that_o now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o parliament_n apply_v itself_o to_o establish_v the_o people_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n in_o a_o quiet_a and_o settle_a condition_n your_o petitioner_n take_v up_o a_o humble_a confidence_n that_o they_o alone_o shall_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o so_o universal_a a_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o humble_o pray_v that_o the_o law_n and_o proceed_n concerning_o they_o may_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o such_o clemency_n and_o compassion_n use_v towards_o they_o by_o composition_n or_o otherwise_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o honourable_a house_n may_v consist_v with_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o your_o petitioner_n comfortable_a lie_v ving_z in_o their_o native_a country_n and_o they_o further_o humble_o pray_v that_o it_o will_v please_v the_o parliament_n to_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o permission_n of_o clear_v their_o religion_n from_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o government_n which_o will_v assure_o be_v do_v to_o full_a satisfaction_n if_o there_o may_v be_v a_o committee_n appoint_v by_o this_o honourable_a house_n on_o who_o they_o may_v have_v the_o privilege_n to_o attend_v and_o your_o petitioner_n shall_v ever_o pray_v etc._n etc._n this_o to_o my_o sense_n bear_v itself_o with_o so_o much_o respect_n and_o submissiveness_n in_o the_o stile_n that_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v interpret_v misbecome_v the_o duty_n of_o good_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o petition_n it_o seem_v to_o my_o eye_n so_o reasonable_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o after_o a_o little_a patience_n till_o other_o more_o general_a affair_n afford_v the_o parliament_n leisure_n it_o will_v certain_o receive_v a_o satisfactory_a and_o relieve_v answer_n especial_o since_o not_o only_o such_o papist_n who_o moderate_a delinquency_n leave_v they_o some_o hope_n of_o mercy_n nor_o such_o who_o for_o preservation_n of_o their_o life_n be_v force_v to_o fly_v into_o the_o late_a king_n garrison_n without_o ever_o act_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o state_n but_o even_o the_o most_o innocent_a who_o all_o this_o while_o have_v sit_v still_o under_o so_o many_o pressure_n and_o never_o be_v charge_v with_o other_o accusation_n than_o their_o religion_n yet_o all_o free_o and_o humble_o submit_v in_o this_o petition_n to_o the_o absolute_a pleasure_n of_o the_o parliament_n for_o rule_n of_o composition_n and_o this_o as_o to_o the_o single_a papist_n for_o a_o offence_n which_o in_o no_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v account_v any_o crime_n at_o all_o be_v mere_o their_o different_a judgement_n in_o religion_n a_o proceed_n wherein_o certain_o we_o shall_v use_v too_o much_o severity_n and_o partiality_n if_o we_o make_v it_o not_o only_o unpardonable_a but_o unredeemable_a in_o the_o close_a of_o their_o petition_n they_o humble_o beg_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o opportunity_n to_o satisfy_v the_o parliament_n in_o the_o point_n of_o consistency_n with_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a objection_n that_o without_o passion_n can_v be_v make_v against_o they_o sure_o we_o shall_v not_o take_v offence_n at_o their_o most_o diligent_a application_n and_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o so_o destructive_a a_o charge_n lay_v upon_o their_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o which_o performance_n it_o seem_v divers_a papist_n of_o considerable_a quality_n unanimous_o agree_v upon_o this_o follow_a explanation_n to_o declare_v and_o witness_v to_o the_o world_n the_o perfect_a consistency_n of_o their_o religion_n both_o with_o civil_a society_n join_v also_o in_o the_o same_o paper_n the_o like_a expression_n of_o their_o belief_n concerning_o some_o few_o other_o point_n which_o they_o be_v inform_v to_o be_v more_o obnoxious_a to_o exception_n than_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o under-value_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o overvalue_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o above_o all_o the_o proud_a opinion_n of_o merit_n this_o paper_n they_o draw_v up_o as_o a_o preparatory_a to_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a clear_n of_o their_o faith_n from_o those_o prejudice_n and_o misunderstanding_n which_o ordinary_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n entertain_v especial_o in_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o paper_n contain_v certain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o by_o they_o deliver_v to_o divers_a person_n of_o quality_n for_o their_o particular_a satisfaction_n