be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sequester_v that_o many_o of_o they_o enjoy_v great_a place_n of_o honour_n and_o benefit_n under_o our_o government_n and_o such_o be_v the_o state_n mercy_n towards_o they_o that_o the_o commissioner_n for_o settle_v the_o affair_n of_o scotland_n by_o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o 21_o february_n 1651_o ground_v upon_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o england_n have_v express_v a_o particular_a regard_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o these_o word_n that_o such_o minister_n who_o conscience_n oblige_v they_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o spiritual_a ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o scotish_a church_n with_o any_o that_o shall_v voluntary_o join_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o shall_v receive_v protection_n and_o encouragement_n from_o all_o in_o authority_n in_o their_o peaceable_a and_o unoffensive_a exercise_n of_o the_o same_o as_o also_o other_o who_o not_o be_v satisfy_v in_o conscience_n to_o use_v that_o form_n shall_v serve_v and_o worship_v god_n in_o other_o gospel-way_n and_o behave_v themselves_o peaceable_o and_o unoffensivel_v therein_o and_o we_o do_v last_o declare_v that_o all_o merchant_n tradesman_n and_o handicraft_n man_n not_o have_v in_o land_n and_o good_n above_o the_o clear_a value_n of_o 500l_o sterling_a and_o all_o other_o person_n not_o have_v in_o land_n and_o good_n above_o the_o clear_a value_n of_o 200l_o sterling_a not_o be_v prisoner_n of_o war_n or_o soldier_n of_o fortune_n in_o commission_n who_o shall_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o say_a declaration_n live_v peaceable_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n exercise_v in_o scotland_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v free_v and_o discharge_v from_o all_o forfeiture_n and_o confiscation_n of_o their_o estate_n for_o any_o thing_n former_o do_v by_o they_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o war_n but_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o enjoy_v such_o liberty_n and_o immunity_n as_o also_o such_o lease_n and_o grant_n of_o confiscate_v and_o forfeit_v land_n as_o upon_o consideration_n of_o their_o respective_a quality_n and_o desert_n shall_v be_v think_v fit_a etc._n etc._n in_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o declaration_n such_o a_o conscience-security_n be_v hold_v forth_o as_o according_a to_o my_o soul_n ought_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v deny_v to_o any_o peaceable_a christian_n and_o i_o extreme_o rejoice_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o governor_n for_o so_o noble_a and_o charitable_a a_o proceed_n yet_o i_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o to_o who_o this_o favour_n be_v allow_v be_v both_o different_a from_o we_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o opposite_a to_o we_o in_o their_o national_a affection_n whereas_o a_o far_o lesser_a mercy_n be_v deny_v to_o our_o own_o kindred_n and_o ally_n 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merciless_a sequestrator_n have_v triparâ—ited_v even_o the_o day_n labourer_n good_n and_o very_a household-stuff_n and_o take_v away_o two_o cow_n where_o the_o whole_a stock_n be_v but_o three_o passage_n observe_v upon_o case_n depend_v at_o haberdashers-hall_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v not_o so_o much_o time_n to_o spare_v as_o i_o can_v have_v wish_v yet_o for_o some_o week_n i_o attend_v at_o haberdasher_n hall_n for_o better_a satisfaction_n but_o to_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o the_o proceed_n there_o be_v beyond_o the_o level_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o will_v only_o promise_v in_o what_o i_o say_v not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o truth_n and_o modesty_n the_o present_a commissioner_n for_o aught_o i_o can_v discern_v be_v civil_a person_n and_o most_o of_o they_o apprehensive_a of_o other_o suffering_n but_o seem_v to_o say_v in_o many_o hard_a case_n that_o either_o their_o instruction_n or_o commission_n bind_v they_o up_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v relief_n or_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o oath_n they_o take_v will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o show_v that_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n which_o otherwise_o i_o be_o persuade_v their_o conscience_n will_v carry_v they_o forth_o to_o practise_v since_o most_o of_o the_o suitor_n that_o come_v before_o they_o appear_v so_o miserable_o ruin_v that_o the_o