of_o that_o this_o cause_n wherein_o i_o be_o engage_v with_o my_o fellow_n and_o companion_n be_v absolute_o and_o unquestionable_o the_o best_a and_o most_o honourable_a cause_n of_o all_o cause_n whatsoever_o agitate_a and_o dispute_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o the_o world_n wherefore_o i_o will_v now_o add_v no_o more_o but_o this_o he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n &_o shall_v never_o be_v confound_v and_o christ_n be_v precious_a to_o they_o which_o believe_v even_o in_o a_o prison_n in_o a_o dungeon_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n upon_o the_o cross_n anywhere_o everywhere_o to_o that_o most_o precious_a anoint_v one_o be_v honour_n glory_n and_o dominion_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o and_o let_v all_o that_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n say_v amen_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o amen_n and_o amen_n the_o end_n here_o follow_v a_o extract_n of_o that_o letter_n to_o the_o congregation_n which_o do_v immediate_o precede_v that_o epistle_n which_o be_v so_o unworthy_o use_v do_v occasion_n such_o a_o noise_n among_o the_o foe_n and_o friend_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o which_o be_v now_o explain_v as_o you_o have_v read_v the_o imprison_v elder_a a_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o his_o watch-tower_n in_o this_o house_n of_o bondage_n send_v greeting_n to_o the_o brethren_n which_o meet_v together_o in_o warwick_n lane_n london_n well-beloved_a brethren_n in_o our_o dear_a lord_n i_o desire_v earnest_o on_o your_o behalf_n all_o and_o all_o manner_n of_o communication_n of_o grace_n from_o heaven_n whereby_o you_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n grow_v up_o into_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n even_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n for_o undoubted_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o a_o prince_z and_o a_o saviour_n in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o glorious_a ministration_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o your_o happiness_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n through_o he_o in_o who_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a etc._n etc._n now_o concern_v the_o thing_n whereof_o you_o write_v unto_o i_o in_o your_o late_a letter_n this_o i_o say_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n mention_v by_o you_o and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o such_o honest_a heart_n who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o true_a israel_n for_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v with_o this_o chain_n that_o although_o my_o name_n be_v cast_v out_o as_o vile_a &_o i_o be_o separate_v by_o the_o new-fashioned_a king_n and_o his_o council_n from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o which_o through_o mercy_n i_o so_o much_o delight_v yet_o i_o bear_v record_n before_o this_o congregation_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n that_o i_o ever_o taste_v of_o and_o enjoy_v only_o one_o sharp_a thorn_n which_o i_o can_v forget_v have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o keep_v my_o spirit_n in_o a_o gospel-decorum_n lest_o otherwise_o i_o may_v have_v be_v lift_v up_o above_o measure_n through_o that_o abundance_n of_o ravish_a glory_n which_o i_o have_v be_v ready_a very_o often_o to_o be_v overwhelm_v withal_o and_o yet_o let_v the_o saint_n take_v diligent_a heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o expect_v much_o from_o i_o when_o i_o be_o deliver_v for_o it_o may_v be_v brethren_n these_o extraordinary_a visitation_n from_o on_o high_a be_v intend_v but_o for_o my_o prison-state_n and_o for_o my_o succour_n and_o support_v while_o i_o be_o thus_o suffer_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o have_v indeed_o desire_v earnest_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n may_v according_o to_o his_o office_n and_o our_o lord_n promise_v bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n what_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o i_o since_o i_o be_v close-prisoner_n and_o what_o i_o have_v see_v and_o taste_v and_o hear_v and_o handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o i_o can_v write_v it_o down_o though_o i_o attempt_v it_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v there_o be_v prayer_n make_v on_o my_o behalf_n and_o on_o your_o behalf_n &_o which_o be_v more_o on_o the_o lord_n behalf_n that_o god_n will_v open_v to_o i_o a_o door_n of_o utterance_n from_o that_o very_a moment_n he_o set_v open_v the_o prison-door_n to_o speak_v forth_o that_o mystery_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o i_o be_o in_o bond_n and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o manifest_a as_o i_o ought_v to_o speak_v and_o whereas_o you_o expect_v i_o shall_v offer_v or_o propound_v a_o way_n to_o you_o that_o may_v be_v conducible_a to_o my_o enlargement_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v never_o in_o my_o heart_n to_o direct_v you_o what_o to_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o light_n and_o those_o principle_n whereby_o i_o walk_v in_o this_o condition_n my_o judgement_n be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o light_a and_o love_n and_o courage_n enough_o in_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n to_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a and_o honourable_a mean_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o officer_n out_o of_o captivity_n it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o still_o to_o lie_v in_o bond_n for_o it_o concern_v they_o above_o all_o other_o people_n to_o endeavour_v his_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n if_o they_o judge_v his_o presence_n needful_a and_o useful_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o also_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o marginal_a note_n in_o your_o epistle_n i_o shall_v be_v plain_a with_o you_o it_o be_v no_o way_n proper_a for_o i_o to_o appear_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o