Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n let_v see_v word_n 4,072 5 3.9829 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A76788 Endevors aiming at the glory of God, that peace & truth may meet together: wherein is contained the excellency, benefit, and necessity of good government and governors: a loving reply to Mr William Prynnes speech made to the House of Commons, and afterwards published. Some matters are propounded to the consideration of the ministry; and also to particular (and to all) opinions. The first, purest, best and most blessed form and manner of government, prescribed by God, (and recorded in Gods sacred word;) together with the way of entrance, or Gods calling of persons to places of chief government, the great consequence thereof. Wherein is shewed, that government by succession, from the father to the son, was none of Gods institution, in the first and purest times. And also the government by Judges is plainly proved to be the best form of government, being Gods immediate direction, most blessed and approved for Gods glory, and for a peoples greatest good, comfort, and safety. / By John Blackleach. Blackleach, John. 1650 (1650) Wing B3074; Thomason E590_5; ESTC R206330 147,760 171

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form_n and_o in_o the_o person_n for_o that_o babylon_n that_o great_a city_n of_o corruption_n be_v compact_v in_o and_o by_o disorder_n corrupt_a governor_n &_o government_n be_v the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o her_o abomination_n and_o note_v it_o well_o when_o god_n church_n shall_v become_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n god_n name_v this_o as_o the_o principal_a ingredient_n and_o cause_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n observe_v well_o that_o frame_n of_o that_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n rev._n 21.2_o the_o holy_a city_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n as_o a_o bride_n trim_v for_o her_o husband_n note_v well_o in_o what_o a_o beautiful_a and_o perfect_a order_n she_o be_v proportion_v read_v the_o chapter_n see_v there_o what_o blessing_n come_v to_o the_o people_n when_o good_a order_n come_v ver._n 4._o then_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n neither_o sorrow_n ver._n 5._o and_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n say_v etc._n etc._n write_v ver._n 6._o it_o be_v do_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n etc._n etc._n ver_n 11._o have_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o her_o shine_a be_v like_a unto_o a_o stone_n most_o precious_a etc._n etc._n note_v i_o pray_v you_o what_o a_o direct_a opposition_n there_o be_v between_o the_o babylon_n of_o confusion_n and_o this_o city_n rule_v and_o proportion_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n you_o know_v that_o babells_n tower_n bring_v confusion_n at_o the_o first_o building_n and_o from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o that_o great_a strumpet_n be_v corrupt_v and_o defile_v by_o forsake_v god_n bless_a rule_n record_v she_o slight_v god_n wisdom_n she_o will_v not_o follow_v his_o prescription_n but_o turn_v from_o god_n and_o follow_v she_o own_o invention_n therefore_o she_o not_o be_v trim_v as_o a_o 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god_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n four_o this_o way_n be_v a_o way_n that_o god_n do_v most_o immediate_o act_v appoint_v and_o practice_v and_o bless_v from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n and_o god_n never_o repeal_v or_o contradict_v this_o immediate_a way_n of_o he_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a if_o the_o people_n former_o cast_v off_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n remove_v from_o they_o and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o they_o never_o turn_v to_o god_n to_o seek_v his_o face_n be_v much_o harden_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o if_o god_n now_o give_v we_o heart_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o see_v the_o evil_n of_o they_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o turn_v again_o and_o to_o long_o and_o lament_v with_o a_o earnest_a affection_n to_o do_v god_n will_v without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_n or_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v and_o if_o we_o do_v humble_o and_o unfeigned_o seek_v his_o favour_n who_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n may_v full_o answer_v our_o 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so_o rest_v in_o peace_n because_o a_o good_a shepherd_n be_v their_o watchman_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o cause_n that_o david_n ps_n 23._o find_v such_o great_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n namely_o from_o his_o shepherd_n dear_a friend_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o obtain_v good_a shepherd_n good_a governor_n our_o strife_n will_v end_v our_o difference_n will_v be_v compose_v corrupt_a opinion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o desperate_a blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n will_v vanish_v as_o smoke_v before_o the_o wind_n the_o very_a presence_n of_o moses_n destroy_v the_o profaneness_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n dear_a christian_a friend_n if_o god_n help_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n