and_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o i_o be_v now_o about_o to_o treat_v of_o viz._n concern_v the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o own_n and_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o quest_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o it_o appertain_v to_o my_o office_n to_o handle_v such_o point_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o this_o time_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o need_n of_o healing_n and_o settlement_n as_o the_o lord_n general_n do_v late_o plead_v and_o inculcate_v in_o the_o paint_a chamber_n consider_v also_o and_o experience_n prove_v it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o those_o for_o who_o it_o be_v prepare_v and_o beside_o other_o doctrine_n may_v have_v be_v send_v tend_v more_o to_o the_o use_n of_o edify_v answ_n i_o answer_v that_o great_a and_o exceed_o precious_a promise_n in_o jer._n 3._o will_v sufficient_o satisfy_v every_o honest_a heart_n where_o jehovah_n say_v 3.15_o jer._n 3.15_o and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a to_o mâ—ne_v own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n and_o with_o understanding_n namely_o 4.12_o eph._n 5.17_o colos_n 4.12_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v and_o that_o you_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n express_v it_o to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o colossian_n moreover_o 2.13_o rom._n 15.1_o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o heb._n 5.13_o 14._o 1_o john_n 2.13_o we_o find_v the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o consist_v of_o strong_a and_o of_o weak_a of_o habes_fw-la in_o christ_n and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o ripe_a age_n of_o young_a man_n and_o of_o father_n now_o strong_a meat_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o every_o faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o full_a age_n even_o such_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n 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power_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v further_o it_o be_v never_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o to_o inquire_v which_o way_n the_o wind_n do_v blow_v at_o the_o king_n court_n but_o to_o promote_v and_o to_o perfect_v their_o lord_n work_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o do_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n for_o when_o the_o night_n come_v no_o man_n can_v work_v that_o also_o of_o solomon_n be_v suitable_a to_o this_o purpose_n 11.4_o eccles_n 11.4_o he_o that_o observe_v the_o wind_n shall_v not_o sow_v and_o he_o that_o regard_v the_o cloud_n shall_v not_o reap_v 9.10_o eccles_n 9.10_o and_o whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o thou_o go_v and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o my_o lord_n my_o not_o regard_v any_o man_n person_n or_o power_n when_o i_o be_o about_o his_o business_n and_o my_o not_o take_v care_n at_o any_o time_n for_o this_o twenty_o year_n to_o please_v man_n but_o only_o god_n which_o tri_v the_o heart_n have_v be_v to_o i_o of_o very_a refresh_a consideration_n and_o remembrance_n upon_o all_o pertinent_a occasion_n ever_o since_o i_o be_v bind_v with_o this_o chain_n as_o it_o be_v also_o at_o the_o write_n hereof_o as_o i_o be_o here_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o plead_v for_o truth_n with_o paper_n and_o ink_n see_v i_o can_v to_o this_o day_n hear_v any_o tiding_n of_o meeting_n with_o my_o accuser_n face_n to_o face_n sect._n 3_o whereas_o upon_o that_o clause_n in_o the_o church_n letter_n to_o i_o viz._n the_o own_n of_o the_o power_n in_o be_v 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 i_o answer_v they_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v by_o who_o it_o be_v so_o account_v and_o that_o it_o be_v never_o my_o opinion_n nor_o be_v it_o likely_a so_o to_o be_v etc._n etc._n as_o be_v before_o set_v down_o it_o be_v very_o true_a i_o do_v not_o know_v neither_o can_v i_o know_v by_o those_o word_n it_o be_v account_v none_n who_o so_o account_v be_v name_v whereupon_o it_o be_v dark_o express_v by_o they_o i_o think_v it_o be_v meet_v it_o shall_v be_v plain_o express_v by_o i_o as_o in_o the_o letter_n you_o may_v find_v add_v moreover_o these_o follow_a word_n for_o as_o for_o myself_o i_o do_v own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o have_v do_v all_o along_o now_o it_o be_v probable_a these_o word_n may_v be_v construe_v as_o signify_v something_o that_o have_v somewhat_o like_o a_o compliance_n or_o recantation_n and_o so_o be_v abstract_v from_o their_o neighbour_n and_o fellow_n viz._n according_a as_o god_n have_v command_v etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n it_o be_v true_a envy_n and_o illwill_a may_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o those_o premise_n but_o that_o passion_n be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n nor_o a_o equal_a interpreter_n of_o word_n or_o action_n but_o now_o oh_o all_o you_o who_o be_v friend_n but_o to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n suppose_v conscience_n shall_v suspend_v its_o operation_n for_o a_o time_n come_v and_o be_v judge_n betwixt_o i_o and_o my_o adversary_n who_o have_v act_v the_o devil_n part_n 90.11_o mat._n 4.6_o come_v with_o psal_n 90.11_o in_o quote_v one_o part_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v write_v and_o suppress_v the_o other_o the_o better_a to_o compass_v his_o diabolical_a design_n against_o jesus_n christ_n his_o lord_n thus_o i_o plead_v my_o cause_n against_o the_o falsehood_n and_o most_o unrighteous_a deal_n of_o such_o slanderer_n 1._o first_o be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a method_n of_o proceed_v against_o our_o neighbour_n to_o tear_v asunder_o those_o word_n and_o sentence_n which_o the_o writer_n have_v put_v together_o and_o so_o to_o undermine_v his_o good_a name_n among_o 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promise_v conform_v to_o such_o prohibition_n as_o that_o i_o be_o make_v more_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n against_o the_o abomination_n of_o these_o man_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a and_o for_o the_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o my_o lord_n against_o the_o court-interest_n late_o set_v up_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o own_o solemn_a declaration_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n not_o many_o year_n ago_o it_o be_v coâ—â—â—rtable_a to_o consider_v that_o true_a spiritual_a christian_n have_v a_o unction_n which_o teach_v they_o of_o all_o thing_n 27._o â—_o joh._n 2.20_o 27._o and_o they_o according_o from_o that_o unction_n have_v learned_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o power_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o ruler_n betwixt_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o know_v that_o righteous_a law_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o that_o tyranny_n and_o 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i_o intend_v when_o i_o write_v though_o then_o i_o have_v not_o any_o thought_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n to_o give_v so_o public_a a_o account_n of_o my_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o payment_n of_o those_o tax_n which_o i_o and_o other_o