my_o own_o liberty_n in_o a_o private_a way_n and_o rather_o than_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v through_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n be_v content_v to_o suffer_v close-imprisonment_n in_o this_o bless_a cause_n during_o this_o man_n reign_n although_o it_o shall_v last_v as_o long_o as_o athaliah_n who_o usurp_v the_o chief_a government_n for_o about_o the_o space_n of_o twice_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a it_o be_v true_a my_o suffering_n be_v many_o and_o great_a and_o there_o be_v a_o multiplication_n of_o grievance_n and_o injury_n every_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o as_o the_o chief_a captain_n say_v with_o a_o great_a sum_n will_v i_o obtain_v my_o freedom_n if_o i_o be_v imprison_v upon_o a_o common_a account_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v i_o say_v again_o i_o shall_v not_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n for_o a_o moment_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o i_o the_o prisoner_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o a_o precious_a cause_n as_o this_o the_o lord_n stand_v by_o i_o and_o full_o strengthen_v i_o for_o all_o the_o treasure_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o new_a court_n and_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o to_o the_o bargain_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v reason_n for_o what_o i_o write_v in_o this_o particular_a for_o first_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o i_o in_o a_o most_o sweet_a and_o glorious_a manner_n while_o i_o preach_v those_o truth_n for_o which_o i_o suffer_v his_o presence_n be_v also_o with_o i_o most_o comfortable_o from_o the_o first_o moment_n i_o be_v apprehend_v by_o the_o pursuivant_n till_o i_o be_v commit_v hither_o and_o all_o this_o time_n of_o my_o long_a and_o wrongful_a imprisonment_n he_o have_v not_o leave_v i_o nor_o forsake_v i_o in_o the_o least_o praise_v for_o ever_o be_v his_o glorious_a name_n and_o shall_v i_o leave_v and_o forsake_v such_o a_o lord_n protector_n and_o such_o a_o comforter_n by_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o parasite_n will_v not_o that_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v by_o which_o i_o be_o seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n shall_v not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v blaspheme_v and_o the_o face_n of_o the_o choice_a follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n gather_v paleness_n and_o shame_n sure_o these_o consideration_n be_v prevalent_a with_o i_o and_o in_o this_o further_o i_o much_o rejoice_v that_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n beside_o the_o former_a ground_n of_o not_o stir_v or_o move_v for_o my_o own_o liberty_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n i_o find_v not_o upon_o search_n that_o those_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v prisoner_n and_o innocent_a do_v ever_o petition_n or_o use_v other_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o the_o chief_a governor_n for_o their_o own_o liberty_n joseph_n do_v not_o hanani_n do_v not_o jeremiah_n do_v not_o nor_o john_n the_o baptist_n nor_o peter_n nor_o paul_n that_o i_o can_v find_v and_o sure_o there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o if_o we_o can_v search_v it_o out_o i_o conceive_v these_o which_o follow_v may_v be_v give_v as_o some_o ground_n of_o it_o 1._o innocent_a prisoner_n suffer_v as_o they_o do_v who_o i_o have_v mention_v know_v they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o tyrant_n and_o unreasonable_a persecutor_n and_o what_o will_v such_o as_o these_o harken_v to_o unless_o the_o prisoner_n do_v submit_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o satisfy_v their_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 2._o they_o glorify_a god_n all_o the_o while_o they_o be_v suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n the_o service_n of_o their_o master_n be_v promote_v all_o that_o time_n and_o be_v in_o god_n way_n why_o shall_v they_o covet_v to_o go_v out_o of_o so_o good_a a_o employment_n 3._o the_o prisoner_n and_o martyr_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n when_o they_o patient_o endure_v persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n without_o make_v unworthy_a application_n for_o their_o liberty_n 4._o if_o it_o become_v we_o not_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o device_n of_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v imprisonment_n but_o cheerful_o to_o come_v when_o we_o be_v send_v for_o before_o king_n and_o counsel_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o gospel_n how_o unseemly_o will_v it_o appear_v for_o we_o after_o a_o short_a time_n to_o use_v mean_n to_o get_v out_o again_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o other_o man_n who_o be_v in_o bond_n upon_o other_o account_n i_o shall_v proceed_v upon_o the_o other_o part_n of_o your_o letter_n the_o next_o week_n if_o god_n permit_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n i_o beseech_v you_o and_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o as_o it_o be_v write_v not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n in_o one_o sense_n be_v very_o evil_a wherefore_o be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v for_o the_o 7_o day_n of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1654._o you_o in_o christ_n chr._n feake_n finis_fw-la
