v a_o book_n scandalous_a etc._n etc._n the_o answer_n be_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v but_o they_o will_v not_o they_o can_v leave_v their_o great_a employment_n to_o repair_v to_o all_o print_n house_n every_o week_n or_o often_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o there_o stay_v and_o read_v all_o book_n that_o be_v to_o be_v print_v and_o pass_v a_o orderly_a judgement_n upon_o each_o which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o by_o the_o act_n in_o force_n they_o will_v hinder_v the_o print_n of_o such_o book_n and_o this_o as_o it_o never_o be_v do_v so_o be_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v 2._o that_o the_o late_a order_n of_o his_o highness_n the_o lord_n protector_n to_o major-general_n barkstead_n and_o other_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o act_n and_o ordinance_n against_o blasphemous_a heretical_a and_o scandalous_a book_n be_v altogether_o ineffectual_a as_o to_o the_o suppression_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o act_n or_o ordinance_n indisputable_o in_o force_n and_o now_o i_o be_o come_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n against_o any_o man_n be_v and_o do_v almost_o what_o himself_o will_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o may_v learn_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o live_v in_o ignorance_n hear_v god_n word_n or_o reproach_v it_o and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o yea_o and_o teach_v his_o child_n to_o revile_v they_o go_v to_o church_n or_o stay_v and_o fuddle_v or_o sleep_v at_o home_n and_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v under_o he_o or_o near_o unto_o he_o to_o be_v like_o himself_o miserable_a atheist_n slave_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n ready_a to_o sink_v into_o hell_n continual_o and_o do_v not_o know_v or_o consider_v of_o it_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o million_o of_o person_n seldom_o have_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n preach_v unto_o they_o they_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n spread_v and_o grow_v like_o weed_n that_o be_v let_v alone_o among_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n rich_a and_o poor_a young_a and_o old_a who_o be_v profane_a seditious_a and_o uncivil_a but_o those_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o have_v no_o teacher_n but_o blind_a wilful_a conceit_a self_n who_o be_v blasphemous_a and_o heretical_a and_o profane_v but_o those_o who_o either_o have_v not_o good_a teach_v or_o if_o they_o have_v yet_o be_v at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v learn_v or_o no_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o so_o many_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o contrive_v and_o form_v of_o party_n and_o faction_n yea_o in_o plot_v rebellion_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o train_v up_o in_o christ_n school_n and_o employ_v in_o learning_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o will_n of_o god_n command_n