unanimous_o agree_v upon_o this_o follow_a explanation_n to_o declare_v and_o witness_v to_o the_o world_n the_o perfect_a consistency_n of_o their_o religion_n both_o with_o civil_a government_n and_o civil_a society_n join_v also_o in_o the_o same_o paper_n the_o like_a expression_n of_o their_o belief_n concerning_o some_o few_o other_o point_n which_o they_o be_v inform_v to_o be_v more_o obnoxious_a to_o exception_n than_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o undervalue_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o overvalue_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o above_o all_o the_o proud_a opinion_n of_o merit_n this_o paper_n they_o draw_v up_o as_o a_o preparatory_a to_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a clear_n of_o their_o faith_n from_o those_o prejudice_n and_o misunderstanding_n which_o ordinary_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n entertain_v especial_o in_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o paper_n contain_v certain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o by_o they_o deliver_v to_o divers_a person_n of_o quality_n for_o their_o particular_a satisfaction_n we_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a 16._o inspiration_n and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v therein_o contain_v we_o firm_o assent_v unto_o as_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n but_o since_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n we_o therefore_o profess_v for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o settle_v of_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o submit_v our_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n represent_v in_o a_o free_a general_n council_n 2._o 17._o we_o humble_o believe_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o the_o the_o bless_a trinity_n one_o eternal_a almighty_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n who_o only_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_v as_o alone_o have_v sovereign_a dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o who_o only_o we_o acknowledge_v as_o due_a from_o man_n and_o angle_n all_o glory_n service_n and_o obedience_n abhor_v from_o our_o heart_n as_o a_o most_o detestable_a sacrilege_n to_o give_v our_o creator_n honour_n to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o solemn_o protest_v that_o by_o the_o prayer_n we_o address_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n we_o intend_v no_o other_o than_o humble_o to_o solliciâ—e_n their_o assistance_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o we_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o one_o another_o here_o upon_o earth_n not_o that_o we_o hope_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o as_o original_a author_n thereof_o but_o from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a mediator_n and_o redeemer_n neither_o do_v we_o believe_v any_o divinity_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o image_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o gentile_n do_v their_o idol_n but_o we_o retain_v they_o with_o due_a and_o decent_a respect_n in_o our_o church_n as_o instrument_n which_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n do_v often_o assist_v our_o memory_n and_o excite_v our_o affection_n 3._o 24_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o no_o force_n of_o nature_n nor_o dignity_n of_o our_o best_a work_n can_v merit_v our_o justification_n but_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o although_o we_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n yet_o be_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n still_o build_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n all_o other_o merit_n according_a to_o our_o sense_n of_o that_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o action_n do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o which_o it_o have_v please_v his_o goodness_n to_o promise_v a_o reward_n a_o doctrine_n so_o far_o from_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v their_o principal_a design_n to_o invite_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o a_o diligent_a observance_n of_o the_o commandment_n by_o promise_a heaven_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o rom._n 2._o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a confidence_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n and_o again_o rom._n 8._o 13._o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n you_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v and_o heb._n 6._o 10._o god_n be_v not_o unjust_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v for_o his_o name_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o be_v so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o recompense_v with_o everlasting_a glory_n the_o say_v and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n nor_o be_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n bare_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o high_a and_o plentiful_a 38._o even_o beyond_o our_o capacity_n give_v full_a measure_n heap_v up_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o all_o that_o love_v he_o thus_o we_o believe_v the_o merit_n or_o rewardableness_n of_o holy_a live_n both_o which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o we_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o