of_o my_o brethren_n be_v still_o burden_a withal_o though_o some_o abatement_n be_v now_o speak_v of_o but_o first_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o effectual_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v communicate_v what_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o my_o office_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o saint_n to_o understand_v something_o concern_v the_o first_o practice_n of_o this_o oppression_n and_o which_o will_v be_v more_o welcome_a when_o their_o taxation_n will_v be_v remove_v and_o have_v a_o end_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o one_o of_o the_o high_a power_n be_v describe_v very_o brief_o and_o emphatical_o thus_o tax_n heb._n one_o that_o cause_v a_o exactor_n to_o pass_v over_o he_o do_v sudden_o stand_v up_o &_o be_v as_o sudden_o pull_v down_o whether_o moses_n joshua_n &_o the_o first_o judge_n which_o precede_v monarchy_n be_v raiser_n of_o tax_n dan._n 11.20_o there_o shall_v stand_v up_o a_o raiser_n of_o tax_n etc._n etc._n but_o within_o few_o day_n he_o shall_v be_v destroy_v neither_o in_o anger_n nor_o in_o battle_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v he_o no_o other_o title_n as_o if_o this_o tax_v of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n before_o i_o speak_v of_o particular_a instance_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o moses_n joshua_n or_o the_o judge_n do_v practice_v the_o way_n of_o assessment_n and_o imposition_n upon_o their_o brethren_n which_o now_o be_v so_o current_a and_o have_v be_v so_o much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o as_o well_o as_o here_o at_o home_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o nature_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o those_o porter_n who_o carry_v burden_n custom_n make_v that_o to_o seem_v but_o light_a to_o they_o which_o to_o another_o not_o conversant_a in_o such_o employment_n will_v be_v find_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o to_o bear_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v make_v a_o free_a people_z by_o god_n when_o he_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o so_o may_v have_v continue_v under_o their_o judge_n jehovah_n be_v their_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n if_o they_o have_v not_o set_v up_o a_o king_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o broad_a black_a badge_n of_o absolute_a slavery_n under_o absolute_a sovereignty_n than_o for_o a_o people_n once_o make_v free_a by_o god_n especial_a providence_n to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v tax_v and_o assess_v by_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n afterward_o i_o shall_v begin_v this_o epitome_n of_o the_o history_n of_o tax_n time_n monarchy_n and_o tax_n bear_v &_o bring_v forth_o among_o god_n people_n in_o samuel_n time_n with_o the_o history_n of_o monarchy_n set_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o israel_n rash_o and_o unadvised_o by_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v bless_v with_o samuel_n one_o of_o the_o best_a governor_n that_o ever_o the_o people_n of_o god_n enjoy_v for_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o these_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n people_n come_v in_o with_o kingship_n or_o at_o least_o the_o way_n be_v prepare_v for_o bondage_n to_o return_v upon_o they_o when_o nothing_o but_o a_o king_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n bid_v samuel_n protest_v solemn_o unto_o they_o verse_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o king_n to_o take_v the_o people_n good_n in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a 1_o sam._n 8.14_o 15._o 16_o 17._o verse_n and_o show_v they_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o king_n that_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o among_o other_o head_n of_o arbitrary_a power_n which_o he_o reckon_v up_o before_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o their_o king_n wouldtake_v their_o field_n and_o their_o vineyard_n and_o their_o oliveyard_n even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o he_o will_v take_v say_v samuel_n the_o ten_o of_o your_o seed_n and_o of_o your_o vineyard_n and_o give_v to_o his_o eunuch_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n he_o will_v take_v the_o ten_o of_o your_o sheep_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v his_o servant_n etc._n etc._n now_o although_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o the_o charge_n beside_o their_o bondage_n otherwise_o
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
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
their_o shepherd_n to_o feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o this_o point_n and_o therefore_o according_o i_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o clear_v it_o up_o unto_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o second_o epistle_n write_v in_o answer_n unto_o they_o it_o seem_v some_o of_o they_o through_o anacquaintedness_n with_o scripture-distinction_n in_o this_o doctrine_n and_o otherwise_o do_v not_o make_v a_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o express_v but_o mistake_v my_o mind_n and_o meaning_n and_o so_o whether_o weak_o or_o willing_o divulge_v or_o suffer_v to_o be_v divulge_v abroad_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o letter_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v do_v consider_v the_o letter_n be_v intend_v for_o their_o use_n and_o edify_v only_o and_o not_o for_o open_a publication_n i_o have_v some_o hint_n of_o this_o in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o not_o be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o alteration_n in_o the_o least_o no_o not_o in_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o heart_n towards_o a_o compliance_n and_o well_o know_v that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o letter_n can_v signify_v any_o such_o thing_n if_o right_o understand_v i_o neglect_v the_o rumour_n as_o only_o one_o of_o the_o petty_a stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n whereby_o to_o do_v i_o some_o mischief_n but_o afterward_o find_v that_o that_o secret_a whisper_n and_o murmur_n be_v ripen_v sudden_o into_o a_o infamous_a report_n letter_n after_o letter_n also_o represent_v this_o as_o of_o very_o sad_a consequence_n to_o that_o name_n and_o cause_n for_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v with_o this_o chain_n i_o be_v bring_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o present_v to_o public_a view_n the_o epistle_n itself_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v this_o cause_n especial_o when_o i_o find_v it_o certify_v that_o one_o well_o know_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o city_n come_v where_o several_a be_v together_o in_o company_n do_v in_o a_o laugh_n and_o scoff_a manner_n draw_v forth_o a_o paper_n and_o say_v there_o be_v my_o recantation_n pretend_v it_o be_v i_o own_o letter_n or_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o wherein_o i_o write_v that_o i_o be_v now_o satisfy_v that_o the_o government_n be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n etc._n etc._n it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o the_o envious_a one_o and_o his_o emissary_n be_v altogether_o in_o extreme_n in_o their_o suggestion_n