the_o oppress_a close_a prisoner_n in_o windsor-castle_n his_o defiance_n to_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n occasion_v by_o some_o late_a scandalous_a and_o slanderous_a report_n raise_v and_o disperse_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o that_o noble_a cause_n wherein_o he_o with_o other_o of_o the_o lord_n servant_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v as_o also_o a_o seasonable_a word_n concern_v the_o high_a power_n concern_v the_o payment_n of_o tax_n and_o tribute-money_n by_o the_o saint_n to_o those_o power_n and_o how_o far_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v intermeddle_v in_o state-affair_n without_o sin_n by_o chr._n feake_n in_o his_o prison-watch-tower_n prov._n 25.18_o 19_o a_o man_n that_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o his_o neighbour_n be_v a_o mâ—ul_a and_o a_o sword_n and_o a_o sharp_a arrow_n confidence_n in_o a_o unfaithful_a man_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n be_v like_o a_o break_a tooth_n and_o a_o foot_n out_o of_o joint_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d zor_n coram_fw-la dario._n london_n print_v for_o l._n chapman_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o popes-head-alley_n 165â—_n the_o preface_n that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o remain_v to_o that_o old_a serpent_n the_o devil_n and_o satan_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o short_a 1654._o short_a which_o according_a to_o my_o computation_n will_v expire_v within_o less_o than_o 50_o year_n from_o this_o year_n 1654._o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o he_o be_v so_o much_o enrage_v at_o the_o woman_n and_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o go_v forth_o to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o remnant_n of_o her_o seed_n which_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n my_o expectation_n also_o be_v abundant_o confirm_v that_o the_o poor_a nation_n will_v be_v most_o sad_o deceive_v by_o he_o for_o the_o forementioned_a space_n of_o time_n insomuch_o that_o whilst_o the_o power_n of_o his_o sophistry_n and_o seduction_n be_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v free_o expose_v themselves_o and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o to_o extreme_a hazard_n for_o his_o service_n the_o certain_a and_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v much_o affect_v my_o heart_n with_o pity_n and_o i_o will_v glad_o be_v at_o work_n with_o other_o to_o give_v forth_o antidote_n among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o behold_v he_o have_v by_o divine_a permission_n cast_v i_o and_o some_o other_o brethren_n into_o prison_n that_o we_o may_v be_v try_v and_o i_o have_v have_v tribulation_n near_o ten_o month_n of_o day_n a_o great_a part_n of_o which_o time_n i_o have_v also_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n from_o the_o common_a air_n and_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o from_o the_o sweet_a society_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o my_o dear_a lord_n bid_v i_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n and_o exhort_v i_o most_o love_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o he_o will_v give_v i_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n those_o most_o encourage_v communication_n from_o heaven_n whereof_o my_o soul_n have_v have_v more_o sweet_a and_o plentiful_a experience_n then_o in_o any_o condition_n former_o will_v have_v i_o be_o persuade_v a_o very_a effectual_a influence_n upon_o my_o spirit_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d device_n and_o wiles_n or_o method_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o yea_o through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o have_v take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v all_o those_o fiery_a dart_n 〈◊〉_d dart_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v shoot_v against_o i_o to_o cause_v i_o to_o fall_v or_o quit_v the_o field_n and_o so_o desert_a that_o most_o noble_a interest_n wherein_o i_o have_v with_o my_o fellow-worker_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o long_o and_o so_o public_o engage_v against_o the_o king_n and_o other_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o this_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o his_o pursuivant_n for_o the_o devil_n also_o have_v his_o pursuivant_n or_o messenger_n deceitful_a worker_n 11.13_o worker_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 11.13_o have_v raise_v and_o spread_v false_a report_n and_o slanderous_a reproachful_a rumour_n as_o if_o i_o also_o have_v recant_v as_o if_o i_o have_v renounce_v my_o principle_n &_o that_o now_o i_o begin_v to_o droop_v these_o lie_n have_v beget_v strange_a effect_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o simple_a who_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v every_o word_n and_o of_o the_o adversary_n who_o will_v great_o rejoice_v if_o it_o may_v be_v find_v a_o truth_n assure_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o some_o importance_n in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o time_n for_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n to_o be_v fellow-helper_n to_o the_o truth_n 8._o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3_o john_n 8._o and_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o work_v of_o christ_n which_o ere_o long_o shall_v have_v a_o most_o glorious_a resurrection_n although_o so_o many_o like_o the_o soldier_n and_o priest_n of_o old_a when_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n be_v dead_a and_o bury_v desire_v they_o may_v lie_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o oblivion_n so_o as_o never_o to_o rise_v again_o if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o personal_a reproach_n particular_o intend_v against_o i_o and_o reflect_v upon_o i_o alone_o a_o poor_a inconsiderable_a instrument_n in_o the_o lord_n hand_n i_o can_v through_o grace_n have_v bear_v it_o patient_o without_o answer_v again_o according_a as_o i_o have_v endure_v a_o thousand_o for_o near_o this_o ten_o year_n both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n but_o this_o reach_v to_o the_o heaven_n conduit_n heaven_n captutinter_n nubila_fw-la conduit_n and_o ride_v pâ—st_v through_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o i_o be_o and_o who_o i_o serve_v and_o to_o the_o further_a disparagement_n of_o that_o know_v great_a affair_n of_o his_o which_o have_v be_v so_o slight_v of_o late_a year_n by_o the_o quondam_a zealous_a assertor_n of_o it_o wherefore_o if_o i_o shall_v altogether_o hold_v my_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n as_o