bestir_v themselves_o so_o active_o to_o multiply_v they_o and_o to_o be_v encourage_v in_o so_o do_v and_o if_o such_o a_o toleration_n have_v produce_v sad_a fruit_n even_o in_o church_n where_o religion_n be_v not_o settle_v how_o much_o more_o abominable_a be_v it_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o this_o church_n which_o in_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n be_v settle_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n to_o the_o preservation_n whereof_o both_o nation_n be_v engage_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n this_o certain_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o pluck_v up_o the_o hedge_n plant_v by_o god_n about_o his_o vineyard_n and_o to_o open_v a_o door_n to_o the_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a under_o pretence_n of_o new_a light_n public_o to_o avow_v their_o contempt_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o grief_n and_o sadden_v of_o all_o the_o true_o godly_a it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o possible_a in_o this_o brief_a testimony_n to_o descend_v particular_o into_o this_o controversy_n or_o to_o condescend_v upon_o the_o many_o qualification_n necessary_a for_o the_o right_n state_v thereof_o or_o to_o propound_v and_o vindicate_v the_o argument_n confirm_v the_o truth_n these_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o learned_a write_n of_o other_o before_o we_o to_o be_v peruse_v by_o all_o who_o desire_n satisfaction_n and_o these_o petitioner_n have_v save_v we_o a_o labour_n in_o propound_v their_o desire_n in_o so_o large_a term_n that_o they_o seclude_v nothing_o that_o beat_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n except_o only_o the_o name_n of_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n nor_o will_v it_o suffice_v they_o that_o any_o shall_v plead_v for_o a_o permission_n or_o forbearance_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v encourage_v and_o countenance_v also_o therefore_o we_o shall_v only_o give_v a_o brief_a hint_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o ground_n in_o this_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o a_o odium_fw-la be_v cast_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n establish_v in_o this_o church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v full_a of_o rigidity_n and_o tyrannical_o execute_v by_o we_o against_o all_o who_o dissent_v from_o we_o but_o as_o we_o have_v be_v very_o spare_v to_o censure_v any_o who_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n so_o the_o world_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o these_o who_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v censure_v will_v bear_v witness_n for_o we_o that_o these_o censure_n have_v be_v draw_v forth_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o long-suffering_a after_o the_o use_n of_o all_o previous_a mean_n enjoin_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o as_o to_o our_o principle_n we_o profess_v we_o be_v very_o far_o from_o that_o rigour_n which_o some_o will_v charge_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o lesser_a difference_n shall_v bring_v man_n present_o under_o the_o lash_n either_o of_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a censure_n and_o that_o no_o difference_n of_o opinion_n can_v be_v suffer_v by_o we_o we_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o many_o thing_n of_o common_a practice_n in_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n by_o accommodation_n though_o difference_n of_o judgement_n remain_v about_o the_o thing_n themselves_o we_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o man_n opinion_n do_v not_o fall_v under_o this_o question_n so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o spread_v and_o divulge_v they_o to_o infect_v other_o nor_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v they_o by_o schismatical_a and_o scandalous_a way_n we_o be_v also_o convince_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o of_o alike_a weight_n and_o importance_n so_o that_o man_n must_v either_o renounce_v their_o opinion_n or_o else_o incur_v censure_n or_o be_v deny_v protection_n we_o do_v ready_o yield_v that_o as_o we_o all_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n so_o man_n in_o a_o church_n may_v compose_v debate_n by_o put_v a_o end_n to_o contention_n though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o judgement_n and_o herein_o we_o judge_v the_o apostle_n have_v set_v the_o rule_n before_o we_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o we_o yield_v also_o that_o as_o severe_a censure_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o every_o offence_n so_o a_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o active_a seducer_n and_o they_o who_o in_o simplicity_n be_v mislead_v but_o judge_v it_o needless_a in_o deal_v with_o these_o petitioner_n to_o dip_v any_o further_a in_o this_o business_n this_o we_o