the_o constitution_n let_v we_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o word_n government_n confine_v only_o to_o the_o constitution_n there_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n in_o the_o state_n which_o be_v a_o legal_a monarchy_n and_o this_o indeed_o we_o be_v so_o far_o bind_v from_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v as_o that_o we_o think_v it_o be_v not_o alterable_a by_o the_o king_n himself_o and_o parliament_n because_o that_o supreme_a power_n for_o the_o administration_n must_v be_v suppose_v in_o all_o community_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o and_o hold_v by_o the_o constitution_n but_o as_o for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n we_o be_v to_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o constitution_n hereof_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o law_n of_o the_o administration_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o state_n and_o consequent_o when_o all_o law_n for_o the_o administration_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o regulation_n of_o parliament_n the_o great_a question_n will_v remain_v how_o those_o man_n who_o be_v presbyterian_a or_o independent_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o think_v episcopacy_n against_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v abridge_v the_o endeavour_n only_o aforementioned_a which_o consist_v but_o in_o choose_v representative_n and_o do_v no_o more_o than_o the_o consitution_n allow_v in_o order_n to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o what_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o in_o conscience_n both_o by_o oath_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o foundation_n liberty_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o ourselves_o with_o they_o here_o in_o danger_n judge_v you_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o what_o a_o anoint_a plot_n have_v we_o have_v here_o on_o the_o nation_n that_o allegiance_n in_o effect_n shall_v be_v swear_v to_o the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o king_n for_o the_o word_n then_o or_o form_n we_o wonder_v at_o this_o rigour_n in_o the_o compiler_n that_o a_o man_n must_v swear_v not_o to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n have_v it_o not_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v engage_v not_o to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o our_o government_n episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o monarchy_n in_o the_o state_n but_o must_v it_o be_v not_o any_o alteration_n it_o be_v well_o we_o be_v so_o absolute_o perfect_a and_o again_o must_v they_o not_o at_o any_o time_n endeavour_v any_o alteration_n what_o if_o time_n shall_v turn_v and_o we_o be_v in_o as_o great_a a_o confusion_n as_o we_o be_v or_o any_o the_o like_a chance_n or_o change_v come_v must_v these_o man_n be_v bind_v up_o that_o they_o can_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v back_o this_o government_n that_o we_o have_v no_o not_o the_o king_n and_o bishop_n if_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n shall_v put_v they_o out_o for_o they_o have_v swear_v they_o will_v not_o at_o any_o time_n endeavour_v any_o alteration_n in_o church_n or_o state_n sir_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o obligation_n be_v against_o the_o fundamental_a freedom_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o parliament_n and_o the_o word_n you_o see_v so_o ensnare_a and_o that_o against_o the_o duty_n all_o owe_v to_o the_o public_a good_a we_o offer_v it_o you_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o this_o last_o part_n be_v according_a to_o righteousness_n for_o the_o middle_a part_n of_o the_o oath_n here_o be_v a_o position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o the_o king_n authority_n against_o any_o commissionated_a by_o he_o which_o must_v be_v swear_v to_o as_o abhor_v and_o traitorous_a there_o be_v now_o a_o case_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o understand_a refuser_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n suppose_v some_o writ_n sue_v out_o and_o come_v to_o the_o sheriff_n hand_n and_o suppose_v some_o to_o oppose_v the_o execution_n by_o the_o king_n personal_a command_n or_o commission_n and_o he_o thereupon_o raise_v the_o posse_fw-la comitatus_fw-la upon_o they_o we_o will_v ask_v here_o whether_o the_o sheriff_n act_v not_o herein_o by_o the_o king_n authority_n we_o think_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o the_o king_n authority_n be_v all_o one_o as_o by_o the_o law_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n