brethren_n when_o other_o despise_v they_o and_o wish_v no_o good_a unto_o they_o they_o prefer_v they_o before_o themselves_o esteem_v they_o above_o all_o the_o army_n that_o have_v be_v before_o they_o in_o any_o age_n since_o christ_n time_n tax_n be_v not_o tax_n burden_n be_v not_o burden_n great_a payment_n be_v light_a matter_n every_o three_o or_o six_o month_n when_o other_o pay_v their_o proportion_n out_o of_o fear_n this_o remnant_n part_v with_o their_o estate_n in_o love_n we_o do_v not_o complain_v as_o other_o for_o all_o this_o while_n they_o behave_v themselves_o like_o very_o choice_a instrument_n in_o the_o lord_n hand_n oh_o the_o honourable_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o before_o the_o lord_n the_o saint_n buckler_n under_o god_n against_o tyranny_n our_o protector_n and_o defender_n as_o a_o army_n against_o our_o swear_a enemy_n friend_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n they_o appear_v most_o notable_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o babylon_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v perceive_v we_o very_o think_v with_o ourselves_o by_o their_o prayer_n speech_n and_o discourse_n their_o declaration_n promise_n appeal_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o have_v be_v almost_o impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o prevaricate_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n hereupon_o i_o say_v it_o be_v plain_o see_v how_o some_o people_n carry_v themselves_o and_o how_o different_o from_o other_o we_o give_v not_o grudge_o or_o out_o of_o necessity_n it_o necessity_n 2_o cor_fw-la 9.7_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o with_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n because_o we_o must_v part_v with_o it_o but_o cheerful_o that_o they_o may_v as_o from_o their_o brethren_n be_v encourage_v to_o proceed_v as_o they_o have_v begin_v thus_o it_o continue_v while_n worcester_n victory_n and_o a_o good_a space_n after_o because_o we_o hope_v after_o they_o have_v rest_v and_o secure_v their_o spoil_n and_o arrear_n etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v find_v they_o rouse_v up_o again_o wherefore_o the_o lamb_n follower_n continue_v their_o payment_n with_o a_o good_a will_n i_o can_v speak_v for_o myself_o and_o i_o believe_v many_o other_o do_v so_o for_o when_o the_o parliament_n grow_v sluggish_a and_o careless_a of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n now_o their_o own_o turn_n be_v serve_v we_o have_v ground_n to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o have_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o so_o many_o battle_n sieges_n victory_n will_v not_o have_v give_v over_o so_o glorious_a a_o work_n and_o service_n for_o christ_n against_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o adherent_n and_o for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o well_o recompense_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n people_n the_o new_a model_n decline_v in_o zeal_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n but_o dalilah_n deceive_v samson_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n have_v cause_v the_o mighty_a man_n of_o war_n to_o fall_v if_o they_o have_v deal_v fair_o with_o their_o faithful_a brethren_n and_o tell_v we_o the_o truth_n namely_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o with_o they_o as_o in_o time_n past_a if_o they_o have_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o though_o they_o have_v overcome_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n bid_v overcome_v they_o as_o we_o see_v plain_o some_o of_o we_o it_o have_v if_o they_o have_v let_v we_o understand_v from_o themselves_o that_o which_o we_o fear_v will_v afterward_o appear_v that_o they_o will_v deliver_v we_o no_o further_o that_o they_o can_v not_o advance_v one_o step_n further_o against_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o that_o they_o be_v not_o spirit_v to_o follow_v the_o lamb_n any_o further_a because_o they_o have_v get_v farm_n and_o palace_n and_o park_n which_o they_o must_v look_v after_o and_o fall_v to_o building_n and_o plant_v etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n and_o as_o it_o will_v be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o say_v if_o they_o have_v free_o open_v their_o bosom_n to_o we_o in_o these_o matter_n as_o some_o of_o themselves_o must_v now_o needs_o say_v there_o be_v cause_n they_o shall_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o shall_v have_v deal_v with_o they_o in_o a_o honest_a christian_a way_n and_o have_v persuade_v they_o to_o have_v give_v encouragement_n to_o their_o brethren_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v make_v willing_a to_o proceed_v in_o that_o glorious_a warfare_n which_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o and_o thus_o happy_o begin_v and_o carry_v on_o they_o the_o new_a model_n have_v warm_a clothes_n apply_v to_o keep_v life_n and_o heat_n in_o they_o and_o indeed_o some_o few_o of_o we_o do_v follow_v they_o with_o warm_a clothes_n to_o get_v heat_n into_o they_o and_o to_o quicken_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o further_o tell_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o though_o there_o be_v a_o withdraw_n in_o some_o yet_o other_o be_v resolve_v to_o promote_v this_o honourable_a design_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n work_n some_o brethren_n in_o danger_n for_o press_v forward_o the_o work_n but_o be_v betray_v by_o some_o of_o our_o own_o number_n we_o be_v we_o perceive_v take_v in_o a_o snare_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o some_o of_o our_o life_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o prevent_v but_o for_o they_o to_o decline_v in_o their_o affection_n to_o this_o noble_a cause_n more_o and_o