wise_a course_n in_o their_o own_o conceit_n to_o keep_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n say_v in_o effect_n and_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n than_o of_o a_o trumpet_n let_v the_o power_n do_v what_o they_o please_v etc._n etc._n so_o we_o may_v get_v and_o keep_v ecclesiastical_a promotion_n under_o they_o and_o the_o protection_n and_o shadow_n of_o their_o wing_n so_o we_o may_v have_v dispensation_n to_o be_v and_o to_o continue_v pluralist_n non_fw-fr resident_n toâ—quots_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n as_o they_o count_v themselves_o be_v agree_v to_o connive_v at_o each_o other_o wickedness_n sect._n 6_o but_o a_o little_a more_o to_o make_v the_o matter_n plain_a before_o you_o you_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v always_o in_o all_o age_n rule_v partly_o like_o man_n and_o partly_o like_o wild_a beast_n they_o rule_v like_o man_n when_o they_o make_v and_o execute_v law_n agreeable_a to_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o mankind_n when_o they_o execute_v judgement_n and_o justice_n when_o they_o relieve_v the_o oppress_a &_o refresh_v the_o bowel_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o fatherless_a &_o when_o they_o make_v the_o desolate_a widow_n heart_n to_o sing_v for_o joy_n and_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a king_n and_o ruler_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o those_o many_o of_o they_o who_o assume_v the_o glorious_a title_n of_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n they_o rule_v like_o wild_a beast_n when_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v hunter_n like_o nimrod_n before_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o do_v carry_v matter_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o satisfy_v their_o own_o lust_n when_o they_o degenerate_v into_o cruel_a tyrant_n which_o be_v monster_n in_o government_n and_o so_o their_o will_n give_v law_n to_o million_o of_o people_n better_o and_o more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v more_o than_o intimate_v this_o distinction_n in_o daniel_n very_o excellent_o by_o compare_v the_o four_o monarchy_n or_o supreme_a power_n to_o the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n dan._n 2._o and_o then_o afterward_o the_o selfsame_a monarchy_n every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o a_o cruel_a wild_a beast_n dan._n 7._o from_o whence_o i_o gather_v that_o they_o do_v and_o will_v be_v find_v to_o govern_v the_o nation_n in_o some_o respect_n like_o man_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o righteousness_n and_o thus_o far_o they_o have_v the_o superscription_n and_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o in_o other_o respect_n and_o at_o other_o time_n they_o do_v live_v like_o so_o many_o wild_a beast_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v they_o lion_n and_o bear_n and_o raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n their_o court_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o people_n to_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o pomp_n pride_n and_o luxury_n their_o wanton_a and_o beastly_a court_n i_o say_v be_v and_o be_v support_v and_o maintain_v out_o of_o those_o unreasonable_a tax_n which_o by_o illegal_a way_n and_o mean_v they_o do_v and_o do_v still_o tear_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o oppress_a people_n sect._n 7_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o observation_n very_o remarkable_a for_o where_o as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n put_v together_o in_o dan._n 2._o by_o one_o only_a image_n of_o a_o man_n he_o do_v in_o dan._n 7._o represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n apart_o by_o four_o several_a cruel_a beast_n which_o to_o i_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o in_o the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v find_v at_o the_o least_o four_o time_n as_o much_o and_o more_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o wild_a beast_n then_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o mankind_n or_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v not_o only_o signify_v in_o this_o prophecy_n but_o it_o be_v plain_o manifest_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o nation_n from_o daniel_n time_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o for_o this_o nation_n i_o dare_v venture_v to_o make_v it_o good_a with_o the_o utmost_a peril_n of_o my_o life_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n be_v yet_o live_v and_o act_v its_o part_n in_o england_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n rule_n and_o precedent_n of_o common_a honesty_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a and_o against_o this_o spirit_n i_o be_o engage_v more_o and_o more_o not_o against_o the_o man_n in_o man_n for_o that_o be_v to_o engage_v against_o god_n and_o his_o ordinance_n but_o against_o the_o beast_n and_o his_o image_n in_o man_n and_o in_o this_o enterprise_n the_o lord_n will_v stand_v by_o i_o against_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o i_o can_v come_v at_o they_o to_o preach_v against_o their_o beastly_a abomination_n etc._n etc._n sect._n 8_o but_o to_o conclude_v this_o where_o as_o you_o say_v in_o effect_n you_o can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o christ_n and_o i_o in_o reference_n to_o my_o enlargement_n without_o own_v the_o power_n in_o be_v unless_o i_o have_v some_o way_n to_o offer_v to_o you_o which_o may_v be_v conducible_a to_o that_o end_n i_o have_v this_o only_a to_o say_v that_o when_o i_o do_v read_v this_o passage_n three_o or_o four_o way_n come_v into_o my_o mind_n wherein_o it_o be_v honourable_a for_o you_o to_o appear_v without_o any_o danger_n of_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v help_v i_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n i_o have_v my_o end_n which_o i_o propound_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o shall_v wait_v on_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o assure_v you_o here_o before_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o i_o do_v not_o yet_o begin_v to_o be_v weary_a of_o my_o imprisonment_n nor_o yet_o to_o yield_v although_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o think_v and_o say_v so_o then_o there_o be_v ground_n so_o to_o think_v or_o say_v and_o my_o message_n as_o you_o call_v it_o do_v not_o signify_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o have_v another_o meaning_n sect._n 9_o for_o my_o brethren_n my_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v and_o will_v nobilitate_v this_o cause_n wherein_o i_o suffer_v more_o and_o more_o and_o if_o my_o enemy_n be_v necessitate_v to_o improve_v it_o shall_v i_o desert_v it_o god_n forbid_v and_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o