three_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n from_o popery_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o therefore_o a_o gentle_a way_n of_o punishment_n be_v provide_v viz._n twelvepence_n forfeit_a for_o every_o sunday_n and_o holiday_n for_o not_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o common-prayer_n so_o as_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o attend_v it_o now_o if_o the_o poor_a protestant-dissenters_a must_v be_v punish_v by_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n let_v such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n consider_v that_o this_o law_n will_v not_o do_v their_o fellow_n protestant_n so_o much_o harm_n as_o some_o other_o law_n and_o yet_o this_o punishment_n of_o twelvepence_n a_o day_n be_v a_o heavy_a punishment_n for_o such_o poor_a people_n as_o be_v not_o worth_a twelvepence_n and_o more_o especial_o if_o five_o or_o ten_o or_o twenty_o day_n forfeit_v be_v lay_v upon_o such_o poor_a people_n 4._o consider_v that_o though_o this_o be_v a_o gentle_a way_n of_o punishment_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v it_o for_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o kind_n of_o fines_n or_o forfeiture_n great_a or_o small_a as_o a_o punishment_n for_o not_o conform_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o if_o either_o papist_n or_o protestant_n shall_v conform_v only_o to_o avoid_v this_o or_o any_o other_o punishment_n they_o will_v be_v but_o hypocrite_n the_o conformity_n be_v only_o to_o save_v their_o purse_n and_o not_o the_o act_n of_o their_o spirit_n 5._o consider_v that_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o this_o statute_n if_o protestant_n may_v be_v prosecute_v great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v church-protestants_a be_v a_o kind_n of_o nonconformist_n because_o they_o do_v not_o go_v to_o common-prayer_n upon_o every_o holiday_n and_o sure_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v so_o prosecute_v themselves_o as_o they_o prosecute_v their_o fellow_n protestant_n ii_o the_o next_o statute_n by_o which_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v prosecute_v and_o distress_a which_o now_o shall_v be_v discourse_v be_v anno_fw-la vicessimo_fw-la tertio_fw-la reginae_fw-la elizabethae_fw-la chap._n 1._o paragraph_n 5._o where_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o every_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n which_o shall_v not_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n chappel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common-prayer_n but_o forbear_v the_o same_o contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o a_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o her_o majesty_n reign_n for_o uniformity_n of_o common-prayer_n and_o be_v lawful_o convict_v shall_v forfeit_v to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n for_o every_o month_n twenty_o pound_n of_o english_a lawful_a money_n now_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a statute_n it_o will_v be_v best_a to_o peruse_v the_o whole_a of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o statute_n book_n of_o the_o realm_n in_o which_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v design_v direct_o against_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a religion_n see_v paragraph_n 1._o where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o divers_a ill_a affect_a person_n who_o use_v divers_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o withdraw_v her_o majesty_n subject_n from_o their_o due_a obedience_n to_o obey_v the_o usurp_v authority_n of_o rome_n see_v paragraph_n 2._o where_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o that_o shall_v absolve_v or_o by_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n persuade_v the_o queen_n subject_n from_o their_o natural_a obedience_n to_o any_o obedience_n to_o the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n or_o of_o any_o other_o prince_n state_n or_o potentate_n to_o be_v have_v or_o use_v within_o her_o dâ—minions_n shall_v be_v judge_v as_o traitor_n and_o shall_v suffer_v as_o traitor_n see_v paragraph_n 3_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o enact_v that_o every_o person_n and_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v willing_o aider_n or_o maintainer_n of_o such_o person_n or_o shall_v conceal_v and_o not_o disclose_v such_o offence_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o judge_v and_o suffer_v as_o offender_n in_o misprision_n of_o treason_n see_v paragraph_n 4._o it_o be_v likewise_o enact_v that_o every_o person_n which_o shall_v say_v or_o sing_v mass_n be_v lawful_o convict_v shall_v forfeit_v the_o sum_n of_o two_o hundred_o mark_n and_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o next_o goal_n there_o to_o remain_v for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o year_n and_o that_o every_o person_n which_o shall_v willing_o hear_v mass_n shall_v forfeit_v one_o hundred_o mark_n and_o suffer_v imprisonment_n a_o year_n and_o in_o paragraph_n 5._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o every_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n which_o shall_v not_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n or_o chappel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common-prayer_n shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o month_n the_o sum_n of_o twenty_o pound_n from_o which_o particular_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a statute_n let_v these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o queen_n as_o a_o protestant_a monarch_n in_o her_o own_o realm_n in_o opposition_n to_o any_o pretend_a authority_n by_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n be_v plain_o assert_v 2._o a_o further_a proceed_v in_o provide_v punishment_n for_o those_o that_o shall_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o realm_n and_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v the_o subject_n of_o england_n to_o obey_v the_o authority_n of_o rome_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o english_a monarch_n 3._o it_o seem_v by_o this_o statute_n that_o after_o twenty_o three_o year_n reign_v of_o this_o protestant_a queen_n the_o popish_a party_n be_v still_o busy_a in_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o therefore_o further_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o a_o great_a penalty_n to_o reduce_v they_o viz._n from_o twelvepence_n a_o day_n unto_o twenty_o pound_n a_o month._n 4._o and_o though_o this_o