so_o great_a a_o penalty_n as_o the_o sequestration_n of_o their_o estate_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o will_v not_o do_v ourselves_o all_o the_o relief_n and_o hope_n that_o smith_n and_o other_o in_o his_o condition_n who_o have_v both_o go_v to_o church_n and_o take_v the_o communion_n and_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n have_v receive_v at_o the_o say_a hall_n be_v that_o the_o say_a commissioner_n have_v promise_v to_o move_v the_o parliament_n to_o know_v what_o shall_v amount_v unto_o a_o conformity_n and_o it_o may_v also_o be_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o religion_n the_o papist_n in_o case_n they_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v their_o own_o shall_v conform_v unto_o since_o we_o have_v three_o several_a religion_n that_o at_o present_a seem_v to_o have_v a_o equal_a power_n or_o influence_n the_o prelatical_a or_o old_a protestant_n as_o some_o call_v it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n the_o presbyterian_a carry_v the_o vogue_n in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o the_o independent_a have_v the_o power_n and_o countenance_n of_o the_o state_n certain_o the_o abovesaid_a strange_a proceed_n must_v needs_o appear_v both_o to_o all_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o to_o very_o many_o conscientious_a people_n at_o home_n as_o savour_v of_o a_o design_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o papist_n estate_n whatsoever_o become_v of_o their_o soul_n and_o all_o this_o while_n we_o hold_v forth_o meekness_n and_o all_o this_o while_n we_o cry_v up_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v so_o far_o forget_v our_o principle_n as_o to_o seize_v the_o estate_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o kindred_n for_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n profess_v to_o venture_v all_o our_o own_o to_o purchase_v freedom_n of_o religion_n be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v expose_v our_o own_o life_n in_o so_o long_a and_o dangerous_a a_o war_n to_o establish_v and_o secure_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n of_o time_n hang_v draw_v and_o quarter_v man_n for_o their_o conscience_n how_o shall_v we_o answer_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n our_o shed_n so_o much_o blood_n to_o deliver_v our_o country_n from_o cocrcency_n imâ—matters_v of_o belief_n if_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o power_n be_v in_o our_o hand_n we_o imbrue_v they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o countryman_n mere_o for_o their_o religion_n have_v we_o so_o soon_o forget_v those_o sharp_a reproof_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o behold_v you_o be_v call_v jew_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v your_o boast_n of_o god_n you_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a you_o be_v confident_a that_o yourselves_o be_v guide_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o light_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o darkness_n instructor_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o teacher_n of_o babe_n who_o have_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n you_o therefore_o who_o teach_v another_o teach_v you_o not_o yourselves_o you_o that_o preach_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o steal_v do_v you_o steal_v you_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v you_o commit_v sacrilege_n in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secreâ—s_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n how_o can_v we_o answer_v that_o excellent_a and_o self-evident_a precept_n of_o nature_n do_v as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v he_o promise_v indeed_o that_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o land_n but_o sure_o mean_v not_o such_o as_o seem_v meek_a only_o to_o inherit_v the_o land_n thus_o sharp_o go_v on_o my_o angry_a presbyterian_a and_o i_o confess_v i_o be_v extreme_o ashamed_a to_o hear_v he_o say_v so_o much_o reason_n that_o use_v to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o passion_n and_o to_o see_v myself_o so_o confound_v by_o one_o that_o i_o have_v always_o overcome_v with_o ease_n upon_o any_o other_o subject_a and_o shall_v have_v like_v far_o better_a his_o observation_n which_o with_o grief_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v too_o true_a and_o open_a to_o all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v come_v from_o a_o indifferent_a and_o unfactious_a spirit_n because_o i_o suspect_v they_o may_v perhaps_o proceed_v rather_o from_o envy_n towards_o the_o gainer_n than_o pity_v upon_o the_o loser_n for_o during_o the_o