mourn_a woman_n daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n weep_v not_o for_o i_o but_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o and_o for_o your_o child_n so_o i_o say_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v i_o now_o go_v to_o the_o scaffold_n be_v not_o sad_a for_o i_o you_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o zion_n but_o be_v sad_a for_o yourselves_o and_o for_o your_o family_n for_o great_a distress_n be_v come_v towards_o you_o and_o yet_o to_o other_o i_o may_v say_v look_v up_o and_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n for_o your_o redemption_n draw_v nigh_o and_o great_a shall_v their_o comfort_n be_v who_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o forsake_v all_o for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o such_o disciple_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o time_n will_v give_v we_o yet_o a_o more_o plentiful_a demonstration_n thereof_o 12_o 13._o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1654._o you_o in_o the_o lord_n chr._n feak_v the_o precedent_a epistle_n explain_v for_o a_o more_o complete_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n sect._n 1_o whereas_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o epistle_n it_o be_v write_v that_o my_o intent_n and_o purpose_n concern_v my_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n be_v declare_v by_o i_o in_o a_o former_a letter_n to_o they_o i_o shall_v for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o this_o business_n may_v be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o all_o sort_n of_o reader_n annex_v a_o copy_n of_o so_o much_o of_o that_o letter_n also_o as_o be_v needful_a if_o i_o can_v obtain_v it_o from_o the_o brethren_n in_o due_a season_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o circumlocution_n shall_v pass_v from_o this_o to_o the_o next_o section_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o introduction_n to_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o i_o explain_v brief_o to_o they_o will_v occasion_v some_o inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o so_o write_v to_o they_o sect._n 2._o whereas_o i_o there_o do_v testify_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dark_a
promise_v conform_v to_o such_o prohibition_n as_o that_o i_o be_o make_v more_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n against_o the_o abomination_n of_o these_o man_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a and_o for_o the_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o my_o lord_n against_o the_o court-interest_n late_o set_v up_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o own_o solemn_a declaration_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n not_o many_o year_n ago_o it_o be_v coâ—â—â—rtable_a to_o consider_v that_o true_a spiritual_a christian_n have_v a_o unction_n which_o teach_v they_o of_o all_o thing_n 27._o â—_o joh._n 2.20_o 27._o and_o they_o according_o from_o that_o unction_n have_v learned_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o power_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o ruler_n betwixt_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o know_v that_o righteous_a law_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o that_o tyranny_n and_o the_o result_v and_o consequence_n of_o arbitrariness_n in_o government_n be_v their_o weakness_n and_o their_o folly_n and_o not_o only_o so_o for_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o may_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v attain_v by_o such_o as_o know_v not_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v able_a in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o high_a spirit_n then_o that_o of_o the_o proud_a monarch_n to_o tell_v they_o this_o be_v a_o tyrannical_a way_n of_o rule_v and_o that_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v break_v and_o destroy_v though_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v join_v their_o power_n and_o policy_n to_o uphold_v it_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o know_v wherein_o ruler_n do_v commit_v open_a abomination_n and_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o testify_v open_o against_o those_o public_a wickedness_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o more_o of_o this_o afterward_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n for_o here_o it_o be_v a_o digression_n from_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o bring_v out_o of_o that_o treasury_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v into_o this_o earthen_a vessel_n and_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o exemplify_v those_o truth_n by_o lively_a voice_n which_o have_v be_v set_v upon_o my_o spirit_n in_o this_o prison_n where_o i_o have_v remain_v this_o nine_o month_n and_o more_o for_o i_o find_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o express_v my_o mind_n by_o writing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v to_o encourage_v i_o the_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o bless_v my_o endeavour_n this_o way_n for_o the_o present_a see_v i_o be_o so_o unrighteous_o hinder_v from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o power_n now_o in_o be_v have_v speak_v thus_o much_o to_o the_o first_o general_a qualification_n that_o i_o do_v own_o the_o power_n that_o be_v but_o how_o according_a to_o god_n or_o according_a as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v &_o have_v particular_o explain_v my_o meaning_n to_o own_v they_o by_o submit_v to_o their_o law_n whether_o arbitrary_a or_o rational_a according_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o our_o allegiance_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n which_o in_o very_o many_o case_n direct_v we_o to_o obey_v passive_o but_o to_o die_v rather_o than_o to_o fulfil_v their_o law_n by_o active_a obedience_n i_o shall_v now_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o limitation_n which_o be_v to_o own_v they_o in_o pay_v tribute_n &_o custom_n and_o honour_n and_o fear_n as_o i_o have_v express_v in_o the_o forementioned_a epistle_n i_o shall_v now_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o limitation_n which_o be_v to_o pay_v they_o tribute_n and_o custom_n honour_n and_o fear_v as_o i_o have_v express_v in_o the_o forementioned_a epistle_n and_o because_o i_o do_v own_o the_o high_a power_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o i_o shall_v explain_v myself_o herein_o likewise_o scripture_n a_o discourse_n concern_v taxation_n from_o scripture_n according_a as_o i_o intend_v when_o i_o write_v though_o then_o i_o have_v not_o any_o thought_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n to_o give_v so_o public_a a_o account_n of_o my_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o