we_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v therein_o contain_v we_o firm_o assent_v unto_o as_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n 1._o 16._o but_o since_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n we_o therefore_o profess_v for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o settle_v of_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o submit_v our_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n represent_v in_o a_o free_a general_n council_n 2._o 1._o we_o humble_o believe_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n one_o eternal_a almighty_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n who_o only_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_v as_o alone_o have_v sovereign_a dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o who_o only_o we_o acknowledge_v as_o due_a from_o man_n and_o angel_n all_o glory_n service_n and_o obedience_n abhor_v from_o our_o heart_n as_o a_o most_o detestabbe_v sacrilege_n to_o give_v our_o creator_n honour_n to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o solemn_o protest_v that_o by_o the_o prayer_n we_o address_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n we_o intend_v no_o other_o than_o humble_o to_o solicit_v their_o assistance_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o we_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o one_o another_o here_o upon_o earth_n not_o that_o we_o hope_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o as_o original_a author_n thereof_o but_o from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a mediator_n and_o redeemer_n neither_o do_v we_o believe_v any_o divinity_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o image_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o gentile_n do_v their_o idol_n but_o we_o retain_v they_o with_o due_a and_o decent_a respect_n in_o our_o church_n as_o instrument_n which_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n do_v often_o assist_v our_o memory_n and_o excite_v our_o affection_n 3._o 24_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o no_o force_n of_o nature_n nor_o dignity_n of_o our_o best_a work_n can_v merit_v our_o justification_n but_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o although_o we_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n yet_o be_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n still_o build_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n all_o other_o merit_n according_a to_o our_o sense_n of_o that_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o action_n do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o which_o it_o have_v please_v his_o gooodness_n to_o promise_v a_o reward_n a_o doctrine_n so_o far_o from_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v their_o principal_a design_n to_o invite_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o a_o diligent_a observance_n of_o the_o commandment_n by_o promise_a heaven_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o rome_n 2._o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a confidence_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n and_o again_o rom._n 8._o 13._o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n you_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v and_o heb._n 6._o 10._o god_n be_v not_o unjust_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v for_o his_o name_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o be_v so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o recompense_v with_o everlasting_a glory_n the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n 38._o nor_o be_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n bare_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o high_a and_o plentiful_a even_o beyond_o our_o capacity_n give_v full_a measure_n heap_v up_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o all_o that_o love_v he_o
estate_n to_o swear_v against_o his_o conscience_n or_o to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v himself_o especial_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v his_o inward_a belief_n 4._o since_o in_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v still_o find_v some_o scandalous_a liver_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v the_o woe_n against_o he_o only_o by_o who_o the_o scandal_n come_v mat._n 18._o 7._o luke_n 17._o 1._o it_o be_v humble_o propose_v that_o who_o ever_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o order_n of_o so_o mild_a and_o christian_a a_o settlement_n may_v be_v severe_o censure_v but_o that_o other_o though_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n in_o religion_n be_v no_o far_o make_v subject_a to_o the_o punishment_n then_o prove_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n in_o stead_n of_o my_o opinion_n