according_a to_o law_n and_o when_o he_o can_v act_v so_o against_o any_o for_o all_o their_o commission_n and_o the_o law_n will_v bear_v he_o out_o how_o be_v this_o position_n in_o this_o case_n traiterus_a and_o to_o be_v abhor_v for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v resolute_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o ever_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o parliament_n in_o this_o oath_n or_o the_o subscription_n as_o to_o the_o major_a part_n we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o advance_v the_o personal_a will_n or_o commission_n of_o the_o king_n above_o law_n which_o be_v to_o make_v his_o power_n despotical_a and_o not_o royal._n non_fw-fr est_fw-la rex_fw-la say_v bracton_n ubi_fw-la dominatur_fw-la voluntas_fw-la non_fw-la lex_fw-la he_o be_v no_o king_n that_o govern_v by_o his_o will_n and_o not_o by_o the_o law_n and_o how_o this_o position_n indefinite_o without_o exception_n of_o this_o case_n at_o least_o must_v be_v swear_v to_o as_o altogether_o traitorous_a we_o be_v to_o learn_v what_o if_o any_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o commission_n under_o the_o seal_n to_o raise_v money_n without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o commission_n shall_v seize_v our_o good_n rifle_v our_o house_n and_o ravish_v our_o wife_n may_v not_o the_o people_n or_o our_o inferior_a magistrate_n or_o the_o sheriff_n for_o the_o county_n withstand_v such_o violence_n may_v not_o the_o constable_n alone_o by_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o justice_n to_o keep_v the_o peace_n raise_v the_o neighbourhood_n and_o do_v it_o if_o he_o may_v or_o the_o sheriff_n may_v it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o by_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o be_v there_o some_o case_n or_o case_n where_o arm_n or_o force_n may_v be_v raise_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n against_o such_o as_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o though_o never_o against_o his_o own_o sacred_a person_n suppose_v again_o that_o papist_n or_o fanatic_n shall_v either_o by_o power_n or_o surprise_n at_o any_o time_n get_v the_o king_n into_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o duke_n of_o guise_n once_o deal_v with_o the_o french_a king_n and_o prevail_v with_o he_o for_o fear_n of_o his_o life_n to_o grant_v commission_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_v destructive_a to_o the_o church_n and_o state_n must_v the_o nation_n be_v remediless_a in_o this_o case_n and_o so_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n ruin_v by_o these_o commission_n nay_o what_o security_n have_v the_o nation_n that_o a_o lord_n keeper_n may_v not_o prove_v traitor_n to_o his_o king_n and_o country_n if_o we_o may_v suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n possible_a what_o if_o such_o a_o lord_n keeper_n shall_v under_o the_o broad_a seal_n grant_v commission_n to_o disband_v his_o majesty_n life_n guard_n deliver_v up_o the_o navy_n or_o seaport_n town_n seize_v the_o tower_n or_o place_n of_o strength_n in_o what_o a_o condition_n be_v the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n bring_v if_o the_o subject_n hand_n be_v bind_v up_o by_o a_o oath_n not_o to_o resist_v or_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o execution_n of_o such_o commission_n suppose_v but_o so_o long_o as_o till_o they_o understand_v his_o design_n for_o by_o that_o time_n the_o whole_a nation_n may_v be_v past_a recovery_n we_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o sense_n and_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o horror_n of_o those_o sad_a consequence_n into_o which_o the_o imposition_n of_o such_o like_a test_n or_o injunction_n as_o these_o if_o not_o timely_o retrench_v may_v lead_v our_o posterity_n the_o court_n of_o law_n can_v avoid_v the_o king_n charter_n or_o commission_n which_o be_v pass_v against_o law_n for_o the_o king_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o swear_v to_o maintain_v it_o say_v judge_n jenkins_n in_o his_o work_n p._n 48._o as_o for_o the_o form_n then_o of_o the_o word_n i_o abhor_v this_o traitorous_a position_n they_o be_v harsh_a the_o word_n abhor_v especial_o be_v a_o word_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n a_o cool_a word_n as_o i_o disow_v or_o disallow_v may_v have_v serve_v some_o of_o the_o more_o grave_a as_o calamy_n particular_o be_v much_o offend_v at_o that_o word_n a_o man_n may_v say_v a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a in_o his_o conscience_n when_o he_o can_v say_v according_a to_o truth_n i_o abhor_v it_o there_o be_v never_o a_o gentleman_n in_o the_o land_n but_o may_v swear_v true_o that_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o company_n with_o any_o other_o woman_n as_o his_o own_o wife_n but_o if_o each_o one_o be_v put_v to_o swear_v he_o abhor_v it_o we_o suppose_v some_o very_a good_a son_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o our_o brethren_n will_v be_v find_v willing_a to_o be_v nonconformist_n to_o such_o a_o oath_n well_o