more_o destroy_v the_o new_a model_n pull_v down_o what_o they_o have_v build_v and_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v destroy_v to_o lose_v ground_n every_o day_n and_o yet_o to_o keep_v the_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n nay_o to_o exact_a the_o full_a sum_n of_o the_o taxation_n as_o former_o and_o yet_o to_o suffer_v the_o enterprise_n to_o slide_v back_o insensible_o into_o the_o same_o or_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o before_o nay_o more_o than_o this_o for_o the_o new_a model_n to_o build_v again_o the_o same_o thing_n they_o have_v destroy_v for_o the_o famous_a commander_n in_o that_o new_a model_n to_o set_v up_o old_a monarchy_n under_o a_o strange_a notion_n and_o uncouth_a title_n engagement_n the_o new_a model_n set_v up_o old_a monarchy_n in_o a_o new_a disguise_n and_o persecere_fw-la those_o who_o will_v not_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o image_n which_o they_o have_v set_v up_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o engagement_n against_o the_o very_a appearance_n whereof_o they_o have_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o solemn_o engage_v and_o declare_v and_o yet_o further_o to_o command_v we_o also_o who_o be_v their_o firm_a friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o all_o their_o strait_n to_o shut_v our_o eye_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o court_n believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o imprisonment_n and_o if_o we_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o apostasy_n of_o their_o deceive_v the_o saint_n and_o mock_v of_o christ_n present_o to_o say_v take_v he_o jailor_n oh_o this_o be_v not_o to_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o benefit_n do_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v not_o to_o recompense_v their_o brethren_n according_a to_o the_o kindness_n they_o have_v ever_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o true_o backward_o the_o little_a remnant_n unwilling_a to_o be_v charge_v again_o as_o in_o time_n of_o the_o first_o army_n because_o all_o thing_n go_v backward_o upon_o consideration_n of_o that_o which_o go_v before_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o can_v so_o free_o pay_v tax_n and_o give_v they_o wage_n now_o as_o former_o when_o they_o mind_v or_o pretend_v to_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o call_n of_o that_o bloody_a city_n that_o cruel_a city_n to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o those_o massacre_n murder_n and_o slaughter_n and_o other_o cruel_a usage_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o of_o the_o present_a generation_n of_o saint_n now_o suffer_v exceed_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o by_o her_o paramour_n and_o lover_n the_o king_n &_o other_o tyrant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a many_o saint_n be_v unwilling_a of_o nevertheless_o former_o yet_o rather_o than_o resist_v they_o do_v still_o part_v with_o their_o estate_n though_o not_o so_o free_o as_o former_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o all_o man_n that_o shall_v read_v or_o hear_v these_o thing_n my_o principle_n and_o that_o light_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n do_v cause_v i_o to_o surrender_v and_o give_v up_o my_o body_n and_o my_o good_n without_o resistance_n yea_o i_o have_v pay_v heavy_a tax_n during_o this_o my_o unjust_a imprisonment_n also_o even_o as_o when_o i_o be_v at_o liberty_n and_o let_v the_o power_n proceed_v to_o oppress_v i_o
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 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 have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n for_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o it_o be_v write_v age_n write_v strong_a mâ—at_n belong_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o full_a age_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o though_o babe_n can_v feed_v upon_o such_o doctrine_n for_o milk_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o according_o it_o be_v provide_v yet_o other_o who_o be_v come_v to_o some_o maturity_n and_o will_v willing_o know_v the_o work_n of_o their_o day_n and_o age_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n go_v onward_o to_o perfection_n which_o gospel-perrection_a 13._o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n his_o give_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o church_n wherefore_o i_o be_v as_o paul_n in_o his_o 1.14_o rom._n 1.14_o so_o i_o in_o my_o line_n a_o debtor_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a it_o be_v not_o meet_v i_o shall_v be_v blame_v for_o pay_v the_o due_a debt_n of_o my_o office_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o whole_a flock_n of_o christ_n whereof_o i_o be_o make_v the_o overseer_n by_o manifold_a obligation_n but_o to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o section_n i_o answer_v further_o that_o i_o have_v a_o particular_a call_n to_o speak_v large_o to_o this_o point_n about_o the_o government_n because_o i_o perceive_v the_o church_n or_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o be_v under_o a_o great_a mistake_n even_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o a_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o one_o absurdity_n be_v grant_v a_o thousand_o will_v follow_v now_o it_o be_v require_v and_o expect_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o people_n that_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v at_o least_o to_o guide_v their_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n when_o i_o perceive_v they_o but_o begin_v to_o go_v astray_o and_o as_o for_o the_o unseasonableness_n of_o handle_v such_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n consider_v as_o be_v