self-valuâ—_z even_o of_o our_o best_a action_n as_o they_o be_v we_o but_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n 10._o and_o for_o ourselves_o we_o sincere_o profess_v when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v we_o we_o be_v unprofiâ—able_a servant_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o that_o our_o â—oasting_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o all_o our_o glory_v be_v in_o christ_n 4._o 13._o we_o firm_o believe_v and_o high_o reverence_v the_o moral_a law_n be_v so_o solemn_o deliver_v to_o moses_n upon_o the_o mount_n so_o express_o confirm_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o contain_v in_o itself_o so_o perfect_a a_o abridgement_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n which_o moral_a law_n we_o believe_v oblige_v all_o man_n to_o proceed_v with_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o their_o mutual_a contract_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o therefore_o our_o constant_a profession_n be_v that_o we_o be_v most_o strict_o and_o absolute_o bind_v to_o the_o exact_a and_o entire_a performance_n of_o our_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o person_n of_o what_o religion_n soever_o much_o more_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o civil_a power_n under_o who_o protection_n we_o live_v who_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v not_o only_o for_o fear_n but_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o who_o we_o will_v most_o faithful_o observe_v our_o promise_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n notwithstanding_o any_o dispensation_n absolution_n or_o other_o proceed_n of_o any_o foreign_a power_n or_o authority_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o renounce_v that_o false_a and_o scandalous_a position_n that_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o heretic_n as_o most_o uncharita_o impute_v to_o our_o practice_n and_o most_o unjust_o pin_v upon_o our_o religion_n these_o we_o sincere_o and_o solemn_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n take_v the_o word_n plain_o and_o simple_o in_o their_o usual_a and_o familiar_a sense_n without_o any_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n whatsoever_o these_o expression_n concerning_o four_o of_o the_o most_o offensive_a point_n wherein_o the_o papist_n differ_v from_o we_o have_v i_o confess_v give_v i_o a_o great_a and_o unexpected_a satisfaction_n and_o though_o i_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o erroneousness_n of_o many_o of_o their_o tenet_n yet_o i_o see_v we_o may_v easy_o be_v too_o passionate_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o detest_v any_o different_a opinion_n since_o every_o error_n be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o unsufferable_a abomination_n and_o too_o severe_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o persecute_v the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o own_o judgement_n as_o if_o they_o be_v unworthy_a to_o breathe_v the_o same_o air_n with_o ourselves_o certain_o many_o protestant_n who_o quiet_o enjoy_v a_o just_a and_o unmolested_a freedom_n approach_v very_o near_o to_o the_o first_o assertion_n of_o the_o papist_n whilst_o some_o both_o writer_n and_o discourser_n profess_v to_o submit_v their_o private_a judgement_n unappealable_o to_o a_o truly-free_a general_n
piece_n the_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o mild_o thaâ—_z they_o into_o a_o cordial_a and_o ingenuous_a unity_n that_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n may_v flow_v together_o in_o the_o same_o channel_n and_o not_o as_o break_a ice_n dash_v one_o against_o another_o let_v we_o patient_o expect_v till_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o take_v off_o the_o veil_n from_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o not_o by_o force_v their_o judgement_n add_v to_o their_o veil_n of_o ignorance_n a_o worse_a of_o hypocrisy_n it_o be_v now_o a_o common_a â—â—eriment_n that_o general_o the_o issue_n of_o compulsionary_a and_o force_a conformity_n close_v in_o this_o to_o make_v some_o few_o counterfeit_a protestant_n and_o a_o great_a many_o real_a atheist_n whence_o it_o be_v clear_o conclude_v that_o the_o only_o true_a mean_n of_o win_a soul_n to_o god_n be_v the_o gospellary_n way_n of_o meekness_n and_o persuasion_n and_o indeed_o it_o may_v worthy_o be_v esteem_v the_o prime_a miracle_n of_o christianity_n that_o a_o person_n so_o humble_a as_o our_o saviour_n appear_v without_o the_o help_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n without_o the_o enchant_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n without_o the_o affright_a threat_n of_o fine_n imprisonment_n and_o death_n though_o all_o these_o be_v absolute_o subject_a to_o his_o pleasure_n shall_v conquer_v power_n and_o principality_n shall_v out-charm_v the_o magic_n of_o human_a eloquence_n and_o by_o the_o admirable_a success_n of_o his_o mildness_n condemn_v all_o those_o politic_a religion_n that_o confess_v their_o own_o crazine_n by_o use_v cruelty_n to_o support_v they_o whereas_o to_o reduce_v the_o disobedient_a only_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o gentleness_n and_o admonition_n or_o at_o most_o desertion_n argue_v indeed_o a_o divinity_n in_o the_o author_n and_o a_o