violent_a and_o therefore_o short_a dominion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_n never_o be_v more_o cruel_a torturer_n of_o the_o conscience_n than_o they_o never_o a_o more_o tyrannical_a tribunal_n than_o their_o iure_fw-la divino_fw-la assembly_n and_o classical_a high-commission_n but_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n stop_v they_o in_o their_o full_a career_n and_o by_o woeful_a experience_n they_o now_o find_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n threaten_n if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o gal._n 5._o 15._o wherefore_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o daily_a prayer_n to_o our_o great_a and_o good_a god_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o inspire_v his_o servant_n who_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n to_o prevent_v the_o like_a heavy_a judgement_n upon_o themselves_o and_o serious_o consider_v that_o both_o their_o allegiance_n to_o reason_n their_o duty_n to_o god_n their_o engagement_n to_o their_o own_o principle_n call_v so_o loud_o upon_o they_o they_o will_v fulfil_v now_o our_o joy_n and_o complete_a the_o good_a work_n so_o happy_o begin_v by_o put_v the_o tender-conscienced_a and_o peaceable-minded_a people_n of_o this_o nation_n into_o a_o condition_n of_o perfect_a security_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v effect_v without_o a_o general_a act_n of_o conscience-indempnity_n firm_o to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n postscript_n since_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o who_o something_o in_o these_o few_o sheet_n will_v not_o please_v nor_o very_o many_o who_o something_o will_v not_o displease_v they_o therefore_o free_o submit_v themselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o of_o every_o civil_a man_n and_o i_o have_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o parliament_n hereunto_o subscribe_v my_o name_n william_n birchley_n persecution_n for_o religion_n condemn_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v demonstrate_v according_a to_o that_o light_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v infuse_v into_o my_o soul_n how_o much_o coercency_n in_o religion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o many_o evident_a and_o unanswerable_a text_n of_o scripture_n show_v how_o displease_v it_o be_v to_o god_n how_o improper_a to_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o how_o extreme_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o sweet_a spirit_n which_o guide_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o after_o in_o the_o same_o little_a treatise_n i_o proceed_v to_o prove_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o army_n declaration_n that_o the_o great_a principle_n wherein_o we_o glory_n and_o which_o we_o have_v so_o long_o fight_v to_o establish_v be_v a_o perfect_a gospel-freedom_n and_o absolute_a deliverance_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o all_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n which_o discourse_n as_o i_o compose_v in_o all_o humbleness_n of_o spirit_n and_o afterwards_o offer_v to_o the_o gracious_a redeemer_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o give_v i_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o finish_v it_o to_o his_o glory_n so_o i_o find_v not_o only_o myself_o for_o which_o i_o humble_o thank_v the_o bounty_n of_o my_o god_n confirm_v in_o my_o former_a judgement_n but_o other_o in_o some_o measure_n convince_v in_o they_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o sin_n of_o conscience-persecution_n concerning_o which_o pious_a and_o modest_a temper_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o former_a part_n this_o plain_a and_o familiar_a observation_n that_o as_o the_o sure_a mark_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n in_o ourselves_o be_v a_o tender_a spirit_n to_o other_o so_o the_o most_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o hard_a and_o stony_a heart_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n be_v when_o we_o slit_v in_o piece_n and_o shipwreck_n the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o touch_v upon_o we_o but_o praise_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o name_n of_o our_o god_n who_o still_o proceed_v to_o guide_v and_o illuminate_v his_o choose_a gracious_o dispose_v they_o neither_o to_o presume_v upon_o themselves_o for_o their_o knowledge_n nor_o be_v cruel_a against_o other_o for_o their_o ignorance_n but_o humble_o adore_v and_o wait_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o disposure_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o fill_v my_o soul_n with_o exceed_a joy_n when_o i_o consider_v it_o to_o be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o all_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o well-affected_a in_o this_o nation_n that_o no_o quiet_a and_o