urge_v there_o be_v so_o great_a need_n of_o heal_a and_o of_o silence_v all_o debate_n about_o 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 his_o friend_n and_o to_o render_v he_o the_o byword_n of_o his_o foe_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o both_o the_o other_o to_o trample_v upon_o that_o noble_a cause_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v call_v forth_o the_o author_n to_o maintain_v &_o bear_v witness_n to_o before_o the_o world_n the_o heathen_n will_v abhor_v such_o spirit_n and_o such_o practice_n when_o bring_v before_o they_o 2._o in_o case_n those_o passage_n have_v be_v write_v dark_o and_o doubtful_o be_v it_o not_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o reader_n or_o reporter_n or_o both_o to_o make_v the_o best_a interpretation_n now_o let_v conscience_n do_v its_o office_n which_o christian_a love_n can_v give_v and_o most_o suitable_a
to_o the_o declare_a and_o know_v principle_n of_o the_o author_n of_o those_o word_n unless_o he_o have_v certain_a information_n or_o other_o testimony_n of_o his_o open_a apostasy_n from_o his_o profession_n and_o constant_a conversation_n in_o time_n pass_v unto_o that_o day_n wherefore_o three_o let_v the_o whole_a clause_n be_v consider_v with_o a_o honest_a and_o impartial_a mind_n and_o you_o will_v find_v such_o cautelous_a qualification_n superad_v as_o if_o i_o have_v foresee_v the_o devil_n design_n against_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o person_n both_o whereas_o i_o write_v in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n without_o any_o thought_n of_o decline_a or_o draw_v back_o 10.39_o back_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 10.39_o can_v not_o once_o suspect_v that_o such_o construction_n and_o consequence_n will_v have_v be_v form_v and_o disperse_v thereupon_o the_o first_o qualification_n of_o my_o word_n be_v this_o according_a as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v i_o do_v own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o have_v do_v all_o along_o but_o otherwise_o i_o never_o do_v nor_o shall_v own_o the_o present_a power_n or_o their_o successor_n the_o second_o qualification_n of_o those_o word_n of_o i_o which_o i_o add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o three_o section_n be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o read_v it_o in_o rom._n 13.7_o and_o thus_o far_o in_o this_o three_o section_n and_o no_o further_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o state_n the_o case_n and_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o unconscionable_a carriage_n of_o that_o person_n or_o those_o person_n who_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o their_o tongue_n to_o speak_v reproachful_o against_o their_o neighbour_n without_o cause_n 2.25_o psal_n 15.3_o 2_o tim._n 2.25_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o bridle_n of_o that_o member_n which_o though_o little_a be_v so_o very_o unruly_a verse_n james_n 3._o the_o 10._o first_o verse_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o tongue_n can_n no_o man_z tame_a a_o unruly_a evil_n full_a of_o deadly_a poison_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v the_o only_a work_n of_o god_n to_o tame_v it_o it_o be_v not_o man_n work_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n as_o too_o too_o often_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o to_o proceed_v now_o further_o to_o declare_v ingenuous_o my_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n in_o this_o point_n thus_o i_o say_v either_o i_o must_v own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v or_o that_o be_v for_o we_o will_v not_o argue_v about_o expression_n when_o they_o be_v well_o understand_v though_o they_o may_v not_o be_v very_o proper_a i_o say_v either_o i_o must_v own_o the_o present_a power_n or_o i_o must_v own_o anarchy_n for_o power_n to_o be_v hereafter_o or_o which_o may_v appear_v in_o time_n to_o come_v i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o own_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o i_o intend_v for_o the_o non_fw-la apparentibus_fw-la &_o non_fw-la existentibus_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la if_o the_o power_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o existere_fw-la extra_fw-la causas_fw-la as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o actual_o till_o they_o be_v form_v for_o forma_fw-la that_fw-mi nomen_fw-la &_o esse_fw-la and_o so_o exist_v from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o several_a efficient_a cause_n also_o respective_o now_o as_o for_o anarchy_n or_o no_o government_n for_o a_o people_n to_o have_v no_o power_n in_o be_v it_o be_v confusion_n it_o be_v desolation_n it_o be_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n or_o that_o make_v desolate_a it_o always_o be_v it_o be_v it_o will_v ever_o be_v the_o abomination_n of_o my_o soul_n tyranny_n itself_o be_v not_o so_o ugly_a a_o monster_n by_o many_o degree_n in_o my_o eye_n as_o be_v rampant_a be_v i_o understand_v anarchy_n not_o in_o notion_n but_o in_o operation_n anarchy_n rampant_a anarchy_n but_o let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o i_o ever_o be_v or_o now_o be_o a_o friend_n in_o the_o least_o to_o former_a or_o present_a tyranny_n though_o i_o thus_o speak_v for_o tyranny_n be_v high_a treason_n against_o mankind_n and_o against_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v turn_v headlong_o off_o from_o the_o stage_n again_o when_o it_o have_v act_v its_o part_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o will_v not_o be_v until_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o saint_n and_o the_o world_n may_v see_v what_o reason_n i_o have_v and_o have_v to_o declare_v that_o i_o do_v own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v for_o