purity_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o here_o we_o may_v fit_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n john_n 14._o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o if_o the_o way_n of_o plant_v my_o faith_n have_v be_v by_o impose_v penalty_n on_o the_o hearer_n and_o not_o rather_o by_o expose_v the_o preacher_n thereof_o to_o danger_n i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o if_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_a religion_n have_v be_v by_o water_v it_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o refuser_n to_o embrace_v it_o rather_o than_o of_o those_o that_o seek_v to_o propagate_v it_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o either_o by_o my_o example_n all_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o my_o deity_n or_o by_o my_o doctrine_n all_o justifiable_a proceed_n concerning_o the_o government_n of_o my_o flock_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o warrant_n of_o my_o word_n thus_o we_o see_v our_o gracious_a lawmaker_n faithful_a and_o coustant_a in_o his_o own_o principle_n the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o thus_o we_o see_v our_o own_o duty_n to_o learn_v of_o he_o for_o he_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o use_v our_o judgement_n rather_o in_o this_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v or_o a_o stumble_a block_n before_o his_o brother_n rom._n 14._o 13._o let_v we_o always_o remember_v the_o advertisement_n which_o the_o belove_a disciple_n give_v to_o all_o his_o fellow-servant_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n john_n 13._o 10._o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o lord_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o of_o tender_a conscience_n these_o few_o unpolished_a line_n which_o i_o here_o present_a for_o encouragement_n of_o tenderness_n i_o desire_v may_v not_o be_v strechd_v to_o draw_v in_o a_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a licentiousness_n since_o they_o aim_v no_o far_o than_o to_o hold_v up_o a_o liberty_n to_o such_o only_a as_o profess_v christ_n and_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n who_o by_o the_o follow_a mark_n be_v easy_o discernible_a from_o all_o those_o that_o for_o their_o blasphemy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o debauchery_n in_o manner_n be_v worthy_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o indulgence_n suppose_v first_o as_o confess_v by_o all_o understand_a man_n that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o truth_n of_o judgement_n else_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o only_a kind_n because_o truth_n be_v but_o one_o but_o it_o signify_v a_o proceed_v bona_fw-la fide_fw-la without_o sinister_a respect_n or_o dissimulation_n seek_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o know_v god_n and_o fear_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o offend_v he_o and_o second_o since_o in_o our_o enquiry_n to_o who_o belongâ—_n so_o honourable_a a_o title_n we_o can_v pierce_v into_o the_o inward_a thought_n of_o man_n we_o must_v give_v sentence_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o which_o rule_n in_o case_n of_o this_o quality_n be_v in_o itself_o sufficient_o certain_a however_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n god_n have_v allow_v our_o nature_n to_o guide_v her_o resolution_n in_o the_o judge_n of_o other_o the_o sign_n then_o of_o tender_a conscience_n be_v these_o if_o they_o lead_v regular_a virtuous_a and_o peaceable_a life_n if_o their_o opinion_n be_v not_o just_o accusable_a of_o self-interest_n or_o licentiousness_n but_o rather_o require_v of_o they_o a_o prudent_a and_o religious_a severity_n against_o the_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n if_o their_o judgement_n be_v steady_a not_o fan_v to_o a_o new_a sense_n with_o every_o breath_n of_o wind_n if_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o persuasion_n at_o their_o death_n which_o be_v no_o time_n for_o dissemble_v at_o least_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v so_o if_o they_o not_o only_o die_v in_o their_o faith_n but_o for_o it_o not_o only_o give_v away_o good_a part_n of_o their_o estate_n charitable_o but_o suffer_v all_o to_o be_v take_v away_o patient_o and_o all_o this_o for_o christ_n sake_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o close_o for_o that_o which_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n no_o high_a testimony_n of_o a_o true_a and_o real_a sincerity_n can_v possible_o be_v give_v or_o easy_o imagine_v and_o whosoever_o doubt_v after_o such_o evidence_n chief_o if_o many_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o way_n deserve_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o the_o most_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o uncharitable_a person_n in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o one_o man_n may_v value_v his_o fancy_n above_o his_o life_n or_o estate_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o near_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n that_o many_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v discreet_a and_o rational_a in_o other_o negotiation_n shall_v agree_v to_o undo_v themselves_o for_o a_o mere_a conceit_n do_v not_o they_o serious_o believe_v it_o more_o import_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o