council_n that_o we_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 god_n word_n which_o be_v the_o main_a exception_n against_o the_o papist_n in_o that_o they_o pin_v 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 whichour_n 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 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 mat._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_a sound_a word_n merit_n the_o last_o clause_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 or_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 than_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 either_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 haberdâ—shers-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._n 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_n dâ—linquents_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 substance_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 such_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_a 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 englishman_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
such_o papist_n as_o shall_v disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n many_o and_o wonderful_a be_v the_o deliverance_n which_o our_o good_a god_n have_v dispense_v to_o his_o servant_n in_o reward_n of_o this_o their_o inclination_n to_o mercifulness_n yet_o among_o all_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o people_n none_o can_v be_v find_v more_o eminent_a than_o the_o renown_a victory_n over_o that_o rigid_a and_o severe_a kirk-army_n of_o the_o scot_n septemb._n 1650._o who_o decline_v the_o mild_a counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o possess_v their_o soul_n with_o patience_n deserve_o lose_v their_o life_n by_o violence_n a_o fatal_a argument_n decide_v manifest_o this_o very_a controversy_n in_o favour_n of_o meekness_n where_o the_o maintainer_n of_o compulsion_n be_v no_o less_o ingenious_o than_o cruel_o confute_v while_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o force_v our_o soul_n they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o defend_v their_o own_o body_n in_o memory_n of_o which_o great_a salvation_n from_o the_o pride_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a priesthood_n the_o parliament_n as_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o so_o seasonable_a a_o mercy_n in_o the_o same_o month_n enact_v a_o abolishment_n of_o divers_a rigorous_a and_o penal_a statute_n contrive_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o haughty_a prelate_n to_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o conscience_n they_o â—ould_v not_o bend_v which_o one_o act_n have_v win_v more_o â—earts_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o love_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o parliament_n than_o all_o their_o stupendous_a victory_n have_v â—rced_v body_n to_o confess_v and_o fear_v their_o power_n and_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o check_v by_o limitation_n and_o partiality_n in_o â—e_z execution_n will_v render_v they_o absolute_a master_n of_o â—ll_n that_o understand_v their_o own_o felicity_n for_o what_o can_v 〈◊〉_d imagine_v more_o welcâ—me_n to_o a_o christian_a people_n â—ewly_o deliver_v from_o a_o antichristian_a bondage_n than_o 〈◊〉_d see_v themselves_o enfranchise_v into_o a_o holy_a liberty_n of_o â—oceeding_v sincere_o according_a to_o their_o conscienâ—s_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n wherefore_o as_o we_o be_v full_a of_o joy_n for_o so_o excellent_a a_o act_n by_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n so_o we_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n to_o be_v perfect_o happy_a by_o the_o free_a and_o universal_a observation_n thereof_o without_o the_o least_o self-interest_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n be_v so_o conformable_a to_o the_o constant_a receive_a maxim_n and_o solemn_a deliberate_a profession_n of_o the_o parliament_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o scotch_a paper_n 4._o mar._n 1647._o where_o folio_n 43_o the_o discipline_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o all_o other_o punishment_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v disclaim_v as_o ground_v upon_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a principle_n not_o to_o be_v revive_v under_o any_o image_n or_o 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o and_o a_o little_a after_o folio_n 63._o they_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o we_o have_v be_v more_o forward_o to_o set_v christ_n aâ—_z liberty_n than_o to_o cast_v he_o in_o prison_n it_o be_v better_a in_o our_o opinion_n where_o the_o case_n be_v not_o very_o clear_a to_o leave_v god_n to_o deal_v against_o many_o error_n than_o to_o use_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o suppressiâ—g_n of_o one_o truth_n the_o weapon_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v both_o more_o christian_n and_o more_o available_a in_o such_o case_n than_o those_o of_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o yeâ—_z more_o full_o if_o possible_a in_o another_o declaration_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scots_a commissioner_n 17_o februâ—_z 1648._o as_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d thing_n intrinsical_a between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v 〈◊〉_d â—s_n no_o natural_a light_n do_v reach_v unto_o we_o conceive_v there_o be_v no_o human_a power_n of_o coercion_n thereunto_o nor_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o beâ—lieving_v what_o god_n suffer_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v perswaâ—ded_v of_o word_n of_o that_o solid_a weight_n and_o precious_a value_n as_o deserve_v to_o be_v engrave_v with_o letter_n of_o gold_n and_o religiâ—ously_o observe_v for_o ever_o by_o all_o tender_a conscience_n as_o aâ—_n oracle_n conformable_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a principle_n be_v that_o exâ—cellent_a doctrine_n and_o advise_v