statute_n do_v mention_v every_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n as_o be_v require_v to_o come_v to_o church_n there_o be_v good_a ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o by_o every_o person_n be_v intend_v every_o such_o person_n as_o absent_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o popish_a religion_n and_o adhere_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n and_o thereby_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v implacable_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n 5._o consider_v that_o if_o the_o lawmaker_n have_v intend_v such_o as_o be_v now_o call_v protestant-dissenters_a such_o will_v have_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o popish_a party_n by_o some_o other_o name_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 35th_o of_o elizabeth_n which_o shall_v be_v next_o discourse_v of_o and_o therefore_o to_o prosecute_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n by_o this_o law_n which_o undoubted_o be_v make_v against_o the_o papist_n and_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v make_v against_o any_o protestant_n seem_v to_o be_v hard_a deal_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v other_o law_n by_o which_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v great_o distress_v 6._o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o punishment_n viz._n of_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o twenty_o pound_n a_o month_n for_o not_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n of_o chapel_n or_o usual_a place_n of_o common-prayer_n for_o though_o a_o person_n may_v be_v indict_v but_o for_o one_o month_n and_o be_v convict_v thereof_o he_o shall_v forfeit_v twenty_o pound_n a_o month_n all_o the_o time_n after_o such_o conviction_n until_o he_o shall_v make_v such_o submission_n in_o a_o way_n of_o conformity_n as_o the_o law_n do_v require_v without_o any_o more_o indictment_n or_o conviction_n see_v this_o in_o the_o statute_n anno_fw-la vicessimo_fw-la nono_fw-la reginae_fw-la elizabethae_fw-la chap._n 3._o paragraph_n 3_o 4._o where_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o such_o offender_n shall_v also_o for_o every_o month_n after_o such_o conviction_n without_o any_o other_o indictment_n or_o conviction_n pay_v into_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o exchequer_n after_o the_o rate_n or_o twenty_o pound_n for_o every_o month_n after_o such_o conviction_n so_o that_o after_o this_o rate_n such_o offender_n will_v forfeit_v two_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o pound_n a_o year_n there_o be_v according_a to_o law_n thirteen_o month_n in_o the_o year_n and_o it_o be_v further_o provide_v by_o this_o last-mentioned_a statute_n that_o if_o default_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o any_o part_n of_o any_o payment_n aforesaid_a that_o then_o and_o so_o often_o the_o queen_n majesty_n shall_v and_o may_v by_o process_n out_o of_o the_o say_a exchequer_n take_v seize_v and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o good_n and_o two_o part_n as_o well_o of_o all_o the_o land_n tenement_n and_o hereditament_n liable_a to_o such_o seizure_n
authority_n and_o do_v promise_n that_o from_o henceforth_o i_o shall_v bear_v faith_n and_o true_a allegiance_n to_o the_o queen_n highness_n her_o heir_n and_o lawful_a successor_n and_o to_o my_o power_n shall_v assist_v and_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n privilege_n pre-eminences_a and_o authority_n grant_v or_o belong_v to_o the_o queen_n highness_n her_o heir_n or_o successor_n or_o unite_a and_o annex_v to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o by_o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n now_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a oath_n some_o of_o the_o word_n be_v such_o as_o many_o godly_a person_n can_v hearty_o speak_v and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o speak_v they_o at_o all_o in_o a_o way_n of_o swear_v viz._n that_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a governor_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o spiritual_a or_o ecclesiastical_a thing_n or_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o temporal_a thing_n and_o cause_n which_o word_n be_v expound_v or_o explain_v by_o queen_n elizabeth_n in_o a_o admonition_n annex_v to_o the_o queen_n injunction_n publish_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o her_o reign_n which_o take_v as_o follow_v and_o further_o her_o majesty_n forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o subject_n to_o give_v ear_n or_o credit_n to_o such_o perverse_a and_o malicious_a person_n which_o most_o sinister_o and_o malicious_o labour_v to_o notify_v to_o her_o love_a subject_n how_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o say_a oath_n it_o may_v be_v collect_v the_o king_n or_o queen_n of_o this_o realm_n possessor_n of_o the_o crown_n may_v challenge_v authority_n and_o power_n of_o ministry_n of_o divine_a office_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o her_o say_a subject_n be_v much_o abuse_v by_o such_o evil_n dispose_v person_n for_o certain_o her_o majesty_n neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o will_v challenge_v any_o other_o authority_n then_o that_o be_v challenge_v and_o late_o use_v by_o the_o say_v noble_a king_n of_o famous_a memory_n king_n henry_n the_o eight_o and_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o which_o be_v and_o be_v of_o ancient_a time_n due_a to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o this_o realm_n that_o be_v under_o god_n to_o have_v sovereignty_n and_o rule_n over_o all_o manner_n of_o person_n bear_v within_o these_o her_o realm_n dominion_n and_o country_n of_o what_o estate_n either_o ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a soever_o they_o be_v so_o as_o no_o other_o foreign_a power_n shall_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v any_o superiority_n over_o they_o and_o if_o any_o person_n that_o have_v conceive_v any_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o form_n of_o the_o say_a oath_n shall_v accept_v the_o same_o oath_n with_o this_o interpretation_n her_o majesty_n be_v well_o please_v to_o accept_v every_o such_o in_o that_o behalf_n as_o her_o good_a &_o obedient_a subject_n &_o shall_v acquit_v they_o of_o all_o manner_n of_o penalty_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a act_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v peremtory_o or_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o in_o the_o