payment_n of_o those_o tax_n which_o i_o and_o other_o of_o my_o brethren_n be_v still_o burden_a withal_o though_o some_o abatement_n be_v now_o speak_v of_o but_o first_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o effectual_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v communicate_v what_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o my_o office_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o saint_n to_o understand_v something_o concern_v the_o first_o practice_n of_o this_o oppression_n and_o which_o will_v be_v more_o welcome_a when_o their_o taxation_n will_v be_v remove_v and_o have_v a_o end_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o one_o of_o the_o high_a power_n be_v describe_v very_o brief_o and_o emphatical_o thus_o tax_n heb._n one_o that_o cause_v a_o exactor_n to_o pass_v over_o he_o do_v sudden_o stand_v up_o &_o be_v as_o sudden_o pull_v down_o whether_o moses_n joshua_n &_o the_o first_o judge_n which_o precede_v monarchy_n be_v raiser_n of_o tax_n dan._n 11.20_o there_o shall_v stand_v up_o a_o raiser_n of_o tax_n etc._n etc._n but_o within_o few_o day_n he_o shall_v be_v destroy_v neither_o in_o anger_n nor_o in_o battle_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v he_o no_o other_o title_n as_o if_o this_o tax_v of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n before_o i_o speak_v of_o particular_a instance_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o moses_n joshua_n or_o the_o judge_n do_v practice_v the_o way_n of_o assessment_n and_o imposition_n upon_o their_o brethren_n which_o now_o be_v so_o current_a and_o have_v be_v so_o much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o as_o well_o as_o here_o at_o home_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o nature_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o those_o porter_n who_o carry_v burden_n custom_n make_v that_o to_o seem_v but_o light_a to_o they_o which_o to_o another_o not_o conversant_a in_o such_o employment_n will_v be_v find_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o to_o bear_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v make_v a_o free_a people_z by_o god_n when_o he_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o so_o may_v have_v continue_v under_o their_o judge_n jehovah_n be_v their_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n if_o they_o have_v not_o set_v up_o a_o king_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o broad_a black_a badge_n of_o absolute_a slavery_n under_o absolute_a sovereignty_n than_o for_o a_o people_n once_o make_v free_a by_o god_n especial_a providence_n to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v tax_v and_o assess_v by_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n afterward_o i_o shall_v begin_v this_o epitome_n of_o the_o history_n of_o tax_n time_n monarchy_n and_o tax_n bear_v &_o bring_v forth_o among_o god_n people_n in_o samuel_n time_n with_o the_o history_n of_o monarchy_n set_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o israel_n rash_o and_o unadvised_o by_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v bless_v with_o samuel_n one_o of_o the_o best_a governor_n that_o ever_o the_o people_n of_o god_n enjoy_v for_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o these_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n people_n come_v in_o with_o kingship_n or_o at_o least_o the_o way_n be_v prepare_v for_o bondage_n to_o return_v upon_o they_o when_o nothing_o but_o a_o king_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n bid_v samuel_n protest_v solemn_o unto_o they_o verse_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o king_n to_o take_v the_o people_n good_n in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a 1_o sam._n 8.14_o 15._o 16_o 17._o verse_n and_o show_v they_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o king_n that_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o among_o other_o head_n of_o arbitrary_a power_n which_o he_o reckon_v up_o before_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o their_o king_n wouldtake_v their_o field_n and_o their_o vineyard_n and_o their_o oliveyard_n even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o he_o will_v take_v say_v samuel_n the_o ten_o of_o your_o seed_n and_o of_o your_o vineyard_n and_o give_v to_o his_o eunuch_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n he_o will_v take_v the_o ten_o of_o your_o sheep_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v his_o servant_n etc._n etc._n now_o although_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o the_o charge_n beside_o their_o bondage_n otherwise_o
house_n or_o otherwhere_o i_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v upon_o my_o guard_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o man_n do_v every_o day_n against_o thief_n and_o robber_n etc._n etc._n 3_o i_o be_o subject_a to_o they_o also_o for_o wrath_n sake_n partly_o and_o partly_o for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o point_n of_o tax_n i_o will_v refist_n other_o who_o shall_v demand_v any_o part_n of_o that_o wherewith_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v i_o by_o inheritance_n or_o otherwise_o nevertheless_o i_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o live_v under_o a_o power_n that_o will_v not_o be_v a_o raiser_n of_o tax_n and_o hope_v to_o see_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n isa_n 1.26_o before_o i_o die_v 4_o i_o give_v honour_n where_o it_o be_v due_a i_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v due_a but_o when_o person_n be_v not_o know_v how_o can_v it_o be_v know_v what_o be_v their_o due_n or_o what_o respect_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o conceive_v this_o be_v a_o own_n of_o power_n likewise_o 5_o i_o be_o willing_a also_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n if_o i_o be_o find_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a doer_n hereafter_o and_o this_o make_v out_o to_o i_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v due_a to_o other_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n i_o desire_v to_o give_v or_o render_v to_o they_o according_a as_o be_v meet_v for_o i_o will_v owe_v no_o man_n any_o thing_n but_o love_n and_o the_o lord_n help_v and_o quickenâ—es_v all_o up_o to_o love_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o love_v all_o the_o saint_n yea_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o people_n to_o increase_v and_o abound_v in_o love_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o towards_o all_o man_n as_o it_o be_v write_v 1_o thess_n 3.12_o before_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o next_o section_n it_o seem_v requisite_a that_o somewhat_o from_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o end_n of_o those_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n