faith_n than_o â—ole_v their_o fortune_n by_o these_o rule_n we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v the_o admission_n of_o those_o pious_a and_o religious_a person_n who_o be_v imprison_v and_o persecute_v by_o the_o late_a prelate_n into_o the_o number_n of_o tender_a conscience_n as_o also_o those_o precious_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o by_o a_o voluntary_a banishment_n leave_v their_o friend_n and_o country_n to_o plant_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o savage_a heathen_n of_o america_n whilst_o i_o be_v finish_v these_o line_n aworthy_a friend_n of_o i_o come_v to_o honour_v i_o with_o the_o civility_n of_o a_o visit_n to_o who_o read_v these_o last_o two_o or_o three_o consideration_n he_o tell_v i_o that_o as_o he_o believe_v the_o character_n i_o have_v give_v of_o a_o â—ender_a conscience_n be_v most_o evident_o true_a and_o to_o all_o unbaised-mind_n perfect_o satisfactory_a yet_o they_o be_v appliable_a to_o a_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o this_o nation_n who_o be_v discountenance_v be_v think_v so_o profitable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o so_o please_v to_o a_o certain_a froward_a part_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o he_o fear_v my_o reason_n may_v encounter_v some_o opposition_n unless_o they_o meet_v with_o very_o ingenuous_a and_o disinteress_v reader_n plain_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o measure_n i_o have_v cut_v out_o for_o tender_a conscience_n will_v fit_v the_o papist_n as_o well_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v for_o they_o for_o who_o live_v more_o peaceable_o with_o their_o neighbour_n say_v he_o who_o deal_v more_o just_o with_o all_o man_n than_o they_o who_o be_v more_o constant_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o more_o scrupulous_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o law_n than_o they_o who_o suffer_v for_o their_o faith_n more_o than_o they_o nay_o at_o this_o time_n who_o beside_o they_o they_o submit_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o definition_n of_o their_o church_n and_o their_o will_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o its_o discipline_n in_o fast_v confession_n and_o many_o other_o
communion_n to_o these_o even_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o not_o afford_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o liberty_n to_o possess_v their_o own_o temporal_a good_n the_o lutheran_n believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v as_o real_o in_o the_o eucharist_n as_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n but_o do_v not_o adore_v he_o the_o papist_n both_o believe_v and_o adore_v for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v clear_o either_o do_v both_o or_o neither_o at_o least_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o partiality_n to_o cherish_v the_o one_o as_o brethren_n and_o persecute_v the_o other_o as_o enemy_n especial_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o christian_n proceed_n of_o the_o protestant_n in_o new-england_n virginia_n and_o the_o other_o plantation_n in_o the_o indies_n where_o we_o abhor_v to_o destroy_v the_o native_n though_o confess_o idolater_n but_o rather_o strive_v to_o convert_v they_o by_o hold_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n whether_o papist_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o civil_a government_n by_o the_o next_o post_n i_o receive_v from_o the_o same_o hand_n another_o letter_n concerning_o the_o common_a objection_n that_o papist_n hold_v many_o principle_n destructive_a to_o civil_a society_n wherein_o the_o recusant_n protest_v first_o solemn_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n to_o use_v all_o ingenuity_n and_o candour_n in_o his_o relation_n of_o the_o catholic_a doctrine_n earnest_o entreat_v i_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o report_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o for_o the_o right_a to_o judge_v free_o as_o i_o see_v cause_n we_o will_v divide_v say_v he_o the_o main_a question_n into_o two_o point_n as_o it_o relate_v either_o to_o our_o equal_n or_o superior_n for_o the_o first_o touch_v commerce_n and_o conversation_n we_o absolute_o disclaim_v that_o scandalous_a opinion_n that_o no_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v with_o heretic_n and_o flat_o deny_v that_o our_o engagement_n promise_n or_o contract_n may_v lawful_o be_v break_v by_o ourselves_o or_o dispense_v with_o by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o a_o three_o person_n of_o what_o religion_n soever_o and_o for_o equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o confident_a though_o i_o have_v not_o here_o any_o opportunity_n to_o look_v into_o book_n that_o no_o general_n council_n mention_v either_o any_o such_o word_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n schoolman_n indeed_o dispute_v frequent_o such_o subtlety_n which_o by_o man_n of_o different_a principle_n and_o affection_n in_o religion_n be_v easy_o misunderstand_v and_o often_o pervert_v but_o among_o catholic_n every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o deny_v they_o as_o he_o please_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o faith_n and_o though_o those_o speculation_n general_o deserve_v encouragement_n yet_o when_o they_o arrive_v