against_o my_o good_a name_n sometime_o the_o world_n must_v be_v make_v believe_v yea_o and_o the_o elect_a also_o that_o i_o be_o against_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n that_o i_o be_o a_o enemy_n to_o government_n a_o most_o dangerous_a man_n in_o my_o principle_n that_o way_n etc._n etc._n again_o sometime_o it_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n to_o persuade_v such_o as_o will_v have_v it_o so_o that_o i_o be_o come_v over_o to_o my_o adversary_n and_o oppressor_n of_o my_o own_o accord_n and_o that_o sudden_o too_o without_o any_o overture_n make_v or_o argument_n use_v to_o draw_v i_o to_o a_o compliance_n or_o conformity_n but_o how_o improbable_a and_o irrational_a a_o practice_n such_o a_o hasty_a return_n will_v appear_v to_o solid_a christian_n to_o be_v i_o refer_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o say_v and_o judge_v no_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o be_v forsake_v by_o he_o or_o leave_v to_o myself_o as_o to_o gratify_v the_o foe_n and_o grieve_v the_o friend_n of_o my_o dear_a redeemer_n by_o turn_v apostate_n after_o all_o my_o suffering_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n his_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o servant_n yea_o let_v all_o my_o friend_n and_o enemy_n also_o know_v assure_o that_o i_o stand_v my_o ground_n by_o divine_a assistance_n yea_o i_o get_v ground_n and_o be_o abundant_o confirm_v that_o i_o be_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o earthly_a power_n insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v slay_v i_o they_o can_v not_o hurt_v i_o let_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v glorify_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o also_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o epistle_n follow_v together_o with_o a_o further_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o follow_v be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o epistle_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n which_o i_o have_v divide_v into_o section_n for_o method_n sake_n in_o the_o explanation_n of_o my_o meaning_n grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o the_o ever-over-flowing_a fountain_n to_o every_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o live_a god_n sect._n 1_o have_v late_o even_o in_o my_o last_o unto_o you_o declare_v among_o other_o thing_n that_o purpose_n and_o determination_n concern_v my_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n which_o i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o best_a understanding_n take_v up_o upon_o scripture-ground_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o add_v something_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o some_o mistake_n about_o the_o present_a power_n and_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n it_o fall_v in_o proper_o upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o i_o to_o speak_v something_o to_o you_o concern_v those_o truth_n which_o do_v lie_v somewhat_o remote_a and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o ordinary_a observation_n sect._n 2_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o congregation_n appear_v by_o their_o letter_n to_o i_o to_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o you_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n towards_o my_o enlargement_n prayer_n except_v without_o own_v the_o power_n in_o be_v the_o do_v of_o which_o say_v you_o be_v account_v a_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n now_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n up_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a matter_n i_o shall_v plain_o declare_v as_o follow_v sect._n 3_o first_o i_o do_v not_o know_v by_o who_o the_o ownnig_a of_o the_o power_n in_o be_v be_v account_v a_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n it_o be_v never_o neither_o be_v it_o like_v to_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o whether_o you_o mean_v some_o of_o your_o number_n or_o of_o other_o congregation_n i_o can_v tell_v if_o i_o have_v particular_o know_v i_o shall_v have_v give_v a_o particular_a answer_n for_o as_o for_o myself_o i_o do_v own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v according_a as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v and_o have_v do_v all_o along_o i_o have_v and_o do_v render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n fear_v to_o who_o fear_v honour_n to_o who_o honour_n sect._n 4_o and_o therefore_o second_o the_o do_v of_o this_o that_o be_v own_v the_o power_n in_o be_v be_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v account_v a_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n to_o own_o those_o power_n aforesaid_a be_v a_o plain_a duty_n not_o to_o be_v dispense_v with_o by_o any_o law_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o where_o as_o to_o worship_v or_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o beast_n be_v a_o know_a sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o power_n in_o be_v i_o understand_v the_o army_n as_o supreme_a and_o all_o those_o who_o join_v with_o they_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o mercy_n according_a to_o the_o indubitable_a principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o equity_n for_o ruler_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o power_n answer_v those_o principle_n they_o be_v power_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o resist_v they_o than_o there_o be_v to_o resist_v righteousness_n and_o truth_n whilst_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v and_o you_o know_v i_o never_o teach_v you_o to_o rise_v up_o against_o they_o in_o the_o least_o sect._n 5_o if_o any_o will_v ask_v i_o how_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o own_o the_o power_n and_o yet_o preach_v against_o they_o and_o for_o the_o destroy_n of_o they_o thus_o one_o after_o another_o i_o answer_v i_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o upright_a and_o understand_a saint_n in_o all_o age_n do_v before_o i_o for_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o they_o own_v the_o power_n then_o in_o be_v according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n preach_v and_o prophesy_v against_o they_o for_o their_o abomination_n both_o to_o their_o face_n and_o behind_o their_o back_n also_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n in_o all_o age_n but_o i_o confess_v it_o do_v cost_v they_o very_o dear_a some_o their_o life_n other_o their_o liberty_n other_o their_o the_fw-mi substance_n etc._n etc._n where_o as_o the_o court-chaplain_n the_o parish-clergie_n and_o the_o apostate_n independent_o take_v a_o very_a