whereby_o the_o best_a people_n have_v be_v oppress_v by_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o king_n saulâ—_n time_n unto_o this_o day_n for_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n do_v remember_v that_o i_o hint_v such_o a_o point_n in_o the_o introduction_n to_o this_o historical_a epitome_n of_o those_o burden_n whereof_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v quest_n say_v burden_n what_o hope_n be_v there_o of_o a_o end_n of_o these_o burden_n but_o when_o shall_v the_o lord_n people_n be_v a_o free_a people_n when_o shall_v the_o oppressor_n cease_v when_o shall_v the_o extortioner_n be_v hinder_v from_o take_v of_o our_o substance_n we_o have_v think_v this_o new_a model_n will_v have_v continue_v as_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v our_o deliverer_n from_o monarchical_a and_o other_o tyranny_n but_o we_o have_v learn_v every_o man_n be_v a_o lie_n and_o light_a than_o vanity_n 9_o psal_n 62_o 9_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v no_o long_o rely_v upon_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n what_o do_v god_n the_o lord_n speak_v to_o his_o people_n in_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v apparent_a and_o plain_a 9.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d butcher_v or_o slaughter_v so_o the_o word_n signify_v jugulo_fw-la to_o cut_v the_o throat_n as_o butcher_n do_v with_o sheep_n rom._n 8._o â—7_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v count_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter-house_n the_o roman_a empire_n be_v like_o a_o slaughter_n house_n the_o first_o 300_o year_n ezra_n 9.8_o that_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n slay_v in_o former_a age_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o hold_v do_v continue_v to_o cry_v how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a so_o the_o live_a saint_n who_o also_o be_v lively_a and_o sensible_a of_o the_o present_a persecution_n and_o imprisonment_n of_o their_o brethren_n do_v echo_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a 2._o but_o then_o consider_v that_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o godly_a jew_n upon_o their_o return_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o who_o but_o a_o few_o year_n ago_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n in_o part_n and_o but_o in_o part_n and_o ezra_n word_n will_v well_o express_v our_o present_a state_n or_o at_o least_o as_o it_o be_v some_o few_o year_n since_o for_o a_o little_a space_n or_o for_o a_o moment_n grace_n have_v be_v show_v we_o from_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o leave_v we_o a_o remnant_n to_o escape_v and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o nail_n in_o his_o holy_a place_n that_o our_o god_n may_v lighten_v our_o eye_n and_o give_v we_o a_o little_a revive_v in_o our_o bondage_n for_o we_o be_v bondman_n yet_o our_o god_n have_v not_o forsake_v we_o in_o our_o bondage_n but_o have_v extend_v mercy_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n to_o give_v we_o a_o revive_v to_o set_v up_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n and_o to_o repair_v the_o desolation_n thereof_o and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o wall_n in_o judah_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n yet_o afterward_o this_o fair_a first-fruit_n of_o redemption_n be_v blast_v for_o in_o the_o first_o of_o nebemiah_n a_o bitter_a complaint_n be_v bring_v which_o may_v answer_v our_o condition_n likewise_o the_o remnant_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o the_o captivity_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o reproach_n 1.3_o nehem._n 1.3_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n also_o be_v break_v down_o and_o the_o gate_n thereof_o be_v burn_v with_o fire_n thus_o you_o see_v their_o little_a revive_n from_o their_o bondage_n and_o our_o little_a revive_v from_z our_o bondage_n come_v afterward_o to_o be_v extinguish_v in_o reference_n to_o church-work_n the_o temple-work_n can_v not_o go_v forward_o the_o wall_n and_o gate_n be_v break_v down_o and_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o this_o be_v our_o complaint_n also_o and_o as_o for_o our_o outward_a liberty_n and_o estate_n 10.28_o nehem._n 9.37_o nehem._n 10.28_o the_o king_n have_v dominion_n over_o our_o body_n and_o over_o our_o cattle_n at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o we_o be_v in_o great_a distress_n as_o be_v those_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n namely_o such_o as_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n observe_v that_o description_n they_o separate_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o let_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v at_o this_o day_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o their_o god_n also_o for_o this_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o new_a unexpected_a tyranny_n under_o which_o we_o groan_v do_v cause_n many_o poor_a heart_n to_o fear_v our_o deliverance_n be_v not_o near_o and_o the_o rather_o they_o fear_v it_o because_o the_o famous_a new_a model_n with_o who_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o eminent_o when_o they_o be_v about_o his_o work_n be_v so_o exceed_o degenerate_v that_o they_o have_v espouse_v the_o old_a quarrel_n and_o the_o old_a interest_n under_o the_o ill-favoured_a disguise_n of_o another_o kind_n of_o kingship_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o another_o but_o the_o same_o in_o principle_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o operation_n answ_n 3._o wherefore_o do_v you_o indeed_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o lord_n will_v short_o turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n 126.1.4_o psal_n 126.1.4_o as_o the_o stream_n in_o the_o south_n will_v you_o in_o good_a earnest_n have_v skill_n and_o understanding_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v my_o brethren_n the_o prophet_n for_o a_o example_n particular_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 17.17_o dan._n 9_o 2._o see_v 1_o per_fw-la 1.11_o search_v whâ—â—_n or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o they_o do_v sigu_n fie_o when_o it_o restify_v beforehand_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v follow_v rev._n 17.17_o who_o understand_v by_o book_n the_o number_n of_o the_o year_n when_o the_o desolation_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o holy_a jerusalem_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n the_o teacher_n of_o the_o people_n be_v exceed_o to_o blame_n that_o they_o do_v not_o forewarn_a the_o people_n to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o engage_v against_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o their_o might_n but_o what_o do_v i_o mean_v to_o charm_v the_o deaf_a adder_n it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n much_o less_o to_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o strip_v her_o naked_a and_o make_v her_o desolate_a that_o she_o and_o her_o lover_n the_o ten_o horn_n or_o king_n may_v no_o long_o oppress_v the_o