up_o the_o dull_a mind_n of_o man_n to_o remembrance_n of_o his_o duty_n by_o some_o edify_a signification_n but_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o ceremony_n apply_v to_o child_n who_o be_v uncapable_a of_o have_v their_o mind_n stir_v up_o by_o any_o thing_n signify_v thereby_o it_o be_v manifest_o retain_v without_o their_o profit_n we_o will_v enforce_v the_o argument_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o we_o retain_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o other_o ceremony_n in_o popery_n which_o be_v leave_v may_v be_v readmit_v as_o we_o use_v the_o cross_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o child_n must_v fight_v manful_o under_o christ_n banner_n we_o may_v use_v the_o chrism_n wherein_o the_o cross_n be_v use_v to_o be_v make_v to_o signify_v the_o christian_n anoint_v to_o the_o combat_n and_o so_o forward_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v reply_v hereto_o in_o good_a earnest_n but_o that_o it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o church_n please_v to_o enjoin_v it_o so_o we_o may_v we_o urge_v consequent_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o the_o church_n have_v relinquish_v the_o chrism_n in_o baptism_n it_o may_v leave_v the_o cross_n also_o that_o be_v only_o if_o it_o please_v so_o to_o vote_n in_o a_o needful_a convocation_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v do_v so_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v but_o this_o only_a that_o as_o for_o all_o other_o ceremony_n enjoin_v the_o conformist_n may_v plead_v that_o they_o be_v but_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v proper_a authority_n to_o appoint_v what_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a but_o for_o any_o solemn_a entire_a rite_n which_o be_v no_o circumstance_n of_o the_o ordinance_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v append_v or_o any_o way_n in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a thereunto_o if_o this_o also_o be_v enjoin_v we_o shall_v have_v no_o bottom_n or_o bank_n set_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o ceremony_n how_o far_o this_o sea_n shall_v go_v and_o no_o far_a than_o so_o we_o will_v heap_v no_o more_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o they_o be_v infinite_a and_o it_o be_v some_o relief_n to_o our_o thought_n that_o the_o parliament_n we_o thank_v god_n do_v come_v to_o be_v a_o little_a sensible_a of_o it_o in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v near_o content_v one_o session_n to_o cashier_v this_o declaration_n quite_o there_o do_v remain_v now_o therefore_o the_o subscription_n and_o this_o question_n which_o will_v arise_v upon_o it_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o as_o good_a reason_n in_o regard_n to_o the_o most_o sober_a conscience_n to_o take_v away_o this_o subscripttion_n in_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n and_o the_o oath_n in_o the_o oxford_n ast_n as_o well_o as_o the_o declaration_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_v and_o here_o make_v first_o our_o humble_a protestation_n that_o we_o intend_v nothing_o hereby_o but_o loyal_o to_o the_o government_n we_o must_v present_v the_o sheet_n before_o mention_v to_o their_o renew_a consideration_n the_o subscription_n be_v this_o i_o a._n b._n do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o that_o i_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n or_o those_o commissionated_a by_o he_o and_o that_o i_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v and_o i_o do_v declare_v that_o i_o do_v hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n common_o call_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o realm_n against_o the_o know_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o oath_n this_o i_o a._n b._n do_v swear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o that_o i_o abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o such_o commission_n and_o that_o i_o will_v not_o at_o any_o time_n endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n in_o this_o oath_n and_o subscription_n we_o have_v the_o matter_n and_o the_o form_n of_o word_n