persecution_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n upon_o the_o papist_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o popery_n so_o the_o papist_n be_v as_o industrious_a to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o protestancy_n i_o may_v here_o by_o way_n of_o apology_n and_o extenuation_n refer_v the_o papist_n as_o they_o do_v the_o protestant_n to_o consider_v of_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o thing_n which_o occasion_v their_o severity_n against_o they_o as_o the_o unruliness_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v among_o the_o people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n edw._n the_o vi_o to_o see_v their_o religion_n alter_v as_o they_o conceive_v by_o the_o protector_n and_o in_o q._n elizabeth_n time_n beside_o the_o rensentment_n which_o the_o protestant_n have_v of_o the_o cruelty_n which_o be_v exercise_v against_o they_o in_o q._n mary_n time_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o papist_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o q._n elizabeth_n to_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o crown_n she_o have_v be_v declare_v by_o the_o judicial_a sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o archbishop_n cranmer_n to_o be_v illegitimate_a and_o the_o marriage_n between_o k._n henry_n viii_o and_o anne_n of_o bullen_n her_o mother_n be_v by_o the_o same_o sentence_n declare_v absolute_o void_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o that_o sentence_n confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 28_o hen._n 8._o c._n 7._o so_o that_o the_o papist_n take_v q._n marry_o of_o scotland_n to_o be_v the_o rightful_a heir_n to_o the_o crown_n and_o rightful_a queen_n and_o q._n elizabeth_n be_v constrain_v by_o great_a necessity_n to_o keep_v they_o under_o but_o apology_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o be_v make_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o authority_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v subject_v and_o as_o the_o protestant_n in_o general_a and_o the_o papist_n reproach_v each_o other_o reciprocal_o charge_v upon_o each_o other_o that_o persecution_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o each_o other_o religion_n so_o do_v the_o episcopal_a protestant_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o episcopal_a party_n who_o first_o persecute_v the_o nonconformist_n under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o puritan_n or_o presbyterian_o affirm_v that_o their_o first_o beginner_n in_o scotland_n from_o whence_o they_o derive_v themselves_o do_v more_o than_o any_o party_n upon_o earth_n persecute_v other_o for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o have_v gain_v a_o power_n by_o their_o usurpation_n oppression_n and_o persecution_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o want_v the_o very_a essential_o as_o they_o say_v of_o religion_n viz._n a_o right_a ordination_n without_o which_o as_o they_o allege_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n no_o true_a ministry_n or_o true_a sacrament_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v by_o penal_a law_n timely_o make_v to_o be_v prevent_v from_o make_v disturbance_n in_o england_n the_o puritan_n to_o justify_v themselves_o deny_v persecution_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n to_o be_v their_o principle_n or_o to_o be_v lawful_a labour_v to_o fix_v it_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o their_o principle_n and_o as_o take_v up_o by_o they_o from_o the_o papist_n and_o as_o to_o the_o particular_n charge_v upon_o those_o of_o scotland_n they_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o those_o of_o the_o reformation_n have_v do_v in_o scotland_n be_v approve_v and_o abet_v by_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o the_o protestant_n of_o england_n without_o who_o advice_n nothing_o in_o scotland_n have_v be_v transact_v and_o without_o who_o assistance_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v so_o effect_v they_o further_o say_v as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o ordination_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o account_v episcopal_a ordination_n to_o be_v such_o a_o essential_a of_o religion_n as_o they_o charge_v for_o that_o if_o no_o ordination_n can_v be_v valid_a but_o by_o bishop_n that_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o ordination_n can_v be_v valid_a but_o from_o true_a and_o rightful_a bishop_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v as_o invalid_a as_o the_o ordination_n of_o those_o of_o scotland_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v make_v out_o no_o succession_n of_o bishop_n but_o through_o the_o popish_a church_n which_o both_o party_n as_o well_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o those_o of_o scotland_n have_v condemn_v and_o agree_v to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n and_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o harlot_n and_o anti-christian_n thus_o the_o episcopal_a protestant_n and_o the_o puritan_n charge_v and_o recriminate_v each_o other_o the_o episcopal_a party_n nevertheless_o make_v good_a their_o ground_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o support_v they_o but_o when_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o k._n charles_n the_o i_o the_o nonconformist_n gain_v the_o civil_a power_n into_o their_o hand_n the_o church_n of_o england_n party_n like_o all_o party_n oppress_v be_v under_o persecution_n together_o with_o the_o papist_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n do_v absolute_o condemn_v all_o such_o persecution_n as_o unlawful_a and_o then_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n subdivide_v and_o branch_a out_o into_o several_a other_o party_n give_v occasion_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n and_o put_v they_o to_o use_v the_o same_o argument_n to_o clear_v themselves_o as_o the_o episcopel_n party_n and_o papist_n have_v respective_o before_o make_v use_n of_o when_o the_o government_n be_v in_o they_o to_o prevail_v with_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o abhor_v the_o principle_n of_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o persecution_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o for_o any_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n nor_o in_o truth_n persecution_n but_o pure_o act_v of_o prudence_n and_o do_v right_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o just_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o episcopal_a party_n and_o the_o papist_n out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o persecute_v they_o any_o more_o for_o the_o future_a but_o none_o of_o they_o can_v find_v any_o reason_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o excuse_v the_o persecution_n which_o they_o use_v towards_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n they_o can_v not_o charge_v they_o with_o ever_o have_v persecute_v any_o party_n or_o person_n yet_o in_o fact_n both_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o the_o episcopal_a party_n do_v persecute_v they_o in_o their_o turn_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v be_v charge_v for_o persecute_v a_o quiet_a people_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n they_o pretend_v sometime_o that_o the_o quaker_n be_v all_o madman_n and_o that_o they_o imprison_v they_o only_o to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o peace_n and_o those_o who_o have_v get_v the_o government_n will_v upon_o that_o title_n claim_v the_o right_n of_o judge_v what_o person_n be_v mad_a as_o they_o do_v always_o of_o judge_v what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o error_n at_o other_o time_n they_o pretend_v to_o punish_v the_o quaker_n as_o blasphemer_n and_o the_o persecutor_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v blasphemy_n under_o their_o government_n they_o may_v make_v what_o they_o please_v blasphemy_n when_o they_o grow_v ashamed_a of_o this_o charge_n they_o then_o pretend_v that_o the_o quaker_n be_v conceal_v papist_n and_o that_o every_o one_o who_o speak_v or_o utter_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o meeting_n