the_o catholic_n plea_n or_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n belief_n concerning_o their_o church_n manner_n of_o worship_n justification_n civil_a government_n together_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o the_o penal_a statute_n against_o popish_a recusant_n all_o which_o be_v humble_o submit_v to_o serious_a consideration_n by_o a_o catholic_n gentleman_n london_n print_v for_o h._n j._n persecution_n for_o religion_n condemn_v etc._n etc._n when_o i_o consider_v how_o tender_o our_o saviour_n christ_n recommend_v the_o precept_n of_o mutual_a love_n to_o all_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n make_v it_o the_o character_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o this_o all_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o john_n 13._o 35._o and_o when_o i_o reflect_v how_o high_o the_o great_a apostle_n paul_n exalt_v the_o same_o commandment_n abridge_v into_o this_o one_o precious_a syllable_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a all_o the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v in_o one_o word_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o gal._n 5._o i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v to_o see_v most_o christian_n in_o this_o present_a age_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n persecute_v each_o other_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n how_o be_v we_o degenerate_v from_o the_o primitive_a believer_n who_o will_v rather_o have_v give_v their_o own_o life_n to_o persuade_v their_o enemy_n to_o piety_n than_o seek_v to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o their_o brethren_n to_o force_v they_o to_o hypocrisy_n yet_o have_v it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o our_o day_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v to_o infuse_v the_o like_a tenderness_n into_o the_o breast_n of_o many_o conscientious_a and_o godly-minded_a people_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o see_v the_o deformity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o cruel_a maxim_n that_o preach_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o the_o least_o difference_n in_o belief_n cease_v not_o to_o pray_v unto_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o solicit_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o a_o impartial_a freedom_n and_o absolute_a incoercency_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v firm_o and_o irrevocable_o establish_v for_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o encouragement_n of_o which_o holy_a design_n weave_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o for_o determent_n of_o those_o tempestuous_a spirit_n that_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n strive_v to_o storm_v man_n conscience_n i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o short_a discourse_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o conscience-persecution_n among_o christian_n be_v clear_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o principle_n demonstrative_a reason_n against_o force_v of_o conscience_n 1_o since_o we_o have_v so_o happy_o shake_v off_o that_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o popish_a infallibility_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o be_v become_v to_o we_o not_o only_o tyrannical_a but_o absurd_a to_o compel_v other_o to_o a_o way_n that_o ourselves_o confess_v may_v possible_o be_v erroneous_a we_o see_v one_o parliament_n repeal_v those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o a_o former_a enact_v that_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o last_o age_n introduce_v be_v now_o general_o explode_v nay_o the_o very_a last_o reformation_n settle_v with_o so_o solemn_a a_o covenant_n and_o carry_v on_o with_o so_o furious_a a_o zeal_n be_v already_o by_o better_a light_n discover_v to_o be_v mere_o human_a and_o therefore_o deserve_o lay_v aside_o the_o late_a synod_n confession_n of_o faith_n hatch_v by_o so_o many_o year_n sit_v be_v now_o learned_o examine_v and_o indeed_o for_o a_o great_a part_n solid_o confute_v by_o mr._n w._n parker_n and_o other_o learned_a person_n in_o print_n how_o preposterous_a be_v it_o then_o to_o constrain_v a_o soul_n not_o only_o to_o forsake_v his_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v truth_n but_o drive_v he_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n to_o a_o way_n that_o may_v be_v error_n 2_o since_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o no_o human_a authority_n so_o high_o