that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o the_o composure_n the_o one_o whereof_o and_o the_o other_o in_o both_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o ensue_a exception_n which_o we_o desire_v may_v be_v take_v with_o candour_n in_o respect_n only_o to_o our_o design_n that_o be_v as_o argumentative_a for_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o injunction_n not_o as_o peremptory_o definitive_a of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o much_o less_o of_o other_o above_o our_o sphere_n in_o all_o the_o case_n contain_v in_o they_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o oath_n here_o be_v three_o part_n of_o it_o the_o first_o part_n appear_v not_o for_o we_o speak_v it_o humble_o only_a and_o argumentative_o consistent_a with_o judgement_n the_o second_o with_o truth_n nor_o the_o three_o with_o righteousness_n we_o will_v take_v up_o the_o last_o part_n first_o and_o i_o will_v not_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n there_o be_v no_o government_n on_o earth_n so_o perfect_a that_o it_o have_v need_v of_o law_n like_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n government_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o administration_n or_o the_o constitution_n the_o word_n government_n here_o be_v set_v down_o indefinite_o without_o distinction_n alteration_n of_o law_n and_o so_o government_n in_o the_o administration_n be_v as_o necessary_a many_o time_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n to_o the_o body_n politic_a as_o the_o fresh_a air_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a this_o oath_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o house_n to_o have_v be_v make_v common_a it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n righteous_a to_o have_v have_v that_o engagement_n lay_v on_o person_n in_o such_o a_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o righteous_a to_o have_v it_o lay_v on_o any_o that_o be_v freeholders_n and_o free_a subject_n as_o we_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nation_n as_o parliamentary_a be_v such_o that_o no_o law_n can_v be_v establish_v or_o repeal_v but_o it_o must_v pass_v the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a body_n do_v concur_v in_o their_o representative_n to_o every_o alteration_n of_o government_n or_o in_o the_o government_n that_o be_v make_v if_o it_o be_v legal_a and_o no_o house_n of_o commons_o be_v choose_v but_o by_o the_o people_n every_o englishman_n be_v inteâ—â—â—â—d_v to_o be_v there_o present_a either_o in_o person_n or_o by_o procuration_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v take_v to_o be_v every_o man_n consent_n say_v sir_n thomas_n smith_n de_fw-fr rep._n angl._n l._n 2._o c._n 2._o nay_o while_o the_o king_n consilio_fw-la &_o assensu_fw-la baronum_fw-la leges_fw-la olim_fw-la imposuit_fw-la universo_fw-it regno_fw-la by_o the_o counsel_n and_o assent_v of_o his_o baron_n do_v give_v law_n to_o his_o whole_a realm_n consentire_fw-la inferior_a cuique_fw-la visus_fw-la est_fw-la in_o persona_fw-la domini_fw-la svi_fw-la capitalis_fw-la prout_fw-la hodie_fw-la per_fw-la procuratores_fw-la comitatus_fw-la every_o inferior_a seem_v to_o consent_v in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o chief_a lord_n as_o now_o they_o do_v by_o their_o burgess_n and_o knight_n of_o the_o shire_n say_v sir_n henry_n spelman_n this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o in_o this_o sensâ—â—â—â—_n be_v that_o the_o law_n that_o pass_v be_v say_v to_o 〈◊〉_d quas_fw-la vulgus_fw-la elegerit_fw-la which_o the_o people_n sâ—â—ll_v choose_v now_o than_o if_o every_o free_a subject_n have_v a_o fundamental_a liberty_n to_o choose_v knight_n and_o burgess_n and_o according_o to_o inform_v they_o of_o their_o grievance_n and_o petition_v they_o for_o redress_v and_o in_o they_o as_o their_o representative_n do_v consent_n to_o the_o alteration_n of_o government_n and_o law_n if_o there_o be_v any_o as_o profitable_a to_o the_o nation_n how_o can_v such_o a_o oath_n be_v impose_v on_o he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n as_o this_o be_v be_v not_o choose_v burgess_n inform_v they_o petition_v they_o act_v and_o legal_o consent_v in_o they_o to_o that_o end_n a_o endeavour_n and_o that_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v in_o their_o place_n and_o call_v and_o no_o more_o than_o a_o endeavour_n in_o their_o place_n and_o call_v be_v challenge_v by_o any_o it_o be_v true_a the_o new_a law_n may_v be_v make_v and_o old_a repeal_v without_o alteration_n of_o the_o constitution_n but_o not_o without_o alteration_n of_o government_n because_o government_n take_v in_o both_o the_o administration_n and_o