set_v down_o by_o mr._n parker_n anâ—_z his_o brethren_n in_o their_o examen_fw-la of_o the_o late_a synod_n confession_n of_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n pag._n 128._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v infringe_v first_o by_o seek_v violent_a mean_n to_o alter_v conscientious_a man_n judgement_n and_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n to_o lighten_v and_o change_v man_n mind_n when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v phil._n 3._o 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thuâ—_z mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v this_o unto_o you_o 2._o by_o incite_v another_o by_o like_o forcible_a mean_n to_o will_n and_o to_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o much_o more_o by_o imprisonment_n mulct_n terror_n or_o threat_n rom._n 14._o 15_o 20_o 21._o for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v he_o destroy_v his_o soul_n vers._n 20._o 23._o 3._o we_o may_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o man_n conscience_n or_o make_v their_o heart_n sad_a with_o our_o invective_n or_o menace_v they_o causeless_o with_o terror_n from_o the_o lord_n ezechiel_n 13._o 32._o because_o with_o lie_v you_o have_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a sad_a who_o i_o have_v not_o make_v sad_a etc._n etc._n and_o in_o page_n 230._o thus_o but_o we_o will_v not_o have_v you_o assume_v to_o yourselves_o 〈◊〉_d attribute_n unto_o other_o a_o power_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o man_n faith_n and_o conscience_n especial_o when_o man_n walk_v obedient_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n and_o live_v a_o godly_a sober_a honest_a peaceable_a and_o unblameable_a life_n if_o man_n will_v do_v wicked_o and_o defend_v a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v let_v they_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n for_o so_o do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n to_o draw_v a_o weak_a brother_n a_o saint_n and_o fellow_n servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o no_o man_n can_v accuse_v but_o for_o his_o differ_a judgement_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o conscience_n whereby_o he_o shall_v â—ondemn_v himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 14._o how_o much_o more_o ought_v governor_n to_o be_v tender_a and_o abstemious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o violent_a and_o coercive_a mean_n to_o precipitate_v man_n into_o such_o perilous_a and_o destructive_a course_n all_o authority_n be_v give_v of_o god_n for_o man_n welfare_n and_o much_o more_o for_o the_o preservation_n and_o not_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o consideration_n i_o conceive_v be_v clear_o domonstrate_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n in_o heâ—_z commerce_n for_o heaven_n which_o since_o the_o merciful_a bounty_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o indifferent_o to_o all_o the_o cruel_a covetousness_n of_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o obstruct_v to_o any_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o monopoly_n to_o lay_v imposition_n upon_o the_o way_n to_o paradiâ—e_n christ_n by_o his_o death_n remove_v the_o angel_n that_o chase_v from_o thence_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o shall_v any_o of_o we_o take_v the_o flame_a sword_n into_o our_o hand_n to_o sheathe_v it_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o poor_a pilgrim_n who_o with_o a_o sincere_a heart_n travail_v to_o the_o same_o country_n only_o because_o he_o go_v noâ—_z in_o our_o company_n in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n say_v christ_n why_o may_v there_o not_o be_v as_o many_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o if_o they_o that_o have_v no_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v without_o the_o law_n â—ertainly_o they_o that_o unblamable_o mistake_v the_o law_n shall_v be_v try_v according_a to_o those_o exposition_n which_o appear_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n for_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o letter_n special_o have_v so_o gracious_a a_o judge_n who_o have_v already_o declare_v by_o his_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 8._o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o by_o a_o sudden_a violence_n break_v into_o
peaceable_a christian_a be_v deprive_v of_o the_o chief_n content_a and_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n which_o certain_o consist_v in_o a_o real_a and_o impartial_a yet_o unoffensive_a liberty_n to_o serve_v his_o god_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n many_o petition_n i_o can_v here_o cite_v in_o affirmance_n of_o this_o truth_n from_o several_a province_n of_o this_o land_n but_o i_o shall_v trouble_v the_o reader_n only_o with_o these_o two_o the_o first_o be_v present_v to_o the_o parliament_n upon_o the_o six_o and_o twenty_o of_o march_n 1649._o from_o the_o county_n of_o leicester_n wherein_o though_o i_o be_v none_o of_o the_o subscriber_n yet_o i_o do_v both_o by_o myself_o and_o friend_n promote_v be_v what_o i_o can_v as_o conceive_v the_o request_n of_o it_o both_o just_a and_o reasonable_a it_o bear_v this_o title_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o divers_a well-affected_a of_o the_o county_n of_o leicester_n in_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o seven_o article_n or_o branch_n of_o the_o petition_n be_v this_o 7._o that_o every_o one_o may_v enjoy_v the_o just_a freedom_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n without_o any_o coercive_a or_o restrictive_a course_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o petition_n be_v read_v the_o gentleman_n that_o present_v it_o be_v call_v in_o and_o master_n speaker_n by_o order_n of_o the_o house_n give_v they_o hearty_a thanks_o etc._n etc._n and_o on_o the_o 2_o of_o april_n follow_v a_o like_a petition_n be_v present_v entitle_v the_o humble_a petition_n and_o representation_n of_o several_a