empower_v as_o to_o bind_v up_o our_o assent_n to_o whatsoever_o interpretation_n it_o shall_v please_v propose_v it_o clear_o follow_v that_o as_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v equal_a interest_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o their_o father_n so_o no_o one_o among_o they_o have_v any_o right_a to_o impose_v a_o force_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brother_n one_o hold_v baptism_n of_o child_n to_o be_v necessary_a another_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a a_o three_o deny_v both_o these_o opinion_n admit_v well_o that_o it_o may_v but_o not_o that_o it_o must_v be_v do_v they_o confer_v text_n look_v into_o original_a tongue_n pray_v incessant_o to_o god_n and_o profess_v solemn_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n yet_o after_o all_o their_o diligence_n and_o devotion_n steadfast_o remain_v in_o their_o former_a persuasion_n true_o for_o my_o part_n he_o that_o shall_v advise_v persecution_n in_o such_o a_o case_n unless_o his_o fire_n bring_v light_n too_o with_o it_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n will_v scarce_o satisfy_v my_o suspicion_n that_o his_o coal_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o infernal_a pit_n 3_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n that_o encounter_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o truth_n for_o strait_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o path_n and_o withal_o consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o our_o sight_n for_o here_o we_o see_v but_o in_o part_n and_o understand_v but_o in_o part_n there_o will_v appear_v more_o reason_n to_o endeavour_v the_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o support_n than_o malicious_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n one_o of_o another_o however_o since_o all_o have_v neither_o equal_a depth_n of_o natural_a judgement_n nor_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n but_o the_o spirit_n blow_v how_o and_o where_o it_o please_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attempt_v so_o high_a a_o presumption_n as_o to_o despise_v or_o persecute_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o innocent_a and_o blameless_a mistake_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n who_o be_v the_o free_a disposer_n of_o his_o gift_n we_o know_v the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o ier._n 10._o 23._o but_o his_o step_n be_v rule_v by_o the_o lord_n pro._n 20._o 24._o and_o therefore_o certain_o do_v we_o bear_v a_o due_a respect_n to_o god_n we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o wait_v his_o leisure_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o by_o his_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 15._o if_o any_o man_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v in_o time_n reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o he_o let_v we_o therefore_o entertain_v such_o a_o one_o who_o proceed_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o milk_n till_o he_o grow_v strong_a to_o digest_v strong_a meat_n 4_o all_o compulsion_n upon_o the_o conscience_n return_v we_o flat_o to_o our_o old_a slavery_n under_o the_o prelate_n nay_o more_o to_o the_o implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o papist_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o we_o be_v worse_o than_o either_o because_o our_o conscience_n accuse_v we_o of_o do_v that_o which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o for_o whatsoever_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o swear_v or_o profess_v more_o than_o i_o be_o convince_v of_o proceed_v from_o as_o great_a a_o tyranny_n as_o the_o high-commission_n and_o be_v as_o blind_v a_o assent_n as_o can_v be_v match_v in_o the_o gross_a popery_n and_o dare_v we_o think_v that_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o judge_v in_o other_o we_o shall_v escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 3._o 5_o force_n be_v punishment_n and_o consequent_o not_o just_a unless_o the_o offence_n be_v voluntary_a but_o he_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n be_v necessitate_v to_o that_o belief_n and_o to_o compel_v he_o against_o it_o be_v to_o drive_v he_o to_o renounce_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n his_o reason_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 1._o john_n 4._o 1._o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o faculty_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o judge_v for_o herself_o why_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v best_a if_o after_o our_o most_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a election_n we_o shall_v be_v whip_v out_o of_o our_o conscience_n by_o penalty_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v we_o preach_v poor_a soul_n into_o just_a so_o much_o liberty_n of_o scripture_n as_o may_v beget_v their_o torture_n and_o not_o permit_v they_o to_o rest_v where_o they_o find_v satisfaction_n either_o prohibit_v to_o search_v at_o all_o or_o leave_v we_o sensible_a of_o some_o