mordecai_n say_v to_o hester_n and_o in_o this_o matter_n how_o can_v i_o give_v a_o account_n with_o comfort_n to_o my_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n when_o he_o shall_v make_v enquiry_n after_o the_o service_n he_o expect_v shall_v be_v do_v by_o i_o in_o my_o day_n for_o his_o name_n and_o his_o kingdom_n according_a to_o the_o trust_n he_o repose_v in_o i_o when_o he_o do_v first_o choose_v and_o call_v i_o forth_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o business_n intend_v by_o i_o i_o shall_v declare_v so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v attain_v true_a intelligence_n in_o the_o general_n the_o first_o and_o last_o occasion_n of_o all_o this_o noise_n both_o among_o the_o church_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o then_o subjoyne_v a_o plainhearted_a explication_n of_o those_o truth_n concern_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n which_o have_v sweet_o woo_v and_o win_v my_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n such_o as_o they_o be_v to_o entertain_v and_o to_o improve_v they_o as_o god_n shall_v providential_o administer_v opportunity_n by_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o if_o in_o any_o circumstance_n i_o shall_v miss_v the_o white_a at_o which_o i_o aim_v it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o my_o present_a incapacity_n of_o obtain_v a_o full_a relation_n partly_o because_o i_o be_o still_o a_o close_a prisoner_n notwithstanding_o my_o present_a breathe_n in_o the_o open_a air_n and_o so_o can_v converse_v with_o such_o as_o will_v give_v i_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o punctual_a narrative_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o also_o because_o there_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o like_a case_n a_o monstrous_a multiplication_n of_o new_a misshape_a birth_n even_o every_o day_n that_o congregation_n which_o i_o be_o over_o in_o the_o lord_n send_v not_o many_o week_n since_o a_o epistle_n to_o i_o testify_v their_o love_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o brotherly_a sympathy_n with_o i_o in_o my_o suffering_n which_o be_v meet_v withal_o signify_v they_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o christ_n and_o i_o in_o obtain_v my_o enlargement_n if_o they_o do_v but_o once_o understand_v what_o mean_v to_o use_v in_o order_n thereunto_o but_o they_o can_v not_o do_v what_o their_o soul_n desire_v to_o do_v without_o own_v the_o power_n in_o be_v the_o do_v of_o which_o say_v they_o be_v account_v a_o bow_n of_o the_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n this_o last_o mention_v passage_n give_v i_o just_a occasion_n according_a to_o my_o office_n as_o
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
for_o the_o mantainance_n of_o a_o monarch_n be_v compute_v to_o rise_v so_o high_a so_o that_o it_o will_v make_v they_o at_o length_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n because_o of_o their_o king_n and_o indeed_o king_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n or_o what_o ever_o title_n they_o be_v know_v by_o be_v costly_a creature_n verse_n creature_n 1_o sam._n 8.18_o 19_o &_o 20_o verse_n and_o will_v make_v the_o people_n sigh_n and_o cry_v too_o within_o a_o little_a while_n after_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o saddle_n i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o say_v nay_o but_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o king_n over_o we_o a_o king_n shall_v reign_v over_o we_o that_o we_o also_o may_v be_v like_o all_o the_o nation_n 15.4_o nation_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v see_v slavery_n be_v in_o fashion_n in_o other_o nation_n we_o will_v be_v slave_n also_o tyranny_n be_v the_o mode_n in_o all_o country_n round_o about_o we_o we_o will_v have_v a_o tyrant_n too_o though_o god_n himself_o say_v nay_o we_o say_v yea._n rom_n 15.4_o and_o when_o they_o have_v get_v he_o they_o all_o shout_v god_n save_o the_o king_n they_o have_v not_o know_v by_o experience_n the_o burthensomnesse_n of_o tax_n and_o tribute_n of_o ten_o and_o fifteenths_fw-mi one_o time_n after_o another_o for_o they_o that_o rule_v they_o aforetime_o under_o 〈◊〉_d be_v judge_n raise_v up_o in_o needful_a season_n be_v sauâ—â—â—rs_n and_n deliverer_n and_o not_o raiser_n of_o tax_n and_o so_o while_o they_o walk_v as_o his_o people_n there_o be_v not_o a_o free_a people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o they_o but_o now_o let_v he_o that_o read_v and_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o history_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n observe_v exact_o what_o follow_v hereupon_o for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o either_o prophetical_o or_o historical_o concern_v king_n and_o their_o arbitrary_a power_n concern_v tax_n and_o tribute-money_n as_o well_o as_o other_o matter_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o indeed_o i_o write_v in_o hope_n and_o not_o in_o despair_n as_o he_o that_o sow_v sow_v in_o hope_n that_o some_o good_a fruit_n will_v follow_v though_o divers_a sharp_a storm_n may_v intervene_v at_o the_o first_o entrance_n to_o this_o new_a honour_n saul_n behave_v himself_o as_o if_o samuel_n word_n will_v want_v a_o verification_n good_a man_n he_o can_v not_o be_v find_v he_o have_v hide_v himself_o among_o the_o stuff_n 10.21_o stuff_n 1_o sam._n 10.21_o he_o have_v rather_o have_v live_v in_o a_o cottage_n all_o day_n of_o his_o life_n people_n might_n think_v by_o this_o symptom_n of_o self-denial_n than_o live_v in_o a_o royal_a palace_n and_o be_v attend_v and_o honour_v like_o a_o king_n beside_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n he_o will_v ever_o oppress_v the_o people_n by_o take_v their_o vineyard_n etc._n etc._n from_o they_o for_o whereas_o some_o bring_v no_o present_n to_o their_o new_a king_n as_o do_v other_o but_o despise_v he_o say_v how_o shall_v this_o man_n save_o we_o he_o hold_v his_o peace_n obmutescens_fw-la peace_n 1_o sam._n 10.27_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lxx_o plane_n conticuit_fw-la tre._n fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la obmutescens_fw-la he_o pass_v it_o by_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o those_o mystery_n he_o be_v altogether_o unlike_o a_o raiser_n of_o tax_n upon_o his_o brethren_n for_o he_o do_v not_o care_n one_o will_v think_v for_o present_n he_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o flesh_n 〈◊〉_d flesh_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n also_o for_o when_o one_o of_o the_o dis-affected_n party_n who_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o be_v king_n be_v call_v for_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n as_o a_o traitor_n to_o his_o new_a crown_n and_o dignity_n the_o kiâ—â—â—aid_n 13._o kiâ—â—â—aid_n 1_o sam._n 11.12_o 13._o there_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n be_v put_v to_o death_n this_o day_n for_o to_o 〈…〉_o â—ord_n have_v wrought_v salvation_n in_o israel_n do_v not_o this_o kiâ—â—â—peak_v like_o a_o very_a godly_a man_n do_v he_o speak_v as_o if_o he_o will_v be_v arbitrarie_a in_o his_o government_n 44._o 1_o sam._n 9_o 7_o 21_o 1_o sam._n 10_o 6.10_o 11._o cap._n 11._o v._n 13_o 15._o c._n 14.18_o &_o from_o 34._o to_o 44._o and_o take_v their_o good_n as_o samuel_n say_v without_o and_o against_o all_o law_n and_o equity_n see_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n if_o you_o will_v understand_v what_o a_o professor_n saul_n be_v while_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o ordinary_a private_a man_n and_o after_o he_o come_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o kingship_n also_o for_o a_o good_a space_n of_o time_n but_o at_o length_n when_o he_o be_v tell_v 28._o tell_v 1_o sam._n 15.23_o 26_o 28._o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v rend_v from_o he_o and_o give_v to_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o shall_v 30._o shall_v verse_n 30._o lose_v his_o honour_n before_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o people_n than_o he_o begin_v to_o appear_v in_o his_o proper_a colour_n first_o samuel_n that_o have_v be_v so_o instrumental_a to_o set_v he_o up_o be_v fearful_a his_o tyranny_n will_v break_v forth_o against_o he_o to_o his_o destruction_n and_o slay_v be_v worse_a than_o tax_v see_v 1_o sam._n 16.2_o if_o saul_n hear_v it_o say_v he_o that_o i_o go_v to_o anoint_v another_o to_o be_v king_n he_o will_v kill_v i_o the_o next_o apparent_a symptom_n of_o his_o tyranny_n we_o find_v to_o be_v against_o david_n these_o be_v two_o of_o the_o choice_a man_n in_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o young_a man_n have_v no_o land_n it_o seem_v for_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o poor_a man_n 1_o sam._n 18.23_o but_o saul_n find_v out_o a_o way_n of_o tax_v he_o at_o a_o hundred_o foreskin_n of_o the_o philistines_n saul_n philistines_n a_o strange_a tax_n lay_v upon_o david_n by_o k._n saul_n but_o his_o end_n be_v to_o get_v his_o life_n nevertheless_o david_n pay_v his_o tax_n and_o save_v his_o own_o life_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o he_o in_o that_o desperate_a design_n he_o bring_v two_o hundred_o foreskin_n and_o they_o give_v they_o in_o full_a tale_n like_o so_o much_o money_n tell_v out_o unto_o the_o king_n david_n king_n that_o tear_v levy_v and_o pay_v by_o david_n vers_n 27._o moreover_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o samuel_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n concern_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n for_o in_o the_o 1_o sam._n 22.7_o he_o make_v this_o speech_n will_v the_o son_n of_o jesse_n give_v you_o every_o one_o field_n and_o vineyard_n etc._n etc._n where_o i_o gather_v saul_n can_v do_v it_o namely_o at_o this_o time_n indeed_o time_n be_v when_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v at_o that_o rate_n but_o now_o be_v king_n and_o sovereign_a ruler_n he_o can_v send_v for_o any_o man_n estate_n in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v he_o can_v by_o his_o private_a council_n vote_v man_n traitor_n as_o he_o do_v and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o takin_o 〈…〉_o man_n live_v for_o pretend_a treason_n will_v make_v as_o lit_fw-fr 〈…〉_o ache_n away_o their_o estate_n and_o so_o he_o may_v quick_o 〈◊〉_d â—ields_v and_o vineyard_n good_a store_n though_o not_o well_o get_v to_o give_v his_o eunuch_n and_o servant_n that_o know_v well_o how_o to_o please_v his_o humour_n and_o serve_v his_o lust_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o priest_n he_o slay_v at_o once_o by_o a_o verbal_a order_n parasite_n order_n saul_n slay_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o traitor_n by_o a_o verbal_a order_n here_o be_v vineyard_n for_o he_o to_o give_v his_o court_n parasite_n and_o doeg_n hand_n eighty_o five_o person_n that_o do_v wear_v a_o linen_n ephod_n and_o what_o be_v the_o pretend_a crime_n oh_o they_o be_v traitor_n for_o they_o conspire_v against_o i_o say_v saul_n and_o their_o hand_n be_v with_o david_n they_o give_v he_o bread_n and_o a_o sword_n and_o inquire_v of_o god_n for_o he_o and_o do_v not_o come_v and_o tell_v he_o who_o be_v their_o king_n etc._n etc._n have_v destroy_v the_o city_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n here_o be_v reward_n and_o gratuity_n for_o his_o courtier_n this_o be_v a_o quick_a way_n than_o levy_v of_o tax_n so_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n 20._o gibeonite_n the_o gibeonite_n slay_v by_o saul_n what_o become_v of_o their_o estate_n king_n as_o well_o as_o the_o judge_n be_v to_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n see_v deut._n 17.18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o sam._n 21.1_o he_o slay_v they_o no_o question_n they_o have_v some_o substance_n