concerning_o these_o four_o proposal_n of_o the_o papist_n because_o to_o my_o sense_n they_o carry_v in_o themselves_o both_o their_o own_o evidence_n and_o justification_n i_o shall_v beg_v the_o reader_n permission_n to_o set_v down_o a_o particular_a conceit_n which_o i_o have_v often_o observe_v to_o be_v very_o well_o relish_v by_o all_o that_o have_v examine_v it_o that_o doubtless_o there_o be_v no_o way_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n no_o way_n so_o probable_a to_o satisfy_v all_o conscience_n as_o not_o to_o impose_v any_o other_o obligation_n for_o proof_n of_o conformity_n than_o this_o profession_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n plain_o contain_v therein_o this_o acknowledgement_n to_o be_v express_v in_o general_a term_n without_o descend_v minutely_o to_o particular_a question_n which_o have_v certain_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o so_o many_o controversy_n and_o division_n in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o humble_o appeal_v to_o the_o honourable_a and_o religious_a committee_n for_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o the_o sweet_a spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n who_o give_v his_o apostle_n no_o further_o power_n than_o to_o relinquish_v such_o as_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o be_v reconcilable_a to_o the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o high_a commissioner_n or_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o our_o sequestrator_n 24._o whether_o when_o the_o great_a apostle_n paul_n prescribe_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o forbear_v and_o in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v he_o shall_v be_v thus_o cros-interprete_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o those_o who_o be_v contrary_a mind_v be_v first_o secure_v or_o forbear_v and_o then_o after_o a_o time_n quite_o take_v away_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o meekness_n or_o how_o to_o bear_v patient_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o vain_a and_o transitory_a riches_n of_o this_o world_n and_o now_o i_o humble_o appeal_v to_o the_o honourable_a and_o learned_a committee_n for_o regulation_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o since_o all_o those_o penalty_n which_o the_o rigorous_a humour_n of_o former_a age_n have_v under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n be_v either_o by_o disuse_n forget_v or_o by_o express_a act_n of_o parliament_n revoke_v the_o papist_n alone_o shall_v still_o be_v continue_v under_o the_o same_o severity_n nay_o their_o burden_n increase_v by_o the_o strange_a method_n of_o the_o new_a proceed_n towards_o they_o their_o conscience_n be_v not_o only_o punishable_a to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o indictment_n but_o compellable_a even_o to_o accuse_v themselves_o by_o the_o new_a presbyterian_a oath_n of_o abjuration_n against_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o reverend_a law_n of_o this_o land_n and_o now_o with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o renown_a parliament_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n whether_o in_o this_o general_a goal-delivery_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o prelate_n the_o conscience_n of_o papist_n alone_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o prison_n whether_o when_o all_o the_o fetters_o which_o the_o rigid_a kirkesman_n have_v buy_v up_o in_o scotland_n be_v break_v in_o piece_n just_a as_o they_o be_v lock_v they_o fast_o about_o our_o conscience_n in_o england_n the_o conscience_n of_o papist_n alone_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o chain_n whether_o when_o all_o the_o society_n profess_v christ_n jesus_n and_o live_v obedient_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o peaceable_o one_o with_o another_o be_v protect_v in_o the_o quiet_a and_o unoffensive_a exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n the_o papist_n alone_o shall_v be_v force_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n not_o only_o to_o profess_v but_o swear_v against_o their_o conscience_n a_o course_n that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v unavoidable_o bring_v they_o either_o to_o absolute_a beggary_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o hypocrisy_n or_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o perjury_n all_o the_o people_n of_o this_o nation_n look_v upon_o you_o as_o their_o common_a father_n all_o promise_n themselves_o liberty_n and_o protection_n under_o your_o government_n though_o some_o may_v just_o be_v exclude_v from_o share_v in_o the_o government_n be_v there_o in_o my_o family_n one_o child_n that_o profess_v to_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o live_v dutiful_o to_o i_o and_o