benefit_n by_o teach_v to_o believe_v what_o appear_v untrue_a seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a to_o profess_v what_o we_o believe_v untrue_a i_o be_o sure_o be_v damnable_a 6._o as_o it_o be_v certain_a whosoever_o swerve_v from_o the_o dictate_n of_o his_o conscience_n commit_v a_o grievous_a sin_n rom._n 14._o so_o without_o question_n they_o that_o endeavour_n by_o force_n or_o artifice_n to_o draw_v any_o man_n to_o profess_v or_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o his_o foul_a believe_v be_v as_o deep_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n when_o you_o wound_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o your_o brethren_n you_o sin_n against_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 12._o how_o dangerous_o then_o do_v they_o expose_v themâ—elves_n to_o the_o just_a indignation_n of_o god_n who_o by_o oath_n imprisonment_n forfeiture_n etc._n etc._n both_o drive_v other_o and_o fall_v themselves_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n how_o desperate_o do_v they_o attempt_v to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o 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condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v that_o be_v who_o conscience_n inward_o accuse_v not_o his_o outward_a profession_n the_o same_o most_o zealous_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n return_v so_o condescend_v and_o moderate_a a_o answer_n to_o a_o case_n of_o a_o far_o hard_a sound_n than_o we_o undertake_v to_o maintain_v that_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v he_o take_v his_o gentle_a pen_n from_o the_o soft_a wing_n of_o the_o dove_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 12._o etc._n etc._n if_o any_o brother_n have_v a_o wife_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o she_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v with_o he_o let_v he_o not_o put_v she_o away_o and_o the_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o husband_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v with_o she_o let_v she_o not_o leave_v he_o but_o if_o the_o unbelieving_a depart_v let_v he_o depart_v a_o brother_n or_o a_o sister_n be_v not_o in_o bondage_n in_o such_o case_n but_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o peace_n for_o what_o know_v 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and_o teach_v not_o compel_v and_o if_o any_o one_o receive_v you_o not_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o your_o foot_n not_o trample_v upon_o they_o as_o dust_n under_o foot_n mat._n 10._o 14._o constaut_n to_o which_o doctrine_n of_o meekness_n our_o saviour_n thus_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n mat._n 23._o 9_o be_v not_o call_v rabbi_n that_o be_v master_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n to_o this_o belong_v the_o patient_a forbear_v the_o tare_n and_o let_v they_o grow_v together_o with_o the_o wheat_n till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n as_o also_o that_o admirable_a precedent_n of_o mildness_n towards_o the_o samaritan_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v even_o christ_n himself_o whereupon_o the_o disciple_n james_n and_o john_n will_v immediate_o command_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v they_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n but_o our_o merciful_a lord_n rebuke_v their_o zeal_n with_o this_o sweet_a and_o tender_a reply_n you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o luk._n 9_o 54._o which_o one_o example_n abundant_o satisfy_v all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o elias_n jehu_n the_o son_n of_o levi_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o as_o they_o have_v a_o express_a command_n from_o god_n to_o warrant_v their_o zeal_n we_o have_v a_o express_a warrant_n from_o christ_n to_o command_v we_o meekness_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v shuffle_v in_o a_o suspicion_n that_o this_o moderate_a temper_n be_v mean_v only_o for_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o temporal_a power_n let_v he_o first_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n and_o then_o show_v a_o warrant_n dormant_a under_o our_o saviour_n hand_n that_o be_v in_o his_o gospel_n to_o commissionate_v his_o disciple_n as_o 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their_o