that_o your_o wickedness_n be_v great_a which_o you_o have_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o ask_v you_o a_o king_n conclude_v thus_o if_o you_o shall_v still_o do_v wicked_o you_o shall_v be_v consume_v both_o you_o and_o your_o king_n and_o saul_n be_v present_v all_o this_o while_n when_o he_o affright_v the_o people_n with_o sudden_a thunder_n and_o lightning_n in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o great_a wickedness_n in_o ask_v a_o king_n and_o may_v muse_v with_o himself_o to_o observe_v how_o far_o samuel_n own_v he_o as_o a_o king_n before_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o threaten_v and_o terrify_v the_o people_n for_o desire_v he_o in_o like_a manner_n after_o this_o though_o he_o own_v he_o as_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n yet_o what_o a_o testimony_n do_v he_o bear_v from_o god_n against_o he_o for_o his_o hypocrisy_n disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o moreover_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o his_o life_n prophesy_v or_o declare_v that_o god_n will_v reject_v he_o and_o have_v reject_v he_o and_o will_v set_v up_o his_o neighbour_n in_o his_o stead_n etc._n etc._n this_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o explain_v my_o principle_n and_o practice_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v so_o large_o upon_o scripture-instance_n but_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n what_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o it_o have_v be_v common_a to_o many_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o same_o man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o yet_o to_o pray_v prithee_o or_o prophecy_n against_o they_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o own_v they_o for_o this_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n throughout_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o instance_n concern_v king_n ahab_n and_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n these_o two_o meet_v and_o this_o be_v the_o king_n salutation_n to_o the_o prophet_n be_v thou_o he_o that_o trouble_v israel_n elijah_n answer_v he_o i_o have_v not_o trouble_v israel_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n in_o that_o you_o have_v forsake_v the_o commandment_n of_o jehovah_n and_o thou_o have_v follow_v baalim_fw-la this_o be_v one_o greeting_n observe_v the_o next_o 1_o king_n 21.20_o ahab_n say_v to_o elijah_n have_v thou_o find_v i_o oh_o my_o enemy_n the_o prophet_n answer_v i_o have_v find_v thou_o because_o thou_o have_v sell_v thyself_o to_o work_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v to_o prophesy_v against_o ahab_n and_o jezebel_n for_o their_o murder_n of_o naboth_n and_o take_v away_o his_o vineyard_n by_o oppression_n a_o prophecy_n it_o be_v of_o utter_a destruction_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n that_o of_o daniel_n in_o deal_v so_o plain_o with_o king_n belshazzer_n chap._n 5._o from_o the_o 18._o to_o the_o 28_o be_v suitable_a to_o this_o point_n in_o hand_n nothing_o more_o clear_a than_o this_o object_n it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o the_o prophet_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v not_o spare_v they_o in_o the_o least_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o reproof_n or_o of_o threaten_v those_o plague_n and_o punishment_n which_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o bring_v upon_o they_o but_o what_o do_v this_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o new-testament-time_n they_o be_v anoint_v of_o god_n to_o that_o work_n but_o be_v that_o a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o walk_v by_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n an._n this_o evasion_n be_v most_o absurd_a for_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n imagine_v that_o god_n take_v such_o special_a care_n as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v himself_o without_o sufficient_a witness_n against_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o those_o day_n will_v leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n now_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o any_o sober_a man_n heart_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v for_o above_o this_o thousand_o year_n leave_v the_o ruler_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_a king_n and_o prince_n to_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v bad_a enough_o and_o none_o to_o reprove_v or_o threaten_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o their_o abominable_a wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n no_o they_o shall_v never_o plead_v another_o day_n the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v messenger_n and_o man_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v unto_o they_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n but_o we_o have_v none_o to_o preach_v plain_o and_o bold_o against_o our_o sin_n but_o if_o we_o have_v know_v or_o it_o have_v be_v tell_v we_o that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n have_v provoke_v the_o eye_n of_o thy_o glory_n lord_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v persist_v in_o the_o perpetration_n of_o they_o but_o our_o chaplain_n and_o minister_n be_v no_o prophet_n to_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v deal_v with_o therefore_o we_o desire_v these_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o no_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v cut_v off_o all_o such_o plea_n and_o apology_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v tell_v they_o though_o your_o court-chaplain_n be_v so_o base_a and_o cowardly_a as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o yet_o there_o be_v faithful_a servant_n of_o i_o who_o at_o a_o convenient_a distance_n do_v cry_v out_o because_o of_o all_o your_o abomination_n which_o you_o do_v commit_v but_o these_o you_o persecute_v and_o banish_v and_o otherwise_o oppress_v etc._n etc._n this_o i_o know_v will_v be_v return_v to_o such_o apology_n but_o yet_o to_o gratify_v the_o desire_n of_o such_o as_o will_v understand_v the_o truth_n i_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o new-testament-time_n and_o first_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v not_o spare_v herod_n the_o king_n though_o he_o be_v own_v as_o the_o high_a power_n at_o that_o time_n he_o can_v not_o connive_v at_o his_o adultery_n and_o incest_n