very_a distressedness_n of_o their_o condition_n be_v motive_n enough_o to_o incite_v the_o mercy_n of_o their_o judge_n especial_o their_o crime_n be_v only_o the_o refusal_n of_o a_o oath_n 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o solemn_o profess_v be_v against_o their_o conscience_n and_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v against_o oâ—â—_z law_n and_o true_o as_o often_o as_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o strange_a severity_n of_o that_o oath_n my_o soâ—â—_n go_v forth_o in_o pity_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o since_o even_o their_o thought_n aâ—â—_z not_o free_a but_o a_o absolute_a force_n lay_v upon_o the_o most_o inward_a cogitation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o themselves_o compel_v to_o condemn_v themselves_o by_o accusation_n wrest_v out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n upon_o the_o cease_n of_o the_o former_a committee_n authority_n these_o seven_o who_o now_o 〈◊〉_d judge_n of_o delinquency_n and_o sequestration_n be_v impower_v about_o 25_o january_n 164â—_z since_o which_o time_n they_o and_o their_o subcommissioner_n in_o the_o several_a county_n have_v make_v many_o new_a discovery_n both_o of_o delinquent_n and_o papist_n estate_n either_o not_o before_o sequester_v or_o not_o compound_v for_o at_o the_o full_a value_n but_o i_o observe_v that_o they_o who_o be_v â—equestred_v or_o have_v their_o rent_n or_o good_n undue_o take_v from_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o former_a committee_n for_o sequestration_n how_o unjust_o soever_o can_v not_o be_v relieve_v by_o these_o commissioner_n nor_o any_o other_o power_n but_o by_o the_o parliament_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o mr._n robert_n knightley_n a_o recusant_n only_o a_o great_a part_n of_o who_o mansion_n house_n in_o essex_n be_v pull_v down_o to_o repair_v the_o fort_n at_o tilburie_n for_o which_o he_o petition_v pittance_n of_o 100_o l._n per_fw-la an._n only_o allow_v out_o of_o his_o own_o and_o father_n estate_n in_o february_n 1651_o mr._n james_n hanham_n of_o the_o west_n petition_n the_o commissioner_n at_o haberdasheâ—s_n hall_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o he_o have_v never_o act_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o parliament_n yet_o two_o part_n of_o his_o estate_n be_v sequester_v with_o such_o rigour_n for_o his_o recusancy_n that_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o subsist_v with_o necessary_n by_o the_o remain_a three_o when_o tax_n and_o other_o charge_n be_v deduct_v that_o he_o be_v therefore_o constrain_v to_o borrow_v 50_o l._n upon_o bond_n and_o have_v disburse_v 15_o l._n of_o the_o money_n it_o seem_v the_o sequestrator_n get_v notice_n that_o the_o petitioner_n have_v somewhat_o in_o his_o house_n worth_a a_o new_a sequestration_n or_o review_n as_o they_o call_v it_o thereupon_o they_o search_v his_o trunk_n find_v the_o remain_v 35_o l._n pull_v out_o the_o guilty_a bag_n and_o two_o part_n of_o it_o they_o sequester_v into_o their_o own_o pocket_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o for_o relief_n therein_o mr_n hanham_n appeal_v but_o find_v no_o redress_n at_o present_a more_o than_o a_o order_n for_o the_o subcommissioner_n in_o the_o country_n to_o examine_v the_o business_n and_o certify_v etc._n etc._n at_o the_o return_n of_o who_o certificate_n i_o leave_v the_o petitioner_n to_o expect_v his_o doom_n on_o the_o 31_o of_o march_n 1652_o the_o petition_n of_o one_o hamond_n or_o ammot_n be_v read_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o the_o petitioner_n never_o do_v bear_v arm_n or_o assist_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o parliament_n yet_o his_o estate_n have_v lie_v under_o sequestration_n ever_o since_o the_o year_n 1645_o and_o not_o one_o penny_n allow_v he_o for_o his_o
the_o catholic_n plea_n or_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n belief_n concerning_o their_o church_n manner_n of_o worship_n justification_n civil_a government_n together_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o the_o penal_a statute_n against_o popish_a recusant_n all_o which_o be_v humble_o submit_v to_o serious_a consideration_n by_o a_o catholic_n gentleman_n london_n print_v for_o h._n j._n persecution_n for_o religion_n condemn_v etc._n etc._n when_o i_o consider_v how_o tender_o our_o saviour_n christ_n recommend_v the_o precept_n of_o mutual_a love_n to_o all_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n make_v it_o the_o character_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o this_o all_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o