and_o as_o it_o be_v catholic_a dominion_n be_v give_v to_o the_o assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n the_o next_o to_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n the_o three_o to_o the_o macedonian_n or_o grecian_n the_o four_o to_o the_o roman_n these_o four_o successive_o each_o in_o their_o time_n according_a to_o the_o alwise_a appointment_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o world_n dan._n 2._o dan._n 7._o dan._n 11._o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v not_o free_a from_o these_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n as_o you_o have_v read_v already_o in_o the_o former_a section_n prop._n or_o obser_n 3._o the_o roman_a monarchy_n the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o kingdom_n or_o beast_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v express_o call_v they_o be_v at_o its_o full_a growth_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n 24.17_o numb_a 24.17_o just_a at_o the_o meridian_n of_o the_o roman_a glory_n do_v the_o star_n of_o jacob_n arise_v and_o shine_v but_o with_o a_o very_a dim_a light_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n for_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o manifest_v forth_o his_o glory_n as_o afterward_o he_o do_v joh._n 2.11_o this_o be_v plain_a as_o from_o other_o history_n so_o from_o luk._n 2.7_o first_o verse_n where_o all_o the_o world_n you_o find_v be_v to_o be_v tax_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n who_o now_o be_v in_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n anthony_n and_o lepidus_n be_v overcome_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o seem_v which_o shall_v break_v in_o piece_n all_o these_o kingdom_n be_v design_v to_o be_v set_v up_o at_o that_o instant_a conjuncture_n of_o time_n when_o this_o monarchy_n be_v grow_v to_o its_o full_a perfection_n but_o more_o of_o this_o in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n if_o the_o lord_n so_o please_v prop._n or_o obser_n 4._o this_o four_o beast_n both_o kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o million_o and_o myriard_n of_o his_o discipe_n for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a story_n of_o the_o ten_o first_o persecution_n do_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o process_n of_o time_n after_o various_a form_n and_o shape_n assume_v as_o in_o rev._n 17.10_o he_o appear_v at_o length_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o upon_o his_o horn_n ten_o crown_n etc._n etc._n rev._n 13.2_o 3._o to_o this_o beast_n there_o describe_v the_o dragon_n give_v his_o power_n or_o host_n his_o throne_n and_o great_a authority_n and_o so_o prosecute_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o dragon_n the_o old_a trade_n of_o deceive_v the_o nation_n and_o persecute_v the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a especial_o he_o fall_v upon_o those_o in_o every_o age_n who_o be_v zealous_a contender_n for_o the_o present_a truth_n of_o every_o age_n rev._n 11._o rev._n 13._o rev._n 17._o prop._n or_o obser_n 5._o these_o northwest_n nation_n be_v undoubted_o some_o of_o those_o ten_o horn_n which_o have_v give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o beast_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o lamb_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o prophecy_n and_o history_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o this_o particular_a that_o all_o the_o protestant_a interpreter_n who_o i_o have_v converse_v with_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o race_n of_o king_n in_o this_o island_n have_v together_o with_o the_o other_o king_n of_o europe_n agree_v and_o give_v their_o kingdom_n to_o the_o beast_n rev._n 17.13_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v whole_o take_v from_o he_o again_o i_o mean_v in_o this_o nation_n to_o this_o day_n be_v worthy_a a_o grave_n and_o serious_a examination_n prop._n or_o obser_n 6._o now_o more_o particular_o king_n charles_n be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o prophecy_n for_o he_o be_v not_o for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o appearance_n or_o pretence_n much_o less_o in_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v discern_v in_o he_o by_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o have_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n at_o their_o right_a hand_n for_o the_o wise_a shall_v understand_v faith_n daniel_n but_o none_o of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v understand_v dan._n 12._o but_o observe_v careful_o that_o which_o follow_v prop._n or_o obser_n 7._o this_o king_n charles_n be_v fourteen_o or_o fifteen_o year_n since_o acknowledge_v a_o high_a power_n in_o these_o nation_n be_v in_o quiet_a possession_n of_o the_o best_a title_n to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o people_n of_o any_o other_o but_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o most_o high_a for_o this_o age_n be_v to_o take_v place_n he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o call_v a_o parliament_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o existence_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o free_a people_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o be_v the_o two_o legal_a efficient_a cause_n thereof_o so_o here_o be_v another_o high_a power_n in_o be_v send_v by_o he_o and_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n distinguish_v the_o power_n according_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n this_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v and_o it_o be_v and_o be_v still_o marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n prop._n or_o obser_n 8._o this_o second_o high_a power_n as_o i_o express_v it_o do_v contend_v with_o he_o who_o help_v to_o make_v they_o a_o power_n and_o to_o give_v they_o their_o lawful_a existence_n in_o that_o capacity_n this_o power_n after_o many_o bloody_a conflict_n by_o their_o force_n do_v take_v away_o his_o dominion_n to_o consume_v and_o to_o destroy_v it_o to_o the_o end_n then_o there_o be_v we_o think_v a_o end_n of_o kingship_n and_o this_o second_o power_n declare_v themselves_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o nation_n change_v the_o government_n from_o the_o notion_n of_o king_n and_o kingdom_n into_o that_o of_o a_o commonwealth_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v with_o great_a regard_n prop._n or_o obser_n 9_o this_o high_a power_n now_o supreme_a have_v empower_v and_o authorize_v after_o the_o essexian_a army_n be_v not_o find_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o the_o work_n the_o new_a model_v army_n and_o so_o they_o become_v a_o second_o high_o power_n in_o the_o nation_n also_o send_v by_o the_o parliament_n as_o the_o parliament_n be_v send_v by_o the_o king_n and_o people_n but_o yet_o and_o for_o a_o good_a space_n they_o be_v and_o they_o act_v as_o subordinate_a to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a authority_n nevertheless_o in_o process_n of_o time_n after_o most_o admirable_a vicissitude_n this_o military_a subordinate_a high_a power_n do_v take_v away_o the_o parliament_n dominion_n to_o confume_v and_o to_o destroy_v it_o to_o the_o end_n i_o say_v they_o pluck_v up_o the_o supreme_a power_n so_o own_v by_o themselves_o by_o the_o very_a root_n even_o as_o they_o have_v eradicate_v monarchy_n and_o damn_v it_o for_o ever_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v prop._n or_o obser_n 10._o hereupon_o no_o ancient_n legal_a civil_a high_a power_n or_o supreme_a authority_n be_v in_o be_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o total_a destruction_n or_o dissolution_n of_o the_o old_a fabric_n to_o the_o foundation_n yea_o of_o the_o foundation_n and_o all_o the_o soldier_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o set_v up_o a_o assembly_n somewhat_o like_o a_o parliament_n which_o by_o major_a vote_n call_v themselves_o by_o that_o name_n but_o how_o improper_o not_o to_o say_v ridiculous_o let_v law_n and_o custom_n speak_v for_o neither_o