the_o peaceable_a design_n be_v a_o modest_a account_n of_o the_o nonconformist's_a meeting_n with_o some_o of_o their_o reason_n for_o nonconformity_n and_o the_o way_n of_o accommodation_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n humble_o propose_v to_o public_a consideration_n by_o some_o minister_n of_o london_n against_o the_o sit_v of_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1675._o print_a in_o the_o year_n mdclxxv_o to_o the_o reader_n we_o humble_o judge_v our_o circumstance_n have_v make_v it_o something_o necessary_a to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o taste_n of_o some_o of_o those_o many_o reason_n which_o have_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o be_v averse_a to_o that_o conformity_n which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o by_o law_n which_o have_v it_o spring_v from_o any_o disloyal_a or_o rebellious_a principle_n can_v not_o have_v be_v consistent_a with_o that_o inward_a peace_n which_o we_o must_v judge_v our_o great_a concernment_n to_o be_v solicitous_a to_o maintain_v we_o hope_v save_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n the_o principle_n which_o be_v true_o we_o will_v urge_v we_o to_o be_v subject_a unto_o authority_n and_o we_o do_v here_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v our_o full_a persuasion_n that_o the_o power_n in_o be_v be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o shall_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n derogatory_n to_o their_o due_a honour_n rule_n and_o interest_n it_o will_v be_v wickedness_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o judge_n and_o introductive_a of_o our_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o damnation_n we_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o high_a charge_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o desire_v or_o design_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o tent_n of_o those_o who_o be_v incline_v or_o love_v to_o smite_v authority_n with_o either_o hand_n or_o tongue_n or_o to_o supplant_v the_o throne_n which_o god_n have_v honour_v and_o guard_v both_o by_o law_n and_o providence_n we_o can_v think_v the_o sword_n well_o place_v in_o peter_n hand_n nor_o that_o the_o tongue_n or_o heart_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v inflame_v with_o rage_n nor_o exercise_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a censoriousness_n of_o ruler_n action_n see_v we_o neither_o can_v nor_o be_v it_o fit_a we_o shall_v stand_v upon_o equal_a ground_n with_o they_o but_o we_o hope_v it_o can_v and_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o as_o our_o crime_n or_o as_o the_o production_n of_o insolence_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n wherein_o and_o how_o we_o be_v distress_v nor_o to_o make_v our_o modest_a offer_n and_o proposal_n and_o humble_a supplication_n as_o on_o the_o knee_n unto_o our_o ruler_n in_o who_o power_n god_n have_v place_v it_o to_o alleviate_v or_o remove_v our_o burden_n and_o it_o be_v their_o help_n and_o pity_n we_o earnest_o implore_v our_o perplexity_n be_v afflictive_a and_o our_o burden_n heavy_a on_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n we_o in_o part_n offer_v modest_o to_o our_o superior_n and_o as_o prostrate_a supplicant_n at_o their_o foot_n we_o crave_v their_o consideration_n of_o they_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v precious_a god_n honour_n be_v our_o undoubted_a interest_n and_o end_n our_o own_o liberty_n to_o preach_v christ_n not_o sedition_n treason_n or_o rebellion_n be_v dear_a and_o will_v be_v grateful_a to_o we_o and_o the_o character_n of_o our_o consecration_n to_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n engrave_v on_o we_o at_o our_o ordination_n we_o take_v to_o be_v indelible_a and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o all_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v own_o his_o charge_n upon_o we_o to_o be_v indispensible_a if_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v about_o impose_v term_n of_o this_o our_o ministerial_a liberty_n we_o crave_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o weighty_a case_n from_o our_o judicious_a learned_a and_o serious_a father_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o hope_v we_o be_v not_o too_o obstinate_a to_o receive_v convince_a evidence_n and_o information_n from_o they_o only_o when_o we_o have_v but_o name_v some_o thing_n as_o we_o pass_v which_o be_v of_o more_o general_a notice_n such_o as_o two_o of_o those_o three_o head_n lay_v down_o p._n 20_o 21._o we_o deplore_v a_o