hold_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o church-judicatories_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o connive_v at_o or_o encourage_v that_o they_o ought_v in_o their_o respective_a place_n and_o with_o that_o prudence_n and_o meekness_n that_o become_v endeavour_v to_o restrain_v such_o gross_a and_o damnable_a error_n as_o be_v already_o vent_v by_o some_o of_o these_o petitioner_n and_o may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o general_a term_n of_o their_o desire_n and_o the_o promoter_n thereof_o and_o thawhether_o they_o err_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o stan_n ding_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n upon_o which_o truth_n hang_v and_o which_o be_v overturn_v expose_v the_o truth_n to_o hazard_v that_o this_o duty_n be_v incumbent_n to_o every_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o her_o own_o member_n be_v most_o clear_o assert_v in_o scripture_n where_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o heretic_n their_o rejection_n and_o excommunication_n be_v recommend_v by_o precept_n and_o example_n tit._n 1.10_o 11._o and_o 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o we_o find_v church_n censure_v by_o christ_n himself_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n against_o false_a teacher_n rev._n 2.14_o 20._o and_o other_o commend_v for_o their_o zeal_n in_o this_o particular_a though_o find_v faulty_a in_o other_o thing_n rev._n 2.2_o 4._o and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o church_n within_o these_o nation_n though_o of_o a_o different_a constitution_n and_o government_n from_o we_o who_o do_v not_o claim_v and_o exercise_v a_o power_n of_o discipline_n over_o their_o own_o member_n we_o see_v not_o how_o the_o like_a liberty_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o this_o church_n over_o her_o own_o member_n when_o they_o make_v defection_n from_o she_o as_o for_o civil_a power_n we_o be_v sorry_a to_o find_v that_o however_o the_o scripture_n promise_v they_o as_o nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o many_o now_o will_v turn_v they_o mere_a spectator_n of_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n so_o long_o as_o their_o civil_a peace_n be_v not_o disturb_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v gallio_n to_o care_n for_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n and_o as_o if_o equal_a protection_n and_o encouragement_n of_o error_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n which_o history_n record_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a engine_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n for_o overthrow_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o principle_n this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o most_o refine_a nation_n none_o of_o which_o will_v admit_v innovation_n in_o religion_n though_o some_o do_v otherwise_o upon_o politic_a consideration_n make_v religion_n a_o slave_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o though_o they_o err_v in_o the_o application_n yet_o in_o that_o and_o the_o like_a general_a principle_n the_o lord_n lead_v they_o as_o witness_n against_o his_o people_n in_o their_o way_n of_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n jer._n 2.10_o 11._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v express_o contrary_a to_o this_o toleration_n be_v we_o suppose_v deny_v by_o none_o and_o yet_o the_o most_o of_o these_o plea_n now_o urge_v for_o it_o take_v from_o the_o fallibility_n of_o man_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o as_o great_a force_n then_o as_o now_o nor_o will_v they_o persuade_v conscientious_a man_n that_o these_o do_v not_o oblige_v we_o now_o till_o they_o make_v it_o out_o that_o moral_a transgression_n such_o as_o these_o be_v punishable_a then_o by_o god_n command_n must_v have_v a_o law_n of_o immunity_n and_o encouragement_n now_o and_o that_o what_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o four_o command_n be_v not_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a that_o parent_n and_o master_n in_o their_o family_n and_o magistrate_n within_o their_o gate_n shall_v see_v to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n public_o perform_v on_o that_o day_n and_o this_o we_o conceive_v do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o strong_o conclude_v that_o we_o find_v law_n and_o practice_n for_o this_o before_o the_o judicial_a law_n be_v publish_v not_o only_o abraham_n command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o keep_v