hitherto_o a_o perfect_a law_n according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o principle_n for_o the_o settle_v thereof_o we_o wait_v to_o see_v and_o to_o know_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v and_o how_o far_o he_o will_v permit_v they_o to_o march_v in_o this_o dangerous_a path_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o their_o end_n who_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a actor_n and_o contriver_n in_o this_o unparalled_a earthly_a design_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o for_o the_o present_a but_o to_o leave_v those_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o freeman_n if_o there_o be_v any_o shut_v up_o or_o leave_v to_o dispute_v with_o their_o tongue_n and_o pen_n against_o the_o soldier_n sword_n i_o shall_v proceed_v according_a to_o the_o latitude_n of_o my_o commission_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o direct_v my_o discourse_n to_o those_o people_n of_o god_n who_o have_v open_o testify_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o judge_n that_o jehovab_n be_v their_o lawgiver_n that_o jehovah_n be_v their_o king_n 33.22_o isa_n 33.22_o and_o that_o he_o will_v save_v they_o i_o mean_v those_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v profess_v to_o make_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a that_o be_v a_o total_a and_o final_a separation_n from_o the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n and_o from_o the_o beast_n that_o carry_v she_o 7._o rev._n 17.5_o 7._o and_o this_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o counsel_n and_o call_v of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o unto_o they_o i_o say_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o i_o brethren_n ponder_v the_o path_n of_o your_o foot_n for_o every_o particular_a step_n of_o every_o separate_a saint_n in_o this_o nation_n since_o the_o twelve_o of_o the_o ten_o month_n 1653._o have_v be_v and_o be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n and_o according_a to_o their_o walk_v since_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n when_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o jehovah_n receive_v so_o high_a and_o so_o desperate_a a_o affront_n they_o may_v rational_o expect_v extraordinary_a consequence_n for_o good_a or_o for_o evil_a come_v towards_o they_o and_o remember_v this_o which_o you_o now_o read_v be_v neither_o dream_n nor_o fancy_n although_o the_o ruler_n of_o this_o world_n will_v so_o account_v it_o till_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n compel_v they_o to_o change_v their_o mind_n it_o cost_v the_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o very_a dear_a even_o all_o that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n 14._o num._n 14._o who_o be_v of_o twenty_o year_n and_o upward_o yea_o the_o righteous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wicked_a their_o make_n of_o a_o captain_n to_o carry_v they_o back_o again_o to_o egypt_n when_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v by_o god_n to_o pass_v over_o jordan_n into_o the_o promised_n land_n but_o let_v i_o in_o brotherly_a love_n expostulate_v the_o case_n with_o you_o for_o i_o be_o through_o grace_n a_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n suppose_v the_o three_o nation_n general_o will_v be_v like_o the_o israelite_n when_o they_o reject_v jehovah_n from_o be_v their_o king_n and_o will_v join_v with_o those_o earthly-minded_n man_n who_o say_v and_o proclaim_v it_o we_o will_v have_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o king_n to_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o we_o will_v compel_v our_o brethren_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n by_o jailer_n and_o high_a court_n of_o injustice_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o monarch_n who_o we_o have_v choose_v for_o ourselves_o will_v you_o vote_v with_o these_o man_n and_o comply_v with_o these_o apostate_n and_o hypocrite_n you_o have_v give_v up_o your_o name_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o he_o be_v you_o not_o or_o shall_v you_o not_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o nation_n walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o your_o king_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o monarch_n be_v it_o not_o for_o your_o sake_n chief_o that_o jehovah_n rebuke_v king_n and_o prince_n of_o late_a year_n be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o son_n sake_n 105._o psal_n 105._o and_o his_o saint_n sake_n that_o he_o have_v pull_v down_o the_o whole_a structure_n of_o the_o old_a government_n of_o these_o nation_n yea_o he_o have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o the_o very_a foundation_n be_v destroy_v which_o not_o long_o since_o be_v account_v sacred_a and_o to_o the_o maintenance_n whereof_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v by_o oath_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n except_o a_o few_o who_o foresee_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v engage_v against_o the_o old_a heaven_n and_o the_o old_a earth_n in_o these_o island_n be_v not_o these_o wonderful_a change_n and_o desolation_n bring_v forth_o and_o finish_v when_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o army_n in_o their_o own_o name_n create_v form_v and_o set_v up_o a_o supreme_a power_n after_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o then_o after_o some_o few_o month_n when_o some_o choice_a spirit_n be_v resolve_v to_o proceed_v in_o that_o work_n which_o the_o new_a moael_n have_v begin_v viz._n to_o remove_v the_o remain_a rubbish_n of_o heathenish_a and_o popish_a custom_n which_o obstruct_v the_o grand_a design_n against_o babylon_n and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o the_o swordman_n of_o that_o once_o famous_a new_a model_n break_v in_o piece_n and_o annihilate_v their_o own_o creation_n and_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n without_o blush_v and_o then_o tell_v the_o world_n a_o fable_n about_o resignation_n whereas_o no_o agreement_n vote_n order_n or_o act_v pass_v in_o that_o assembly_n to_o any_o such_o purpose_n but_o i_o must_v sigh_v out_o this_o complaint_n very_o many_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o they_o have_v ear_n and_o hear_v not_o they_o have_v heart_n and_o understand_v not_o unto_o this_o very_a day_n the_o veil_n be_v upon_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a 2.14_o 2_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o