whether_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v a_o jesuit_n disguise_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o quaker_n suffer_v high_o and_o it_o be_v as_o clear_v there_o can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n be_v any_o thing_n charge_v against_o they_o but_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n now_o upon_o the_o whole_a business_n what_o shall_v such_o a_o person_n judge_v of_o these_o matter_n who_o esteem_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v judge_v by_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v make_v any_o rash_a judgement_n shall_v we_o take_v for_o a_o sufficient_a solid_a proof_n the_o charge_n of_o a_o exasperate_v enemy_n against_o a_o enemy_n who_o have_v provoke_v he_o and_o this_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o to_o render_v not_o a_o single_a person_n but_o a_o whole_a party_n unworthy_a to_o live_v this_o be_v to_o judge_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o to_o sin_n against_o charity_n and_o this_o way_n of_o judge_v will_v render_v each_o party_n the_o quaker_n only_o except_v to_o be_v guilty_a and_o to_o give_v a_o just_a title_n to_o each_o party_n where_o it_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o power_n and_o government_n to_o put_v to_o death_n all_o of_o the_o other_o party_n for_o though_o we_o in_o england_n shall_v refuse_v
conviction_n what_o party_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o clear_v itself_o and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n part_n to_o suffer_v but_o never_o to_o persecute_v i_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o protestant_n in_o general_a who_o look_v upon_o the_o papist_n as_o their_o common_a enemy_n do_v in_o their_o pulpit_n in_o their_o write_n and_o in_o all_o their_o address_n to_o the_o people_n charge_v they_o with_o those_o river_n of_o blood_n which_o stream_v in_o the_o time_n of_o q._n marry_o and_o with_o the_o bloody_a intention_n which_o those_o ill_a man_n have_v in_o their_o heart_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o wicked_a powder-plot_n that_o the_o first_o be_v do_v by_o authority_n and_o chief_o by_o the_o popish_a bishop_n that_o the_o other_o though_o the_o fact_n but_o of_o private_a person_n be_v never_o condemn_v by_o authority_n and_o silence_n be_v a_o employ_v consent_n and_o approbation_n do_v we_o well_o consider_v what_o the_o papist_n offer_v by_o way_n of_o extenuation_n in_o answer_n to_o these_o charge_n they_o justify_v none_o of_o these_o fact_n but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o they_o recommend_v to_o we_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o circumstance_n that_o q._n mary_n be_v in_o when_o she_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n all_o the_o chief_a head_n of_o the_o protestant_a party_n have_v set_v up_o and_o proclaim_v the_o lady_n june_n due_o queen_n in_o opposition_n to_o q._n marry_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n they_o have_v raise_v a_o army_n against_o she_o she_o be_v compel_v to_o gain_v she_o right_o by_o force_n she_o be_v a_o conqueror_n and_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o she_o have_v not_o give_v any_o article_n which_o may_v have_v oblige_v she_o to_o pardon_v any_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o usurpation_n and_o treason_n she_o be_v tell_v it_o be_v a_o confederacy_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n of_o the_o protestant_n which_o give_v she_o a_o ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o protestant_n hold_v it_o for_o a_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o and_o depose_v their_o lawful_a sovereign_n if_o of_o a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o he_o she_o may_v by_o the_o law_n then_o in_o be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o have_v to_o this_o day_n in_o force_n among_o we_o have_v take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o all_o who_o be_v any_o way_n guilty_a of_o endeavour_v to_o depose_v she_o she_o do_v not_o make_v any_o one_o new_a persecute_v law_n which_o be_v considerable_a by_o which_o any_o of_o those_o be_v take_v off_o who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o be_v put_v into_o fear_n by_o her_o council_n that_o without_o make_v great_a example_n of_o justice_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n she_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o have_v new_a insurrection_n make_v by_o the_o protestant_n against_o she_o she_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prevent_v the_o shed_v of_o more_o blood_n for_o the_o future_a be_v to_o punish_v considerable_a number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v then_o actual_o break_v the_o old_a law_n of_o her_o kingdom_n her_o bishop_n and_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o just_a ground_n of_o the_o charge_n have_v their_o fear_n and_o revenge_n also_o in_o particular_a they_o be_v new_o restore_v to_o their_o bishopric_n and_o religion_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v dispossess_v in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v again_o disturb_v and_o these_o fear_n and_o passion_n make_v they_o take_v wrong_a measure_n they_o persuade_v the_o queen_n that_o she_o may_v as_o well_o make_v example_n of_o justice_n and_o prevent_v future_a insurrection_n by_o punish_v those_o for_o their_o religion_n who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o treason_n as_o if_o she_o have_v punish_v they_o for_o treason_n and_o they_o urge_v that_o by_o this_o way_n she_o shall_v do_v herself_o the_o great_a right_o and_o give_v a_o proof_n to_o the_o world_n that_o she_o be_v more_o offend_v with_o treason_n commit_v against_o heaven_n for_o so_o they_o esteem_v protestant_a religion_n than_o with_o treason_n commit_v against_o herself_o which_o may_v be_v interpret_v revenge_n they_o have_v forget_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n which_o require_v to_o leave_v unto_o god_n to_o revenge_v whatsoever_o injury_n be_v do_v to_o he_o and_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o god_n to_o judge_v what_o injury_n be_v do_v to_o he_o they_o do_v not_o now_o think_v of_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o they_o will_v that_o other_o shall_v do_v unto_o they_o they_o do_v not_o remember_v the_o wise_a advice_n of_o gamaliel_n before_o mention_v but_o give_v ear_n only_o to_o their_o own_o fear_n and_o prefer_v humane_a policy_n before_o gospel-rule_n they_o mislead_v the_o queen_n and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o vast_a number_n of_o such_o against_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v charge_v but_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n thereby_o give_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o charge_n upon_o their_o own_o religion_n the_o principle_n of_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n which_o those_o who_o now_o profess_v that_o religion_n here_o do_v pretend_v to_o disow_v and_o abominate_a and_o as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o the_o powder-plot_n they_o pray_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o treason_n not_o of_o the_o papist_n of_o england_n but_o of_o a_o few_o particular_a person_n of_o desperate_a fortune_n and_o worse_a conscience_n and_o not_o without_o suspicion_n of_o be_v draw_v into_o the_o snare_n by_o their_o enemy_n that_o upon_o the_o most_o severe_a scrutiny_n which_o can_v be_v make_v into_o that_o business_n it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o offender_n be_v not_o great_a than_o what_o happen_v sometime_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o particular_a burglary_n and_o not_o so_o many_o as_o make_v up_o the_o four_o part_n of_o a_o foot_n company_n of_o soldier_n that_o the_o villainy_n of_o that_o design_n have_v be_v as_o full_o and_o general_o yea_o and_o as_o public_o decry_v condemn_v and_o reprobate_v by_o the_o whole_a party_n of_o english_a papist_n of_o that_o age_n and_o of_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v by_o a_o party_n in_o persecution_n who_o have_v not_o ever_o have_v any_o opportunity_n or_o allowance_n to_o act_v in_o any_o case_n otherwise_o then_o each_o person_n of_o the_o party_n