of_o this_o church_n but_o gross_a error_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_n that_o the_o godly_a in_o this_o life_n be_v without_o sin_n that_o the_o light_n whereby_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v enlighten_v be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o a_o perfect_a light_n sufficient_a to_o save_v they_o who_o will_v follow_v it_o yea_o christ_n himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a man_n duty_n to_o pray_v that_o man_n be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n to_o say_v god_n command_v man_n that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n these_o and_o diverse_a other_o gross_a error_n about_o election_n and_o reprobation_n universal_a redemption_n etc._n etc._n publish_v by_o some_o of_o the_o petitioner_n do_v abundant_o clear_v what_o a_o deluge_n of_o abomination_n they_o plead_v to_o be_v secure_v in_o and_o albeit_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o convey_v their_o design_n more_o close_o in_o their_o petition_n yet_o their_o agent_n have_v speak_v their_o mind_n more_o full_o in_o their_o proviso_n wherein_o they_o crave_v that_o none_o dissent_v from_o the_o nationall_n profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o church-discipline_n here_o establish_v be_v debar_v or_o molest_v but_o enjoy_v equal_a protection_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o church-profession_n provide_v they_o profess_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n to_o colour_v any_o licention_n practice_n and_o it_o be_v not_o extend_v to_o popery_n or_o prelacy_n and_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o any_o law_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o toleration_n as_o large_a as_o any_o that_o ever_o have_v be_v pleaded-for_a by_o the_o wild_a of_o heretic_n and_o very_o far_o from_o that_o modesty_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o any_o judicious_a and_o sober_a man_n though_o otherwise_o incline_v to_o moderation_n in_o some_o difference_n hereby_o they_o will_v cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o coercive_a power_n or_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n either_o by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o by_o the_o church_n and_o be_v not_o content_a to_o be_v secure_v against_o any_o civil_a restraint_n to_o be_v lay_v on_o unless_o also_o all_o civil_a sanction_n establish_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v abrogate_a or_o make_v void_a they_o do_v not_o content_v themselves_o to_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o matter_n of_o church-constitution_n and_o government_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n also_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o latitude_n that_o if_o they_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n they_o must_v go_v free_a and_o what_o heretic_n how_o vile_a soever_o will_v not_o profess_v so_o much_o if_o they_o turn_v not_o heathen_n turk_n or_o jew_n all_o these_o other_o caution_n wherewith_o former_a concession_n of_o liberty_n to_o dissenter_n be_v guard_v as_o that_o they_o must_v profess_v faith_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o publish_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n that_o they_o revile_v not_o the_o ministry_n or_o their_o assembly_n nor_o disturb_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o be_v here_o pass_v over_o in_o a_o general_a of_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v free_a of_o licentious_a practice_n and_o we_o may_v very_o just_o inquire_v of_o they_o upon_o their_o principle_n why_o they_o will_v seclude_v popery_n and_o prelacy_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o not_o only_o consider_v how_o the_o very_a body_n of_o popish_a doctrine_n may_v consist_v with_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n aswell_o as_o other_o damnable_a error_n and_o learned_a man_n before_o we_o have_v demonstrate_v what_o a_o progress_n popish_a opinion_n have_v already_o make_v under_o the_o colour_n of_o new_a light_n if_o not_o also_o by_o popish_a emissary_n their_o insinuate_a themselves_o among_o several_a sect_n for_o that_o effect_n but_o we_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o argument_n they_o can_v bring_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o seclude_v those_o as_o corrupt_a opinion_n and_o religion_n which_o will_v not_o militate_v aswell_o against_o other_o error_n even_o own_v by_o some_o of_o they_o this_o also_o may_v further_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o these_o petitioner_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o desire_n that_o they_o be_v not_o content_v to_o plead_v for_o forbearance_n or_o protection_n only_o in_o their_o way_n but_o that_o they_o though_o never_o so_o erroneous_a enjoy_v equal_a encouragement_n with_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n a_o thing_n condemn_v even_o by_o those_o who_o yet_o in_o many_o case_n plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n and_o most_o unjust_a in_o itself_o that_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n shall_v not_o only_o extend_v pity_n to_o spare_v delude_v man_n but_o encourage_v and_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o pernicious_a way_n we_o can_v but_o be_v confident_a that_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o very_a