assure_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o great_a controversy_n with_o many_o of_o his_o own_o people_n because_o of_o this_o who_o will_v find_v he_o walk_v contrary_a unto_o they_o because_o they_o have_v walk_v contrary_a unto_o he_o in_o this_o particular_a what_o call_v from_o god_n or_o man_n have_v we_o to_o join_v with_o the_o nation_n in_o set_v up_o a_o new_a image_n of_o worldly_a government_n especial_o at_o this_o time_n of_o the_o day_n when_o that_o which_o our_o ancestor_n build_v our_o god_n have_v break_v down_o and_o what_o our_o forefather_n have_v plant_v the_o almighty_a have_v pluck_v up_o even_o the_o principal_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o former_a frame_n and_o be_v it_o a_o employment_n worthy_a of_o we_o to_o help_v to_o repair_v the_o tower_n of_o babylon_n in_o this_o land_n after_o these_o earthquake_n or_o to_o heal_v the_o deadly_a wound_n which_o the_o beast_n have_v receive_v consider_v do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o help_v mingle_v the_o iron_n and_o the_o clay_n together_o that_o the_o image_n may_v not_o want_v one_o of_o its_o ten_o toe_n shall_v you_o not_o rather_o unite_v with_o one_o another_o to_o help_v consolidate_n that_o little_a stone_n which_o be_v to_o smite_v the_o image_n upon_o its_o foot_n and_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v ready_a at_o a_o hour_n warning_n to_o follow_v the_o lamb_n who_o will_v ere_o long_o appear_v as_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o make_v lamentable_a havoc_n with_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n and_o the_o scarlet_a colour_a beast_n upon_o which_o she_o ride_v who_o ten_o horn_n at_o length_n or_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v to_o push_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o carth_n into_o a_o pit_n of_o destruction_n prepare_v for_o she_o by_o the_o lord_n beside_o all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v will_v it_o not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v part_n of_o our_o glory_n and_o perfection_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o time_n when_o they_o be_v so_o eminent_o teach_v of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a for_o when_o the_o apostle_n peter_n speak_v that_o word_n of_o exhortation_n 2.40_o act._n 2.40_o that_o they_o shall_v save_v themselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n assure_o he_o intend_v not_o only_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o from_o the_o state_n also_o and_o government_n thereof_o for_o now_o they_o have_v accept_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o their_o prince_n to_o govern_v they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o saviour_n to_o
and_o employment_n be_v to_o strike_v upon_o the_o ear_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v with_o another_o kind_n of_o sword_n the_o two-edged_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o now_o he_o have_v lay_v that_o aside_o for_o the_o present_a yea_o and_o christ_n himself_o against_o this_o juncture_n of_o time_n have_v bid_v he_o that_o have_v never_o a_o sword_n that_o be_v of_o iron_n and_o steel_n to_o seel_v his_o coat_n and_o buy_v one_o which_o kind_n of_o trade_v and_o merchandise_n i_o believe_v they_o do_v not_o use_v to_o meddle_v with_o in_o former_a time_n other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v but_o i_o forbear_v for_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a case_n and_o i_o shall_v nor_o urge_v they_o but_o beside_o to_o intermeddle_v may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n in_o that_o prov._n 18.1_o through_o desire_v a_o man_n have_v separate_v himself_o seek_v and_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o wisdom_n i_o know_v tremelius_fw-la carry_v it_o in_o another_o way_n but_o it_o be_v vary_v in_o the_o margin_n thus_o he_o that_o separate_v himself_o seek_v according_a to_o his_o desire_n and_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o wisdom_n so_o the_o english_a translator_n but_o trem._n have_v a_o marginal_a note_n in_o omni_fw-la essentia_fw-la in_o every_o essence_n or_o be_v it_o look_v something_o like_o the_o character_n of_o a_o grave_a philosopher_n such_o a_o one_o as_o socrates_n or_o plato_n who_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o wisdom_n or_o with_o every_o essence_n yea_o it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v weigh_v what_o solomon_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o preacher_n eccl._n 1.12_o 13._o i_o the_o preacher_n say_v he_o give_v my_o heart_n to_o seek_v and_o search_v out_o by_o wisdom_n concern_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o heaven_n do_v not_o this_o expression_n seem_v somewhat_o like_o that_o proverb_n of_o he_o last_o mention_v that_o which_o be_v there_o call_v a_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o wisdom_n or_o every_o essence_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o place_n of_o ecclesiastes_n call_v a_o search_n by_o wisdom_n concern_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o undoubted_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o gospel-minister_n to_o be_v christian_a philosopher_n or_o lover_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o obtain_v by_o converse_v or_o inquire_v into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o their_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o such_o affair_n from_o such_o principle_n can_v be_v interpret_v in_o a_o evil_a sense_n as_o if_o it_o savour_v of_o pragmaticalnesse_n or_o anything_o like_o it_o this_o for_o the_o interpret_n of_o the_o second_o term_n and_o hitherto_o i_o suppose_v i_o have_v not_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o my_o explication_n the_o three_o and_o last_o expression_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o fix_a conclusion_n and_o determination_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v the_o question_n throughout_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o my_o meaning_n in_o this_o viz._n who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v first_o signify_v negative_o and_o then_o positive_o 1_o wherefore_o first_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o pontifical_a and_o prelatical_a clergy_n for_o from_o the_o high_a archbishop_n as_o such_o to_o the_o mean_a curate_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o who_o i_o look_v upon_o under_o that_o notion_n although_o we_o do_v know_v for_o we_o have_v hear_v they_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o good_a natural_a part_n and_o their_o superadded_a acquire_v ability_n otherwise_o namely_o by_o read_v meditation_n imitation_n and_o exercise_v in_o preach_v they_o have_v excel_v many_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o god_n and_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o