only_o in_o his_o private_a capacity_n may_v do_v and_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o great_a aversion_n of_o all_o other_o against_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o papist_n whether_o they_o will_v admit_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n that_o the_o villainy_n of_o some_o private_a person_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o people_n call_v themselves_o christian_n may_v in_o justice_n and_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v charge_v as_o proceed_v from_o the_o principle_n doctrine_n or_o religion_n of_o that_o church_n or_o people_n with_o which_o private_a person_n profess_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n they_o cry_v out_o god_n forbid_v any_o such_o rule_n shall_v have_v credit_n in_o the_o world._n on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o papist_n who_o esteem_n the_o protestant_n in_o general_a as_o their_o mortal_a enemy_n by_o who_o they_o apprehend_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o what_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o they_o from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n first_o gain_v a_o preeminency_n in_o england_n be_v as_o high_o uncharitable_a towards_o the_o protestant_n as_o these_o be_v severe_a in_o their_o censure_n towards_o they_o they_o have_v almost_o look_v upon_o the_o protestant_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n they_o charge_v upon_o they_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o blood_n that_o have_v be_v shed_v of_o all_o the_o persecution_n which_o have_v happen_v for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n since_o the_o first_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o that_o nature_n make_v by_o king_n henry_n the_o viii_o unto_o this_o hour_n insmuate_v that_o what_o be_v so_o cruel_o act_v by_o q._n mary_n bishop_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o provocation_n give_v in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o vi_o and_o warrant_v as_o far_o as_o ill_a act_n can_v be_v warrant_v first_o by_o the_o nonconformist_n retaliation_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o subdue_v by_o they_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o i._o and_o then_o by_o the_o retaliation_n make_v to_o the_o nonconformist_n by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o restoration_n of_o our_o present_a sovereign_n in_o short_a as_o the_o protestant_n in_o general_a to_o excuse_v and_o justify_v themselves_o labour_v to_o cast_v
daily_o do_v involve_v we_o in_o be_v it_o not_o more_o calm_a judgement_n to_o say_v that_o the_o disordinate_a passion_n of_o k._n henry_n the_o viii_o hurry_v he_o into_o those_o cruelty_n which_o he_o commit_v than_o to_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o any_o religion_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v it_o not_o more_o become_v we_o to_o say_v that_o a_o overzealous_a passion_n of_o fear_n which_o our_o first_o reformer_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n edw._n the_o six_o make_v they_o apprehend_v that_o they_o can_v not_o put_v popery_n out_o of_o its_o possession_n otherwise_o than_o by_o force_n and_o consequent_o lead_v they_o unwary_o into_o practice_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o true_a faith_n then_o to_o admit_v the_o charge_n lay_v on_o they_o by_o the_o then_o persecute_a papist_n that_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n be_v the_o first_o protestant_a principle_n upon_o which_o protestancy_n lay_v its_o first_o politic_a foundation_n in_o england_n 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a_o letter_n from_o a_o gentleman_z in_o the_o city_n to_o a_o gentleman_z in_o the_o country_z about_o the_o odiousness_n of_o persecution_n wherein_o the_o rise_n and_o end_v of_o the_o penal_a law_n for_o religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v consider_v occasion_v by_o the_o late_a rigorous_a proceed_n against_o sober_a dissenter_n by_o certain_a angry_a justice_n in_o the_o country_z it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o christian-religion_n to_o suffer_v and_o not_o to_o make_v people_n suffer_v for_o religion_n tertul._n apol._n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1687._o the_o letter_n sir_n the_o news_n of_o a_o persecution_n mere_o for_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n at_o this_o time_n a_o day_n when_o the_o whole_a nation_n appear_v profess_o to_o dislike_n it_o and_o the_o give_a countenance_n to_o informer_n who_o be_v the_o pest_n of_o every_o nation_n and_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o property_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o peaceable_a and_o trading_n people_n make_v your_o friend_n who_o have_v have_v notice_n of_o your_o late_a trouble_n suspect_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o your_o case_n more_o than_o ordinary_a have_v this_o fall_v out_o in_o some_o remote_a country_n where_o no_o informer_n have_v ever_o yet_o appear_v we_o may_v have_v conceive_v that_o through_o ignorance_n that_o sort_n of_o devil_n may_v have_v be_v mistake_v for_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o that_o upon_o his_o bare_a averrment_n some_o well-meaning_a person_n even_o against_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o mistake_v their_o peaceable_a neighbour_n for_o dangerous_a incendiary_n and_o unworthy_a to_o enjoy_v their_o own_o proper_a good_n but_o to_o see_v that_o sort_n of_o creature_n concern_v a_o country_n so_o near_o london_n and_o westminster_n as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v what_o informer_n be_v how_o detestable_a their_o trade_n how_o inconsiderable_a their_o power_n how_o general_o indigent_a and_o dissolute_a how_o mean_v their_o skill_n how_o little_a they_o know_v more_o than_o to_o subborn_a witness_n to_o commit_v perjury_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o their_o confusion_n be_v that_o which_o raise_v wonder_n in_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n that_o they_o general_o request_v from_o your_o own_o hand_n the_o true_a state_n of_o your_o case_n in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v differ_v it_o from_o the_o common_a case_n of_o persecution_n mere_o for_o religion_n from_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o country-gentleman_n of_o england_n and_o particular_o those_o of_o the_o country_n where_o you_o live_v do_v common_o profess_v to_o have_v as_o great_a a_o abhorrency_n as_o they_o have_v from_o depopulate_v of_o country_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n that_o such_o persecution_n must_v of_o necessity_n produce_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v not_o i_o pray_v take_v i_o to_o be_v one_o who_o think_v it_o strange_a to_o hear_v of_o trouble_n what_o have_v be_v former_o may_v happen_v again_o without_o astonishment_n and_o you_o be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v think_v to_o be_v surprise_v or_o afraid_a well_o do_v that_o person_n consider_v the_o creature_n man_n who_o distinguish_v he_o into_o two_o part_n viz._n the_o man_n and_o the_o beast_n but_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o mankind_n if_o the_o beast_n be_v less_o imperious_a and_o cruel_a in_o truth_n it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v where_o the_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v any_o power_n in_o act_v every_o thing_n seem_v too_o much_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o beast_n and_o by_o the_o tyranny_n of_o its_o inordinate_a passion_n and_o sense_n and_o yet_o where_o shall_v one_o find_v a_o single_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n or_o that_o party_n of_o man_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v esteem_v christian_n but_o he_o and_o they_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o principle_n mat._n 7._o 12._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 even_o so_o to_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o other_o principle_n rom._n 3._o 8._o let_v we_o not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v to_o be_v gospel-principle_n and_o oblige_v to_o all_o mankind_n there_o be_v not_o a_o politician_n