king_n nor_o people_n do_v put_v forth_o any_o causal_a virtue_n towards_o their_o production_n as_o by_o law_n they_o ought_v but_o to_o be_v short_a the_o soldiery_n quick_o pull_v they_o down_o again_o like_o king_n charles_n who_o by_o his_o prerogative_n when_o the_o parliament_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o humour_v his_o lust_n will_v dissolve_v they_o at_o his_o pleasure_n thus_o you_o by_o this_o time_n do_v not_o only_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v supreme_a as_o i_o assert_v but_o you_o see_v quibus_fw-la viis_fw-la &_o modis_fw-la by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o throne_n now_o can_v any_o christian_n nay_o can_v any_o rational_a creature_n find_v fault_n with_o i_o for_o observe_v these_o wondrous_a work_n of_o the_o great_a jehovah_n can_v they_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o call_v aloud_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o other_o too_o if_o they_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v in_o david_n word_n come_v behold_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o desolation_n he_o have_v make_v in_o the_o earth_n psal_n 46.8_o and_o as_o he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 66.57_o come_v and_o see_v the_o work_n of_o god_n he_o have_v be_v terrible_a
he_o will_v be_v more_o terrible_a in_o his_o do_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o man_n he_o rule_v by_o his_o power_n for_o ever_o his_o eye_n behold_v the_o nation_n let_v not_o the_o rebellious_a exalt_v themselves_o selah_n whoso_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v observe_v these_o thing_n even_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 107.43_o we_o have_v see_v we_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n which_o have_v be_v preserve_v for_o so_o many_o age_n the_o person_n and_o power_n of_o a_o king_n and_o the_o son_n of_o ancient_a king_n be_v cut_v down_o and_o cost_v out_o as_o a_o abominable_a branch_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n the_o parliament_n and_o all_o their_o numerous_a unknown_a privilege_n pull_v down_o and_o devour_v by_o the_o army_n at_o a_o breakfast_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n also_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o same_o destiny_n thus_o this_o ancient_a threefold_a cord_n make_v and_o preserve_v by_o our_o ancestor_n with_o so_o much_o care_n with_o so_o great_a cost_n of_o blood_n and_o treasure_n be_v utter_o untwist_v and_o break_v all_o to_o piece_n by_o this_o brief_a account_n of_o these_o astonish_a alteration_n that_o great_a truth_n which_o i_o lay_v as_o the_o first_o stone_n and_o the_o corner_n stone_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v worthy_a of_o remembrance_n the_o most_o high_a rule_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n he_o change_v the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n he_o remove_v king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n he_o the_o lord_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o other_o wonder_n without_o number_n his_o work_n be_v honourable_a and_o glorious_a seek_v cut_v of_o all_o that_o have_v pleasure_n therein_o psal_n 111.2_o 3._o thus_o according_a to_o that_o talon_n of_o understanding_n which_o be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o these_o great_a and_o strange_a transposition_n of_o power_n by_o the_o effectual_a influence_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n kingly_a power_n aristocratical_a privilege_n and_o democratical_a liberty_n be_v dissolve_v destroy_v and_o disannul_v as_o you_o have_v read_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o army_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o remain_v high_a power_n within_o these_o nation_n if_o any_o man_n lawyer_n statesman_n etc._n etc._n know_v a_o high_a power_n than_o they_o a_o strong_a power_n than_o they_o a_o more_o absolute_a power_n than_o they_o i_o will_v willing_o hear_v he_o speak_v his_o mind_n in_o that_o particular_a but_o to_o proceed_v if_o it_o be_v observe_v i_o only_o say_v they_o be_v the_o supreme_a power_n without_o addition_n or_o determination_n what_o kind_n of_o power_n i_o own_v they_o as_o a_o high_a as_o the_o high_a earthly_a power_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la act_v and_o exercise_v such_o a_o superiority_n over_o the_o people_n but_o quo_fw-la jure_fw-la that_o be_v another_o question_n fit_a for_o the_o lawyer_n to_o plead_v if_o they_o will_v or_o dare_v than_o for_o i_o yet_o this_o i_o can_v find_v ground_n to_o say_v if_o any_o one_o ever_o hear_v i_o say_v they_o be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n or_o as_o be_v suggest_v if_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o can_v produce_v any_o writing_n wherein_o i_o acknowledge_v they_o a_o lawful_a or_o legal_a authority_n since_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o 10._o month_n 1653._o let_v they_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o i_o will_v ingenuous_o confess_v i_o be_o no_o way_n able_a to_o mantain_n or_o justify_v such_o a_o assertion_n in_o the_o least_o let_v they_o that_o please_v exercise_v their_o wit_n to_o persuade_v the_o credulous_a for_o nibil_n tam_fw-la incredibile_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la dicendo_fw-la fiat_fw-la probabile_fw-la as_o tully_n faith_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o my_o office_n declare_v from_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n what_o be_v there_o upon_o record_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o that_o generation_n of_o back_o slider_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n who_o these_o follow_a truth_n either_o do_v now_o or_o may_v hereafter_o very_o much_o concern_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n do_v give_v we_o much_o light_n in_o the_o matter_n under_o consideration_n superiority_n rom_n 13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o high_a power_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o king_n be_v supreme_a and_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—hich_v be_v in_o superiority_n there_o be_v several_a degree_n and_o several_a kind_n of_o power_n there_o be_v high_a or_o low_a power_n supreme_a or_o subordinate_a the_o translator_n do_v render_v the_o word_n high_a in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o same_o word_n they_o translate_v supreme_a in_o peter_n epistle_n to_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v also_o plain_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n further_o with_o this_o so_o i_o put_v it_o first_o to_o dispatch_v it_o unless_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v further_a service_n with_o this_o distinction_n as_o for_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o high_a power_n that_o also_o needs_o little_a explication_n in_o some_o nation_n there_o be_v one_o kind_n in_o other_o another_o kind_n king_n judges_z elder_n patriach_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o distribution_n of_o power_n by_o their_o adjunct_n adjuncta_fw-la distributio_fw-la subjecti_fw-la in_o adjuncta_fw-la and_o so_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v either_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a lawful_a high_a power_n be_v such_o either_o from_o god_n or_o from_o nature_n or_o from_o nation_n