discovery_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o this_o course_n will_v break_v the_o snare_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o give_v up_o to_o wantonness_n of_o mind_n for_o not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o be_v not_o drive_v design_n to_o root_v the_o true_a reform_a religion_n out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o indeed_o if_o man_n turn_v not_o sceptic_n and_o void_a of_o all_o religion_n but_o do_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v truth_n and_o error_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n and_o not_o to_o reel_v every_o day_n 2_o pet._n 1.12_o for_o how_o else_o can_v man_n either_o preach_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o truth_n or_o how_o can_v they_o die_v with_o comfort_n or_o suffer_v for_o any_o truth_n as_o not_o know_v but_o a_o new_a day_n may_v produce_v new_a light_n than_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v a_o iniquity_n to_o let_v man_n run_v loose_a to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o give_v no_o less_o encouragement_n to_o the_o gross_a of_o heretic_n than_o to_o the_o faithful_a friend_n of_o truth_n if_o heresy_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n no_o less_o than_o adultery_n murder_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o if_o erroneous_a doctrine_n be_v damnable_a in_o themselves_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o and_o no_o less_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o than_o a_o gangrene_n in_o any_o member_n be_v to_o the_o body_n 2_o tim._n 2.17_o 18._o and_o if_o seducer_n by_o these_o doctrine_n be_v no_o less_o dreadful_a to_o the_o church_n than_o grievous_a wolf_n be_v to_o flock_n act._n 20.29_o it_o must_v be_v great_a cruelty_n not_o only_o to_o suffer_v but_o to_o encourage_v such_o to_o run_v on_o to_o their_o own_o perdition_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o perdition_n of_o other_o provide_v they_o hold_v fast_o a_o general_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n if_o unity_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v a_o mean_a of_o establish_v and_o multiply_v the_o church_n as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n make_v clear_a who_o find_v the_o disciple_n trouble_v and_o their_o soul_n subvert_v with_o dispute_n and_o error_n brought-in_a among_o they_o act._n 15.24_o do_v establish_v they_o and_o contribute_v to_o their_o increase_n by_o their_o decree_n suppress_v the_o error_n act._n 16.4_o 5._o and_o if_o upon_o this_o account_n a_o ministry_n be_v appoint_v to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o eph._n 4.5_o 8_o 11._o with_o 12_o 13_o 14._o it_o must_v he_o a_o unquestionable_a cruelty_n to_o seek_v encouragement_n to_o set_v up_o that_o which_o can_v but_o retard_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o frustrate_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o people_n not_o only_o one_o heart_n but_o one_o way_n jer._n 32.39_o and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o lord_n but_o his_o name_n also_o or_o ordinance_n and_o way_n of_o profession_n shall_v be_v one_o zech._n 14.9_o and_o wherein_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o his_o people_n may_v be_v one_o as_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n joh._n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o they_o must_v be_v very_o sinful_o employ_v who_o in_o stead_n of_o mourn_v over_o or_o seek_v to_o repair_v the_o too_o many_o breach_n that_o already_o be_v or_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sad_a prejudices_fw-la redound_v thereby_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v
a_o testimony_n and_o warn_v of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n against_o a_o late_a petition_n tend_v in_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n thereof_o to_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o church_n octob._n 5._o anno_fw-la dom._n 1659._o print_a in_o the_o year_n 1659._o a_o testimony_n and_o warn_v of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n against_o a_o late_a petition_n tend_v in_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n thereof_o to_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o church_n october_n 5._o 1659._o it_o can_v but_o sad_o afflict_v all_o tender-hearted_a christian_n and_o lover_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v for_o diverse_a year_n set_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o ornament_n in_o majesty_n among_o we_o and_o afterward_o have_v set_v up_o his_o fire_n in_o zion_n and_o his_o furnace_n in_o jerusalem_n to_o take_v proof_n of_o our_o proficiency_n under_o his_o ordinance_n there_o shall_v so_o much_o dross_n and_o scum_n appear_v among_o we_o that_o our_o outward_a chastisement_n shall_v be_v attend_v with_o so_o many_o spiritual_a judgement_n and_o that_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o time_n have_v not_o only_o loose_v the_o