country_n by_o treat_v they_o at_o least_o merciful_o in_o it_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a try_v all_o of_o their_o fidelity_n i_o do_v not_o know_v one_o example_n where_o to_o a_o prince_n or_o state_n that_o use_v they_o well_o they_o have_v show_v themselves_o ungrateful_a and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o love_v his_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o those_o that_o persecute_v he_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o the_o most_o sincere_a professor_n of_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o find_v difficulty_n enough_o to_o observe_v it_o even_o protestant_n as_o well_o as_o papist_n know_v how_o to_o fall_v out_o with_o those_o magistrate_n that_o oppress_v they_o else_o how_o shall_v we_o excuse_v the_o civil_a war_n of_o france_n germany_n holland_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o have_v not_o recourse_n to_o the_o harsh_a usage_n of_o their_o superior_n nor_o need_v we_o seek_v the_o reason_n of_o these_o disorder_n among_o the_o article_n of_o any_o party_n religion_n when_o by_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n not_o only_o man_n but_o even_o the_o most_o trivial_a creature_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n attend_v with_o diligence_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o of_o itself_o who_o can_v blame_v the_o humble_a worm_n that_o whilst_o we_o walk_v fair_o by_o it_o prostrate_v itself_o before_o we_o and_o low_o creep_v upon_o the_o ground_n if_o when_o we_o tread_v upon_o it_o it_o lift_v his_o head_n and_o strive_v to_o wring_v itself_o from_o under_o our_o cruel_a foot_n notable_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o old_a example_n of_o the_o privernates_n a_o ancient_a people_n of_o italy_n who_o have_v rebel_v against_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v almost_o quite_o reduce_v by_o force_n of_o arm_n they_o dispatch_v their_o ambassador_n for_o term_n of_o peace_n the_o senate_n stern_o ask_v they_o what_o new_a peace_n they_o can_v expect_v who_o have_v so_o insolent_o infringe_v the_o old_a to_o which_o they_o stout_o answer_v we_o must_v now_o take_v such_o condition_n as_o you_o please_v to_o give_v if_o they_o be_v moderate_a you_o shall_v find_v we_o faithful_a fâ—too_o heavy_a we_o shall_v observe_v they_o only_o till_o we_o may_v safe_o break_v they_o which_o free_a and_o generous_a expression_n induce_v that_o wise_a senate_n to_o assign_v they_o their_o own_o demand_n this_o so_o full_a and_o pregnant_a instance_n i_o humble_o offer_v as_o most_o worthy_a the_o imitation_n of_o our_o english_a senate_n that_o even_o to_o recusant_n who_o engage_v to_o live_v innocent_o and_o quiet_o among_o we_o such_o reasonable_a condition_n of_o subsistence_n may_v be_v allow_v since_o they_o be_v equal_o with_o ourselves_o bear_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o their_o conscience_n be_v not_o violate_v their_o spirit_n inbitter_v nor_o human_a infirmity_n tempt_v to_o despair_n let_v we_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o come_v to_o our_o meeting_n and_o free_o propose_v their_o difficulty_n which_o now_o they_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o discover_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o estate_n let_v we_o use_v the_o same_o gentleness_n here_o in_o england_n that_o his_o excellency_n the_o lord_n general_n practice_n in_o scotland_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v not_o only_o otherwise_o mind_v in_o religion_n but_o contrary_a mind_v in_o civil_a concernment_n and_o actual_a in_o arm_n to_o maintain_v their_o opposition_n he_o invite_v they_o to_o conference_n and_o himself_o with_o admirable_a temper_n and_o moderation_n manage_n the_o discourse_n allow_v free_a liberty_n of_o reply_n to_o the_o adverse_a party_n without_o passion_n bitterness_n or_o threaten_v and_o though_o he_o find_v not_o the_o event_n answerable_a to_o his_o endeavour_n remain_v at_o least_o satisfy_v in_o his_o conscience_n by_o have_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n and_o who_o can_v we_o better_o imitate_v than_o so_o great_a a_o instrument_n of_o the_o liberty_n we_o all_o enjoy_v or_o wherein_o can_v we_o follow_v he_o with_o so_o much_o praise_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n as_o in_o the_o mildness_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o conquer_v more_o powerful_o than_o by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o sword_n have_v not_o the_o papist_n understanding_n as_o well_o as_o we_o which_o our_o argument_n may_v rectify_v have_v they_o not_o soul_n to_o save_v which_o our_o charity_n may_v gain_v to_o heaven_n