or_o statesman_n nor_o a_o government_n any_o where_o that_o own_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n but_o confess_v that_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v assemble_v in_o order_n to_o the_o persecute_v of_o the_o apostle_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n gamaliel_n advise_v prudent_o and_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n act_v 5._o let_v they_o alone_o for_o if_o this_o counsel_n or_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n we_o can_v overthrow_v it_o least_o happy_o we_o be_v find_v even_o to_o fight_v against_o god._n they_o will_v all_o confess_v ready_o when_o press_v with_o these_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o persecute_v for_o mere_a religion_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o injustice_n as_o not_o do_v to_o other_o as_o ourselves_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o and_o a_o spirit_n of_o diffidence_n and_o incredulity_n refuse_v to_o trust_v god_n and_o his_o providence_n with_o the_o defence_n and_o justification_n of_o what_o be_v profess_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v that_o single_a person_n and_o much_o more_o to_o name_n thaâ—_n community_n or_o government_n among_o christian_n now_o in_o be_v who_o practice_n when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o power_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o their_o principle_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o justify_v such_o practice_n to_o be_v consistent_a with_o nay_o even_o duty_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o that_o pure_a religion_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o profess_v to_o the_o whole_a world._n but_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v not_o be_v esteem_v presumptuous_a or_o uncharitable_a in_o what_o i_o here_o assert_v and_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o produce_v evident_a proof_n for_o what_o i_o say_v as_o touch_v single_a person_n let_v we_o a_o little_a examine_v the_o matter_n as_o to_o party_n and_o government_n take_v this_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o particular_a party_n call_v itself_o a_o true_a church_n or_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o what_o be_v here_o urge_v of_o differ_v church_n shall_v be_v prove_v true_a the_o presumption_n will_v stand_v very_o strong_a as_o to_o single_a person_n there_o be_v no_o single_a person_n who_o will_v be_v esteem_v a_o christian_a but_o he_o be_v in_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n with_o some_o church_n which_o he_o own_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o who_o judgement_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v conclude_v as_o be_v a_o profess_a member_n of_o it_o and_o as_o take_v it_o for_o his_o principle_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o her_o judgement_n because_o the_o scripture_n say_v she_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o though_o some_o boggle_v at_o this_o yet_o nothing_o be_v true_a than_o that_o every_o christian_a society_n daily_o practise_v it_o now_o the_o better_a to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o this_o intend_a trial_n we_o will_v crave_v the_o liberty_n first_o to_o consider_v christianity_n in_o the_o world_n in_o general_n in_o its_o first_o age_n when_o it_o be_v under_o persecution_n for_o mere_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o before_o it_o gain_v any_o civil_a power_n and_o dominion_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o the_o true_a christianity_n do_v teach_v we_o will_v then_o consider_v christianity_n in_o england_n when_o divide_v only_o into_o two_o distinct_a party_n viz._n the_o protestant_n and_o the_o papist_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o will_v consider_v christianity_n in_o england_n when_o the_o protestant_n be_v subdivide_v into_o several_a party_n viz._n the_o episcopal_a or_o church_n of_o england_n protestant_n the_o presbyterian_o the_o independent_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o quaker_n and_o when_o the_o papist_n be_v become_v so_o small_a that_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n inconsiderable_a and_o i_o suppose_v from_o these_o differ_a time_n we_o may_v hope_v for_o a_o reasonable_a information_n first_o then_o suppose_v the_o question_n put_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o and_o primitive_a time_n in_o those_o first_o and_o great_a persecution_n under_o which_o christianity_n then_o suffer_v be_v it_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v and_o to_o make_v and_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o inflict_v of_o pain_n and_o penalty_n upon_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a people_n
eternal_a temperance_n and_o moderation_n most_o certain_o each_o party_n in_o their_o then_o present_a circumstance_n will_v have_v answer_v in_o the_o negative_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a they_o will_v not_o have_v fall_v into_o the_o debate_n to_o consider_v what_o religion_n their_o persecutor_n be_v of_o whether_o of_o the_o popish_a or_o protestant_n to_o the_o end_n to_o have_v fix_v the_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n of_o persecute_v for_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n upon_o that_o party_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o their_o fancy_n shall_v have_v persuade_v they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o persecutor_n the_o papist_n will_v not_o have_v then_o stand_v formalize_v that_o because_o the_o first_o persecution_n be_v occasion_v upon_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o king_n headship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v a_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pope_n headship_n which_o be_v the_o 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the_o papist_n it_o make_v it_o high_o penal_a to_o affirm_v that_o the_o king_n be_v not_o or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v supreme_a head_n on_o earth_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n or_o any_o of_o they_o immediate_o under_o god_n or_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n other_o than_o the_o king_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n supreme_a head_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o any_o of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n or_o reason_n of_o ascribe_v this_o neither_o to_o any_o protestant_a principle_n though_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v make_v in_o affirmance_n of_o a_o protestant_a principle_n another_o penal_a law_n be_v make_v 1._o and_o 3._o edw._n 6._o entitle_v the_o penalty_n for_o not_o use_v uniformity_n of_o service_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o in_o 3._o and_o 4._o edw._n 6._o c._n 10._o be_v make_v a_o act_n for_o the_o abolish_n and_o put_v away_o of_o divers_a book_n and_o image_n both_o which_o be_v severe_a against_o the_o papist_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o find_v any_o necessity_n why_o the_o persecution_n which_o these_o statute_n occasion_v shall_v be_v impute_v to_o any_o protestant_a principle_n during_o the_o whole_a reign_n of_o this_o infant_n king_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o papist_n in_o some_o degree_n suffer_v persecution_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o protestant_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o without_o doubt_n have_v it_o be_v then_o demand_v of_o the_o papist_n whether_o such_o persecution_n and_o such_o law_n enact_v such_o persecution_n be_v lawful_a and_o agreeable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a christianity_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v their_o answer_n will_v have_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o they_o will_v then_o with_o one_o accord_n have_v ready_o agree_v that_o persecution_n for_o matter_n of_o 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our_o good_a god_n to_o fill_v we_o with_o mercy_n in_o place_n of_o revenge_n and_o to_o forgive_v they_o as_o we_o will_v be_v forgive_v sure_o i_o be_o have_v any_o protestant_n be_v ask_v his_o judgement_n in_o that_o age_n touch_v the_o principle_n of_o persecute_v for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n he_o will_v have_v disclaim_v it_o as_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o point_n that_o i_o be_o labour_v to_o evince_v and_o after_o all_o this_o shall_v any_o one_o take_v it_o ill_o if_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o charity_n i_o shall_v profess_v that_o i_o can_v never_o as_o yet_o see_v any_o thing_n offer_v which_o in_o my_o poor_a apprehension_n do_v necessary_o evince_v that_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n be_v even_o a_o avow_a principle_n of_o either_o side_n the_o bloody_a fury_n of_o persecution_n under_o which_o the_o protestant_n