disquisition_n or_o satisfaction_n candid_o suitable_a to_o their_o importance_n and_o the_o volume_n of_o dispute_n that_o have_v be_v write_v and_o may_v be_v point_v to_o by_o we_o for_o enlargement_n we_o serious_o promise_v they_o a_o quick_a and_o full_a retreat_n from_o our_o mistake_n and_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o they_o when_o they_o offer_v what_o be_v true_o fit_a to_o satisfy_v our_o doubt_n about_o matter_n in_o dispute_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o we_o have_v long_o bear_v with_o patience_n many_o a_o smart_a reflection_n on_o we_o from_o both_o the_o press_n and_o pulpit_n together_o with_o all_o the_o severity_n to_o which_o we_o have_v be_v expose_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o law_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o we_o and_o yet_o resolve_v to_o use_v no_o other_o weapon_n than_o prayer_n and_o tear_n the_o ancient_a weapon_n of_o all_o afflict_a christian_n nor_o shall_v our_o mind_n be_v we_o trust_v at_o any_o time_n exasperate_v into_o illegal_a course_n for_o our_o own_o relief_n for_o such_o unwarrantable_a and_o just_o condemn_v principle_n we_o disow_v and_o we_o hope_v our_o peaceable_a principle_n temper_n and_o demeanour_n will_v not_o turn_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n we_o have_v here_o lay_v our_o case_n and_o reason_n a_o little_a open_a together_o with_o some_o proposal_n for_o a_o desire_a accommodation_n for_o our_o joint_a promotion_n of_o that_o work_n which_o be_v profess_v to_o be_v dear_a unto_o we_o all_o that_o so_o the_o prosperity_n and_o strength_n of_o church_n and_o state_n may_v be_v promote_v by_o we_o all_o without_o occasion_n of_o or_o inclination_n to_o those_o mutual_a animosity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o will_v become_v the_o sport_n and_o strength_n and_o great_a advantage_n of_o foreign_a and_o domestic_a enemy_n and_o our_o great_a shame_n and_o disadvantage_n here_o at_o home_n as_o to_o the_o material_n of_o this_o short_a treatise_n they_o have_v most_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o late_a author_n who_o spirit_n in_o all_o his_o write_n have_v breathe_v peace_n at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o that_o we_o think_v we_o may_v entitle_v he_o to_o the_o character_n which_o st._n paul_n once_o fix_v on_o timothy_n that_o he_o natural_o care_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o part_n especial_o which_o god_n have_v seat_v in_o these_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n we_o humble_o deprecate_v all_o man_n displeasure_n and_o crave_v the_o pardon_n of_o that_o excellent_a person_n who_o word_n and_o action_n seem_v weigh_v and_o govern_v still_o by_o his_o tender_a conscience_n that_o two_o or_o three_o of_o we_o have_v so_o bold_o and_o free_o use_v his_o write_n without_o engage_v his_o personal_a concernedness_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o these_o sheet_n wherein_o we_o do_v assure_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o have_v no_o hand_n as_o to_o the_o print_n or_o publication_n of_o they_o whatever_o other_o use_n be_v make_v of_o he_o as_o to_o his_o book_n and_o paper_n reader_n consider_v what_o be_v here_o offer_v to_o thy_o perusal_n and_o weigh_v the_o whole_a matter_n in_o a_o equal_a balance_n and_o pray_v with_o we_o that_o the_o entire_a interest_n of_o holiness_n truth_n and_o concord_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o promote_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o complete_a felicity_n and_o security_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n in_o these_o his_o dominion_n errata_fw-la pag._n 1._o l_o 7._o deal_n of_o 11._o l._n 14._o add_v only_o p._n 2._o l._n 5._o add_v our_o p._n 3._o l._n 24._o for_o the_o r._n that_o p._n 4._o l._n 11._o add_v lay_v l._n 12._o deal_n lay_v p._n 6._o l._n 6._o add_v of_o p._n 9_o l._n 4._o add_v schoolman_n p._n 12._o l._n 19_o for_o contain_v r._n contain_v p._n 16._o l._n 13._o for_o and_z r._n or_o p._n 26._o l._n ult_n add_v book_n p._n 30._o l._n 4._o for_o the_o r._n that_o p._n 32._o l._n 6._o add_v against_o his_o person_n p._n 35._o l._n 3._o for_o people_n r._n parliament_n p._n 46_o l._n 10._o for_o impurii_n r._n imperii_fw-la p._n 46._o l._n 14._o add_v strong_a p._n 46._o l._n 20._o for_o impurii_n r._n imperii_fw-la p._n 47._o l._n 16._o for_o dinguish_v r._n distinguish_v p._n 52._o l._n 18._o for_o sin_n r._n life_n p._n 53._o l_o 1._o add_v be_v p._n 61._o l._n 21._o for_o enfoy_v r._n enjoin_v p._n 65._o l._n 18._o add_v not_o l._n 19_o for_o case_n r._n ease_n p._n 66._o l._n 14._o for_o that_o r._n as_o l._n 15._o