john_n 13._o 35._o and_o when_o i_o reflect_v how_o high_o the_o great_a apostle_n paul_n exalt_v the_o same_o commandment_n abridge_v into_o this_o one_o precious_a syllable_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a all_o the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v in_o one_o word_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o gal._n 5._o i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v to_o see_v most_o christian_n in_o this_o present_a age_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n persecute_v each_o other_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n how_o be_v we_o degenerate_v from_o the_o primitive_a believer_n who_o will_v rather_o have_v give_v their_o own_o life_n to_o persuade_v their_o enemy_n to_o piety_n than_o seek_v to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o their_o brethren_n to_o force_v they_o to_o hypocrisy_n yet_o have_v it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o our_o day_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v to_o infuse_v the_o like_a tenderness_n into_o the_o breast_n of_o many_o conscientious_a and_o godly-minded_a people_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o see_v the_o deformity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o cruel_a maxim_n that_o preach_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o the_o least_o difference_n in_o belief_n cease_v not_o to_o pray_v unto_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o solicit_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o a_o impartial_a freedom_n and_o absolute_a incoercency_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v firm_o and_o irrevocable_o establish_v for_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o encouragement_n of_o which_o holy_a design_n weave_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o for_o determent_n of_o those_o tempestuous_a spirit_n that_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n strive_v to_o storm_v man_n conscience_n i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o short_a discourse_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o conscience-persecution_n among_o christian_n be_v clear_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o principle_n demonstrative_a reason_n against_o force_v of_o conscience_n 1_o since_o we_o have_v so_o happy_o shake_v off_o that_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o popish_a infallibility_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o be_v become_v to_o we_o not_o only_o tyrannical_a but_o absurd_a to_o compel_v other_o to_o a_o way_n that_o ourselves_o confess_v may_v possible_o be_v erroneous_a we_o see_v one_o parliament_n repeal_v those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o a_o former_a enact_v that_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o last_o age_n introduce_v be_v now_o general_o explode_v nay_o the_o very_a last_o reformation_n settle_v with_o so_o solemn_a a_o covenant_n and_o carry_v on_o with_o so_o furious_a a_o zeal_n be_v already_o by_o better_a light_n discover_v to_o be_v mere_o human_a and_o therefore_o deserve_o lay_v aside_o the_o late_a synod_n confession_n of_o faith_n hatch_v by_o so_o many_o year_n sit_v be_v now_o learned_o examine_v and_o indeed_o for_o a_o great_a part_n solid_o confute_v by_o mr._n w._n parker_n and_o other_o learned_a person_n in_o print_n how_o preposterous_a be_v it_o then_o to_o constrain_v a_o soul_n not_o only_o to_o forsake_v his_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v truth_n but_o drive_v he_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n to_o a_o way_n that_o may_v be_v error_n 2_o since_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o no_o human_a authority_n so_o high_o empower_v as_o to_o bind_v up_o our_o assent_n to_o whatsoever_o interpretation_n it_o shall_v please_v propose_v it_o clear_o follow_v that_o as_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v equal_a interest_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o their_o father_n so_o no_o one_o among_o they_o have_v any_o right_a to_o impose_v a_o force_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brother_n one_o hold_v baptism_n of_o child_n to_o be_v necessary_a another_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a a_o three_o deny_v both_o these_o opinion_n admit_v well_o that_o it_o may_v but_o not_o that_o it_o must_v be_v do_v they_o confer_v text_n look_v into_o original_a tongue_n pray_v incessant_o to_o god_n and_o profess_v solemn_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n yet_o after_o all_o their_o diligence_n