love_o with_o with_o his_o brethren_n i_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o great_a unnaturalness_n to_o deprive_v he_o altogether_o of_o his_o portion_n much_o more_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o bounty_n of_o any_o collateral_a kinsman_n or_o acquire_v by_o his_o own_o particular_a diligence_n and_o improvement_n and_o though_o some_o papist_n have_v heretofore_o be_v true_o chargeable_a with_o heinous_a crime_n against_o their_o country_n yet_o why_o shall_v our_o justice_n overreach_v to_o condemn_v all_o for_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o few_o if_o they_o have_v former_o abet_v competitor_n to_o the_o crown_n why_o shall_v the_o punishment_n so_o long_o outlive_v the_o fault_n certain_o the_o offender_n be_v dead_a their_o trespass_n shall_v rather_o be_v bury_v in_o their_o grave_n and_o not_o like_o ghost_n walk_v to_o affright_v and_o pinch_v their_o child_n it_o be_v time_n we_o shall_v now_o mix_v a_o little_a mercy_n to_o allay_v the_o fume_n of_o so_o much_o justice_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o ascend_v to_o the_o almighty_n throne_n in_o the_o odour_n of_o sweetness_n it_o be_v time_n we_o shall_v begin_v to_o imitate_v the_o pattern_n which_o our_o merciful_a god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o in_o his_o own_o practice_n when_o he_o command_v the_o destroy_a angel_n to_o sheathe_v his_o sword_n with_o this_o compassionate_a motto_n it_o be_v enough_o it_o be_v time_n we_o shall_v begin_v to_o answer_v the_o bounty_n of_o our_o god_n who_o have_v so_o free_o give_v we_o the_o blessing_n of_o 10_o thousand_o talent_n 12._o by_o free_o forgive_a our_o fellow-servant_n the_o small_a sum_n of_o 100_o penny_n let_v we_o invade_v or_o storm_v the_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o great_a and_o strong_a wind_n that_o rend_v the_o mountain_n and_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o rock_n let_v we_o not_o shake_v the_o inward_a peace_n of_o any_o quiet_a and_o unoffensive_a christian_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o earthquake_n let_v we_o not_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o devour_a flame_n of_o uncharitable_a zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o let_v we_o compose_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o soft_a and_o gentle_a key_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o still_o small_a voice_n let_v we_o always_o attend_v to_o this_o still_a voice_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v with_o we_o do_v as_o you_o as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o let_v we_o always_o attend_v to_o this_o small_a but_o sweet_a voice_n of_o the_o lord_n 44._o call_v upon_o we_o love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a for_o if_o you_o love_v they_o which_o love_v you_o what_o reward_n have_v you_o do_v not_o even_o the_o publican_n the_o same_o and_o if_o you_o salute_v your_o brethren_n only_o what_o do_v you_o more_o than_o other_o do_v not_o even_o the_o publican_n so_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a postscript_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o dispensation_n as_o well_o of_o justice_n as_o mercy_n we_o must_v resign_v our_o little_a interst_n to_o call_v i_o sudden_o into_o the_o country_n upon_o a_o sad_a and_o mournful_a occasion_n which_o utter_o defeat_v my_o purpose_n of_o review_v these_o few_o line_n and_o therefore_o after_o my_o humble_a submission_n of_o they_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n i_o be_o encourage_v to_o presume_v the_o courteous_a pardon_n of_o the_o reader_n especial_o if_o since_o it_o be_v true_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n to_o i_o to_o live_v out_o of_o london_n he_o will_v please_v to_o consider_v this_o as_o a_o posthumous_a pamphlet_n contain_v the_o serious_a though_o indigested_a thought_n of_o will_n birchley_n i._n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o ii_o 1_o tim._n 1._o iii_o rom._n 3._o 24_o luk._n 6._o 38._o luk._n 17._o 1â—_n iv._o exod._n 20._o mat._n 19_o eccles._n 12._o 13._o ephes._n 5._o 5._o 1._o principle_n of_o the_o preâ—ent_a goâ—ernment_n 2._o scripture_n 1._o ancient_a and_o quiet_a â—ossession_n 2._o â—nchanâ—eable_a 3._o education_n 4_o â—atisfactiâ—n_n in_o their_o religion_n 5_o tender_a conscience_n 6_o even_o the_o most_o disaffect_v have_v liberty_n 7_o cause_n of_o punish_v cease_v 8_o their_o fidelity_n 9_o advantage_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o compound_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o state_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 24._o mat._n 18._o 23._o 1_o king_n 19_o 11_o 12._o mat._n 5._o 44._o