five_o year_n of_o her_o majesty_n reign_n there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o confirm_v this_o sense_n of_o the_o say_a oath_n in_o these_o follow_a word_n provide_v also_o that_o the_o oath_n express_v in_o the_o say_a act_n make_v in_o the_o say_v first_o year_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o expound_v in_o such_o form_n as_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o a_o admonition_n annex_v to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n injunction_n publish_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o her_o majesty_n reign_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o her_o majesty_n her_o heir_n and_o successor_n none_o other_o authority_n then_o that_o be_v challenge_v and_o late_o use_v by_o the_o noble_a king_n henry_n the_o eight_o and_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o as_o in_o the_o say_a admonition_n more_o plain_o may_v appear_v now_o from_o the_o aforesaid_a oath_n together_o with_o the_o aforesaid_a exposition_n confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n let_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o a_o solemn_a assertion_n of_o the_o queen_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o her_o own_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n in_o opposition_n to_o any_o foreign_a prince_n person_n prelate_n state_n or_o potentate_n 2._o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o queen_n in_o her_o own_o realm_n and_o other_o her_o dominion_n be_v over_o all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n as_o well_o as_o over_o all_o temporal_a person_n so_o as_o to_o be_v try_v by_o her_o law_n in_o all_o matter_n and_o cause_n they_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o that_o if_o innocent_a they_o may_v be_v acquit_v but_o if_o guilty_a they_o may_v be_v punish_v by_o her_o power_n and_o authority_n according_a to_o her_o law_n in_o her_o court_n of_o justice_n without_o appeal_n to_o or_o hope_v for_o relief_n from_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n 3._o and_o therefore_o let_v all_o those_o who_o do_v conscientious_o scruple_n to_o take_v either_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a oath_n consider_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o entertain_v such_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o as_o the_o plain_a word_n and_o common_a sense_n of_o such_o word_n will_v not_o fair_o bear_v and_o thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o trouble_n as_o they_o may_v lawful_o escape_v if_o their_o judgement_n be_v better_o inform_v 4._o let_v such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o tender_a and_o impose_v the_o say_a oath_n upon_o person_n consider_v whether_o the_o tender_a of_o such_o oath_n be_v not_o sometime_o do_v out_o of_o spite_n to_o the_o person_n before_o they_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v of_o scrupulons_a conscience_n and_o so_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o afflict_v they_o and_o yet_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o such_o person_n be_v good_a protestant_n and_o have_v long_o live_v in_o all_o peaceable_a manner_n under_o the_o government_n and_o so_o desire_v to_o abide_v that_o they_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n under_o authority_n as_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n v._o another_o law_n by_o which_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v prosecute_v and_o distress_a be_v the_o 17._o of_o car._n 2._o chap._n 2._o viz._n a_o act_n for_o restrain_v nonconformist_n from_o inhabit_v incorporation_n now_o the_o person_n punishable_a by_o this_o act_n be_v such_o as_o be_v nonconformi_v preacher_n who_o live_v in_o a_o corporation_n or_o within_o five_o mile_n of_o a_o corporation_n and_o that_o preach_v in_o conventicle_n and_o thereby_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n do_v distil_v poisonous_a principle_n of_o schism_n and_o rebellion_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n see_v the_o first_o paragraph_n of_o the_o say_a statute_n and_o the_o punishment_n provide_v by_o the_o say_a statute_n for_o such_o person_n be_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o forty_o pound_n to_o be_v sue_v for_o in_o any_o court_n of_o record_n at_o westminster_n or_o before_o the_o judge_n of_o assize_n and_o also_o six_o month_n imprisonment_n if_o such_o person_n shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n provide_v by_o this_o act_n a_o copy_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v i_o a._n b._n do_v swear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o that_o i_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commissioned_n by_o he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o such_o commission_n and_o that_o i_o will_v not_o at_o any_o time_n endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n now_o from_o the_o aforesaid_a statute_n let_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o say_a act_n be_v to_o rid_v city_n and_o corporation_n of_o such_o nonconformist_a minister_n as_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n do_v distil_v poisonous_a principle_n of_o schism_n and_o rebellion_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o church_n and_o state_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o criminal_a person_n under_o the_o name_n of_o nonconformist_a minister_n let_v they_o suffer_v according_a to_o their_o crime_n when_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n 2._o consider_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_a minister_n do_v abhor_v to_o be_v such_o person_n and_o to_o promote_v rebellion_n but_o they_o do_v general_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o preach_v eternal_a salvation_n by_o the_o bless_a merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n according_a to_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n follow_v the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n here_o and_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v a_o better_a peace_n when_o this_o