then_o shall_v peace_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o and_o as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n they_o shall_v kiss_v one_o another_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n then_o shall_v we_o well_o provide_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o child_n and_o for_o their_o 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by_o seek_v revenge_n we_o may_v plunge_v and_o throw_v ourselves_o ●●to_o great_a danger_n and_o temptation_n in_o such_o case_n we_o may_v wait_v patient_o and_o commit_v those_o case_n to_o god_n that_o judge_v righteous_o sin_n shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a doer_n and_o god_n will_v bring_v down_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o deceitful_a man_n he_o that_o rise_v up_o to_o right_v another_o man_n cause_n must_v look_v well_o to_o his_o own_o call_n and_o ability_n do_v not_o these_o lie_n as_o a_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v peace_n and_o truth_n from_o meeting_n i_o shall_v be_v silent_a and_o commit_v the_o matter_n to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o so_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v i_o shall_v not_o use_v here_o any_o carnal_a weapon_n only_o make_v some_o use_n of_o truth_n so_o well_o as_o i_o be_o able_a that_o thereby_o we_o may_v find_v the_o way_n to_o peace_n and_o first_o touch_v the_o late_a king_n death_n consider_v that_o we_o can_v recall_v that_o what_o then_o be_v you_o resolve_v to_o set_v up_o the_o elder_a son_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n consider_v well_o of_o it_o can_v you_o tell_v whether_o he_o will_v prove_v wise_a or_o foolish_a can_v you_o tell_v whether_o he_o will_v care_v for_o the_o flock_n can_v you_o tell_v whether_o he_o will_v love_v or_o hate_v the_o flock_n can_v you_o tell_v whether_o you_o shall_v obtain_v your_o desire_n or_o whether_o that_o the_o pursuance_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o ruin_v yourselves_o and_o many_o other_o that_o desire_v to_o live_v in_o peace_n be_v you_o nevertheless_o resolve_v to_o have_v such_o a_o watchman_n such_o a_o shepherd_n will_v you_o expect_v grape_n from_o thorn_n i_o have_v indeed_o to_o my_o sorrow_n hear_v this_o with_o my_o ear_n late_o speak_v that_o if_o a_o turk_n or_o any_o other_o as_o bad_a almost_o shall_v come_v hither_o and_o contend_v for_o the_o government_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a party_n for_o he_o oh_o horrible_a impiety_n that_o man_n shall_v so_o far_o be_v transport_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n too_o apparent_a that_o by_o their_o work_n by_o their_o swear_n and_o profaneness_n and_o hatred_n of_o those_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n declare_v evident_o that_o they_o be_v god_n enemy_n it_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v they_o over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n what_o if_o god_n word_n declare_v evident_o that_o the_o government_n by_o judge_n be_v better_a more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o mind_n more_o useful_a and_o more_o comfortable_a to_o we_o will_v you_o nevertheless_o have_v a_o king_n consider_v of_o it_o friend_n countryman_n belove_v i_o have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o a_o king_n but_o this_o i_o say_v i_o honour_v love_n worship_n and_o desire_v to_o cleave_v to_o the_o precept_n and_o commandment_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n of_o he_o who_o give_v i_o life_n and_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v i_o up_o to_o life_n when_o this_o span_n of_o time_n be_v past_a when_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n have_v do_v his_o utmost_a spite_n i_o be_v no_o actor_n in_o the_o king_n death_n i_o have_v take_v a_o great_a journey_n above_o four_o year_n before_o the_o death_n of_o the_o king_n and_o be_v many_o hundred_o of_o mile_n distant_a from_o this_o land_n and_o return_v hither_o very_o late_o i_o speak_v therefore_o the_o more_o free_o with_o more_o liberty_n i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o the_o great_a care_n i_o can_v to_o weigh_v man_n word_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o i_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v loose_o careless_o and_o many_o more_o profane_o be_v
of_o delinquency_n the_o reason_n i_o intend_v be_v because_o that_o such_o eminent_a person_n be_v usual_o compass_v about_o with_o such_o giantlike_a assistant_n that_o although_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n that_o the_o people_n have_v right_a in_o divers_a case_n to_o depose_v and_o to_o punish_v offender_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o they_o can_v at_o their_o pleasure_n they_o may_v possible_o by_o woeful_a experience_n come_v to_o see_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o man_n and_o they_o may_v cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o affliction_n but_o how_o to_o remedy_v they_o they_o can_v tell_v for_o want_v of_o power_n woeful_a experience_n we_o have_v now_o have_v of_o this_o whereby_o we_o may_v easy_o discern_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o remove_v a_o king_n or_o governor_n though_o never_o so_o apparent_o a_o delinquent_n let_v we_o be_v warn_v and_o inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v govern_v