his_o testimony_n cost_v he_o his_o head_n as_o the_o story_n be_v brief_o relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o may_v object_v he_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n therefore_o we_o will_v observe_v christ_n practice_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o own_v the_o power_n and_o ruler_n nevertheless_o he_o so_o reprove_v threaten_v preach_v and_o prophesy_v against_o the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n abundance_n of_o which_o sect_n be_v ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n but_o the_o text_n say_v they_o fear_v the_o multitude_n his_o doctrine_n do_v single_a out_o the_o hypocrisy_n folly_n malice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n from_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o multitude_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v never_o so_o much_o preach_v against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n the_o ruler_n will_v never_o have_v persecute_v he_o who_o have_v stand_v up_o for_o their_o interest_n but_o you_o shall_v always_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v vex_v and_o disturb_v the_o high_a power_n exceed_o read_v the_o 21._o of_o matth._n from_o the_o 33._o to_o the_o end_n compare_v with_o the_o same_o parable_n in_o the_o 12._o of_o mark_n and_o the_o 20_o of_o luke_n also_o consider_v of_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o 23._o of_o matthew_n from_o the_o 12._o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o chapter_n but_o let_v we_o go_v on_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n after_o christ_n have_v send_v down_o the_o spirit_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o gift_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n more_o rich_o than_o before_o peter_n in_o his_o sharp_a word_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o high_a power_n be_v here_o include_v accuse_v they_o of_o the_o most_o abominable_a wickedness_n that_o almost_o can_v be_v commit_v express_v himself_o thus_o he_o mean_v the_o son_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_a and_o slay_v but_o more_o close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n in_o act_n 4._o vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o he_o ow_v the_o present_a power_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o with_o most_o horrible_a murder_n the_o power_n charge_v he_o and_o john_n strait_o to_o speak_v no_o more_o in_o that_o name_n but_o to_o forbear_v they_o dis-own_a their_o command_n to_o their_o face_n though_o they_o submit_v to_o their_o mittimus_fw-la and_o gaoler_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n who_o you_o slay_v say_v they_o and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n observe_v how_o peremptory_a these_o gospel-minister_n be_v in_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o their_o threaten_n there_o be_v but_o few_o
reader_n observe_v the_o emphasis_n for_o the_o jewish_a power_n be_v apt_a to_o put_v it_o off_o to_o pilate_n for_o he_o condemn_v he_o and_o crucify_a be_v not_o the_o jewish_a manner_n of_o execution_n of_o malefactor_n beside_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n for_o the_o roman_n have_v reserve_v that_o to_o themselves_o as_o a_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o of_o their_o absolute_a sovereignty_n yet_o peter_n charge_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o council_n with_o the_o murder_n of_o christ_n you_o may_v observe_v how_o near_o this_o accusation_n go_v 5.33_o act._n 5.33_o for_o the_o text_n say_v upon_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o they_o be_v cut_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o speech_n of_o many_o wise_a englishman_n peter_n and_o john_n may_v be_v think_v not_o to_o use_v so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o discretion_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o ruler_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v keep_v out_o of_o prison_n at_o leastwise_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o death_n for_o be_v not_o they_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o need_v they_o have_v speak_v such_o word_n as_o must_v needs_o provoke_v the_o high_a power_n especial_o after_o they_o have_v bear_v their_o testimony_n once_o and_o again_o they_o may_v have_v forbear_v for_o the_o future_a see_v no_o good_a come_v of_o it_o we_o in_o this_o age_n have_v find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n of_o preach_v for_o we_o know_v how_o to_o order_v thing_n so_o as_o that_o if_o we_o preach_v never_o so_o often_o before_o the_o high_a power_n guilty_a of_o very_o gross_a wickedness_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o cut_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n as_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o stephen_n do_v we_o will_v preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o fear_v this_o will_v appear_v a_o real_a truth_n when_o all_o secret_a thing_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v but_o as_o for_o thousand_o of_o the_o english_a parson_n and_o vicar_n and_o curate_n and_o state-lecturers_n or_o augmentation-man_n i_o be_o far_o from_o doubt_v of_o their_o compliance_n with_o any_o power_n which_o get_v the_o uppermost_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o or_o which_o way_n instead_o of_o appear_v for_o the_o present_a work_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o present_a ruler_n they_o appear_v for_o the_o present_a profit_n of_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a benefice_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v they_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o follow_v christ_n in_o bear_v witness_n against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o great_a and_o small_a without_o respect_n of_o person_n object_n but_o yet_o again_o there_o be_v other_o who_o come_v with_o another_o ridiculous_a objection_n in_o this_o manner_n although_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o zealous_a against_o the_o high_a power_n