life_n be_v end_v 3._o consider_v that_o though_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v manage_v in_o separate_a congregation_n distinct_a from_o the_o national_a church_n yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v count_v the_o manager_n of_o schism_n and_o rebellion_n but_o the_o promoter_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o high_a degree_n of_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 4._o consider_v that_o for_o such_o man_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o live_v five_o mile_n from_o city_n and_o corporation_n or_o else_o to_o live_v in_o a_o goal_n seem_v to_o be_v hard_a deal_n thus_o be_v compel_v to_o live_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o banishment_n from_o our_o country_n while_o in_o our_o country_n and_o all_o this_o for_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o church_n and_o for_o not_o swear_v all_o the_o particular_n in_o the_o oath_n provide_v by_o the_o say_a act_n one_o particular_a be_v this_o that_o i_o will_v not_o anytime_n endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n which_o word_n do_v at_o least_o suppose_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n government_n be_v so_o well_o and_o so_o complete_a that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o endeavour_n to_o alter_v or_o amend_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a scruple_n to_o many_o person_n that_o be_v good_a protestant_n vi_o another_o statute_n by_o which_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v distress_v be_v the_o 22d_o of_o car._n 2._o chap._n 1._o entitle_v a_o act_n to_o surpress_v seditious_a conventicle_n from_o which_o statute_n let_v these_o particular_a thing_n be_v sober_o consider_v 1._o that_o this_o statute_n be_v provide_v as_o a_o further_a and_o more_o speedy_a remedy_n against_o the_o grow_a and_o dangerous_a practice_n of_o seditious_a sectary_n and_o other_o disloyal_a person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n have_v or_o may_v at_o their_o meeting_n contrive_v insurrection_n as_o late_a experience_n have_v show_v see_v paragraph_n 1_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v throughout_o this_o kingdom_n that_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n even_o every_o sort_n of_o they_o do_v abhor_v to_o be_v such_o person_n and_o therefore_o do_v deem_v it_o a_o great_a wrong_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v and_o prosecute_v as_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o though_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v they_o to_o be_v seditious_a sectary_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n profess_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v profess_v by_o the_o dissenter_n with_o a_o great_a care_n to_o live_v suitable_o unto_o such_o a_o holy_a profession_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v make_v conscience_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v such_o as_o further_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o sedition_n 2._o they_o deem_v it_o a_o wrong_a to_o be_v count_v person_n of_o dislovalty_n mere_o because_o of_o their_o nonconformity_n especial_o consider_v what_o a_o demonstration_n they_o have_v give_v of_o be_v peaceable_a under_o the_o government_n for_o so_o many_o year_n notwithstanding_o many_o and_o great_a trouble_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o most_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n mere_o for_o matter_n of_o conscience_n 3._o and_o forasmuch_o as_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o meet_v under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o contrive_v insurrection_n the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o general_a can_v comfortable_o appeal_v to_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o good_a reason_n that_o contrive_v of_o insurrection_n can_v be_v at_o all_o manage_v in_o the_o dissenter_n meeting_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n do_v resort_v unto_o they_o viz._n rich_a and_o poor_a young_a and_o old_a and_o do_v daily_o find_v no_o other_o matter_n but_o the_o real_a exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n praise_v of_o god_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v further_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o each_o other_o furthermore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o since_o the_o make_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n and_o the_o violent_a prosecution_n thereof_o to_o the_o very_a great_a damage_n of_o many_o protestant_a family_n his_o majesty_n do_v take_v such_o grievance_n of_o his_o subject_n of_o tender_a conscience_n into_o his_o princely_a and_o compassionate_a consideration_n and_o do_v declare_v his_o dislike_n of_o such_o forceable_a course_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n see_v his_o majesty_n declaration_n to_o all_o his_o love_a subject_n march_v 15._o 1672._o publish_a by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n 2._o the_o person_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n who_o be_v account_v offender_n be_v all_z such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n or_o upward_o be_v subject_n of_o this_o realm_n who_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o assembly_n conventicle_n or_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v in_o number_n five_o or_o more_o beside_o the_o family_n or_o household_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o family_n inhabit_v than_o the_o number_n of_o five_o or_o more_o be_v deem_v offender_n now_o from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o act_n consider_v that_o the_o person_n account_v offender_n be_v such_o who_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a sober_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v in_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v well_o consider_v and_o compare_v together_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v whether_o it_o be_v contradictious_a or_o harmonious_a 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n respect_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n for_o spiritual_n and_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o their_o meeting_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n do_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o mercy_n receive_v from_o god_n as_o the_o gracious_a act_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodwill_n unto_o such_o as_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o mercy_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o their_o meeting_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v instruct_v soul_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n viz._n from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o from_o the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n which_o do_v contain_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n for_o which_o they_o be_v prosecute_v to_o their_o great_a damage_n 