thus_o we_o believe_v the_o merit_n or_o reward_v ableness_n of_o holy_a live_n both_o which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o we_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o self-value_n even_o of_o our_o best_a action_n 1â—_n as_o they_o be_v we_o but_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n and_o for_o ourselves_o we_o sincere_o profess_v when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v we_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n 13._o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o that_o our_o boast_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o all_o our_o glory_v be_v in_o christ_n 4._o we_o firm_o believe_v and_o high_o reverence_v the_o moral_a law_n be_v so_o solemn_o deliver_v to_o moses_n upon_o the_o mount_n so_o express_o confirm_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o contain_v in_o it_o so_o perfect_a a_o abridgement_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n which_o moral_a law_n we_o believe_v oblige_v all_o man_n to_o proceed_v with_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o their_o mutual_a contract_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o therefore_o our_o constant_a profession_n be_v that_o we_o be_v most_o strict_o and_o absolute_o bind_v to_o the_o exact_a and_o entire_a performance_n of_o our_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o person_n of_o what_o religion_n soever_o much_o more_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o civil_a power_n under_o who_o protection_n we_o live_v who_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v not_o only_o for_o fear_n but_o for_o consciâ—nce_n sake_n and_o to_o who_o we_o will_v most_o faithful_o observe_v our_o promise_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n notwithstanding_o any_o dispensation_n absolution_n or_o any_o other_o proceed_n of_o any_o foreign_a power_n or_o authority_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o renounce_v that_o false_a and_o scandalous_a position_n that_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o heretic_n as_o most_o uncharitable_o impute_v to_o our_o practice_n and_o most_o unjust_o pin_v upon_o our_o religion_n these_o we_o sincere_o and_o solemn_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n take_v the_o word_n plain_o and_o simple_o in_o their_o usual_a and_o familiar_a sense_n without_o any_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n whatsoever_o these_o expression_n concerning_o four_o of_o the_o most_o offensive_a point_n wherein_o the_o papist_n differ_v from_o we_o have_v i_o confess_v give_v i_o a_o great_a and_o unexpected_a satisfaction_n and_o though_o i_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o erroneousness_n of_o many_o of_o their_o tenet_n yet_o i_o see_v we_o may_v easy_o be_v too_o passionate_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o detest_v any_o different_a opinion_n since_o every_o error_n be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o unsufferable_a abomination_n and_o too_o severe_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o persecute_v the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o own_o judgement_n as_o if_o they_o be_v unworthy_a to_o breathe_v the_o same_o air_n with_o ourselves_o certain_o many_o protestant_n who_o quiet_o enjoy_v a_o just_a and_o unmolested_a freedom_n approach_v very_o near_o to_o the_o first_o assertion_n of_o the_o papist_n whilst_o some_o both_o writer_n and_o discourser_n profess_v to_o submit_v their_o private_a judgement_n unappealable_o to_o a_o truly-free_a general_n council_n that_o she_o may_v once_o have_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o contention_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n other_o refer_v themselves_o without_o further_a instance_n to_o a_o provincial_n assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o very_o few_o but_o will_v prefer_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o this_o nation_n before_o their_o own_o particular_a sense_n ready_o conform_v to_o that_o declaration_n which_o the_o parliament_n shall_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o almost_o every_o one_o agree_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o external_a authority_n to_o decide_v such_o controversy_n as_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o different_a interpretation_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n sleeve_n and_o yield_v a_o blind_a obedience_n that_o be_v without_o appeal_n any_o further_a to_o her_o determination_n and_o for_o the_o second_o branch_n i_o be_o sure_a many_o protestant_n continue_v still_o those_o old_a custom_n of_o bare_n their_o head_n when_o they_o come_v into_o a_o church_n nay_o of_o bow_n at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n practice_n that_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o objection_n which_o our_o more_o godly_a and_o conscientious_a pen_n