why_o do_v we_o not_o erect_v a_o committee_n to_o purchase_v soul_n as_o we_o have_v contractor_n to_o sell_v land_n why_o be_v there_o not_o establish_v a_o committee_n of_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o indemnity_n where_o the_o question_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v free_o discuss_v and_o the_o distress_n of_o a_o tender_a and_o innocent_a conscience_n impartial_o relieve_v if_o man_n deal_v mild_o and_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n way_n of_o persuasion_n sure_o there_o will_v in_o time_n grow_v society_n commerce_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o so_o frequent_a opportunity_n of_o clear_a information_n when_o once_o all_o jealousy_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o one_o another_o shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n will_v soon_o be_v reconcile_v if_o not_o to_o a_o absolute_a and_o precise_a unity_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o a_o bless_a union_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n oh_o how_o much_o better_a and_o more_o admirable_o divine_a be_v the_o gentle_a method_n of_o the_o christian_a how_o to_o propagate_v itself_o in_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o unnatural_a turkish_a cruelty_n of_o take_v child_n from_o their_o parent_n or_o the_o unworthy_a machiavilian_a policy_n of_o take_v the_o inheritance_n from_o the_o child_n or_o last_o which_o be_v worse_a than_o either_o the_o barbarous_a hethenish_a tyranny_n of_o shed_v of_o blood_n and_o tear_v limb_n from_o limb_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v i_o find_v any_o satisfaction_n in_o that_o shuffle_n and_o hypocritical_a distinction_n invent_v by_o the_o lawyer_n to_o deceive_v the_o common_a people_n who_o simplicity_n and_o innocency_n they_o easy_o beguile_v by_o pretend_v that_o none_o be_v execute_v for_o religion_n but_o for_o offend_v against_o the_o law_n what_o can_v be_v more_o palpable_o false_a or_o devilish_o malicious_a than_o this_o who_o do_v not_o see_v but_o by_o this_o rule_n those_o bloody_a tyrant_n nero_n dioclesian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ten_o infamous_a persecutor_n must_v be_v canonize_v for_o good_a and_o conscientious_a justicer_n because_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o law_n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o by_o this_o rule_n those_o glorious_a martyr_n who_o water_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o their_o precious_a blood_n must_v be_v account_v traitor_n because_o they_o suffer_v according_a to_o law_n nay_o even_o the_o curse_a jew_n who_o crucify_v our_o bless_a saviour_n impious_o allege_v the_o selfsame_a reason_n for_o themselves_o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o that_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v ioh._n 19_o 7._o nor_o can_v i_o forbear_v to_o confess_v how_o extreme_o unwelcome_a that_o scurvy_a news_n be_v to_o i_o of_o one_o wright_n a_o jesuit_n be_v draw_v to_o tyburn_n as_o a_o traitor_n upon_o a_o hurdle_n for_o his_o religion_n on_o the_o 19_o of_o may_n 1651._o because_o i_o have_v so_o often_o commend_v the_o moderation_n of_o the_o present_a authority_n as_o have_v never_o spill_v one_o drop_n of_o blood_n for_o religion_n and_o though_o the_o sequestration_n of_o all_o peaceable_a recusant_n be_v flat_o against_o our_o maxim_n yet_o the_o press_a necessity_n of_o the_o state_n and_o their_o purpose_n which_o i_o always_o believe_v of_o take_v away_o all_o penalty_n upon_o the_o conscience_n after_o a_o short_a time_n when_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v a_o little_a better_o settle_v exceed_o qualify_v the_o harshness_n of_o those_o pecuniary_a severity_n but_o now_o with_o grief_n i_o must_v lay_v down_o my_o arm_n and_o with_o shame_n revoke_v all_o my_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o use_v to_o lessen_v the_o injustice_n of_o our_o sequester_n for_o conscience_n and_o pacify_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o welaffected_a and_o religious_a person_n who_o high_o dislike_v even_o that_o soul-money_n as_o king_n james_n use_v to_o call_v it_o wherein_o as_o i_o have_v have_v no_o small_a success_n so_o now_o i_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n endeavour_v any_o more_o lest_o i_o shall_v cooperate_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n sequestration_n i_o confess_v do_v shrewd_o crack_v but_o this_o kill_v have_v break_v quite_o in_o piece_n all_o our_o principle_n against_o what_o have_v we_o principal_o fight_v all_o this_o while_n but_o coercency_n in_o religion_n for_o what_o have_v we_o make_v so_o many_o tedious_a march_n and_o declaration_n but_o liberty_n