suffer_v so_o miserable_o in_o q._n mary_n time_n do_v end_n with_o her_o reign_n which_o be_v but_o short_a and_o after_o that_o the_o protestant_n never_o suffer_v more_o from_o the_o papist_n but_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o q._n marry_o the_o crown_n come_v to_o q._n elizabeth_n and_o she_o thereupon_o declare_v herself_o a_o firm_a a_o zealous_a and_o to_o all_o intent_n religious_o a_o protestant_n the_o edge_n be_v turn_v against_o the_o papist_n before_o any_o difference_n be_v discern_v to_o be_v among_o the_o protestant_n several_a of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n suffer_v persecution_n some_o even_n unto_o death_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o new_a law_n be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n frame_v and_o multiply_v for_o those_o purpose_n and_o if_o now_o we_o ask_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o to_o penal_a law_n either_o sanguinary_a or_o other_o and_o persecution_n for_o mere_a matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v tell_v you_o and_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o protestation_n even_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o all_o such_o law_n and_o persecution_n be_v unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o the_o protestant_n under_o several_a change_n have_v be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o law_n and_o have_v at_o time_n more_o or_o less_o execute_v they_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v they_o do_v not_o own_o persecution_n for_o matter_n mere_o of_o religion_n to_o be_v their_o principle_n or_o so_o much_o as_o lawful_a after_o the_o papist_n have_v some_o time_n continue_v the_o alone-persecuted_n party_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n several_a difference_n in_o matter_n mere_o of_o religion_n happen_v to_o divide_v the_o protestant_n into_o distinct_a and_o separate_a party_n during_o some_o part_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o also_o during_o the_o several_a and_o successive_a reign_n of_o king_n james_n and_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o and_o about_o the_o 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and_o declare_v it_o absolute_o unlawful_a to_o punish_v any_o for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n the_o refusal_n of_o which_o breed_v bad_a blood_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o follow_v during_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o war_n and_o after_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v head_n against_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o nonconformist_n retaliate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o a_o little_a crush_v the_o popish_a party_n both_o have_v engage_v on_o other_o side_n and_o be_v of_o other_o religion_n esteem_v themselves_o persecute_v for_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o war_n be_v end_v with_o the_o death_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o and_o the_o expelling_a of_o our_o late_a king_n out_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o suppression_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o total_a change_n of_o the_o government_n the_o nonconformist_n under_o the_o several_a form_n take_v upon_o they_o and_o keep_v the_o government_n until_o the_o late_a king_n be_v by_o the_o divine_a hand_n of_o providence_n restore_v to_o his_o crown_n during_o all_o which_o time_n the_o episcopal_a party_n and_o the_o papist_n suffer_v more_o or_o less_o for_o matter_n at_o least_o in_o their_o apprehension_n mere_o of_o religion_n but_o these_o two_o party_n be_v not_o alone_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o during_o those_o bloody_a contest_v there_o appear_v another_o party_n which_o from_o its_o very_a first_o rise_v in_o this_o kingdom_n have_v be_v severe_o persecute_v and_o that_o only_a for_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o party_n be_v the_o people_n call_v quaker_n they_o do_v at_o their_o first_o show_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n because_o they_o assert_v as_o their_o main_a and_o first_o principle_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o measure_n of_o save_a light_n which_o all_o aught_o to_o obey_v on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n but_o by_o one_o bennit_n a_o officer_n in_o 1650._o be_v nick_n name_v quaker_n they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o particular_o to_o hold_v it_o as_o their_o principle_n that_o all_o persecution_n whatsoever_o against_o any_o party_n people_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o for_o matter_n mere_o of_o religion_n be_v absolute_o unlawful_a unrighteous_a and_o against_o the_o spirit_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o true_a christianity_n and_o to_o give_v they_o their_o due_n they_o have_v be_v true_a contender_n for_o their_o principle_n both_o by_o their_o frequent_a apology_n and_o remonstrance_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o invincible_a patience_n in_o suffer_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n upon_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o king_n the_o episcopal_a party_n be_v also_o restore_v the_o presbyterian_o independent_n and_o anabaptist_n expect_v a_o general_a toleration_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o some_o of_o the_o king_n be_v gracious_a letter_n as_o a_o reward_n for_o their_o help_a or_o not_o oppose_v his_o restauration_n the_o papist_n also_o expect_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o a_o reward_n for_o their_o loyalty_n in_o adhere_v to_o the_o crown_n the_o quaker_n now_o a_o great_a people_n grow_v confident_a of_o the_o like_a freedom_n because_o of_o their_o inoffensiveness_n to_o government_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o expect_a liberty_n all_o the_o former_a penal_a law_n make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o q._n elizabeth_n k._n james_n and_o k_o charles_n the_o first_o be_v revive_v and_o order_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n as_o well_o against_o all_o nonconformist_n who_o be_v protestant_n as_o against_o the_o papist_n and_o new_a and_o more_o severe_a law_n be_v make_v against_o they_o all_o and_o by_o these_o respective_a practice_n we_o see_v what_o all_o these_o party_n have_v do_v when_o they_o have_v power_n i_o think_v such_o as_o understand_v the_o transaction_n of_o our_o country_n will_v clear_v i_o from_o have_v make_v any_o mistake_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v here_o say_v touch_v past_a persecution_n though_o i_o believe_v there_o will_v not_o want_v some_o who_o will_v either_o think_v i_o mistake_v in_o the_o point_n of_o charity_n when_o i_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o one_o party_n now_o in_o england_n who_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o persecute_v or_o to_o make_v or_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o inflict_v of_o pain_n or_o penalty_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n or_o else_o they_o will_v suspect_v i_o do_v not_o in_o truth_n believe_v what_o i_o here_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o this_o point_n since_o even_o what_o i_o have_v say_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n before_o urge_v by_o myself_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o party_n now_o in_o england_n the_o people_n call_v quaker_n only_o except_v who_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n but_o have_v be_v notorious_o guilty_a more_o or_o less_o of_o the_o very_a fact_n or_o at_o least_o of_o a_o public_a allow_v if_o not_o abet_v of_o it_o and_o every_o party_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o censure_v i_o of_o singularity_n at_o least_o since_o each_o party_n think_v that_o they_o have_v argument_n draw_v from_o fact_n sufficient_a to_o six_o this_o ugly_a doctrine_n as_o a_o principle_n upon_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o hate_v most_o o_o that_o the_o man_n can_v prevail_v against_o the_o beast_n and_o that_o we_o will_v permit_v our_o passion_n to_o give_v way_n to_o our_o reason_n to_o consider_v thing_n naked_o and_o as_o they_o true_o be_v si_fw-mi satis_fw-la est_fw-la accusasse_fw-la quis_fw-la erit_fw-la innocens_fw-la if_o to_o accuse_v be_v a_o sufficient_a