and_o devotion_n steadfast_o remain_v in_o their_o former_a persuasion_n true_o for_o my_o part_n he_o that_o shall_v advise_v persecution_n in_o such_o a_o case_n unless_o his_o fire_n bring_v light_n too_o with_o it_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n will_v scarce_o satisfy_v my_o suspicion_n that_o his_o coal_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o infernal_a pit_n 3_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n that_o encounter_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o truth_n for_o strait_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o path_n and_o withal_o consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o our_o sight_n for_o here_o we_o see_v but_o in_o part_n and_o understand_v but_o in_o part_n there_o will_v appear_v more_o reason_n to_o endeavour_v the_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o support_n than_o malicious_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n one_o of_o another_o however_o since_o all_o have_v neither_o equal_a depth_n of_o natural_a judgement_n nor_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n but_o the_o spirit_n blow_v how_o and_o where_o it_o please_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attempt_v so_o high_a a_o presumption_n as_o to_o despise_v or_o persecute_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o innocent_a and_o blameless_a mistake_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n who_o be_v the_o free_a disposer_n of_o his_o gift_n we_o know_v the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o ier._n 10._o 23._o but_o his_o step_n be_v rule_v by_o the_o lord_n pro._n 20._o 24._o and_o therefore_o certain_o do_v we_o bear_v a_o due_a respect_n to_o god_n we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o wait_v his_o leisure_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o by_o his_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 15._o if_o any_o man_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v in_o time_n reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o he_o let_v we_o therefore_o entertain_v such_o a_o one_o who_o proceed_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o milk_n till_o he_o grow_v strong_a to_o digest_v strong_a meat_n 4_o all_o compulsion_n upon_o the_o conscience_n return_v we_o flat_o to_o our_o old_a slavery_n under_o the_o prelate_n nay_o more_o to_o the_o implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o papist_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o we_o be_v worse_o than_o either_o because_o our_o conscience_n accuse_v we_o of_o do_v that_o which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o for_o whatsoever_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o swear_v or_o profess_v more_o than_o i_o be_o convince_v of_o proceed_v from_o as_o great_a a_o tyranny_n as_o the_o high-commission_n and_o be_v as_o blind_v a_o assent_n as_o can_v be_v match_v in_o the_o gross_a popery_n and_o dare_v we_o think_v that_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o judge_v in_o other_o we_o shall_v escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 3._o 5_o force_n be_v punishment_n and_o consequent_o not_o just_a unless_o the_o offence_n be_v voluntary_a but_o he_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n be_v necessitate_v to_o that_o belief_n and_o to_o compel_v he_o against_o it_o be_v to_o drive_v he_o to_o renounce_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n his_o reason_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 1._o john_n 4._o 1._o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o faculty_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o judge_v for_o herself_o why_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v best_a if_o after_o our_o most_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a election_n we_o shall_v be_v whip_v out_o of_o our_o conscience_n by_o penalty_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v we_o preach_v poor_a soul_n into_o just_a so_o much_o liberty_n of_o scripture_n as_o may_v beget_v their_o torture_n and_o not_o permit_v they_o to_o rest_v where_o they_o find_v satisfaction_n either_o prohibit_v to_o search_v at_o all_o or_o leave_v we_o sensible_a of_o some_o