reins_o to_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profanity_n in_o many_o and_o open_v the_o door_n to_o seducer_n from_o without_o to_o break-in_a upon_o this_o church_n but_o that_o even_o from_o among_o ourselves_o some_o have_v arisen_a speak_v perverse_a thing_n who_o have_v spit_v in_o their_o mother_n face_n in_o the_o day_n of_o rebuke_n and_o make_v defection_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o precious_a ordinance_n which_o she_o in_o mercy_n enjoy_v as_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a dispensation_n of_o god_n have_v breed_v we_o no_o small_a exercise_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n in_o our_o station_n so_o it_o can_v but_o augment_v our_o sorrow_n when_o we_o find_v that_o 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asleep_a in_o these_o time_n and_o who_o hand_n be_v not_o without_o cause_n suspect_v by_o the_o sober_a godly_a in_o these_o act_n to_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o we_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o people_n be_v so_o plague_v with_o atheism_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o reel_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n that_o they_o will_v prove_v as_o capable_a of_o a_o impression_n of_o heathenism_n as_o of_o christianity_n of_o these_o pernicious_a practice_n we_o have_v of_o late_o meet_v with_o a_o sad_a instance_n which_o call_v we_o forth_o to_o give_v our_o testimony_n at_o this_o time_n in_o that_o some_o upon_o design_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o have_v project_v and_o as_o we_o have_v the_o charity_n to_o believe_v ensnare_v other_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o a_o petition_n for_o make_v void_a and_o abolish_n all_o civil_a sanction_n establish_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o many_o prayer_n and_o sad_a suffering_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o this_o and_o former_a age_n that_o so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v a_o vast_a toleration_n and_o encouragement_n in_o embrace_v vile_a error_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o set_v off_o under_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o just_a liberty_n and_o gospel-priviledge_n this_o unnatural_a practice_n proceed_v from_o among_o ourselves_o and_o from_o some_o of_o these_o who_o once_o pretend_v to_o speak_v of_o a_o great_a blessedness_n in_o build_v up_o what_o now_o they_o will_v destroy_v and_o in_o enjoy_v what_o now_o they_o abominate_a though_o we_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o signify_v much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o who_o prosecute_v it_o with_o discern_a man_n who_o know_v they_o and_o who_o they_o grieve_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n we_o can_v very_o easy_o have_v pass_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o little_a moment_n yet_o we_o can_v not_o but_o tremble_v to_o find_v such_o a_o spirit_n among_o we_o and_o as_o we_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n in_o our_o station_n wherever_o any_o hazard_n to_o truth_n and_o religion_n appear_v in_o this_o church_n so_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o more_o near_o concern_v in_o this_o business_n see_v it_o be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o petition_n of_o some_o within_o our_o bound_n and_o charge_n and_o though_o we_o have_v hitherto_o content_v ourselves_o with_o bear_v testimony_n against_o their_o way_n in_o our_o ordinary_a ministry_n if_o peradventure_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n yet_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o uncessant_a activity_n of_o some_o of_o they_o to_o have_v their_o design_n effectuate_v we_o can_v not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o as_o have_v sufficient_o exoner_v ourselves_o to_o their_o conscience_n or_o do_v our_o duty_n to_o these_o of_o our_o respective_a charge_n without_o the_o superad_n of_o this_o joint_a testimony_n if_o we_o shall_v insist_v to_o descant_v upon_o the_o title_n and_o subscriber_n of_o that_o petition_n we_o may_v say_v many_o thing_n which_o neither_o will_v be_v pleasant_a to_o they_o to_o hear_v not_o have_v we_o any_o delight_n to_o rake_v into_o while_o they_o design_v themselves_o well_o affect_v person_n if_o they_o mean_v in_o reference_n to_o piety_n and_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v but_o little_a please_v if_o we_o shall_v give_v the_o true_a character_n of_o sundry_a of_o they_o who_o be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o within_o our_o bound_n what_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o turn_n of_o these_o late_a time_n and_o what_o they_o yet_o be_v this_o will_v we_o trust_v make_v our_o pain_n needless_a as_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o as_o it_o be_v know_v how_o the_o body_n of_o the_o true_o godly_a minister_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o