at_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o niceness_n they_o rather_o become_v a_o innocent_a curiosity_n than_o profitable_a employment_n and_o in_o such_o a_o infinity_n of_o opinion_n as_o catholic_a writer_n have_v leisure_n to_o publish_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o through_o passion_n unwariness_n or_o human_a frailty_n some_o mistake_n must_v escape_v and_o then_o the_o unhappiness_n be_v that_o prejudiceâ—_n and_o captious_a reader_n apply_v their_o whole_a study_n to_o find_v fault_n forget_v the_o good_a and_o wholesome_a notion_n they_o meet_v and_o remember_v nothing_o but_o the_o error_n as_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n concerning_o our_o duty_n to_o magistrate_n we_o deny_v say_v the_o letter_n any_o earthly_a power_n can_v dispense_v with_o our_o civil_a obedience_n and_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v not_o only_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n to_o render_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o fear_n but_o conscience_n sake_n what_o christian_a prince_n or_o state_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o the_o subject_n serve_v with_o more_o fidelity_n than_o the_o spaniard_n french_a and_o italian_a all_o catholic_n dominion_n and_o particular_o in_o england_n where_o we_o be_v some_o of_o paul_n and_o some_o of_o apollo_n and_o some_o of_o cephas_n what_o comparison_n be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o behaviour_n of_o catholic_n towards_o h._n 8._o edw._n 6._o and_o eliz._n and_o the_o fury_n of_o lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n in_o germany_n and_o indeed_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v discontent_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n as_o to_o government_n between_o these_o two_o case_n to_o oppose_v by_o force_n the_o introducement_n of_o innovation_n by_o which_o the_o peace_n must_v needs_o be_v endanger_v and_o to_o attempt_v by_o force_n the_o extinguishment_n of_o a_o ancient_a religion_n whereof_o the_o people_n be_v universal_o in_o quiet_a and_o immemoriall_n possession_n the_o one_o drive_v other_o out_o of_o possession_n the_o other_o maintain_v himself_o in_o the_o one_o invade_v his_o neighbour_n right_n the_o other_o defend_v his_o own_o how_o many_o modern_a experience_n the_o easy_a argument_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o sure_a to_o be_v rely_v on_o clear_o resolve_v this_o question_n if_o we_o but_o consider_v the_o union_n of_o heart_n and_o common_a interest_n of_o state_n between_o the_o protestant_a and_o catholic_n canton_n of_o switzerland_n where_o very_o many_o church_n serve_v by_o turn_n upon_o the_o same_o day_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o religion_n divide_v every_o sundny_n morning_n into_o 2_o part_n and_o assign_v to_o each_o about_o 3_o hour_n for_o their_o devotion_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o punctual_a to_o maintain_v equality_n that_o if_o the_o protestant_n have_v the_o first_o three_o hour_n one_o morning_n next_o week_n they_o be_v to_o have_v the_o last_o and_o this_o they_o continual_o practice_n without_o enterfer_v or_o offend_v one_o another_o to_o this_o so_o pregnant_a example_n sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o clear_v the_o consistency_n of_o these_o two_o religion_n i_o shall_v further_o add_v their_o fair_a comportment_n one_o towards_o another_o in_o many_o province_n and_o free-town_n in_o germany_n but_o most_o remarkable_a be_v their_o friendly_a and_o peaceable_a live_n together_o in_o holland_n even_o during_o so_o long_a and_o dangerous_a war_n with_o spain_n spain_n the_o chief_a protector_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n spain_n the_o most_o zealous_a propagator_n of_o the_o pontifical_a authority_n to_o who_o dominion_n if_o the_o united-provinces_n shall_v again_o return_v certain_o the_o catholic_n there_o may_v prudent_o promise_v to_o themselves_o all_o possible_a advantage_n yet_o notwithstanding_o so_o great_a occasion_n of_o jealousy_n the_o state_n than_o who_o none_o be_v more_o vigilant_a over_o their_o true_a interest_n have_v not_o only_o with_o security_n but_o exceed_a henefit_n to_o their_o commonwealth_n tolerate_v the_o catholic_n of_o quiet_a conversation_n to_o live_v free_o among_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o catholic_n ingratitude_n for_o so_o favourable_a a_o treat_v have_v exact_o correspond_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o their_o magistrate_n with_o a_o most_o constant_a sincere_a and_o faithful_a obedience_n to_o none_o of_o these_o suspicion_n be_v the_o recusant_n of_o england_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n obnoxious_a because_o whatever_o change_n of_o government_n can_v happen_v they_o must_v expect_v but_o a_o mild_a degree_n of_o disaffection_n towards_o they_o at_o most_o a_o sufferance_n no_o encouragement_n or_o particular_a confidence_n and_o infallible_o if_o the_o rigor_n of_o the_o law_n make_v upon_o far_o different_a motive_n which_o be_v now_o no_o way_n press_v be_v qualify_v to_o a_o temper_n of_o mercy_n that_o the_o catholic_n may_v enjoy_v but_o half_a the_o liberty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v they_o will_v be_v the_o most_o quiet_a and_o useful_a subject_n of_o england_n since_o their_o religion_n oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n not_o only_o for_o fear_n but_o conscience_n nor_o do_v ever_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o they_o stir_v in_o any_o sedition_n at_o any_o time_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o but_o half_o the_o common_a right_n of_o englishman_n nor_o be_v they_o many_o that_o ever_o attempt_v their_o own_o relief_n by_o enlarge_v their_o country_n peace_n all_o the_o rest_n sit_v quiet_o and_o patient_o under_o the_o burden_n which_o the_o heavy_a hand_n of_o those_o time_n continual_o heap_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o the_o crime_n though_o never_o so_o heinous_a of_o a_o few_o discontent_a and_o desperate_a spirit_n shall_v be_v impute_v to_o their_o religion_n who_o principle_n express_o condemn_v such_o conspiracy_n seem_v extreme_o rigorous_a but_o when_o to_o those_o dishonourable_a imputation_n be_v join_v intolerable_a penalty_n both_o upon_o our_o life_n and_o estate_n and_o not_o only_o against_o the_o then_o live_a catholic_n but_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o this_o very_a day_n sure_o it_o must_v
the_o catholic_n plea_n or_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n belief_n concerning_o their_o church_n manner_n of_o worship_n justification_n civil_a government_n together_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o the_o penal_a statute_n against_o popish_a recusant_n all_o which_o be_v humble_o submit_v to_o serious_a consideration_n by_o a_o catholic_n gentleman_n london_n print_v for_o h._n j._n persecution_n for_o religion_n condemn_v etc._n etc._n when_o i_o consider_v how_o tender_o our_o saviour_n christ_n recommend_v the_o precept_n of_o mutual_a love_n to_o all_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n make_v it_o the_o character_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o this_o all_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o john_n 13._o 35._o and_o when_o i_o reflect_v how_o high_o the_o great_a apostle_n paul_n exalt_v the_o same_o commandment_n abridge_v into_o this_o one_o precious_a syllable_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a all_o the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v in_o one_o word_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o gal._n 5._o i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v to_o see_v most_o christian_n in_o this_o present_a age_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n persecute_v each_o other_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n how_o be_v we_o degenerate_v from_o the_o primitive_a believer_n who_o will_v rather_o have_v give_v their_o own_o life_n to_o persuade_v their_o enemy_n to_o piety_n than_o seek_v to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o their_o brethren_n to_o force_v they_o to_o hypocrisy_n yet_o have_v it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o our_o day_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v to_o infuse_v the_o like_a tenderness_n into_o the_o breast_n of_o many_o conscientious_a and_o godly-minded_a people_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o see_v the_o deformity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o cruel_a maxim_n that_o preach_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o the_o least_o difference_n in_o belief_n cease_v not_o to_o pray_v unto_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o solicit_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o a_o impartial_a freedom_n and_o absolute_a incoercency_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v firm_o and_o irrevocable_o establish_v for_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o encouragement_n of_o which_o holy_a design_n weave_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o for_o determent_n of_o those_o tempestuous_a spirit_n that_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n strive_v to_o storm_v man_n conscience_n i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o short_a discourse_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o conscience-persecution_n among_o christian_n be_v clear_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o principle_n demonstrative_a reason_n against_o force_v of_o conscience_n 1_o since_o we_o have_v so_o happy_o shake_v off_o that_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o popish_a infallibility_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o be_v become_v to_o we_o not_o only_o tyrannical_a but_o absurd_a to_o compel_v other_o to_o a_o way_n that_o ourselves_o confess_v may_v possible_o be_v erroneous_a we_o see_v one_o parliament_n repeal_v those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o a_o former_a enact_v that_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o last_o age_n introduce_v be_v now_o general_o explode_v nay_o the_o very_a last_o reformation_n settle_v with_o so_o solemn_a a_o covenant_n and_o carry_v on_o with_o so_o furious_a a_o zeal_n be_v already_o by_o better_a light_n discover_v to_o be_v mere_o human_a and_o therefore_o deserve_o lay_v aside_o the_o late_a synod_n confession_n of_o faith_n hatch_v by_o so_o many_o year_n sit_v be_v now_o learned_o examine_v and_o indeed_o for_o a_o great_a part_n solid_o confute_v by_o mr._n w._n parker_n and_o other_o learned_a person_n in_o print_n how_o preposterous_a be_v it_o then_o to_o constrain_v a_o soul_n not_o only_o to_o forsake_v