and_o a_o profane_a tongue_n utter_v as_o ranter_n antiâ—rinitarians_n and_o the_o like_a what_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n than_o the_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a blasphemy_n of_o mr._n fry_n a_o late_a member_n of_o parliament_n who_o public_o in_o print_n not_o only_o deny_v but_o deride_v that_o supreme_a mystery_n of_o christian_a religio_fw-la the_o sacred_a trinity_n call_v it_o a_o chaffy_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o parliament_n content_v itself_o with_o a_o moderate_a and_o favourable_a punishment_n exclude_v he_o only_o from_o sit_v among_o they_o and_o if_o his_o dignity_n and_o public_a character_n have_v not_o render_v he_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o crime_n of_o scandal_n he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v remain_v as_o free_a from_o trouble_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o opinion_n do_v who_o never_o yet_o have_v suffer_v the_o least_o molestation_n for_o the_o great_a 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1650._o at_o the_o than_o french-agent_n in_o long-acre_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v at_o mass_n but_o at_o matin_n or_o prayer_n before_o mass_n yet_o colonel_n baxter_n do_v maintain_v against_o some_o other_o of_o the_o justice_n that_o matin_n and_o mass_n be_v all_o one_o and_o so_o the_o gentleman_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v fine_v one_o hundred_o mark_n apiece_o and_o send_v to_o prison_n according_a to_o the_o rigor_n of_o the_o statute_n in_o that_o behalf_n former_o make_v the_o severity_n of_o which_o last_o proceed_v and_o the_o partiality_n of_o the_o first_o need_v no_o comment_n why_o must_v the_o papist_n be_v thus_o single_v out_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o peremptory_o force_v to_o this_o hard_a choice_n of_o either_o forfeit_v his_o estate_n or_o forsake_v his_o conscience_n if_o we_o fear_v their_o increase_n we_o overvalue_v their_o religion_n if_o we_o doubt_v their_o disturb_v we_o we_o undervalue_v our_o own_o 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safe_o propose_v and_o discuss_v those_o difficulty_n he_o meet_v with_o in_o god_n word_n and_o if_o after_o all_o possible_a diligence_n of_o study_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n no_o satisfaction_n or_o union_n follow_v in_o any_o point_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n the_o question_n be_v either_o obscure_a or_o unnecessary_a and_o then_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o submit_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n when_o we_o have_v agree_v upon_o a_o summary_n of_o belief_n according_a to_o these_o three_o condition_n positive_a evident_a and_o fundamental_a with_o which_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n suit_n best_a of_o any_o i_o ever_o see_v then_o ought_v the_o magistrate_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n those_o so_o clear_a and_o important_a verity_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v find_v dissent_v which_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v be_v very_o few_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o apostle_n rule_v in_o punish_v a_o gentle_a one_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o powerful_a to_o thes._n 3._o 6._o witbdraw_v from_o such_o a_o one_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o verse_n 15._o esteem_v he_o not_o a_o enemy_n but_o corrâ—ct_n he_o as_o a_o brother_n at_o worst_a rebuke_v he_o sharp_o tit_n 1._o 13._o and_o after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v he_o tit._n 3._o 10._o that_o be_v leave_v he_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o heart_n if_o his_o conscience_n grow_v tender_a it_o will_v check_v if_o obdurate_a he_o will_v soon_o break_v out_o into_o lewdness_n and_o then_o be_v just_o punâ—shable_a by_o the_o law_n as_o other_o criminal_a malefactor_n only_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o anticipate_v his_o condemnation_n before_o he_o be_v legal_o convince_v of_o some_o actual_a offence_n against_o the_o public_a repose_n if_o we_o suspect_v the_o disaffection_n of_o any_o party_n as_o the_o papist_n let_v we_o first_o make_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o love_v
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 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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 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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