from_o god_n either_o first_o by_o especial_a designation_n in_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o a_o people_n as_o moses_n david_n christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n or_o else_o second_o by_o especial_a designation_n in_o wrath_n for_o trial_n and_o punishment_n to_o a_o people_n thus_o jeroboam_n be_v set_v up_o by_o god_n for_o trial_n to_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o for_o punishment_n to_o solomon_n or_o rather_o chastisement_n and_o punishment_n to_o his_o son_n rehoboam_n say_v god_n by_o his_o prophet_n i_o have_v give_v ten_o tribe_n to_o thou_o i_o will_v take_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v reign_v and_o shall_v be_v king_n over_o israel_n 1_o king_n from_o 29._o to_o 37._o compare_v with_o the_o 12._o chapter_n and_o the_o 24_o vers_fw-la thus_o saul_n be_v give_v to_o the_o israelite_n by_o god_n in_o his_o anger_n partly_o for_o trial_n that_o he_o may_v see_v what_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o partly_o for_o punishment_n because_o they_o have_v reject_v the_o lord_n from_o be_v their_o king_n nevertheless_o saul_n be_v a_o lawful_a high_a power_n for_o a_o time_n although_o give_v in_o displeasure_n thus_o baasha_n be_v exalt_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n by_o god_n as_o the_o lord_n send_v he_o word_n and_o by_o he_o make_v prince_n over_o his_o people_n israel_n to_o fulfil_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o jeroboam_n and_o his_o house_n 1_o king_n 16._o chap._n vers_fw-la 2._o there_o be_v other_o instance_n but_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v high_a power_n by_o nature_n that_o be_v they_o be_v possess_v and_o that_o just_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o superiority_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n by_o a_o pure_a natural_a right_n these_o high_a power_n be_v either_o paternal_a or_o patriarchal_a such_o a_o right_n have_v adam_n the_o father_n of_o all_o live_n so_o noah_n abraham_n and_o other_o head_n of_o the_o house_n of_o their_o father_n as_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n exod._n 29._o exo._n 3.16.4_o 29._o 6.14_o the_o low_a power_n in_o family_n be_v a_o steward_n who_o the_o housholder_n or_o lord_n of_o the_o family_n make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n as_o christ_n express_v this_o matter_n luke_n 12.42_o such_o a_o inferior_a power_n be_v eliezer_n of_o damascus_n the_o steward_n of_o abraham_n house_n so_o tutor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o heir_n till_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n be_v lawful_a low_a power_n etc._n etc._n three_o high_a power_n be_v just_o such_o by_o a_o national_a right_o or_o by_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o those_o nation_n who_o they_o govern_v and_o this_o either_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n by_o election_n or_o succession_n as_o judah_n do_v cleave_v to_o rehoboam_n the_o son_n of_o solomon_n and_o many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v add_v or_o else_o by_o victory_n in_o a_o just_a war_n as_o the_o canaanite_n become_v tributary_n and_o other_o people_n also_o in_o all_o age_n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o will_v be_v actual_o a_o high_a power_n by_o conquest_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o in_o righteousness_n be_v will_v judge_v and_o make_v war_n rev._n 19.11_o but_o to_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o the_o distribution_n
redeem_v they_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o matter_n which_o he_o give_v they_o in_o charge_n before_o his_o ascension_n viz._n 20._o mat._n 28_o 20._o to_o teach_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v for_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v moses_n his_o disciple_n henceforward_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o come_v off_o from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n according_o when_o peter_n speak_v of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o people_n he_o call_v they_o their_o mogistrate_n your_o ruler_n say_v peter_n he_o do_v not_o say_v our_o ruler_n act._n 3.17_o again_o when_o he_o be_v with_o john_n convent_v before_o authority_n this_o be_v his_o language_n you_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_z and_o elder_n of_o israel_n he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v ruler_n that_o be_v of_o the_o people_n but_o call_v they_o not_o at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o such_o title_n as_o may_v signify_v that_o they_o be_v over_o they_o that_o be_v the_o church_n as_o before_o when_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n for_o then_o indeed_o they_o must_v own_v they_o as_o their_o ruler_n for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o to_o rule_v they_o except_o the_o soldier_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n they_o do_v no_o long_a mind_n what_o ruler_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v saint_n by_o call_v undoubted_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o busy_v themselves_o about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o roman_a emperor_n though_o citizen_n of_o rome_n as_o paul_n be_v but_o let_v the_o army_n set_v up_o who_o they_o please_v and_o pull_v down_o who_o they_o will_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o senate_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n 5.22_o act._n 5.22_o as_o we_o read_v it_o they_o have_v little_a cause_n to_o choose_v any_o member_n for_o that_o parliament_n they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o company_n of_o sectary_n or_o separatist_n and_o so_o be_v of_o another_o company_n communion_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n paul_n draw_v the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n from_o the_o court_n of_o those_o high_a power_n to_o compose_v and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n among_o themselves_o for_o they_o have_v better_a law_n and_o may_v have_v better_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o than_o any_o the_o world_n have_v and_o then_o what_o need_v they_o seek_v any_o further_a 1_o cor._n 6._o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chap._n so_o that_o for_o my_o part_n if_o i_o be_v at_o liberty_n i_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o meddle_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o knight_n and_o burgess_n under_o the_o present_a sword-sovereignty_n or_o any_o other_o as_o from_o meddle_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o call_v or_o of_o arch-tryer_n or_o tryer_n as_o they_o may_v be_v now_o call_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o other_o be_v of_o my_o mind_n who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o wonderful_a work_n in_o these_o day_n and_o so_o never_o choose_v any_o more_o magistrate_n till_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n and_o government_n come_v to_o take_v place_n in_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o most_o incongruous_a course_n which_o some_o christian_n have_v take_v since_o the_o lord_n pull_v all_o in_o piece_n namely_o the_o late_a power_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nevertheless_o join_v with_o those_o who_o pull_v down_o or_o prevent_v