land_n do_v abominate_a and_o mourn_v over_o their_o way_n however_o they_o have_v differ_v in_o other_o thing_n among_o themselves_o so_o we_o be_v confident_a wherever_o they_o be_v know_v their_o piety_n whatever_o it_o be_v will_v not_o be_v persuasive_a to_o commend_v this_o course_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o any_o discern_a godly_a man_n we_o wish_v they_o have_v give_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o tenderness_n and_o piety_n than_o to_o assert_v in_o that_o very_a title_n that_o they_o be_v person_n in_o and_o about_o edinburgh_n for_o unless_o they_o make_v most_o of_o the_o corner_n of_o this_o land_n to_o be_v in_o and_o about_o it_o this_o will_v be_v find_v a_o manifest_a untruth_n there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o of_o the_o name_n we_o have_v see_v at_o that_o petition_n within_o all_o our_o bound_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o gather_v in_o the_o country_n many_o mile_n from_o this_o place_n that_o which_o we_o think_v most_o strange_a in_o this_o conveyance_n be_v that_o diverse_a person_n profess_o opposite_a to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o quaker_n who_o principle_n and_o way_n have_v be_v already_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o world_n in_o their_o true_a colour_n yet_o do_v join_v with_o they_o in_o sign_v that_o petition_n to_o which_o the_o hand_n of_o most_o of_o that_o sect_n be_v gather_v through_o the_o country_n this_o as_o it_o give_v we_o cause_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v credible_o inform_v of_o their_o gather_a hand_n to_o several_a copy_n of_o that_o petition_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n some_o of_o the_o petitioner_n little_a know_v with_o who_o they_o join_v in_o it_o which_o at_o last_o they_o put_v together_o in_o one_o paper_n so_o it_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o a_o liberty_n the_o designer_n of_o that_o petition_n intend_v even_o no_o other_o than_o what_o will_v comprehend_v these_o quaker_n who_o join_v with_o they_o some_o of_o who_o have_v publish_v in_o print_n under_o their_o hand_n not_o only_o vile_a reproach_n against_o the_o ministry_n
the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18.19_o and_o jacob_n suppress_v false_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n gen._n 35.2_o 3_o 4._o but_o even_o in_o job_n time_n and_o country_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n that_o idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o adultery_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o magistrate_n job_n 31.9_o 10_o 11._o it_o be_v not_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o except_v that_o these_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v chief_o strike_v if_o not_o only_o against_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o blasphemy_n for_o neither_o do_v we_o urge_v that_o every_o error_n shall_v be_v punish_v nor_o do_v we_o know_v what_o height_n of_o blasphemy_n man_n may_v come_v unto_o as_o we_o see_v by_o too_o sad_a experience_n who_o yet_o may_v profess_v all_o that_o be_v requite_v by_o these_o petitioner_n in_o man_n to_o be_v encourage_v and_o withal_o we_o find_v godly_a king_n of_o judah_n have_v extend_v these_o law_n further_o than_o to_o such_o gross_a abomination_n for_o godly_a josiah_n do_v not_o only_o cut_v off_o the_o priest_n who_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n on_o the_o high_a place_n 2_o king_n 23.20_o but_o degrade_v these_o who_o sacrifice_v there_o even_o to_o the_o lord_n only_o 2_o king_n 23.8_o 9_o as_o these_o difference_n of_o high_a place_n may_v be_v further_o clear_v from_o 2_o chron._n 14.3_o 5._o with_o chap._n 15.17_o and_o chap._n 33.17_o as_o for_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n albeit_o magistrate_n be_v not_o christian_n when_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v yet_o we_o find_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o clear_v we_o yet_o further_o that_o these_o law_n give_v of_o old_a by_o god_n be_v still_o in_o force_n for_o it_o be_v fore-prophesied_n that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v destroy_v antichrist_n revel_v 17.16_o and_o why_o ought_v they_o not_o also_o suppress_v other_o error_n which_o be_v but_o limb_n of_o antichristian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o promoter_n thereof_o little_a antichrist_n 1_o job_n 2.18_o and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o time_n when_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v want_v it_o do_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o interpose_v in_o a_o more_o immediate_a way_n for_o punish_v obstinate_a offender_n whether_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n we_o find_v also_o that_o the_o magistrate_n power_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v give_v he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n rom._n 13.3_o 4._o now_o seduction_n