church_n of_o god_n in_o london_n common_o though_o fâ—lsly_o call_v anabaptist_n which_o be_v also_o gracious_o accept_v by_o the_o house_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o so_o conscientious_a a_o suit_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o parliament_n at_o which_o time_n we_o happy_o begin_v to_o shake_v off_o that_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o isachar_n the_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o have_v be_v since_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n effect_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o pious_a care_n of_o his_o instrument_n the_o governor_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n insomuch_o as_o no_o person_n of_o what_o society_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v at_o present_a persecute_v for_o their_o conscience_n only_o or_o difference_n in_o outward_a worship_n but_o the_o papist_n who_o i_o be_o therefore_o according_a to_o that_o principle_n 〈◊〉_d charity_n which_o absolute_o command_v my_o spirit_n oblige_v to_o make_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o order_n to_o which_o performance_n i_o have_v since_o the_o writing_n of_o my_o former_a sheet_n often_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o humility_n of_o spirit_n and_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v myself_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o particular_a manner_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o to_o that_o end_n have_v sometime_o purposely_o attend_v at_o haberdasher_n hall_n to_o hear_v their_o case_n plead_v where_o though_o i_o suffer_v some_o persecution_n from_o the_o crowd_n and_o noise_n of_o that_o place_n yet_o far_o more_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o my_o mind_n to_o behold_v so_o many_o distress_a suitor_n who_o countenance_n be_v make_v sad_a by_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o fatal_a order_n for_o their_o impoverishment_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o any_o of_o those_o particular_n i_o must_v at_o least_o in_o my_o own_o judgement_n clear_v the_o papist_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o non-submission_n to_o the_o present_a government_n wherewith_o they_o be_v by_o some_o accuse_v as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o all_o their_o punishment_n from_o which_o imputation_n i_o shall_v easy_o deliver_v they_o by_o transcribe_v a_o copy_n of_o their_o petition_n which_o they_o have_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o humble_a importunity_n address_v to_o very_a many_o member_n of_o parliament_n profess_v to_o wait_v only_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o opportunity_n to_o present_v it_o to_o the_o house_n and_o be_v a_o paper_n at_o least_o 5_o or_o 6_o month_n old_a and_o deliver_v to_o so_o many_o person_n with_o who_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v acquaint_v it_o fall_v by_o chance_n into_o my_o hand_n have_v i_o confess_v of_o late_o entertaiâ—ed_v a_o particular_a delight_n and_o recreation_n to_o pass_v some_o part_n of_o my_o time_n in_o such_o curiosity_n to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o this_o nation_n the_o parliament_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n show_v that_o your_o petitioner_n have_v long_o wait_v some_o happy_a leisure_n when_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hear_v allow_v they_o of_o their_o many_o sad_a pressure_n the_o weight_n whereof_o have_v sink_v they_o so_o ruinousâ—â—_z low_a that_o they_o be_v utter_o disable_v to_o discharge_v their_o many_o debt_n make_v the_o least_o provision_n for_o their_o child_n or_o relieve_v themselves_o reduce_v to_o extreme_a necessity_n that_o even_o such_o of_o your_o petitioner_n as_o be_v sequester_v for_o delinquency_n have_v still_o comfort_v their_o sorrow_n with_o this_o hope_n that_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n since_o the_o general_a vote_n for_o composition_n of_o the_o 17._o of_o march_n 1648._o seem_v clear_o to_o imply_v they_o capable_a thereof_o when_o the_o rule_n concerning_o they_o shall_v be_v agree_v upon_o that_o now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o parliament_n apply_v it_o selâ—eto_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 〈◊〉_d honourable_a house_n may_v consist_v with_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o your_o petitioner_n comfortable_a live_n 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 voâ—chsafe_v they_o the_o permission_n of_o clear_n 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 〈◊〉_d attend_v and_o your_o petitioner_n shall_v ever_o pray_v and_o â—â—_z 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 style_n that_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v interpret_v misbecome_a 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 〈◊〉_d aâ—â—ord_n 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 〈◊〉_d 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 preâ—lures_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_v wherein_o cerâ—â—inly_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 and_o as_o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o their_o readiness_n and_o earnest_n desire_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o their_o petition_n offer_v i_o be_o inform_v divers_a of_o considerable_a quality_n among_o they_o be_v then_o in_o town_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 government_n and_o civil_a society_n join_v also_o in_o the_o same_o paper_n the_o like_a expression_n of_o their_o belief_n concerning_o some_o few_o other_o point_n which_o they_o be_v inform_v to_o be_v more_o obnoxious_a to_o exception_n than_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o undervalue_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o overvalue_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o above_o all_o the_o proud_a opinion_n of_o merit_n this_o paper_n they_o draw_v up_o as_o a_o preparatory_a