to_o own_o the_o power_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hereafter_o but_o be_v not_o yet_o extant_a i_o can_v do_v it_o viz._n in_o that_o sense_n before_o express_v and_o own_o anarchy_n or_o non-government_n that_o i_o will_v not_o do_v upon_o any_o term_n while_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o continue_v in_o my_o right_a mind_n and_o enjoy_v any_o remainder_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o be_v constrain_v by_o right_a reason_n to_o own_o the_o present_a power_n but_o then_o withal_o my_o two_o limitation_n restriction_n or_o corrective_n call_v they_o what_o you_o please_v must_v be_v admit_v and_o remember_v careful_o for_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v suffer_v apparent_a injury_n as_o late_o i_o have_v feel_v first_o in_o general_a i_o tell_v the_o congregation_n i_o own_v they_o according_a to_o god_n or_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v second_o i_o do_v particular_o declare_v how_o and_o how_o far_o i_o own_v the_o power_n in_o be_v in_o say_v i_o give_v tribute_n custom_n fear_n and_o honour_n where_o each_o of_o these_o be_v due_a but_o what_o and_o who_o those_o power_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v another_z question_n and_o shall_v be_v handle_v in_o its_o place_n concern_v the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o restriction_n i_o explain_v my_o meaning_n thus_o i_o may_v as_o well_o throw_v away_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n those_o bless_a oracle_n which_o be_v sweet_a to_o i_o especial_o since_o i_o come_v into_o prison_n and_o yet_o more_o especial_o since_o i_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o close-imprisonment_n then_o the_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n as_o deny_v or_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v it_o be_v so_o just_a and_o so_o good_a a_o law_n of_o god_n 2.13_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v high_a power_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o good_a law_n the_o law_n may_v be_v form_v thus_o potestates_fw-la in_o mundo_fw-la supereminentes_a semper_fw-la sunto_fw-la 1_o pet._n 2.13_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o command_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a peter_n write_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n say_v express_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n or_o humane_a creation_n 3.1_o creation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 3.1_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o send_v by_o he_o paul_n to_o titus_n do_v confirm_v this_o doctrine_n and_o this_o statute-law_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n 〈◊〉_d magistrate_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o rom._n 13.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n but_o moreover_o let_v we_o not_o interpret_v this_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n this_o own_n of_o they_o to_o be_v absolute_a and_o unlimited_a as_o if_o without_o all_o restriction_n and_o distinction_n for_o that_o be_v unreasonable_a as_o have_v be_v argue_v and_o urge_v against_o the_o late_a king_n yea_o furthermore_o these_o thing_n be_v enjoin_v to_o particular_a christian_n and_o private_a person_n who_o be_v altogether_o under_o 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notable_o 1_o king_n 16._o and_o 2_o king_n 15._o one_o king_n reign_v two_o year_n that_o be_v a_o great_a space_n another_o six_o month_n another_o reign_v one_o full_a month_n another_o seven_o day_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v but_o of_o all_o claim_n and_o title_n to_o government_n that_o of_o the_o long_a sharp_a sword_n be_v the_o most_o confound_a and_o the_o most_o confuse_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o let_v the_o army_n prepare_v themselves_o to_o plead_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n for_o a_o most_o strict_a inquiry_n will_v be_v make_v in_o who_o name_n and_o by_o what_o authority_n they_o have_v do_v and_o continue_v to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v do_v of_o late_a day_n against_o the_o truth_n the_o work_n the_o cause_n of_o god_n now_o to_o be_v advance_v by_o other_o who_o god_n will_v choose_v and_o use_v this_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v suffice_v to_o the_o 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and_o mercy_n answ_n no_o not_o so_o in_o the_o least_o for_o you_o shall_v hardly_o read_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o power_n though_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o tyrannical_a in_o their_o government_n but_o at_o time_n they_o be_v find_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n good_a in_o themselves_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o equity_n though_o in_o other_o respect_v they_o be_v abominable_a wretch_n in_o their_o govern_n of_o the_o people_n under_o they_o for_o instance_n when_o i_o write_v this_o passage_n in_o my_o epistle_n of_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n i_o particular_o think_v of_o their_o keep_n under_o that_o enemy_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o contend_v against_o with_o so_o vast_a expense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o justice_n upon_o that_o party_n and_o generation_n who_o malice_n have_v be_v and_o be_v inveterate_a against_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o 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with_o they_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a unto_o he_o this_o be_v to_o be_v resist_v so_o far_o as_o god_n give_v power_n and_o opportunity_n see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o story_n the_o jew_n fall_v upon_o their_o enemy_n and_o destroy_v they_o again_o saul_n