to_o admit_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o papist_n hear_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n against_o the_o protestant_n in_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o popish_a country_n the_o charge_n of_o papist_n against_o protestant_n will_v not_o be_v take_v to_o be_v at_o the_o least_o as_o valid_a as_o the_o charge_n of_o protestant_n will_v be_v take_v to_o be_v against_o papist_n here_o shall_v we_o go_v another_o way_n and_o say_v that_o in_o regard_n every_o party_n take_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o only_a good_a and_o true_a christian_a and_o in_o regard_n we_o see_v every_o party_n when_o in_o power_n practise_v this_o thing_n and_o persecute_v the_o other_o when_o in_o their_o power_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n that_o therefore_o every_o party_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n to_o make_v and_o execute_v penal_a law_n against_o such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a christian_n and_o to_o inflict_v pain_n and_o penalty_n upon_o they_o for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n that_o be_v for_o error_n hold_v by_o they_o as_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n but_o neither_o will_v this_o be_v reasonable_a or_o convenient_a for_o this_o will_v also_o give_v title_n to_o those_o who_o have_v the_o actual_a power_n and_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o each_o respective_a government_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o put_v to_o death_n and_o destroy_v all_o within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n who_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v erroneous_a christian_n and_o this_o will_v be_v also_o to_o entitle_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o every_o christian_a country_n to_o the_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a right_n of_o judge_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o appeal_n from_o his_o definitive_a judgement_n and_o to_o entail_v against_o common_a sense_n a_o infallibility_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n of_o every_o country_n of_o determine_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n i_o say_v against_o common_a sense_n for_o christianity_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o true_a faith_n and_o if_o this_o power_n of_o judge_v shall_v be_v allow_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o faith_n as_o there_o be_v government_n among_o christian_n that_o will_v be_v true_a faith_n in_o one_o country_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o punishable_a with_o death_n which_o in_o another_o country_n will_v be_v a_o error_n and_o a_o false_a faith_n and_o the_o affirm_v of_o it_o punishable_a with_o death_n it_o will_v also_o be_v to_o justify_v not_o only_o what_o the_o papist_n in_o england_n but_o what_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o protestant_n in_o all_o other_o part_v cast_v as_o a_o charge_n upon_o our_o nation_n that_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o england_n be_v the_o parliament_n of_o england_n that_o nothing_o be_v true_a christian_a doctrine_n in_o england_n nor_o any_o translation_n or_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n a_o true_a translation_n or_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n in_o england_n but_o what_o be_v judge_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n whereas_o though_o in_o the_o statute_n make_v 2_o 3_o edw._n 6._o c._n 1_o entitle_v a_o act_n for_o the_o uniformity_n of_o service_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n throughout_o the_o realm_n it_o be_v affirm_v by_o that_o parliament_n that_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n enjoin_v by_o that_o statute_n to_o be_v use_v be_v make_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o that_o very_a book_n be_v by_o that_o very_a parliament_n alter_v and_o amend_v as_o appear_v by_o statute_n 5_o edw._n 6._o c._n 1._o and_o it_o have_v receive_v several_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n since_o and_o be_v in_o and_o by_o a_o parliament_n in_o q._n marys_n day_n judge_v to_o be_v heretical_a as_o to_o my_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o particular_a affair_n it_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o discourse_v i_o do_v and_o i_o think_v i_o be_o bind_v in_o charity_n to_o believe_v that_o every_o person_n and_o party_n who_o profess_v christianity_n do_v at_o least_o intend_v to_o be_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o that_o they_o do_v all_o in_o their_o heart_n full_o give_v consent_n unto_o all_o those_o common_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o as_o stand_v principle_n of_o that_o pure_a religion_n be_v never_o question_v or_o deny_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o christian_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v of_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v unto_o we_o and_o of_o not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o and_o those_o other_o of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o yea_o and_o of_o love_v our_o very_a enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o who_o hate_v we_o and_o use_v we_o despiteful_o all_o which_o when_o sober_o consider_v without_o passion_n or_o humane_a interest_n be_v express_o against_o all_o persecution_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o do_v not_o only_o tie_v up_o protestant_n from_o destroy_v of_o protestant_n but_o even_o from_o persecute_v of_o any_o sort_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n as_o those_o command_n thou_o shall_v do_v no_o murder_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n and_o against_o and_o tie_v up_o all_o christian_n from_o shed_v of_o blood_n unlawful_o and_o malicious_o and_o against_o rapine_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o such_o do_v also_o in_o their_o heart_n believe_v that_o whatever_o counsel_n or_o work_n be_v of_o man_n will_v fall_v of_o itself_o and_o that_o what_o be_v of_o god_n will_v stand_v maugre_o all_o the_o persecution_n and_o opposition_n of_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o do_v intend_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n or_o will_v willing_o be_v find_v so_o do_v all_o this_o be_v take_v by_o i_o in_o my_o own_o thought_n to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a when_o ever_o i_o come_v to_o inquire_v how_o then_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v how_o can_v all_o these_o party_n among_o which_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o good_a sober_a judicious_a and_o sincere_a person_n offend_v against_o these_o common_a principle_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o all_o christian_n by_o make_v and_o execute_v penal_a law_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n immediate_o adjoin_v to_o this_o another_o question_n which_o be_v and_o how_o can_v so_o many_o person_n profess_v to_o be_v christian_n take_v revenge_n by_o blood_n usurp_v the_o good_n of_o their_o neighour_n and_o commit_v the_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n yet_o all_o these_o be_v once_o do_v by_o that_o great_a and_o good_a king_n and_o prophet_n who_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n that_o which_o to_o i_o answer_v this_o latter_a question_n seem_v clear_o to_o solve_v