to_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a clear_n of_o their_o faith_n from_o those_o prejudice_n and_o misunderstanding_n which_o ordinary_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n entertain_v especial_o in_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o paper_n contain_v certain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o by_o they_o deliver_v to_o divers_a person_n of_o quality_n for_o their_o particular_a satisfaction_n we_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a 16._o inspiration_n and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v therein_o contain_v we_o firm_o assent_v unto_o as_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n but_o since_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n we_o therefore_o profess_v for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o settle_v of_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o submit_v our_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n represent_v in_o a_o free_a general_n council_n 2._o 17._o we_o humble_o believe_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o the_o the_o bless_a trinity_n one_o eternal_a almighty_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n who_o only_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_v as_o alone_o have_v sovereign_a dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o who_o only_o we_o acknowledge_v as_o due_a from_o man_n and_o angle_n all_o glory_n service_n and_o obedience_n abhor_v from_o our_o heart_n as_o a_o most_o detestable_a sacrilege_n to_o give_v our_o creator_n honour_n to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o solemn_o protest_v that_o by_o the_o prayer_n we_o address_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n we_o intend_v no_o other_o than_o humble_o to_o solliciâ—e_n their_o assistance_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o we_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o one_o another_o here_o upon_o earth_n not_o that_o we_o hope_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o as_o original_a author_n thereof_o but_o from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a mediator_n and_o redeemer_n neither_o do_v we_o believe_v any_o divinity_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o image_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o gentile_n do_v their_o idol_n but_o we_o retain_v they_o with_o due_a and_o decent_a respect_n in_o our_o church_n as_o instrument_n which_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n do_v often_o assist_v our_o memory_n and_o excite_v our_o affection_n 3._o 24_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o no_o force_n of_o nature_n nor_o dignity_n of_o our_o best_a work_n can_v merit_v our_o justification_n but_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o although_o we_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n yet_o be_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n still_o build_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n all_o other_o merit_n according_a to_o our_o sense_n of_o that_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o action_n do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o which_o it_o have_v please_v his_o goodness_n to_o promise_v a_o reward_n a_o doctrine_n so_o far_o from_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v their_o principal_a design_n to_o invite_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o a_o diligent_a observance_n of_o the_o commandment_n by_o promise_a heaven_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o rom._n 2._o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a confidence_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n and_o again_o rom._n 8._o 13._o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n you_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v and_o heb._n 6._o 10._o god_n be_v not_o unjust_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v for_o his_o name_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o be_v so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o recompense_v with_o everlasting_a glory_n the_o say_v and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n nor_o be_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n bare_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o high_a and_o plentiful_a 38._o even_o beyond_o our_o capacity_n give_v full_a measure_n heap_v up_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o all_o that_o love_v he_o thus_o we_o believe_v the_o merit_n or_o rewardableness_n of_o holy_a live_n both_o which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o we_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o self-valuâ—_z even_o of_o our_o best_a action_n as_o they_o be_v we_o but_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n 10._o and_o for_o ourselves_o we_o sincere_o profess_v when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v we_o we_o be_v unprofiâ—able_a servant_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o that_o our_o â—oasting_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o all_o our_o glory_v be_v in_o christ_n 4._o 13._o we_o firm_o believe_v and_o high_o reverence_v the_o moral_a law_n be_v so_o solemn_o deliver_v to_o moses_n upon_o the_o mount_n so_o express_o confirm_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o contain_v in_o itself_o so_o perfect_a a_o abridgement_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n which_o moral_a law_n we_o believe_v oblige_v all_o man_n to_o proceed_v with_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o their_o mutual_a contract_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o therefore_o our_o constant_a profession_n be_v that_o we_o be_v most_o strict_o and_o absolute_o bind_v to_o the_o exact_a and_o entire_a performance_n of_o our_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o person_n of_o what_o religion_n soever_o much_o more_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o civil_a power_n under_o who_o protection_n we_o live_v