4._o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v perform_v religious_a worship_n in_o english_a and_o so_o do_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n that_o all_o party_n which_o come_v to_o attend_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o may_v understand_v what_o they_o be_v about_o 5._o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v observe_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n common_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n in_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n and_o so_o do_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n yea_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o dissenter_n be_v more_o careful_a that_o the_o day_n may_v be_v religious_o observe_v than_o the_o church-protestants_a 6._o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n respect_v the_o main_a and_o substantial_a matter_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n brief_o thus_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a trinity_n viz._n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v very_a god_n as_o well_o as_o very_a man_n and_o that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n consider_v as_o god_n and_o man_n together_o with_o his_o complete_a keep_n of_o god_n holy_a law_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o his_o suffering_n the_o
provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o justice_n that_o so_o the_o innocent_a may_v be_v acquit_v and_o none_o but_o the_o guilty_a may_v be_v punish_v unless_o the_o king_n extend_v mercy_n in_o pardonable_a case_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o offender_n amendment_n v._o and_o this_o further_a must_v be_v consider_v that_o one_o part_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n be_v the_o house_n of_o commons_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o have_v power_n to_o prepare_v bill_n for_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o also_o to_o accept_v or_o reject_v bill_n from_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n before_o they_o be_v present_v to_o his_o majesty_n for_o his_o royal_a assent_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o law_n be_v make_v that_o be_v not_o for_o the_o people_n profit_n the_o elector_n of_o such_o member_n of_o parliament_n must_v reflect_v upon_o themselves_o for_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n and_o look_v better_o to_o their_o choice_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v vi_o and_o sometime_o his_o majesty_n liege_n people_n may_v receive_v and_o sustain_v damage_n and_o wrong_n not_o because_o the_o law_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o it_o be_v bad_o manage_v by_o such_o as_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o law_n or_o else_o because_o they_o may_v have_v some_o antipathy_n in_o their_o mind_n against_o those_o that_o be_v prosecute_v and_o so_o that_o they_o may_v accomplish_v their_o own_o will_n against_o some_o particular_a person_n do_v sometime_o venture_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n vii_o and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o nation_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n do_v sometime_o upon_o mature_a consideration_n prepare_v bill_n for_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o which_o some_o former_a law_n be_v confirm_v and_o explain_v and_o some_o law_n be_v repeal_v and_o some_o new_a law_n be_v make_v viii_o now_o therefore_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v right_o administer_v unto_o all_o the_o king_n subject_n it_o do_v high_o concern_v all_o mayor_n of_o city_n and_o of_o other_o corporation_n as_o also_o all_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n in_o the_o several_a county_n of_o this_o realm_n together_o with_o all_o other-peace-officer_n concern_v in_o the_o execute_n of_o the_o law_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o their_o several_a office_n according_a to_o law_n that_o as_o they_o may_v not_o come_v short_a so_o they_o may_v not_o go_v beyond_o that_o power_n the_o law_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o become_v needless_a prosecuter_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o king_n subject_n to_o their_o shirt_n and_o damage_n though_o after_o great_a charge_n and_o expense_n such_o may_v be_v relieve_v by_o the_o king_n honourable_a judge_n and_o it_o may_v be_v those_o that_o be_v their_o troubler_n may_v pay_v for_o it_o afterward_o to_o their_o cost_n and_o shame_n when_o justice_n shine_v in_o the_o king_n court_n of_o justice_n be_v display_v impartial_o between_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o also_o between_o subject_a and_o subject_a ix_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o justice_n it_o do_v high_o concern_v the_o executor_n of_o the_o law_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n punishable_a by_o the_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v great_a or_o small_a whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v any_o way_n a_o hurt_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n or_o to_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o though_o the_o law_n do_v count_v offence_n yet_o in_o themselves_o be_v not_o matter_n at_o all_o criminal_a viz._n matter_n of_o conscience_n by_o reason_n of_o man_n differ_v opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v no_o way_n hurtful_a to_o any_o man_n person_n name_n or_o estate_n x._o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v sober_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n the_o deem_v and_o repute_a offender_n be_v whether_o they_o do_v at_o all_o own_o and_o adhere_v to_o any_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v own_o and_o approve_v of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o all_o other_o his_o dominion_n and_o country_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n who_o though_o they_o may_v in_o some_o thing_n of_o religion_n differ_v from_o some_o matter_n of_o worship_n as_o establish_v by_o law_n be_v yet_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o honour_n the_o king_n and_o profess_v practice_n and_o promote_v the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o government_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o it_o both_o with_o person_n and_o purse_n as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o general_a and_o that_o in_o a_o time_n and_o time_n of_o great_a distress_n when_o they_o have_v be_v severe_o prosecute_v in_o