that_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o pray_v for_o but_o let_v all_o the_o saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n throughout_o this_o nation_n take_v heed_n they_o do_v more_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v with_o the_o four_o kingdom_n now_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o to_o take_v away_o its_o deminion_n to_o consume_v it_o utter_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o to_o the_o end_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v at_o large_a my_o apprehension_n concern_v the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o my_o principle_n if_o improve_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a tendency_n will_v make_v notable_a work_n among_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o under_a officer_n oh_o how_o will_v that_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v fulfil_v in_o jer._n 51._o 51.58_o jer._n 51.58_o the_o people_n will_v labour_v in_o vain_a towards_o the_o intend_a settlement_n and_o the_o felk_n shall_v work_v in_o the_o fire_n to_o cause_v the_o iron_n and_o clay_n to_o solder_v and_o to_o incorporate_v and_o yet_o do_v no_o good_a upon_o it_o but_o be_v weary_v out_o babylon_n and_o her_o prince_n her_o captain_n and_o her_o rich_a man_n her_o statesman_n and_o her_o mighty_a man_n will_v be_v tire_v out_o with_o anguish_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o do_v and_o in_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o day_n nevertheless_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o some_o in_o these_o thing_n although_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o my_o thought_n with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v wherefore_o i_o will_v recollect_v all_o in_o a_o few_o word_n by_o the_o way_n of_o distinguish_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o thus_o 1_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_o the_o high_a power_n according_a to_o god_n and_o his_o direction_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o rigtheousness_n and_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o to_o such_o degree_n as_o they_o themselves_o desire_v and_o lust_n after_o the_o former_a way_n i_o walk_v in_o the_o latter_a i_o shall_v never_o be_v find_v in_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o my_o god_n and_o father_n 2_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o as_o power_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o as_o lawful_a and_o righteous_a power_n the_o first_o we_o must_v needs_o do_v for_o they_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o body_n and_o over_o our_o substance_n by_o their_o sword_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o to_o own_v they_o as_o have_v a_o right_a either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n thus_o to_o rule_v over_o we_o i_o absolute_o and_o utter_o refuse_v 3_o again_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n when_o they_o have_v universal_o accept_v of_o their_o iron_n yoke_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v our_o governor_n who_o never_o do_v nor_o do_v ever_o intend_v to_o choose_v or_o accept_v they_o according_a to_o that_o new_a instrument_n of_o servitude_n publish_v to_o the_o nation_n 4_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_o the_o high_a power_n so_o as_o not_o to_o resist_v they_o by_o force_n when_o they_o do_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o right_a though_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n and_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o in_o their_o oppression_n persecution_n all_o their_o unrighteous_a decree_n and_o tyrannical_a practice_n according_a to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n particular_a person_n in_o their_o private_a capacity_n have_v forbear_v to_o interrupt_v they_o but_o as_o for_o he_o other_o part_n none_o but_o base_a sycophant_n and_o their_o fellow_n tyrant_n will_v therein_o testify_v their_o own_n of_o they_o 5_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_o the_o worldly_a and_o tyrannical_a power_n in_o the_o way_n of_o necessary_a subjection_n and_o another_o to_o own_v they_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o voluntary_a approbation_n the_o former_a christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v practise_v but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o none_o but_o ignorant_a slave_n have_v yield_v to_o it_o by_o these_o distinction_n and_o such_o like_a it_o may_v easy_o i_o conceive_v be_v understand_v wherein_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v i_o own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o in_o what_o respect_n i_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o shall_v own_v they_o the_o lord_n continue_v to_o be_v merciful_a unto_o his_o unworthy_a servant_n and_o as_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o army_n which_o i_o account_v the_o supreme_a or_o the_o high_a and_o strong_a be_v these_o island_n i_o do_v still_o adhere_v to_o my_o former_a apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o they_o and_o their_o partaker_n have_v do_v and_o may_v do_v while_o their_o time_n last_v many_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n just_a and_o good_a yea_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o mankind_n as_o the_o suppress_n and_o punish_v of_o thief_n and_o murderer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o
be_v do_v be_v by_o their_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n answ_n all_o this_o be_v ready_o and_o easy_o answer_v as_o first_o minister_n do_v not_o lose_v the_o privilege_n of_o saint_n when_o they_o be_v make_v minister_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n no_o more_o than_o a_o other_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n do_v lose_v or_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n upon_o his_o be_v choose_v into_o office_n so_o that_o if_o god_n give_v he_o this_o privilege_n as_o a_o saint_n of_o rule_v govern_v dispose_v the_o affair_n of_o kingdom_n he_o may_v still_o claim_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o commission_n after_o he_o be_v become_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o as_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o there_o speak_v of_o dispose_v by_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n only_o but_o this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o invalidate_n my_o assertion_n because_o to_o set_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o to_o govern_v rule_n and_o dispose_v the_o world_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o kingdom_n by_o prayer_n be_v one_o way_n of_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o a_o excellent_a way_n especial_o if_o that_o spirit_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o christian_n be_v but_o precedent_n and_o predominant_a among_o those_o privy_a councillor_n who_o meet_v in_o christ_n name_n to_o set_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o according_a to_o their_o commission_n for_o those_o who_o i_o mention_v make_v notable_a work_n with_o that_o act_n of_o state_n and_o that_o state-policy_n whereby_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n proceed_v to_o murder_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n the_o faith_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a