make_v against_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o question_n of_o picture_n yet_o i_o hope_v there_o will_v never_o be_v the_o least_o think_v entertain_v of_o impose_v penalty_n upon_o the_o private_a and_o unscandalous_a use_n of_o any_o such_o ceremony_n rather_o let_v we_o apply_v our_o endeavour_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n with_o a_o mild_a and_o gentle_a hand_n than_o beat_v they_o out_o with_o the_o club-fist_n of_o the_o law_n but_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o three_o conclusion_n in_o the_o recusant_n paper_n i_o be_o astonish_v to_o consider_v how_o education_n with_o a_o little_a mixture_n of_o passion_n or_o interest_n make_v every_o slight_a distemper_n among_o christian_n which_o of_o itself_o be_v easy_o curable_a so_o desperate_a that_o it_o often_o become_v irrecoverable_a and_o endanger_v both_o the_o health_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n sure_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o strange_o mistake_v one_o another_o i_o profess_v sincere_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o seize_v on_o the_o estate_n of_o a_o papist_n for_o refuse_v that_o part_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n wherein_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n that_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o suffer_v a_o thousand_o death_n rather_o than_o abjure_v so_o great_a and_o manifest_a a_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n wherein_o they_o explain_v themselves_o or_o affirm_v so_o great_a and_o manifest_a a_o error_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n wherein_o we_o explain_v ourselves_o for_o when_o we_o censure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n we_o understand_v by_o that_o word_n our_o desert_n as_o they_o exclude_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o abstract_v from_o the_o covenant_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v with_o we_o in_o his_o son_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n we_o just_o condemn_v all_o opinion_n of_o merit_n even_o of_o the_o best_a work_n as_o presumptuous_a and_o luciferian_a but_o i_o now_o see_v when_o the_o papist_n affirm_v that_o good_a work_n be_v meritorious_a they_o include_v both_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o effect_n when_o all_o be_v sum_v up_o it_o amount_v only_o to_o this_o that_o god_n have_v gracious_o promise_v and_o will_v faithful_o keep_v his_o word_n to_o reward_v all_o those_o with_o eternal_a life_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o commandment_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o papist_n hold_v mercifulness_n to_o be_v meritorious_a or_o available_a to_o salvation_n because_o the_o scripture_n say_v bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n matth._n 5._o 7._o in_o this_o sense_n the_o papist_n hold_v patience_n in_o affliction_n to_o be_v meritorious_a or_o available_a to_o salvation_n because_o the_o scripture_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o who_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 5._o 10._o and_o this_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v by_o very_a understanding_n man_n among_o they_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n concerning_o good_a work_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n differ_v nothing_o from_o we_o but_o only_o in_o the_o unsavoury_a and_o proud-sounding_a word_n merit_n the_o last_o cause_n of_o the_o papist_n note_v which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v be_v so_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o their_o word_n i_o shall_v neither_o fear_v to_o have_v such_o neighbour_n nor_o need_v any_o magistrate_n fear_v to_o have_v such_o subject_n and_o to_o prove_v their_o trustiness_n and_o fidelity_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o oath_n i_o can_v imagine_v a_o more_o evident_a demonstration_n then_o that_o they_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o what_o oath_n they_o take_v he_o that_o swear_v any_o thing_n without_o distinction_n may_v just_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v as_o false_a to_o man_n as_o he_o be_v fearless_a of_o god_n whereas_o no_o clear_a argument_n can_v be_v allege_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o that_o they_o intend_v to_o keep_v all_o the_o oath_n they_o take_v than_o this_o that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v all_o the_o oath_n you_o offer_v sure_o if_o the_o pope_n or_o their_o own_o conscience_n can_v give_v they_o this_o extravagant_a privilege_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o no_o oath_n