persecute_v david_n for_o his_o life_n like_o a_o wicked_a tyrant_n as_o he_o be_v and_o have_v almost_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o tiding_n come_v the_o philistines_n have_v invade_v the_o land_n 28_o 1_o sam._n 23.27_o 28_o he_o leave_v david_n and_o go_v to_o drive_v out_o the_o enemy_n in_o this_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v or_o oppose_v it_o be_v for_o public_a good_a and_o the_o escape_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n so_o herod_n that_o vile_a tyrant_n who_o behead_v john_n 6.20_o mark_n 6.20_o yet_o hear_v he_o at_o sometime_o and_o that_o glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o john_n doctrine_n do_v direct_v unto_o thus_o you_o know_v my_o meaning_n in_o this_o also_o that_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o high_a power_n their_o do_v what_o be_v in_o itself_o moral_o good_a and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o resist_v they_o in_o such_o action_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o hereby_o in_o the_o least_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessary_a connexion_n betwixt_o they_o two_o as_o if_o when_o the_o present_a power_n at_o some_o time_n in_o some_o thing_n happen_v to_o do_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v just_a and_o right_a therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n or_o just_a power_n for_o the_o one_o be_v find_v to_o be_v where_o the_o other_o be_v not_o as_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n in_o do_v wicked_o be_v to_o be_v hinder_v &_o prevent_v that_o he_o bring_v not_o ungodly_a erterprise_n to_o pass_v so_o when_o any_o tyrant_n or_o usurper_n do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a and_o according_a to_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o justice_n as_o most_o common_o they_o do_v somewhat_o of_o that_o kind_n at_o certain_a season_n herein_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n of_o resistance_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o confirmation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o unjust_a power_n for_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o any_o who_o the_o lord_n shall_v anoint_v to_o that_o work_n to_o take_v such_o tyrant_n off_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n notwithstanding_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v concern_v a_o private_a person_n forbear_v to_o interpose_v for_o the_o hindrance_n of_o any_o good_a thing_n perform_v by_o they_o at_o any_o time_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o that_o clause_n which_o in_o this_o four_o section_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v only_o i_o think_v it_o useful_a consider_v god_n end_n in_o this_o strange_a &_o unexpected_a alteration_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o some_o consideration_n shall_v be_v have_v of_o the_o lord_n end_n in_o order_v the_o affair_n and_o alteration_n of_o this_o time_n and_o day_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o after_o all_o ancient_a form_n of_o government_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v destroy_v the_o army_n shall_v thus_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o rule_v over_o the_o people_n good_a and_o bad_a friend_n and_o foe_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o if_o we_o their_o brethren_n have_v be_v conquer_v by_o they_o and_o subdue_v as_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o they_o which_o to_o i_o appear_v one_o of_o the_o most_o astonish_a providence_n of_o these_o last_o fifteen_o year_n that_o those_o who_o be_v such_o a_o pray_a company_n such_o a_o heavenly_a people_n in_o their_o carriage_n as_o if_o the_o headquarters_n have_v be_v the_o very_a suburb_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n at_o the_o least_o what_o a_o sound_n from_o the_o camp_n in_o those_o day_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o reign_n of_o christ_n of_o vengeance_n against_o babylon_n and_o antichrist_n and_o multitude_n of_o such_o phrase_n and_o scripture-expression_n i_o say_v this_o be_v most_o marvellous_a to_o observe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v forget_v as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v mention_v or_o talk_v of_o in_o the_o least_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n intent_n or_o design_n what_o may_v be_v the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o almighty_a thus_o to_o suffer_v these_o man_n after_o all_o the_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o they_o to_o set_v their_o foot_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o their_o poor_a oppress_a brethren_n that_o never_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o least_o till_o they_o leave_v christ_n and_o his_o cause_n to_o sink_v or_o swim_v and_o then_o to_o raise_v up_o themselves_o into_o this_o high_a and_o
or_o for_o the_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o honest_a man_n rise_v up_o against_o they_o but_o this_o will_v not_o signify_v in_o the_o least_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o approve_v of_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a power_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o as_o it_o may_v be_v further_a instance_a in_o their_o predecessor_n who_o though_o they_o do_v many_o excellent_a thing_n in_o their_o day_n yet_o because_o they_o miscarry_v in_o other_o respect_n the_o lord_n do_v find_v they_o out_o and_o take_v a_o convenient_a time_n to_o lay_v their_o honour_n and_o power_n in_o the_o dust_n let_v this_o suffice_v at_o present_a for_o i_o must_v now_o dispatch_v this_o section_n there_o be_v one_o objection_n only_o which_o possible_o may_v lie_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o some_o choice_n servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o it_o be_v object_n although_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v submit_v to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o their_o day_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v for_o first_o we_o have_v resist_v the_o power_n in_o our_o day_n and_o be_v blameless_a in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a teacher_n which_o be_v among_o we_o and_o second_o if_o we_o shall_v submit_v as_o they_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n how_o can_v vengeance_n be_v execute_v upon_o babylon_n and_o her_o adherent_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o word_n ans_fw-fr 1._o i_o grant_v it_o be_v most_o true_a there_o be_v ground_n to_o expect_v a_o time_n when_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o his_o little_a horn_n which_o time_n you_o must_v think_v those_o who_o suffer_v in_o all_o country_n under_o papal_a and_o regal_a tyranny_n do_v long_o after_o but_o till_o that_o time_n you_o see_v that_o the_o two_o witness_n do_v suffer_v under_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o their_o adversary_n ans_fw-fr 2._o but_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o consider_v the_o matter_n viz._n the_o different_a estate_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o different_a time_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v and_o well_o observe_v that_o jeremy_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o captivity_n do_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n direct_v the_o jew_n to_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o city_n whither_o he_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_n and_o to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o 29.7_o jer._n 29.7_o for_o in_o the_o peace_n thereof_o shall_v you_o have_v peace_n jer._n 29.7_o but_o now_o if_o you_o turn_v to_o psal_n 137.8_o 9_o you_o shall_v find_v there_o be_v a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v contrary_a mind_a to_o that_o passage_n before_o mention_v saying_n oh_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v happy_a shall_v he_o be_v that_o reward_v thou_o as_o thou_o have_v serve_v we_o happy_a shall_v he_o be_v that_o take_v and_o dash_v thy_o little_a one_o against_o the_o stone_n you_o see_v what_o different_a language_n and_o carriage_n here_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o city_n and_o power_n at_o different_a season_n yea_o jeremy_n himself_o who_o send_v word_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o babylon_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seventy_o year_n send_v another_o message_n contrary_a to_o it_o not_o long_o after_o i_o will_v fix_v but_o upon_o one_o passage_n or_o two_o jer._n 51.33_o it_o be_v time_n to_o thresh_v babylon_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o time_n of_o her_o harvest_n shall_v come_v again_o vers_fw-la 35._o the_o violence_n do_v unto_o i_o and_o unto_o my_o flesh_n be_v upon_o babylon_n shall_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o zion_n say_v and_o my_o blood_n be_v upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o caldea_n shall_v jerusalem_n say_v here_o be_v very_o differ_v language_n from_o the_o former_a message_n this_o can_v be_v pray_v for_o the_o city_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o curse_v of_o babylon_n as_o you_o plain_o see_v even_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o true_a israelite_n of_o the_o new_a testament-time_n when_o they_o be_v first_o of_o all_o persecute_v by_o the_o roman_a power_n they_o can_v not_o prophesy_v nor_o pray_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o work_n of_o that_o age_n and_o so_o there_o be_v neither_o light_n nor_o spirit_n for_o any_o such_o enterprise_n but_o now_o it_o be_v seasonable_a in_o this_o day_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v and_o to_o come_v among_o the_o live_a saint_n in_o this_o nation_n who_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n upon_o the_o dunghill_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v entrust_v they_o will_v encourage_v they_o to_o spend_v their_o arrow_n and_o not_o spare_v against_o this_o mystical_a babylon_n they_o will_v own_v that_o cause_n and_o work_v &_o truth_n for_o which_o we_o endure_v so_o great_a oppression_n and_o persecution_n and_o therefore_o although_o i_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a till_o the_o time_n of_o deliverance_n come_v and_o that_o deliverance_n shall_v come_v by_o instrument_n anoint_v of_o god_n as_o cyrus_n be_v yea_o with_o a_o better_o anoint_v yet_o because_o by_o a_o spiritual_a instinct_n flow_v from_o that_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o through_o rich_a grace_n i_o do_v partake_v i_o do_v know_v assure_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o ere_o it_o be_v long_o from_o pray_v for_o the_o power_n under_o the_o little_a horn_n that_o we_o shall_v reward_v they_o as_o they_o have_v reward_v we_o therefore_o i_o say_v do_v i_o thus_o speak_v and_o thus_o write_v and_o pray_v with_o other_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v saint_n pour_v out_o the_o remain_a vial_n of_o thy_o wrath_n upon_o the_o present_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o let_v all_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n say_v amen_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o explanation_n of_o the_o four_o section_n of_o the_o epistle_n with_o such_o further_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o point_n as_o for_o the_o present_a i_o be_o furnish_v withal_o from_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o next_o sect_n v._o in_o this_o part_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o those_o who_o be_v dark_a in_o this_o matter_n quest_n