because_o of_o their_o abomination_n yet_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v to_o their_o face_n and_o not_o behind_o their_o back_n as_o all_o the_o instance_n give_v by_o you_o do_v declare_v they_o do_v not_o disgrace_n or_o arraign_v they_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o vulgar_a as_o you_o do_v and_o your_o fellow-sufferer_n this_o come_v from_o some_o who_o do_v not_o well_o know_v what_o to_o say_v with_o reason_n answ_n 1._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o the_o high_a power_n be_v seldom_o find_v to_o send_v for_o plain-dealing_a preacher_n to_o pray_v or_o prophesy_v in_o their_o chapel_n or_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o hear_v they_o once_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v for_o a_o second_o time_n and_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n declare_v the_o lord_n message_n in_o their_o hear_n answ_n 2._o we_o have_v instance_n from_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o amos_n prophesy_v the_o destruction_n of_o jeroboam_n while_o he_o himself_o be_v absent_a for_o it_o may_v be_v the_o king_n and_o his_o courtier_n will_v not_o hear_v amos_n who_o be_v but_o a_o herdsman_n and_o a_o gatherer_n of_o sycomore-fruit_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n against_o they_o though_o they_o be_v absent_a who_o it_o most_o concern_v so_o that_o we_o prisoner_n be_v not_o the_o first_o who_o have_v declare_v approach_v destruction_n to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o their_o absence_n moreover_o christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n or_o that_o fox_n and_o paul_n call_v caesar_n lion_z behind_o their_o back_n and_o why_o do_v not_o our_o angry_a brethren_n say_v they_o may_v have_v forbear_v such_o kind_n of_o language_n they_o not_o be_v present_a at_o least_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v call_v the_o two_o high_a power_n among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o the_o reproachful_a name_n of_o two_o wild_a bâ—asts_n and_o those_o too_o such_o beast_n of_o prey_n and_o why_o do_v they_o not_o find_v fault_n with_o peter_n and_o john_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n have_v no_o more_o good_a manner_n than_o open_o to_o declare_v the_o high_a power_n guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o the_o worse_a kind_n of_o murder_n and_o this_o behind_o their_o back_n and_o that_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o thousand_o see_v act_n 3.17_o and_o act_v 13.27_o 28._o there_o paul_n charge_v they_o in_o another_o country_n and_o amplifi_v the_o matter_n against_o they_o but_o further_a in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n they_o name_v herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n in_o relate_v their_o wicked_a combination_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o pray_v and_o preach_v after_o that_o manner_n as_o the_o first_o christian_n do_v who_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v more_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o any_o of_o we_o they_o be_v bold_a and_o resolute_a and_o whether_o the_o high_a power_n be_v absent_a or_o present_a it_o be_v alike_o â—o_o they_o certain_o open_a murder_n and_o open_a hypocrisy_n and_o apostasy_n and_o perjury_n and_o treason_n against_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n must_v be_v open_o and_o public_o witness_v against_o before_o god_n angel_n and_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v the_o ruler_n be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o commit_v open_a abomination_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v call_v thereto_o be_v as_o bold_a and_o declare_v as_o open_o against_o those_o abomination_n and_o that_o before_o all_o the_o people_n whether_o the_o guilty_a one_o be_v in_o the_o hear_n or_o not_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v forbear_v to_o bear_v our_o public_a testimony_n against_o public_a wickedness_n object_n but_o other_o who_o understand_v themselves_o better_a than_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o fault-finder_n have_v a_o great_a charge_n than_o those_o before_o mention_v for_o say_v they_o we_o may_v upon_o occasion_n declare_v open_o against_o those_o who_o so_o sin_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n whether_o they_o be_v present_a or_o absent_a but_o what_o have_v we_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o state-matter_n or_o state-affair_n the_o compass_n of_o their_o commission_n will_v not_o warrant_v they_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n in_o another_o man_n diocese_n or_o province_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reduceable_a to_o two_o head_n to_o bring_v soul_n in_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o christ_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v beside_o this_o be_v beside_o the_o cushion_n many_o other_o word_n there_o be_v and_o may_v be_v excogitated_a to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o very_a odious_a matter_n for_o minister_n to_o meddle_v in_o state-affair_n can_v they_o be_v content_a if_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o will_v keep_v to_o that_o and_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o high_a power_n they_o need_v not_o be_v apprehend_v imprison_a etc._n etc._n as_o they_o be_v so_o that_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o with_o much_o more_o such_o stuff_n as_o this_o answ_n i_o perceive_v plain_o that_o these_o kind_n of_o preach_n and_o discourse_n have_v such_o a_o plausible_a veri-similitude_n that_o they_o be_v believe_v by_o many_o honest_a heart_n to_o be_v as_o true_a as_o gospel_n namely_o that_o those_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v as_o too_o pragmatical_a who_o insist_v upon_o such_o point_n and_o very_o worthy_a to_o taste_v and_o feel_v the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n insomuch_o that_o we_o be_v under_o a_o very_a great_a disadvantage_n for_o the_o present_a but_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