they_o may_v without_o difficulty_n take_v any_o and_o if_o they_o be_v allow_v by_o their_o religion_n to_o swear_v any_o thing_n certain_o they_o be_v all_o worse_a than_o mad_a if_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o post_v away_o to_o haberdasher_n hall_n call_v for_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n swallow_v it_o down_o quick_o without_o any_o chew_a and_o so_o save_v at_o least_o 50000_o l_o a_o year_n in_o a_o morning_n in_o the_o late_a king_n day_n many_o papist_n be_v smart_o punish_v for_o not_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n none_o for_o observe_v it_o nay_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o papist-delinquents_n argue_v for_o themselves_o that_o the_o utter_a ruin_n which_o now_o endanger_v their_o whole_a estate_n proceed_v sole_o from_o their_o perform_n to_o the_o late_a king_n that_o service_n which_o he_o call_v allegiance_n and_o this_o be_v yet_o a_o high_a proof_n of_o their_o fidelity_n in_o their_o promise_n since_o they_o adventure_v with_o so_o much_o hazard_n to_o keep_v that_o oath_n in_o subgance_n which_o they_o refuse_v with_o almost_o as_o much_o hazard_n to_o take_v because_o against_o their_o conscience_n in_o some_o circumstance_n and_o now_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n indifferent_o whether_o they_o that_o firm_o believe_v all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n worship_n and_o adore_v only_o one_o god_n rely_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o sole_a mediator_n and_o profess_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n may_v not_o reasonable_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o their_o native_a country_n with_o the_o peaceable_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o their_o private_a house_n especial_o those_o who_o will_v quiet_o submit_v to_o caution_n and_o restriction_n as_o the_o commonwealth_n shall_v require_v for_o prevention_n of_o scandal_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n beside_o i_o be_o persuade_v a_o far_o less_o liberty_n will_v oblige_v the_o papist_n than_o content_v any_o other_o because_o hitherto_o all_o liberty_n have_v be_v whole_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o whole_o allow_v to_o every_o one_o else_o so_o that_o they_o will_v glad_o receive_v as_o a_o mercy_n and_o favour_n what_o other_o challenge_v as_o a_o right_a and_o their_o affection_n be_v once_o purchase_v at_o so_o cheap_a a_o price_n as_o a_o little_a private_a exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n free_a from_o the_o fright_n and_o smart_n of_o penalty_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v neither_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o forfeit_v their_o liberty_n nor_o so_o ungrateful_a as_o to_o forget_v they_o that_o give_v it_o since_o out_o of_o all_o our_o history_n not_o one_o example_n can_v be_v assign_v that_o they_o ever_o offer_v to_o move_v the_o least_o sedition_n in_o a_o time_n when_o they_o enjoy_v but_o half_o the_o liberty_n of_o freeborn_a english_a man_n therefore_o i_o shall_v close_v my_o thought_n upon_o this_o paper_n with_o a_o short_a and_o free_a conclusion_n which_o i_o conceive_v abridge_v in_o few_o word_n the_o whole_a difficulty_n betwixt_o subject_n and_o superior_a the_o magistrate_n that_o protect_v any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o his_o dominion_n may_v just_o require_v their_o service_n and_o safe_o rely_v upon_o their_o obedience_n but_o if_o he_o persecute_v they_o whether_o protestant_n or_o papist_n he_o will_v soon_o find_v that_o as_o he_o may_v violent_o force_v their_o compliance_n he_o can_v never_o prudent_o rest_v upon_o their_o affection_n but_o i_o must_v here_o beg_v leave_n to_o be_v dispense_v with_o in_o my_o promise_n of_o end_v this_o period_n till_o i_o have_v add_v this_o observation_n how_o many_o modern_a author_n of_o good_a account_n among_o we_o have_v positive_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o people_n as_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o the_o papist_n by_o their_o principle_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o keep_v faith_n with_o heretic_n and_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o be_v once_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n concerning_o they_o principal_o rely_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o mr._n james_n howell_n a_o ingenious_a traveller_n in_o most_o of_o the_o popish_a country_n which_o make_v i_o the_o more_o wonder_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v such_o a_o erroneous_a opinion_n upon_o trust_n and_o assert_v it_o in_o print_n near_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o dodona_n grove_n where_o he_o say_v that_o one_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o last_o great_a council_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v that_o haereticis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la tenenda_fw-la