another_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o newness_n of_o spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o be_v frequent_o find_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n but_o not_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o ministration_n thereof_o see_v the_o distinction_n rom._n 7.6_o &_o 2_o cor._n 3.6_o divers_a of_o these_o episcopal_a preacher_n indeed_o do_v likewise_o intermeddle_v in_o state_n affair_n for_o they_o be_v justice_n of_o peace_n and_o privy_a counsellor_n to_o king_n and_o queen_n but_o i_o never_o approve_v of_o they_o or_o their_o employment_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o ministry_n or_o magistracy_n in_o both_o which_o they_o do_v intermeddle_v more_o than_o they_o will_v have_v thank_v for_o when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o receive_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a so_o much_o for_o these_o i_o have_v do_v with_o they_o 2_o neither_o second_o do_v i_o mean_v the_o present_a university_n vicechancellor_n doctor_n proctor_n head_n of_o house_n dean_n prebend_n cannon_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n by_o what_o academical_a name_n or_o title_n soever_o they_o be_v dignify_v or_o distinguish_v although_o i_o know_v likewise_o that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o hope_v be_v true_o godly_a but_o to_o speak_v free_o undoubted_o it_o will_v become_v those_o of_o they_o who_o know_v their_o lord_n will_v to_o take_v care_n to_o do_v it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o sinful_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n though_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o regard_n they_o have_v accept_v several_a worldly_a office_n and_o authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n for_o they_o can_v exercise_v they_o according_a to_o god_n or_o to_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n oh_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n and_o walk_v in_o their_o step_n the_o lord_n know_v and_o we_o also_o for_o they_o give_v over_o the_o serve_n of_o table_n which_o yet_o be_v church-work_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o before_o i_o go_v any_o further_a i_o do_v public_o bear_v witness_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n against_o all_o that_o kind_n of_o meddle_v in_o state-affair_n which_o do_v in_o the_o least_o hinder_v or_o interrupt_v the_o fervant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o that_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o and_o from_o the_o lord_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o that_o place_n foremention_v act._n 6.3_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n a_o sentence_n it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v write_v in_o letter_n of_o gold_n yea_o to_o be_v write_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n of_o marble_n stone_n but_o in_o flespy_v table_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o alas_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v such_o a_o spirit_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o these_o time_n who_o general_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v worse_o than_o serve_v table_n in_o that_o sense_n which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v for_o thy_o serve_v and_o worship_n and_o wonder_v after_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o the_o beast_n that_o carry_v she_o yea_o and_o the_o very_a horn_n of_o that_o beast_n that_o carry_v that_o harlot_n this_o be_v truth_n the_o lord_n know_v in_o who_o sight_n i_o write_v these_o thing_n and_o yet_o they_o 〈◊〉_d call_v themselves_o and_o expect_v that_o other_o shall_v account_v of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v just_o fear_v that_o jehovah_n will_v write_v down_o other_o title_n in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o account_n and_o remembrance_n thousand_o will_v not_o look_v like_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o those_o book_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v be_v open_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o world_n although_o now_o they_o go_v under_o that_o notion_n among_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n but_o enough_o of_o these_o also_o for_o the_o present_a let_v we_o proceed_v 3_o neither_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v i_o here_o intend_v or_o understand_v the_o parsens_n vicar_n rectars_n
state_n and_o government_n from_o that_o antichristian_a mortar_n for_o certain_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o appertain_v proper_o to_o their_o office_n and_o as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o these_o last_o time_n to_o discover_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o find_v out_o antichrist_n in_o all_o his_o subterfugy_n and_o diverticle_n to_o trace_v and_o hunt_v he_o in_o all_o his_o wind_n and_o turn_n for_o what_o sort_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n will_v the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d and_o anoint_v to_o deal_v with_o this_o great_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o doctor_n have_v write_v elsewhere_o as_o undoubted_o it_o be_v from_o scripture-ground_n namely_o that_o the_o pope_n have_v express_o bargain_v for_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o provide_v that_o that_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a place_n in_o all_o oath_n and_o bond_n that_o be_v betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n than_o we_o must_v look_v into_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n and_o their_o law_n and_o administration_n and_o wherever_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o horn_a beast_n etc._n etc._n to_o detect_v he_o and_o his_o legerdemain_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o help_v pull_v down_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o babylon_n and_o the_o beast_n though_o it_o be_v of_o the_o very_a fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n which_o we_o have_v detect_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n that_o scripture_n rev._n 17._o do_v express_v the_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v read_v in_o a_o few_o excellent_a word_n these_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o ten_o horn_n or_o king_n have_v one_o mind_n and_o will_v give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n and_o they_o according_a to_o what_o be_v prophetical_o speak_v have_v long_a fince_n give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n but_o we_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v take_v from_o the_o beast_n ere_o it_o be_v long_o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n john_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v