city_n and_o country_n to_o the_o very_a great_a damage_n of_o many_o good_a family_n who_o desire_v to_o live_v and_o die_v his_o majesty_n peaceable_a subject_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v object_v and_o say_v that_o the_o dissenter_n have_v be_v troubler_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o government_n and_o so_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o insurrection_n that_o be_v make_v by_o venner_n and_o his_o party_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n unto_o which_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n may_v be_v return_v and_o therefore_o pray_v let_v these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n 1._o that_o the_o insurrection_n of_o venner_n party_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o dissenter_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n as_o a_o act_n of_o great_a violence_n and_o wickedness_n 2._o that_o conspiracy_n be_v but_o by_o a_o few_o viz._n 29._o who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o fiery_a spirit_n and_o swim_a brain_n and_o will_v fain_o have_v be_v at_o the_o same_o work_n in_o the_o time_n of_o oliver_n cromwell_n if_o he_o have_v not_o very_o timely_o prevent_v it_o 3._o though_o they_o be_v dissenter_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v fierce-spirited_n man_n against_o all_o other_o dissenter_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o desperate_a mind_n 4._o the_o law_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o their_o person_n have_v be_v punish_v severe_o for_o that_o desperate_a practice_n and_o the_o dissenter_n in_o general_a throughout_o this_o realm_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o that_o business_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o fair_a that_o any_o party_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o and_o condemn_v for_o the_o foolish_a rash_a proceed_n of_o some_o that_o may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o distinguish_a name_n for_o suppose_v some_o presbyterian_o some_o independent_n some_o anabaptist_n and_o some_o quaker_n shall_v conspire_v against_o the_o government_n it_o will_v not_o be_v fair_a deal_n to_o deem_v that_o all_o of_o those_o name_n be_v all_o alike_o in_o such_o bad_a thing_n for_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o frenchman_n scotchman_n irishman_n and_o other_o country_n must_v be_v deem_v enemy_n to_o the_o government_n because_o some_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o yea_o according_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a rule_n all_o sort_n of_o tradesman_n gentleman_n clergyman_n knight_n lord_n earls_z duke_n though_o good_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v censure_v and_o fear_v to_o be_v traitor_n because_o some_o of_o such_o degree_n and_o quality_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v such_o criminal_n but_o as_o this_o be_v far_o from_o christianity_n so_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o good_a humanity_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o those_o and_o only_o those_o who_o be_v the_o criminal_n be_v punish_v according_a to_o their_o crime_n and_o as_o for_o all_o other_o who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o such_o crime_n though_o they_o be_v under_o the_o same_o denomination_n respect_v degree_n in_o the_o world_n or_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o favour_v as_o loyal_a subject_n to_o the_o king_n although_o there_o may_v be_v some_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o law_n do_v account_v offence_n xi_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v right_o administer_v and_o oppression_n may_v be_v avoid_v the_o nature_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o offence_n especial_o if_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o punishment_n for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o offence_n and_o if_o the_o executor_n of_o the_o law_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o take_v which_o way_n they_o please_v of_o the_o great_a or_o small_a punishment_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o savore_v too_o much_o or_o severity_n if_o not_o
live_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o holy_a profession_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v deem_v good_a protestant_n though_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o the_o church-protestants_a especial_o consider_v that_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o protestant_a religion_n wherein_o both_o party_n do_v agree_v be_v great_a than_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v differ_v and_o yet_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v such_o as_o each_o party_n can_v conform_v to_o without_o wrong_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o doubtless_o the_o church-protestants_a will_v think_v it_o hard_a measure_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o dissenter_n even_o as_o the_o dissenter_n think_v it_o hard_a measure_n to_o be_v force_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o church-protestants_a and_o therefore_o each_o party_n shall_v labour_v to_o walk_v by_o that_o golden_a rule_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v in_o mat._n 7.12_o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o to_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n 2._o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n can_v fair_o be_v deem_v disloyal_a person_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o king_n to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o all_o other_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o country_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v ready_a with_o their_o purse_n and_o person_n to_o maintain_v the_o king_n person_n and_o crown_n against_o all_o murder_v conspiracy_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o protestant-dissenters_a have_v be_v charge_v with_o and_o have_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o aforesaid_a wickedness_n god_n forbid_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o whole_a party_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o 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be_v loyal_a subject_n under_o all_o those_o government_n where_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v cast_v they_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n though_o he_o do_v preach_v up_o subjection_n to_o authority_n yet_o he_o do_v maintain_v his_o