fides_fw-la the_o esteem_n i_o have_v entertain_v of_o that_o author_n ingenuity_n permit_v i_o not_o to_o acquiesce_n to_o some_o recusant_n verbal_a denial_n of_o this_o assertion_n but_o for_o more_o assure_a satisfaction_n in_o so_o important_a a_o point_n i_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v some_o of_o their_o best_a writer_n and_o find_v they_o unamimous_o agree_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o heretic_n but_o even_o with_o turk_n jew_n and_o infidel_n and_o that_o indispensable_o neither_o can_v i_o find_v one_o tittle_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o any_o canon_n or_o session_n of_o that_o last_o great_a council_n as_o he_o call_v it_o but_o to_o the_o contrary_a for_o both_o in_o the_o fifteen_o and_o eighteen_o session_n the_o council_n say_v express_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v violate_v the_o least_o point_n of_o the_o public_a faith_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o all_o protestant_n that_o shall_v repair_v to_o that_o council_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o those_o penalty_n quas_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la et_fw-la humano_fw-la aut_fw-la consuetudine_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la salvorum_fw-la conductuum_fw-la violatores_fw-la incurrere_fw-la possunt_fw-la absque_fw-la omni_fw-la excusatione_fw-la aut_fw-la quavis_fw-la in_fw-la hac_fw-la parte_fw-la contradictione_fw-la by_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o the_o council_n suppose_v as_o a_o thing_n know_v and_o certain_a that_o whosoever_o shall_v violate_v his_o faith_n promise_v to_o heretic_n be_v not_o only_o punishable_a by_o human_a law_n but_o even_o by_o the_o divine_a law_n itself_o and_o certain_o if_o it_o have_v be_v my_o unhappiness_n to_o have_v do_v any_o sort_n of_o christian_n so_o much_o wrong_n in_o public_a my_o conscience_n come_v afterward_o to_o be_v better_o inform_v will_v oblige_v i_o to_o a_o public_a reparation_n for_o though_o we_o use_v no_o such_o confession_n as_o the_o papist_n practise_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a reason_n bind_v we_o to_o as_o punctual_a a_o observance_n of_o restitution_n as_o any_o papist_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o even_o to_o papist_n themselves_o when_o we_o do_v they_o any_o injury_n but_o for_o a_o final_a dispatch_n of_o this_o point_n concerning_o the_o papist_n indispensable_a obligation_n of_o perform_v their_o promise_n it_o be_v my_o fortune_n to_o light_n upon_o a_o book_n of_o one_o paul_n layman_n a_o german_a jesuit_n and_o a_o author_n of_o great_a esteem_n among_o the_o casuist_n who_o treat_v of_o dispensation_n lib._n 2._o tract._n 3._o cap._n 12._o set_v down_o these_o word_n dico_fw-la quartò_fw-la si_fw-la catholici_fw-la cum_fw-la haereticis_fw-la publicum_fw-la faedus_fw-la ineant_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la per_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la pontificiam_fw-la sâ—lvi_fw-la aut_fw-la relaxari_fw-la if_o catholic_n enter_v into_o any_o public_a contract_n with_o heretic_n it_o can_v be_v dissolve_v or_o dispense_v with_o by_o the_o pope_n power_n and_o some_o few_o line_n after_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o question_n he_o pronounce_v downright_a absolutè_fw-la negari_fw-la debet_fw-la id_fw-la viz_o remissionem_fw-la foederis_fw-la à _fw-la summo_fw-la pontifice_fw-la fieri_fw-la posse_fw-la it_o ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o absolve_v from_o such_o contract_n and_o again_o fides_fw-la publica_fw-la haereticis_fw-la data_fw-la inviolabiliter_fw-la et_fw-la sine_fw-la ullo_fw-la dispensationis_fw-la remedio_fw-la servanda_fw-la est_fw-la quamdiu_fw-la ipsi_fw-la seruare_fw-la parati_fw-la sunt_fw-la public_a say_v give_v to_o heretic_n ought_v inviolable_o and_o without_o dispensation_n to_o be_v observe_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o perform_v their_o part_n and_o conclude_v that_o even_a jesuit_n as_o well_o as_o other_o doctor_n hold_v the_o pope_n power_n to_o be_v limitable_a and_o not_o so_o almighty_a as_o the_o world_n usual_o believe_v concerning_o they_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v repeat_v in_o the_o abridgement_n of_o layman_n book_n entitle_v compendium_n moralis_fw-la theologiae_fw-la pauli_fw-la layman_n folio_fw-la 265._o the_o papist_n have_v give_v so_o much_o satisfaction_n by_o their_o petition_n and_o other_o paper_n but_o much_o more_o by_o their_o submission_n to_o and_o peaceable_a demeanour_n in_o this_o commonwealth_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v i_o must_v appeal_v not_o only_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o that_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o freedom_n my_o lord_n general_n cromwell_n but_o