the_o former_a that_o the_o beast_n get_v the_o better_a of_o the_o man_n the_o passion_n commit_v a_o force_n upon_o reason_n and_o humane_a frailty_n be_v too_o weak_a bring_v the_o best_a of_o man_n sometime_o though_o but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o careless_a man_n oftentimes_o to_o contradict_v their_o faith_n by_o their_o practice_n until_o by_o affliction_n they_o gain_v understanding_n and_o come_v to_o repentance_n for_o the_o save_v of_o their_o soul_n this_o to_o i_o seem_v so_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o until_o something_o more_o evident_a shall_v convince_v i_o of_o my_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o as_o great_a a_o sin_n against_o charity_n for_o i_o to_o charge_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o any_o party_n profess_v to_o be_v christian_n that_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n be_v lawful_a because_o i_o see_v it_o practise_v by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n among_o that_o party_n as_o to_o charge_v the_o same_o party_n to_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o murder_n theft_n and_o adultery_n be_v lawful_a because_o great_a number_n of_o that_o party_n be_v too_o often_o guilty_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o sin_n if_o this_o way_n of_o consider_v thing_n be_v not_o find_v unreasonable_a but_o upon_o due_a reflection_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v those_o who_o be_v public_a person_n will_v forgive_v i_o when_o i_o wish_v they_o will_v lay_v it_o to_o their_o heart_n and_o think_v well_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v of_o use_n to_o preserve_v this_o poor_a nation_n from_o the_o further_a guilt_n of_o those_o additional_a injustice_n and_o cruelty_n which_o the_o contrary_a way_n of_o rash_a judge_n must_v involve_v and_o
that_o very_a religion_n which_o those_o person_n profess_v by_o who_o those_o law_n be_v make_v yet_o true_a religion_n and_o true_a reason_n of_o state_n always_o keep_v those_o person_n from_o intend_v to_o have_v those_o law_n rigid_o and_o severe_o execute_v i_o will_v confirm_v this_o by_o one_o single_a instance_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o best_a of_o time_n the_o last_o popish_a priest_n that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o england_n for_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o time_n of_o cromwell_n i_o suppose_v we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o passionate_a heat_n which_o inflame_v those_o who_o be_v then_o in_o authority_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o popery_n they_o look_v on_o the_o papist_n as_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o their_o government_n and_o as_o fast_a friend_n and_o devote_a servant_n to_o the_o crown_n and_o royal_a family_n notwithstanding_o which_o when_o the_o say_a priest_n come_v upon_o his_o trial_n at_o the_o sessions-house_n in_o the_o old-bailey_n in_o london_n and_o upon_o his_o arraignment_n plead_v that_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o treason_n but_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o clear_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o be_v his_o judge_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o preserve_v his_o life_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o execution_n against_o he_o of_o those_o law_n upon_o which_o he_o stand_v indict_v for_o they_o do_v for_o many_o hour_n suspend_v the_o record_v of_o his_o confession_n make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o plead_v not_o gluilty_a to_o the_o indictment_n they_o press_v he_o to_o this_o in_o the_o public_a court_n assure_v he_o that_o if_o he_o will_v so_o plead_v his_o life_n shall_v be_v safe_a and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o evidence_n which_o can_v prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o when_o the_o old_a man_n age_v about_o seventy_o two_o year_n will_v not_o be_v draw_v to_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o priest_n take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o deny_v of_o his_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o court_n be_v compel_v to_o give_v judgement_n against_o he_o the_o magistrate_n who_o give_v the_o sentence_n be_v so_o drown_v in_o tear_n upon_o that_o sad_a occasion_n that_o it_o be_v long_o before_o he_o can_v pronounce_v the_o sentence_n which_o the_o law_n compel_v as_o he_o profess_v to_o give_v now_o i_o ask_v can_v it_o be_v presume_v that_o in_o those_o severe_a time_n against_o popery_n those_o who_o then_o sit_v upon_o the_o seat_n of_o justice_n will_v or_o dare_v have_v proceed_v thus_o in_o a_o public_a out_o and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n so_o open_o so_o avowed_o to_o have_v save_v the_o life_n of_o a_o priest_n of_o that_o party_n if_o they_o have_v not_o well_o consider_v that_o the_o maker_n of_o those_o law_n and_o even_o cromwell_n who_o have_v then_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n of_o these_o nation_n do_v not_o in_o truth_n intend_v a_o rigid_a and_o severe_a execution_n of_o those_o law_n which_o be_v for_o inflict_v pain_n and_o penalty_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v give_v no_o further_a instance_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o my_o opinion_n whosoever_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o the_o present_a genius_n of_o our_o whole_a nation_n and_o consider_v in_o what_o detestation_n all_o man_n have_v the_o execution_n of_o persecute_v law_n of_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n how_o public_o informer_n be_v abhor_v and_o discountenance_v when_o they_o labour_v to_o persecute_v any_o upon_o any_o such_o law_n will_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o general_n be_v convince_v that_o those_o law_n be_v never_o any_o of_o they_o make_v with_o intention_n to_o have_v they_o rigid_o execute_v i_o have_v be_v tell_v and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o our_o law_n that_o even_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o against_o reason_n be_v void_a in_o itself_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o methinks_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v i_o think_v we_o be_v very_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o all_o our_o present_a law_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o which_o any_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n persecute_v for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n will_v be_v repeal_v by_o the_o general_a voice_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o that_o when_o the_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o the_o great_a body_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v compose_v shall_v have_v consider_v something_o more_o deliberate_o than_o their_o passion_n have_v yet_o permit_v all_o to_o do_v that_o every_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v against_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n unjust_a and_o cruel_a in_o punish_v man_n for_o not_o proceed_v against_o their_o conscience_n express_o against_o the_o very_a principle_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o principle_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o pretend_v to_o own_o destructive_a to_o the_o trade_n and_o wellbeing_a of_o our_o nation_n by_o oppress_v and_o drive_v away_o the_o most_o industrious_a work_v hand_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o depopulate_v and_o thereby_o impoverish_v our_o country_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o employ_v three_o time_n the_o number_n of_o people_n which_o we_o now_o have_v contradictory_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n ground_v upon_o common_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n which_o require_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o another_o what_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v unto_o himself_o and_o consequent_o void_a in_o itself_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n there_o will_v not_o be_v find_v a_o magistrate_n nay_o a_o common_a subject_n in_o england_n who_o will_v not_o as_o positive_o renounce_v the_o put_n in_o execution_n