far_o more_o emphatical_a than_o they_o be_v render_v by_o the_o king_n translator_n i_o can_v methinks_v read_v they_o thus_o they_o shall_v deliver_v up_o that_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o beast_n i._n e_o that_o power_n which_o they_o receive_v as_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n for_o they_o receive_v power_n as_o king_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n which_o imply_v they_o receive_v not_o their_o power_n at_o first_o from_o the_o beast_n for_o you_o see_v they_o and_o the_o beast_n come_v into_o the_o world_n much_o about_o a_o time_n but_o afterward_o these_o king_n come_v to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o intimate_v they_o give_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n upon_o deliberation_n they_o know_v what_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o state_n and_o then_o they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mind_n at_o length_n what_o one_o do_v all_o will_v do_v and_o so_o they_o agree_v to_o give_v up_o first_o their_o militia_n or_o military_a power_n to_o the_o beast_n their_o army_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d see_v mede_n on_o rev._n 13_o 2._o and_o indeed_o history_n be_v full_a of_o this_o truth_n for_o the_o militia_n of_o each_o and_o of_o all_o these_o king_n be_v at_o the_o beck_n of_o this_o beast_n upon_o these_o two_o or_o three_o word_n they_o shall_v give_v up_o their_o power_n or_o host_n â—o_o the_o beast_n large_a volume_n of_o history_n to_o show_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n may_v easy_o be_v write_v by_o i_o or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v leisure_n and_o skill_n to_o collect_v and_o sum_v up_o what_o be_v upon_o record_n in_o those_o kingdom_n here_o intend_v and_o beside_o they_o give_v away_o or_o deliver_v up_o their_o authority_n for_o so_o i_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o it_o be_v render_v in_o rev._n 13.2_o this_o signify_v the_o civil_a power_n and_o in_o the_o 17._o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v their_o kingdom_n so_o they_o part_v with_o all_o to_o the_o beast_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o give_v all_o up_o as_o man_n do_v when_o they_o pass_v away_o their_o land_n under_o hand_n and_o seal_v they_o be_v their_o own_o kingdom_n which_o they_o give_v away_o but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o folly_n be_v this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o folly_n in_o their_o opinion_n all_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v suggest_v and_o they_o believe_v it_o whereas_o in_o truth_n these_o king_n fall_v in_o league_n with_o this_o beautiful_a bold_a strumpet_n and_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o and_o so_o be_v entangle_v in_o her_o love_n do_v not_o regard_v what_o cost_v they_o be_v at_o to_o satisfy_v their_o lust_n but_o bestow_v all_o they_o have_v upon_o the_o beast_n that_o carry_v she_o and_o all_o for_o this_o drunken_a harlot_n sake_n and_o for_o her_o use_n indeed_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o read_v and_o to_o consider_v how_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v commit_v fornication_n with_o that_o great_a whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o how_o the_o nation_n also_o have_v be_v make_v drink_v with_o the_o empoison_a intexicate_v wine_n of_o her_o fornication_n for_o they_o do_v always_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o king_n or_o chief_a ruler_n regis_fw-la ad_fw-la exemplum_fw-la and_o how_o the_o merchant_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v wax_v rich_a through_o the_o abundance_n of_o her_o delicacy_n now_o then_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v this_o question_n be_v ask_v shall_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o scripture_n which_o concern_v this_o matter_n endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o break_v the_o league_n betwixt_o this_o whorish_a woman_n and_o her_o lover_n or_o paramour_n these_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n and_o office_n to_o recover_v the_o nation_n from_o their_o drunkenness_n who_o dare_v forbid_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o affair_n of_o state_n which_o be_v manage_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o great_a whore_n that_o sit_v upon_o many_o water_n i_o declare_v it_o before_o the_o world_n we_o will_v meddle_v with_o they_o more_o and_o more_o as_o we_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o those_o oracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v the_o ten_o horn_n and_o whether_o i_o live_v or_o die_v let_v the_o present_a and_o approach_a generation_n know_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v employ_v by_o their_o lord_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o some_o of_o his_o principal_a instrument_n to_o pluck_v up_o pull_v down_o and_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o antichrist_n be_v get_v into_o the_o bowel_n foundation_n establishment_n of_o their_o power_n and_o it_o be_v our_o business_n it_o be_v our_o proper_a work_n as_o you_o hear_v to_o seek_v he_o out_o and_o reveal_v he_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n these_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o regard_v their_o flock_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o babylonish_n strumpet_n must_v search_v every_o cranny_n as_o the_o doctor_n speak_v they_o shall_v to_o this_o end_n be_v endue_v with_o such_o power_n and_o with_o such_o a_o spirit_n from_o on_o high_a as_o that_o in_o a_o sense_n and_o in_o a_o degree_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o exact_v accurate_a and_o curious_a as_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o be_v in_o seek_v and_o search_v every_o hole_n corner_n and_o cranny_n of_o their_o house_n for_o the_o find_n and_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o leaven_a bread_n according_a to_o that_o command_n of_o god_n exod._n 3.7_o there_o shall_v no_o leaven_a bread_n be_v see_v with_o thou_o neither_o shall_v there_o be_v leaven_n see_v with_o thou_o in_o all_o thy_o quarter_n the_o manner_n of_o do_v this_o be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o writer_n what_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v use_v to_o clear_v their_o house_n of_o the_o leaven_n aforesaid_a and_o as_o paul_n exhort_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n so_o shall_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n ere_o long_o call_v upon_o the_o nation_n and_o statesman_n therein_o to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n of_o antichristianism_n yea_o all_o the_o old_a leaven_n and_o the_o new_a leaven_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v there_o must_v not_o be_v leave_v