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 his_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_v to_o some_o recusant_n verbal_a denial_n of_o this_o assertion_n but_o for_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n in_o this_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 unanimous_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 15_o and_o 18_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 iure_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 divinâ—_z 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 afterwards_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 very_a word_n dico_fw-la quarto_fw-la si_fw-la catholici_fw-la cum_fw-la haereticis_fw-la publicum_fw-la foedus_fw-la ineant_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la per_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la pontificiam_fw-la solvi_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 hâ—_z pronounce_v downright_a absolute_a negari_fw-la debet_fw-la id_fw-la viz._n remissionem_fw-la foederis_fw-la a_o 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 servare_fw-la parati_fw-la sunt_fw-la public_a faith_n give_v to_o heretic_n ought_v inviolable_o and_o indispensable_o 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_o 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_n 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 stand_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 l._n g._n cromwell_n but_o to_o all_o conscientious_a man_n whether_o these_o papist_n may_v not_o reasonable_o hope_v so_o much_o mercy_n as_o not_o to_o be_v by_o penalty_n debar_v the_o private_a exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n with_o their_o door_n shut_v and_o such_o other_o caution_n and_o circumstance_n as_o the_o state_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o ordain_v for_o regulation_n of_o soul-freedom_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christian_a liberty_n may_v be_v lawful_o govern_v though_o it_o be_v also_o as_o evident_a that_o it_o can_v lawful_o be_v take_v away_o so_o that_o every_o peaceable_a spirit_n have_v liberty_n enough_o and_o yet_o the_o licention_n liver_n not_o have_v too_o much_o such_o moderate_a and_o orderly_a freedom_n may_v charitable_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o quiet_a papist_n from_o person_n that_o afford_v far_o more_o advantage_n to_o far_o more_o dangerous_a enemy_n the_o scotch_a or_o rigid_a kâ—rkiâ—â—s_n who_o have_v several_a time_n engage_v against_o we_o in_o open_a field_n and_o by_o many_o plot_n and_o secret_a contrivement_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o subvert_v the_o present_a government_n yet_o after_o so_o many_o victory_n obtain_v against_o they_o and_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o country_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o state_n the_o minister_n as_o say_v a_o letter_n the_o th_o of_o febr._n 1651_o from_o a_o officer_n of_o our_o army_n at_o edinburgh_n be_v violent_o bend_v their_o own_o way_n and_o preach_v damnation_n to_o all_o complier_n with_o we_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o let_v any_o indifferent_a person_n read_v the_o strange_a proceed_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o aberden_n against_o sir_n alexander_n irvin_n lord_n of_o drum_n publish_v in_o the_o diurnal_a 26_o ian._n 1651_o he_o will_v i_o be_o confident_a high_o applaud_v that_o ingenious_a letter_n from_o a_o eminent_a officer_n of_o our_o army_n date_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o th_o of_o the_o same_o month_n and_o publish_v in_o the_o next_o week_n politicus_fw-la which_o have_v these_o very_a word_n you_o will_v wonder_v to_o observe_v the_o strange_a pride_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o kirk-clergy_n the_o ingredient_n of_o who_o constitution_n admit_v of_o many_o more_o grain_n of_o gunpowder_n than_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o any_o jesuit_n in_o christendom_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o close_o look_v unto_o they_o will_v set_v all_o on_o fire_n again_o and_o in_o a_o other_o letter_n date_v 12_o of_o april_n 1652_o from_o dalkeith_n in_o scotland_n and_o print_v in_o the_o next_o week_n diurnal_a be_v this_o excellent_a observation_n believe_v it_o all_o our_o other_o enemy_n be_v tame_a beast_n to_o the_o high_a presbyter_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o wind_n and_o turn_v of_o a_o religious_a pretence_n and_o a_o artificial_a zeal_n against_o heresy_n he_o will_v like_v a_o tame_a snake_n if_o not_o wary_o avoid_v get_v into_o your_o bosom_n etc._n etc._n continual_o every_o week_n come_v still_o fresh_a and_o loud_a complaint_n from_o our_o friend_n and_o officer_n in_o scotland_n of_o the_o stubborness_n of_o a_o certain_a froward_a and_o resty_a party_n in_o that_o nation_n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o pertinacy_n and_o malice_n of_o these_o kirkist_n such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v not_o appear_v in_o actual_a arm_n against_o we_o