who_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v not_o only_o for_o fear_n but_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o who_o we_o will_v most_o faithful_o observe_v our_o promise_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n notwithstanding_o any_o dispensation_n absolution_n or_o other_o proceed_n of_o any_o foreign_a power_n or_o authority_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o renounce_v that_o false_a and_o scandalous_a position_n that_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o heretic_n as_o most_o uncharita_o impute_v to_o our_o practice_n and_o most_o unjust_o pin_v upon_o our_o religion_n these_o we_o sincere_o and_o solemn_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n take_v the_o word_n plain_o and_o simple_o in_o their_o usual_a and_o familiar_a sense_n without_o any_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n whatsoever_o these_o expression_n concerning_o four_o of_o the_o most_o offensive_a point_n wherein_o the_o papist_n differ_v from_o we_o have_v i_o confess_v give_v i_o a_o great_a and_o unexpected_a satisfaction_n and_o though_o i_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o erroneousness_n of_o many_o of_o their_o tenet_n yet_o i_o see_v we_o may_v easy_o be_v too_o passionate_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o detest_v any_o different_a opinion_n since_o every_o error_n be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o unsufferable_a abomination_n and_o too_o severe_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o persecute_v the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o own_o judgement_n as_o if_o they_o be_v unworthy_a to_o breathe_v the_o same_o air_n with_o ourselves_o certain_o many_o protestant_n who_o quiet_o enjoy_v a_o just_a and_o unmolested_a freedom_n approach_v very_o near_o to_o the_o first_o assertion_n of_o the_o papist_n whilst_o some_o both_o writer_n and_o discourser_n profess_v to_o submit_v their_o private_a judgement_n unappealable_o to_o a_o truly-free_a general_n
propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v call_v into_o the_o country_n by_o a_o urgent_a and_o importunate_a occasion_n i_o be_o disable_v to_o give_v any_o far_a account_n concerning_o their_o proposal_n not_o know_v either_o how_o they_o be_v accept_v or_o indeed_o whether_o they_o be_v actual_o offer_v and_o therefore_o can_v only_o furnish_v you_o with_o a_o faithful_a copy_n of_o the_o paper_n itself_o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o committee_n for_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o humble_a proposal_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n 1._o since_o all_o compulsion_n upon_o the_o conscience_n be_v clear_o against_o the_o principle_n both_o of_o parliament_n and_o army_n as_o appearâ—â—_z by_o the_o parliamentâ—declaration_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o scotch_a commissioner_n 17._o feb._n 1648._o in_o these_o word_n as_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n intrinsical_a between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o no_o natural_a light_n can_v reach_v we_o conceive_v there_o be_v no_o human_a power_n of_o coercion_n thereunto_o nor_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o believe_v what_o god_n suffer_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o among_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o army_n 1._o aug._n 1647._o this_o be_v one_o that_o all_o coercive_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a penalty_n for_o non-formity_n be_v whole_o repeal_v and_o some_o other_o provision_n make_v against_o such_o papist_n as_o shall_v disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o since_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o germany_n poland_n switzerland_n holland_n france_n etc._n etc._n the_o consistency_n of_o diverse_a religion_n under_o one_o government_n be_v evident_o prove_v aswell_o where_o the_o protestant_a command_n the_o roman_n catholic_n as_o where_o the_o roman_a catholic_n command_v the_o protestant_a it_o be_v humble_o offer_v that_o no_o penalty_n be_v impose_v upon_o any_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n mere_o for_o dâ—fference_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2._o the_o public_a use_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o entire_a benefit_n of_o church-endowment_n be_v whole_o submit_v to_o the_o disposure_n of_o the_o state_n it_o be_v humble_o offer_v that_o no_o person_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o live_v peaceable_o and_o unoffensive_o be_v by_o any_o penalty_n restrain_v from_o the_o quiet_a exercise_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o private_a house_n observe_v therein_o such_o rule_n as_o the_o state_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v for_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n a_o practice_n which_o by_o long_a experience_n in_o holland_n be_v find_v both_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o people_n and_o secure_a to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n 3._o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v any_o penal_a sentence_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o enforce_a oath_n of_o the_o party_n that_o it_o express_o forbid_v any_o offence_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o one_o witness_n deut._n 19_o 15._o mat._n 18._o 16._o it_o be_v humble_o propose_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v exact_v of_o any_o person_n compel_v he_o under_o forfeiture_n of_o life_n liberty_n or_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 concrn_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 whoever_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 than_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 24._o 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 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 now_o not_o only_o punishable_a in_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 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