nonconformity_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o christian_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n do_v maintain_v their_o nonconformity_n in_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v loyal_a subject_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o the_o french_a protestant_n their_o nonconformity_n do_v not_o destroy_v their_o loyalty_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o nonconformity_n be_v consistent_a with_o true_a loyalty_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v further_o demonstrate_v that_o nonconformity_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a loyalty_n when_o conformity_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a disloyalty_n as_o do_v appear_v in_o that_o famous_a instance_n of_o mordeâ—ai_n who_o be_v a_o notorious_a nonconformist_a in_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o establish_v worship_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v his_o loyalty_n that_o he_o discover_v the_o treason_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n chamberlain_n who_o may_v well_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v the_o conformist_n in_o religious_a matter_n and_o yet_o design_v to_o deprive_v the_o king_n of_o his_o life_n but_o mordecai_n the_o nonconformist_a do_v save_v the_o king_n life_n though_o he_o go_v some_o considerable_a time_n unrewarded_a for_o that_o his_o loyal_a service_n 3._o consider_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o statute_n be_v too_o great_a for_o the_o offence_n viz._n of_o not_o come_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v common-prayer_n &_o of_o frequent_v conventicle_n if_o by_o conventicle_n be_v mean_v only_o such_o meeting_n where_o there_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o among_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n the_o punishment_n provide_v by_o this_o act_n be_v of_o several_a sort_n 1._o imprisonment_n 2._o abjuration_n 3._o death_n if_o abjuration_n be_v refuse_v 4._o loss_n of_o all_o good_n for_o ever_o 5._o loss_n of_o all_o land_n tenement_n and_o hereditament_n during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o all_o this_o for_o not_o come_v to_o hear_v common-prayer_n and_o frequent_v of_o such_o religious_a meeting_n as_o be_v call_v conventicle_n now_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o so_o severe_a a_o law_n shall_v be_v make_v by_o a_o protestant_a queen_n and_o by_o a_o protestant_a parliament_n against_o any_o person_n that_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n submit_v to_o that_o form_n of_o religion_n establish_v by_o law_n who_o notwithstanding_o be_v protestant_n and_o do_v own_o approve_v and_o promote_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o especial_o consider_v how_o the_o say_a queen_n and_o those_o assemble_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a parliament_n do_v groan_n under_o the_o government_n of_o queen_n mary_n because_o their_o conscience_n be_v impose_v upon_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o popish_a religion_n which_o then_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o then_o the_o poor_a protestant_n be_v deem_v no_o better_a than_o sectary_n schismatic_n and_o heretic_n and_o their_o religious_a meeting_n wherever_o they_o can_v get_v together_o be_v account_v seditious_a conventicle_n and_o rebellious_a meeting_n and_o they_o be_v prosecute_v both_o by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o the_o temporal_a power_n even_o unto_o death_n 4._o consider_v that_o though_o queen_n elizabeth_n do_v give_v the_o royal_a assent_n unto_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n she_o be_v great_o trouble_v when_o mr._n henry_n barrow_n mr._n john_n greenwood_n and_o mr._n john_n penry_n be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n she_o be_v inform_v by_o some_o of_o who_o she_o demand_v a_o account_n of_o their_o death_n they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n present_a that_o they_o be_v very_o eminent_a christian_n and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v live_v they_o may_v have_v be_v as_o worthy_a instrument_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o this_o age_n at_o which_o her_o majesty_n sigh_v 5._o consider_v that_o though_o this_o act_n have_v be_v continue_v from_o time_n to_o time_n yet_o there_o have_v be_v a_o cessation_n of_o the_o execute_n of_o it_o from_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o this_o present_a majesty_n 6._o consider_v that_o though_o some_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n have_v attempt_v to_o put_v this_o act_n in_o execution_n since_o his_o majesty_n restauration_n whereby_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o protestant-dissenters_a be_v convict_v at_o aylesbury_n and_o all_o their_o good_n in_o their_o shop_n and_o house_n be_v seize_v and_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v quick_o hang_v but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n his_o majesty_n have_v compassion_n judge_v it_o too_o hard_a deal_n for_o his_o protestant_a subject_n and_o so_o he_o not_o only_o save_v their_o life_n but_o restore_v they_o all_o their_o good_n which_o gracious_a proceed_n of_o the_o king_n be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o royal_a promise_n in_o his_o royal_a declaration_n from_o breda_n in_o these_o word_n we_o do_v declare_v a_o liberty_n to_o tender_a conscience_n and_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v disquiet_v or_o call_v in_o question_n for_o difference_n in_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o for_o the_o full_a grant_v such_o indulgence_n 7._o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n even_o of_o late_a year_n do_v take_v into_o their_o wise_a and_o serious_a consideration_n this_o very_a statute_n and_o by_o joint_a agreement_n have_v prepare_v a_o bill_n for_o the_o