how_o i_o can_v justify_v my_o practice_n of_o preach_v down_o the_o power_n in_o be_v as_o my_o manner_n be_v when_o as_o my_o declare_a principlet_n be_v and_o have_v be_v constant_o to_o own_v they_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o resist_v or_o rise_v up_o against_o they_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n stand_v together_o it_o seem_v a_o paradox_n if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n in_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n shall_v both_o own_o the_o power_n and_o endeavour_v their_o destruction_n thus_o no_o question_n many_o will_n query_n concern_v this_o matter_n answ_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v needful_a i_o may_v easy_o show_v how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o two_o contrary_a quality_n to_o be_v in_o the_o selfsame_a subject_n at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o divers_a respect_n and_o in_o different_a degree_n but_o those_o school-distinction_n be_v not_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o inquirer_n as_o i_o intend_v satisfaction_n to_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o letter_n and_o then_o explain_v my_o meaning_n by_o particular_a instance_n in_o the_o word_n answ_n 2._o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o write_v be_v this_o that_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n i._n e._n since_o king_n and_o such_o like_a arbitrary_a power_n be_v over_o the_o saint_n do_v own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v in_o their_o day_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o self_n same_o time_n they_o preach_v and_o prophesy_v against_o they_o for_o their_o abomination_n and_o so_o have_v i_o do_v and_o will_v do_v the_o lord_n assist_v according_a to_o their_o example_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o answer_n in_o the_o letter_n now_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v that_o which_o seem_v so_o dark_a to_o other_o i_o begin_v with_o samuel_n first_o he_o own_v saul_n as_o a_o high_a power_n anoint_v and_o appoint_v of_o god_n to_o rule_v over_o his_o people_n as_o you_o find_v in_o 1_o sam._n 9.17_o and_o 1_o sam._n 12.5_o in_o this_o last_o chapter_n you_o shall_v find_v these_o word_n to_o the_o people_n that_o you_o may_v perceive_v and_o see_v
yet_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v be_v hear_v to_o speak_v for_o ourselves_o and_o to_o plead_v our_o cause_n from_o scripture_n and_o from_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o otherwise_o wherefore_o let_v the_o question_n be_v state_v thus_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v intermeddle_v in_o state_n affair_n without_o sin_n before_o i_o come_v to_o argue_v and_o urge_v the_o truth_n in_o this_o problem_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a and_o useful_a to_o explicate_v the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n in_o this_o ensue_a order_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o state-affair_n or_o matter_n of_o state_n second_o what_o be_v the_o force_n and_o signification_n of_o that_o word_n meddle_v or_o intermeddle_v three_o who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o first_o state-affair_n or_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o state_n be_v as_o i_o conceive_v among_o we_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o contradistinction_n to_o church-affair_n or_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n for_o that_o distinction_n of_o church_n and_o state_n be_v receive_v and_o keep_v up_o as_o proper_a to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church-state_n either_o real_o or_o in_o pretence_n it_o will_v give_v we_o light_v in_o this_o controversy_n but_o beside_o this_o that_o distinction_n of_o jehosaphat_n will_v help_v we_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 19_o last_o verse_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o of_o jehovah_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n the_o septuagint_n read_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tremelius_fw-la thus_o in_o omninegotio_fw-la domini_fw-la &_o in_o omni_fw-la negotio_fw-la regio_fw-la so_o that_o the_o matter_n business_n and_o affair_n of_o jehovah_n be_v set_v by_o themselves_o and_o the_o business_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o king_n be_v put_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o distinction_n from_o the_o other_o moreover_o the_o usual_a phrase_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n help_v we_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o you_o may_v know_v my_o affair_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o i_o may_v know_v your_o affair_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o 1_o cor._n 7.32_o the_o unmarried_a care_v for_o the_o thing_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o marry_v for_o the_o thing_n or_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o thing_n the_o apostle_n though_o it_o be_v a_o circumlocution_n in_o the_o translation_n call_v by_o one_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i.e._n thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o this_o life_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o a_o better_a life_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a we_o must_v agree_v to_o understand_v by_o that_o phrase_n state-affair_n those_o thing_n or_o matter_n which_o do_v proper_o and_o direct_o appertain_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o take_v care_n and_o cognizance_n of_o and_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n for_o the_o outward_a good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o people_n as_o war_n peace_n law_n custom_n tax_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o