remnant_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o will_v be_v henceforward_o much_o more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o affair_n than_o the_o great_a quantity_n of_o gunpowder_n set_v on_o fire_n in_o any_o magazeen_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v to_o any_o city_n or_o town_n where_o it_o be_v if_o once_o they_o spring_v a_o mine_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v they_o overthrow_v whatsoever_o they_o do_v undermine_v with_o a_o more_o irresistible_a force_n than_o be_v imagine_v or_o believe_v for_o est_fw-la quaedam_fw-la precum_fw-la omnipotentia_fw-la as_o he_o say_v the_o true_a fervent_a pray_v against_o state_n their_o law_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n be_v meddle_v with_o a_o witness_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hardly_o know_v who_o burt_v they_o but_o at_o the_o last_o day_n it_o will_v be_v know_v what_o execution_n have_v be_v do_v upon_o the_o empire_n and_o monarchy_n of_o this_o world_n by_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o several_a exigency_n of_o their_o affair_n for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o affais_fw-mi of_o state_n reason_n of_o state_n state-policy_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n obstruct_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o choice_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o age_n to_o age_n i_o can_v illustrate_v this_o point_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n meddle_v by_o prayer_n with_o the_o thing_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o worldly_a power_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n show_v of_o what_o excellent_a use_v it_o will_v be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o throne_n of_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o true_a minister_n and_o the_o few_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n to_o exercise_v themselves_o herein_o day_n and_o night_n as_o i_o hear_v they_o begin_v to_o do_v but_o let_v they_o remember_v and_o not_o forget_v upon_o any_o term_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o you_o meddle_v with_o these_o or_o any_o power_n abroad_o without_o that_o you_o will_v meddle_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o answer_n all_o this_o while_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o hear_v for_o faith_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o his_o purpose_n and_o counsel_n in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n or_o prescribe_v to_o he_o a_o method_n or_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o production_n of_o those_o ancient_a decree_n which_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n so_o much_o for_o this_o first_o way_n of_o meddle_v with_o state-affair_n the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o divinity_n aforesaid_a be_v also_o of_o great_a reputation_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v my_o adversary_n will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o doctrine_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_o bold_a to_o call_v he_o forth_o to_o plead_v for_o this_o truth_n for_o his_o preach_v and_o print_v principle_n do_v very_o much_o tend_v in_o my_o apprehension_n to_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o intermeddle_v in_o state-affair_n as_o become_v minister_n for_o no_o otherwise_o will_v i_o have_v any_o one_o to_o meddle_v than_o as_o become_v he_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n there_o be_v one_o notion_n of_o his_o in_o the_o sermon_n which_o i_o mean_v which_o certain_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o many_o other_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o which_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o improve_v it_o according_a to_o its_o natural_a tendency_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o own_o truth_n and_o interest_n so_o sudden_o and_o unworthy_o desert_v by_o those_o who_o seem_v very_o stout_a assertor_n of_o it_o not_o many_o year_n ago_o the_o word_n of_o dr._n o._n in_o the_o serm._n on_o heb._n 12.27_o all_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v cement_v together_o by_o antichristian_a lime_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o unless_o they_o be_v so_o shake_v as_o to_o have_v every_o cranny_n search_v and_o brush_v they_o will_v be_v no_o quiet_a habitation_n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o people_n this_o i_o find_v in_o the_o 14_o page_n again_o in_o the_o 25_o page_n i_o find_v he_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o their_o present_a constitution_n be_v direct_o frame_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n which_o by_o notable_a advantage_n at_o their_o first_o mould_v and_o continue_a insinuation_n ever_o since_o have_v so_o rivet_v itself_o into_o the_o very_a fundamental_o of_o they_o that_o no_o dig_v or_o mine_v without_o a_o earthquake_n will_v cast_v up_o the_o foundation-stone_n thereof_o yet_o again_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n p._n 35._o be_v it_o not_o evident_a to_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n that_o the_o whole_a present_a constitution_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v so_o cement_v with_o antichristian_a mortar_n from_o the_o very_a top_n to_o the_o bottom_n that_o without_o a_o thorough_a shake_n they_o can_v be_v cleanse_v and_o a_o little_a after_o this_o only_o be_v certain_a it_o the_o say_v shake_v shall_v not_o stop_v nor_o receive_v its_o period_n before_o the_o interest_n of_o antichristianity_n be_v whole_o separate_v from_o the_o power_n of_o those_o nation_n thus_o far_o the_o other_o doctor_n 1_o now_o first_o we_o see_v plain_o or_o may_v see_v that_o he_o for_o his_o part_n meddle_v with_o state_n and_o government_n of_o nation_n all_o along_o throughout_o the_o sermon_n 2_o he_o do_v particular_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n both_o foundation_n and_o superstruction_n show_v also_o how_o the_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n be_v intermingle_v or_o interweave_v in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o state_n in_o europe_n and_o that_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n 3_o he_o declare_v and_o foretell_v the_o shake_n translate_n and_o new_a mould_v of_o all_o those_o state_n and_o kingdom_n 4_o he_o affirm_v that_o every_o cranny_n must_v be_v search_v for_o that_o antichristian_a mortar_n or_o lime_n and_o sand_n which_o do_v cement_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o that_o this_o shake_n search_a etc._n etc._n shall_v not_o stop_v nor_o receive_v a_o period_n till_o the_o interest_n of_o antichristianity_n be_v whole_o separate_v from_o these_o nation_n from_o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o that_o sermon_n i_o do_v make_v this_o inference_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v lawful_o or_o without_o sin_n yea_o must_v necessary_o intermeddle_v and_o be_v employ_v in_o search_v into_o the_o affair_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o state_n yea_o further_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v discern_v they_o must_v be_v employ_v by_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o the_o chief_a laborer_n which_o be_v to_o brush_v and_o cleanse_v the_o