be_v a_o evil_a deed_n 2_o job_n 10_o 11._o and_o the_o text_n speak_v indefinite_o of_o all_o such_o we_o will_v take_v heed_n of_o obtrude_a our_o distinction_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o as_o christian_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o this_o benefit_n by_o magistrate_n that_o they_o may_v live_v under_o they_o not_o only_o in_o all_o bonesty_n but_o in_o all_o godliness_n also_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o which_o can_v never_o be_v without_o soundness_n in_o doctrine_n and_o purity_n in_o worship_n and_o whereas_o some_o except_v that_o unbelief_n and_o covetousness_n be_v also_o evil_a deed_n and_o yet_o not_o punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n we_o grant_v that_o unbelief_n and_o covetousness_n in_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o cognosce_fw-la on_o simple_a opinion_n in_o the_o mind_n yet_o unbelief_n profess_v and_o propagate_v and_o covetousness_n put_v in_o practice_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o he_o we_o know_v this_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v traduce_v as_o a_o persecute_v of_o man_n for_o their_o conscience_n and_o a_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n purchase_v they_o by_o christ_n but_o as_o we_o disclaim_v trouble_v of_o man_n for_o the_o simple_a light_n of_o their_o conscience_n if_o it_o break_v not_o forth_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n so_o the_o scripture_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o persecution_n be_v only_o a_o put_v man_n to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n and_o not_o the_o restrain_v of_o abominable_a error_n and_o as_o we_o know_v man_n conscience_n be_v not_o their_o supreme_a rule_n nor_o lawless_a thing_n so_o liberty_n to_o err_v and_o seduce_v to_o vent_v lie_n and_o father_n they_o upon_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o liberty_n purchase_v to_o we_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o captivity_n and_o snare_n to_o be_v entangle_v therewith_o 2_o tim._n 2.25_o 26._o and_o chap._n 3.6_o 7._o and_o to_o be_v servant_n to_o corruption_n under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n 2_o pet._n 2.19_o yea_o to_o father_n this_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n favour_v rank_o of_o that_o old_a way_n of_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n we_o be_v not_o insensible_a how_o this_o truth_n of_o god_n have_v be_v abuse_v and_o put_v to_o the_o rack_n by_o antichrist_n and_o his_o follower_n to_o crush_v the_o professor_n of_o truth_n but_o we_o have_v learn_v that_o no_o truth_n though_o abuse_v must_v be_v cast_v away_o nor_o yet_o because_o truth_n be_v suppress_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v therefore_o error_n be_v spare_v by_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n we_o acknowledge_v also_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n if_o in_o sad_a time_n truth_n get_v be_v it_o but_o a_o toleration_n yet_o we_o can_v therefore_o allow_v that_o error_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o nor_o do_v we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o any_o convince_a argument_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o be_v ourselves_o at_o the_o like_a disadvantage_n with_o our_o profession_n we_o may_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n as_o other_o for_o we_o find_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o conveened_a before_o magistrate_n never_o make_v use_n of_o that_o defence_n that_o a_o toleration_n in_o religion_n be_v what_o it_o will_v be_v due_a from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o plead_v still_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o though_o paul_n be_v frequent_o under_o persecution_n yet_o we_o find_v he_o against_o toleration_n gal._n 5.11_o with_o 12._o nor_o be_v elijah_n the_o less_o zealous_a against_o false_a prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.40_o that_o there_o be_v a_o jezebel_n ready_a to_o persecute_v himself_o 1_o king_n 19.2_o and_o though_o we_o be_v encompass_v with_o infirmity_n yet_o in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v as_o paul_n do_v act._n 25.11_o that_o if_o we_o follow_v any_o error_n we_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v in_o it_o and_o shall_v count_v ourselves_o most_o unhappy_a if_o we_o be_v instrumental_a to_o propagate_v any_o error_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o overturn_v a_o bless_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o prosecution_n thereof_o have_v thus_o brief_o point_v at_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o course_n we_o do_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n warn_v all_o these_o especial_o within_o our_o charge_n who_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o consider_v from_o whence_o they_o have_v fall_v and_o 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