his_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v truth_n but_o drive_v he_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n to_o a_o way_n that_o may_v be_v error_n 2_o since_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o no_o human_a authority_n so_o high_o empower_v as_o to_o bind_v up_o our_o assent_n to_o whatsoever_o interpretation_n it_o shall_v please_v propose_v it_o clear_o follow_v that_o as_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v equal_a interest_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o their_o father_n so_o no_o one_o among_o they_o have_v any_o right_a to_o impose_v a_o force_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brother_n one_o hold_v baptism_n of_o child_n to_o be_v necessary_a another_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a a_o three_o deny_v both_o these_o opinion_n admit_v well_o that_o it_o may_v but_o not_o that_o it_o must_v be_v do_v they_o confer_v text_n look_v into_o original_a tongue_n pray_v incessant_o to_o god_n and_o profess_v solemn_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n yet_o after_o all_o their_o diligence_n and_o devotion_n steadfast_o remain_v in_o their_o former_a persuasion_n true_o for_o my_o part_n he_o that_o shall_v advise_v persecution_n in_o such_o a_o case_n unless_o his_o fire_n bring_v light_n too_o with_o it_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n will_v scarce_o satisfy_v my_o suspicion_n that_o his_o coal_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o infernal_a pit_n 3_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n that_o encounter_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o truth_n for_o strait_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o path_n and_o withal_o consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o our_o sight_n for_o here_o we_o see_v but_o in_o part_n and_o understand_v but_o in_o part_n there_o will_v appear_v more_o reason_n to_o endeavour_v the_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o support_n than_o malicious_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n one_o of_o another_o however_o since_o all_o have_v neither_o equal_a depth_n of_o natural_a judgement_n nor_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n but_o the_o spirit_n blow_v how_o and_o where_o it_o please_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attempt_v so_o high_a a_o presumption_n as_o to_o despise_v or_o persecute_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o innocent_a and_o blameless_a mistake_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n who_o be_v the_o free_a disposer_n of_o his_o gift_n we_o know_v the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o ier._n 10._o 23._o but_o his_o step_n be_v rule_v by_o the_o lord_n pro._n 20._o 24._o and_o therefore_o certain_o do_v we_o bear_v a_o due_a respect_n to_o god_n we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o wait_v his_o leisure_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o by_o his_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 15._o if_o any_o man_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v in_o time_n reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o he_o let_v we_o therefore_o entertain_v such_o a_o one_o who_o proceed_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o milk_n till_o he_o grow_v strong_a to_o digest_v strong_a meat_n 4_o all_o compulsion_n upon_o the_o conscience_n return_v we_o flat_o to_o our_o old_a slavery_n under_o the_o prelate_n nay_o more_o to_o the_o implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o papist_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o we_o be_v worse_o than_o either_o because_o our_o conscience_n accuse_v we_o of_o do_v that_o which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o for_o whatsoever_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o swear_v or_o profess_v more_o than_o i_o be_o convince_v of_o proceed_v from_o as_o great_a a_o tyranny_n as_o the_o high-commission_n and_o be_v as_o blind_v a_o assent_n as_o can_v be_v match_v in_o the_o gross_a popery_n and_o dare_v we_o think_v that_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o judge_v in_o other_o we_o shall_v escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 3._o 5_o force_n be_v punishment_n and_o consequent_o not_o just_a unless_o the_o offence_n be_v voluntary_a but_o he_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n be_v necessitate_v to_o that_o belief_n and_o to_o compel_v he_o against_o it_o be_v to_o drive_v he_o to_o renounce_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n his_o reason_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 1._o john_n 4._o 1._o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o faculty_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o judge_v for_o herself_o why_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v best_a if_o after_o our_o most_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a election_n we_o shall_v be_v whip_v out_o of_o our_o conscience_n by_o penalty_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v we_o preach_v poor_a soul_n into_o just_a so_o much_o liberty_n of_o scripture_n as_o may_v beget_v their_o torture_n and_o not_o permit_v they_o to_o rest_v where_o they_o find_v satisfaction_n either_o prohibit_v to_o search_v at_o all_o or_o leave_v we_o sensible_a of_o some_o