or_o be_v accessary_a to_o the_o execute_n of_o any_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o he_o will_v renounce_v the_o become_a guilty_a of_o those_o detestable_a sin_n of_o murder_n or_o theft_n but_o until_o man_n be_v a_o little_a further_o convince_v of_o these_o truth_n you_o sir_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o but_o rather_o pity_v those_o magistrate_n from_o who_o hand_n you_o have_v late_o suffer_v for_o a_o matter_n mere_o of_o religion_n peradventure_o they_o do_v not_o full_o consider_v that_o the_o matter_n with_o which_o you_o be_v charge_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o mere_a religion_n but_o take_v your_o meeting_n in_o a_o assembly_n mere_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a assembly_n because_o prohibit_v by_o a_o present_a law_n as_o the_o poor_a magistrate_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n take_v their_o meeting_n in_o their_o assembly_n mere_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v unlawful_a assembly_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n because_o they_o be_v prohibit_v by_o their_o law_n or_o perhaps_o their_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o forfeiture_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v have_v deny_v their_o warrant_n to_o the_o informer_n make_v they_o fall_v under_o that_o humane_a frailty_n for_o secure_v of_o themselves_o however_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v you_o have_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v any_o effect_n of_o malice_n against_o you_o or_o your_o friend_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o same_o magistrate_n now_o their_o fear_n be_v over_o may_v yet_o be_v instrumental_a to_o do_v you_o and_o themselves_o right_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o upon_o a_o strict_a reflection_n upon_o what_o the_o informer_n have_v swear_v the_o devil_n may_v have_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o swear_v something_o which_o may_v be_v prove_v untrue_a for_o informer_n be_v not_o squeamish_a in_o swear_v for_o their_o own_o profit_n as_o it_o have_v appear_v in_o london_n and_o middlesex_n and_o one_o point_n of_o perjury_n prove_v will_v invalidate_v all_o his_o testimony_n and_o reverse_v all_o that_o be_v do_v at_o which_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a no_o man_n beside_o the_o informer_n will_v be_v displease_v and_o this_o be_v in_o plain_a truth_n the_o great_a reason_n why_o your_o friend_n here_o desire_v to_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o your_o case_n the_o certify_n of_o which_o may_v be_v a_o advantage_n to_o yourself_o and_o your_o friend_n there_o and_o will_v be_v particular_o very_o welcome_a unto_o sir_n your_o old_a true_a friend_n and_o humble_a servant_n a._n n._n postscript_n i_o have_v here-omitted_n many_o of_o those_o great_a argument_n both_o which_o other_o have_v use_v and_o which_o may_v yet_o be_v advance_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o subject_a partly_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o discourse_n extant_a and_o
partly_o because_o english_a mankind_n begin_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o matter_n yet_o this_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v in_o general_a that_o force_v upon_o conscience_n and_o corporal_a penalty_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v not_o only_o no_o precedent_n or_o example_n from_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o be_v express_o against_o both_o their_o precept_n and_o example_n this_o coercion_n be_v the_o old_a disturber_n of_o state_n the_o destroyer_n of_o property_n the_o depopulator_n of_o kingdom_n the_o enemy_n of_o humane_a nature_n of_o kind_a neighbourhood_n and_o of_o conscientious_a religion_n at_o best_a it_o either_o make_v man_n religious_a by_o rote_n which_o be_v no_o religion_n or_o conformable_a for_o fear_n and_o interest_n which_o be_v ir-religion_n and_o base_a hypocrisy_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o corrupt_v and_o distract_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o civil_a government_n by_o make_v the_o measure_n of_o loyalty_n nor_o love_n honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o caesar_n but_o conformity_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o religion_n in_o fashion_n which_o destroy_v the_o true_a dependence_n and_o obligation_n in_o government_n and_o subject_n the_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o frequent_a revolution_n of_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o stand_v fix_v and_o sacred_a upon_o the_o common_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n of_o civil_a and_o just_a government_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o this_o conception_n since_o of_o all_o other_o this_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o will_v to_o god_n all_o the_o caesar_n of_o the_o world_n see_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o notion_n they_o will_v not_o then_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v grow_v upon_o not_o only_o by_o another_o power_n then_o caesar_n but_o by_o a_o power_n contrary_n to_o caesar_n and_o which_o in_o the_o tendency_n of_o it_o leave_v caesar_n nothing_o but_o his_o name_n let_v he_o be_v feel_v king_n of_o all_o his_o people_n by_o his_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o by_o his_o power_n optimus_fw-la go_v before_o maximus_n among_o infidel_n and_o shall_v pretender_n to_o the_o best_a of_o religion_n christianity_n i_o mean_v decline_v it_o all_o creature_n nourish_v and_o defend_v their_o young_a we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o government_n and_o shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o defend_v under_o the_o magistrate_n wing_n of_o just_a power_n and_o favour_n he_o shall_v endeavour_v our_o increase_n encourage_v our_o industry_n and_o thereby_o enrich_v and_o replenish_v the_o kingdom_n not_o impoverish_v and_o depopulate_v it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o people_n not_o beggar_n but_o man_n of_o industry_n but_o who_o dare_v to_o be_v industrious_a that_o will_v not_o have_v his_o labour_n make_v the_o forfeit_n of_o his_o sober_a conscience_n unhappy_a age_n come_v it_o be_v time_n for_o humane_a nature_n to_o remember_v from_o whence_o she_o come_v for_o mankind_n to_o love_n for_o caesar_n to_o be_v kind_a to_o all_o his_o people_n to_o let_v his_o rain_n fall_v upon_o all_o his_o sunshine_n upon_o all_o that_o he_o may_v just_o render_v himself_o master_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o all_o and_o not_o serve_v faction_n nor_o interest_n nor_o imbroile_v his_o government_n with_o the_o opinionary_a difference_n about_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o enlarge_v but_o narrow_a his_o empire_n and_o those_o that_o put_v he_o upon_o such_o measure_n let_v their_o pretence_n be_v what_o it_o will_v they_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o his_o glory_n and_o do_v ill_a office_n in_o the_o great_a family_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o set_v the_o father_n against_o the_o son_n and_o excite_v he_o to_o disinherit_v his_o child_n and_o those_o virtuous_a too_o mere_o for_o the_o sober_a exercise_n of_o a_o dissent_v conscience_n about_o matter_n relate_v to_o other_o world_n this_o be_v practise_v reprobation_n for_o opinion_n and_o sacrifice_a nature_n and_o morality_n to_o modes_n of_o religion_n nay_o this_o be_v to_o engross_v caesar_n by_o a_o party_n and_o to_o monopolise_v he_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o people_n a_o sin_n against_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n god_n grant_v we_o all_o more_o wisdom_n more_o honesty_n and_o more_o charity_n and_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o live_v to_o see_v all_o industry_n encourage_v the_o poor_a employ_v the_o kingdom_n in_o love_n with_o its_o own_o growth_n virtue_n only_o reward_v vice_n only_o punish_v that_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o plenty_n may_v yet_o vouchsafe_v to_o dwell_v among_o we_o so_o be_v it_o to_o caesar_n and_o his_o people_n while_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n endure_v the_o end_n