term_n to_o intermeddle_v be_v or_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n as_o first_o to_o intrude_v col._n 2.18_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o those_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o for_o a_o man_n to_o thrust_v himself_o into_o business_n sese_fw-la ingerere_fw-la as_o beza_n render_v it_o it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v have_v skill_n to_o manage_v such_o and_o such_o affair_n but_o to_o interpose_v have_v no_o call_n thereunto_o he_o may_v be_v just_o account_v a_o meddlesom_a pragmatical_a man_n a_o busy_a forward_a companion_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o one_o to_o who_o we_o use_v to_o say_v upbray_o you_o may_v meddle_v with_o your_o own_o matter_n or_o with_o your_o own_o business_n the_o greek_n do_v give_v this_o kind_n of_o carriage_n a_o fit_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o busy_a one_o self_n about_o many_o affair_n which_o yet_o do_v not_o any_o way_n concern_v we_o and_o indeed_o such_o a_o spirit_n be_v very_o unbecoming_a a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o other_o out_o of_o a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o dexterity_n and_o skilfulness_n to_o undertake_v to_o meddle_v with_o great_a matter_n or_o thing_n too_o high_a for_o they_o or_o too_o wonderful_a as_o david_n speak_v psal_n 131.1_o of_o such_o also_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v write_v 1_o tim._n 1.7_o they_o will_v needs_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o yet_o neither_o understand_v what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v sure_o it_o be_v vainglory_n which_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o practice_n solomon_n give_v this_o as_o one_o character_n of_o a_o fool_n prov._n 20.3_o it_o be_v a_o honour_n for_o a_o man_n to_o cease_v from_o strife_n but_o every_o foot_n will_v be_v meddle_v moreover_o three_o some_o there_o be_v who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o natural_a temper_n be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o much_o addict_v to_o meddle_v with_o all_o matter_n and_o yet_o good_a man_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o from_o vainglory_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o from_o self_n conceit_n of_o their_o fitness_n to_o interpose_v in_o divers_a business_n but_o they_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o desultory_a genius_n which_o will_v be_v ever_o and_o anon_o leap_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o they_o have_v a_o inward_a longing_n to_o be_v do_v &_o to_o be_v meddle_v like_a as_o some_o man_n who_o have_v itch_a ear_n do_v heap_n unto_o themselves_o teacher_n as_o the_o spirit_n speak_v 2_o tim._n 4.3_o so_o these_o be_v trouble_v as_o it_o be_v with_o itch_a finger_n their_o finger_n itch_n to_o be_v meddle_v to_o be_v do_v undoubted_o this_o be_v a_o lust_n to_o be_v mortify_v we_o describe_v such_o man_n when_o we_o say_v proverbial_o they_o live_v to_o have_v a_o oar_n in_o every_o man_n boat_n or_o in_o another_o man_n boat_n solomon_n also_o intimate_v such_o a_o spirit_n in_o prov._n 26.17_o he_o that_o pass_v by_o and_o meddle_v with_o strife_n belong_v not_o to_o he_o be_v like_o one_o that_o take_v a_o dog_n by_o the_o ear_n if_o he_o do_v but_o pass_v by_o and_o that_o upon_o other_o business_n it_o may_v be_v serious_a business_n yet_o his_o nature_n be_v such_o if_o there_o be_v any_o occasion_n he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o intermingle_v himself_o in_o the_o contention_n but_o i_o take_v not_o the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n for_o this_o troublesome_a corruption_n in_o a_o minister_n or_o other_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v watch_v and_o pray_v against_o see_v 1_o thes_n 4.10_o 11._o we_o beseech_v you_o say_v he_o and_o that_o you_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o do_v your_o own_o business_n yea_o plato_n say_v almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v his_o own_o business_n and_o not_o to_o be_v a_o poly-pragmatist_a or_o not_o to_o meddle_v in_o other_o man_n matter_n be_v one_o part_n of_o justice_n thus_o i_o grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v sinful_a to_o intermeddle_v in_o some_o case_n as_o you_o have_v see_v in_o these_o three_o last_o particular_n but_o yet_o to_o meddle_v or_o intermeddle_v be_v a_o act_n which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o a_o duty_n to_o intermeddle_v at_o some_o season_n and_o upon_o some_o occasion_n for_o god_n and_o good_a man_n may_v agree_v to_o give_v a_o man_n a_o call_v and_o skill_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o ordinary_o he_o may_v not_o meddle_v withal_o thus_o phineas_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n it_o be_v far_o from_o phineas_n his_o office_n to_o be_v a_o executioner_n yet_o he_o engage_v at_o this_o time_n out_o of_o his_o zeal_n to_o justice_n and_o against_o most_o horrible_a wickedness_n psal_n 106.30_o 31._o compare_v with_o numb_a 25.7_o this_o sudden_a act_n so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o his_o call_n be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n yea_o to_o all_o generation_n for_o evermore_o likewise_o peter_n the_o fisherman_n and_o fisher_n of_o man_n have_v use_v to_o preach_v more_o than_o to_o fight_v for_o he_o carry_v neither_o sword_n nor_o staff_n about_o with_o he_o when_o christ_n send_v he_o forth_o as_o a_o lamb_n among_o wolf_n yet_o at_o a_o certain_a season_n afterward_o he_o so_o far_o intermeddle_v with_o state-affair_n as_o that_o he_o cut_v and_o slash_v till_o one_o of_o the_o state_n officer_n have_v lose_v one_o of_o his_o ear_n he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o apprehend_v his_o master_n it_o be_v true_a his_o office_n