or_o no._n 7._o if_o the_o say_a person_n do_v not_o obey_v the_o say_a admonition_n then_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n do_v decree_v he_o excommunicate_v and_o so_o send_v a_o excommunication_n to_o the_o minister_n require_v he_o to_o publish_v the_o same_o upon_o such_o sunday_n or_o holiday_n as_o they_o appoint_v 8._o if_o the_o say_a person_n stand_v excommunicate_v forty_o day_n than_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n do_v certify_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o high-court_n of_o chancery_n by_o a_o certain_a thing_n call_v a_o significant_fw-la 9_o then_o the_o high-court_n of_o chancery_n in_o the_o termtime_n do_v award_n forth_o or_o grant_v a_o writ_n call_v de_fw-fr excommunicato_fw-la capiendo_fw-la which_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o sheriff_n of_o the_o city_n or_o county_n where_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v a_o inhabitant_n that_o the_o say_a person_n may_v be_v apprehend_v and_o commit_v to_o prison_n and_o there_o to_o remain_v without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n until_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v the_o church-party_n so_o as_o 〈◊〉_d absolution_n which_o may_v be_v obtain_v several_a way_n as_o it_o be_v allow_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a 〈…〉_o first_o by_o swear_v the_o ecclesiastical_a oath_n which_o be_v to_o swear_v to_o obey_v all_o the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a law_n 〈◊〉_d the_o lawful_a command_n of_o his_o ordinary_n second_o give_v a_o bond_n to_o conform_v upon_o the_o penalty_n of_o so_o much_o money_n as_o shall_v be_v agree_v upon_o between_o the_o excommunicate_v person_n and_o the_o aforesaid_a court_n which_o former_o use_v to_o be_v ten_o pound_n but_o now_o of_o late_a year_n the_o ecclesiastical_a market_n be_v rise_v and_o twenty_o pound_n bond_n be_v require_v three_o such_o as_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o take_v the_o aforesaid_a oath_n nor_o give_v the_o aforesaid_a bond_n may_v be_v absolve_v and_o so_o allow_v some_o time_n to_o conform_v if_o they_o will_v pay_v a_o pledge_n which_o usual_o be_v ten_o pound_n present_a payment_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o any_o of_o these_o way_n must_v abide_v in_o goal_n whatever_o become_v of_o his_o poor_a family_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o say_a person_n must_v pay_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n which_o be_v sometime_o ordinary_a and_o sometime_o extraordinary_a the_o ordinary_a charge_n be_v about_o forty_o shilling_n and_o now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v not_o obstinate_a but_o conscientious_a in_o their_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n let_v these_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o nonconformity_n be_v sober_o consider_v in_o the_o particular_n follow_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n can_v conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o because_o they_o can_v find_v a_o national_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o the_o church_n they_o find_v there_o be_v congregational_a church_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n have_v convert_v from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n samaria_n antioch_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v person_n separate_v from_o the_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n do_v by_o a_o mutual_a consent_n and_o agreement_n one_o with_o another_o maintain_v a_o holy_a communion_n together_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v sound_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o nonconformist_n of_o that_o day_n and_o undergo_v great_a suffering_n for_o not_o conform_v to_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o inhabit_v 2._o because_o they_o can_v find_v any_o such_o officer_n belong_v to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new-testament_n as_o archbishop_n lord_n bishop_n dean_n arch-deacon_n prebend_n commissary_n official_o etc._n etc._n but_o they_o find_v such_o officeer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v call_v pastor_n eldery_n a_o 〈◊〉_d d_o overseer_n and_o the_o word_n bishop_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o same_o person_n under_o the_o former_a title_n consider_v as_o feeder_n of_o and_o ruler_n over_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v forbid_v the_o bishop_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o 3._o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n can_v conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n call_v in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n supper_n because_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v not_o administer_v unto_o the_o communicant_n as_o convert_v person_n but_o as_o those_o who_o by_o tradition_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v christ_n although_o in_o work_n too_o many_o deny_v he_o by_o live_v profane_a life_n be_v great_o guilty_a of_o swear_v curse_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o divers_a other_o scandalous_a matter_n which_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o although_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v the_o reform_a religion_n yet_o thousand_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o be_v not_o reform_a person_n and_o beside_o this_o too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o say_a church_n and_o so_o be_v administrator_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o unholy_a in_o their_o conversation_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n have_v a_o great_a veneration_n and_o high_a esteem_n of_o many_o both_o of_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n clergy_n and_o common_a people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o live_v sober_a life_n and_o walk_v conscientious_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n several_a other_o reason_n may_v be_v add_v but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a conclusion_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v profess_v by_o his_o majesty_n subject_n in_o general_a consider_v as_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n and_o both_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n thereof_o and_o also_o both_o party_n be_v in_o a_o like_a danger_n of_o the_o papist_n if_o ever_o the_o government_n of_o this_o realm_n shall_v fall_v into_o their_o hand_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n prevent_v for_o then_o the_o church-protestants_a as_o well_o as_o the_o dissent_v protestant_n will_v be_v deem_v fanatic_n schismatic_n heretic_n yea_o rebelis_n and_o will_v be_v prosecute_v as_o such_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v all_o sort_n of_o protestant_n to_o say_v to_o one_o another_o as_o abraham_n to_o lot_n gen._n 13.7_o 8._o let_v there_o be_v no_o strife_n between_o we_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n especial_o consider_v the_o popish_a canaanite_n and_o perizite_n be_v now_o too_o much_o in_o our_o land_n mat._n 7.12_o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n finis_fw-la