we_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v not_o err_v but_o to_o return_v we_o may_v further_o observe_v in_o the_o same_o leaf_n that_o mr._n prynne_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o way_n and_o these_o prescription_n be_v such_o as_o he_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o neither_o from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n nor_o from_o any_o other_o precedent_n record_v in_o humane_a record_n fol._n 37._o his_o word_n be_v these_o none_o of_o our_o ancestor_n ever_o demand_v or_o enjoy_v the_o like_a nor_o no_o other_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o since_o the_o creation_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v not_o contradict_v his_o testimony_n in_o these_o his_o expression_n in_o this_o i_o full_o agree_v that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o unerring_a rule_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o retain_v such_o a_o precedent_n as_o that_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n be_v evident_a copious_a and_o eminent_a in_o the_o direct_a opposition_n consider_v what_o mr_n prynne_n further_a speak_v in_o his_o speech_n fol._n 39_o his_o word_n be_v these_o these_o great_a officer_n and_o judge_n have_v now_o no_o dependence_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o king_n who_o can_v neither_o place_n nor_o displace_v any_o of_o they_o and_o a_o little_a further_o he_o add_v these_o word_n as_o the_o king_n have_v entrust_v you_o with_o etc._n etc._n so_o have_v he_o entrust_v you_o with_o his_o conscience_n and_o court_n of_o equity_n too_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o rare_a matter_n for_o a_o king_n or_o supreme_a judge_n to_o entrust_v another_o man_n with_o his_o conscience_n and_o more_o with_o his_o court_n of_o judicature_n a_o little_a further_o he_o add_v fol._n 40._o that_o never_o any_o parliament_n in_o england_n claim_v or_o enjoy_v such_o matter_n as_o these_o etc._n etc._n i_o do_v very_o believe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o former_a i_o hear_v some_o use_n very_o bitter_a expression_n against_o new_a opinion_n and_o against_o some_o that_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o but_o let_v the_o godly_a reader_n unpartial_o consider_v that_o these_o matter_n be_v new_a opinion_n indeed_o such_o as_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o humane_a record_n can_v produce_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o further_a note_n that_o these_o be_v not_o new_a opinion_n about_o circumstantial_a matter_n but_o they_o do_v much_o concern_v god_n glory_n king_n governor_n people_n future_a security_n be_v not_o these_o opinion_n capital_a if_o error_n they_o be_v great_a one_o i_o shall_v but_o touch_v one_o use_v i_o make_v of_o this_o and_o desire_v all_o that_o be_v godly_a to_o consider_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v humble_a meek_a and_o lowly_a for_o god_n say_v that_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o humble_a and_o instruct_v the_o meek_a jam._n 3.17_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v verse_n 14._o but_o if_o there_o be_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n in_o our_o heart_n rejoice_v not_o for_o this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a verse_n 18._o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_o in_o peace_n of_o they_o that_o love_v peace_n many_o in_o these_o time_n cry_v out_o against_o opinion_n that_o never_o know_v nor_o serious_o examine_v their_o own_o heart_n first_o it_o be_v good_a to_o examine_v our_o own_o heart_n where_o we_o shall_v easy_o see_v much_o ignorance_n much_o pride_n much_o evil_n in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o jam._n 3.2_o now_o this_o benefit_n we_o shall_v have_v thereby_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o merciful_a in_o censure_v other_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n abound_v now_o that_o will_v be_v wise_a than_o those_o governor_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o and_o do_v exclaim_v against_o our_o governor_n for_o their_o remissness_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o once_o root_v out_o all_o error_n but_o consider_v thou_o that_o do_v thus_o may_v not_o thy_o lot_n fall_v among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o heretic_n against_o who_o thou_o be_v so_o fierce_a can_v we_o wait_v and_o persuade_v our_o governor_n in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n for_o reformation_n of_o thing_n amiss_o than_o we_o shall_v soon_o prevail_v because_o god_n will_v go_v along_o with_o we_o mr_n prynne_n be_v very_o hot_a at_o some_o time_n in_o censure_v and_o deliver_v other_o man_n opinion_n over_o to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n i_o can_v advise_v he_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o he_o be_v not_o too_o quick-sighted_a to_o spy_v to_o condemn_v and_o persecute_v other_o man_n for_o their_o opinion_n i_o advise_v and_o counsel_v he_o and_o my_o own_o heart_n to_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n slow_a to_o censure_v other_o let_v we_o set_v the_o staff_n at_o our_o own_o door_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o it_o may_v come_v to_o our_o own_o turn_n to_o be_v in_o error_n james_n 3_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a etc._n etc._n mr_n prynne_n be_v in_o a_o great_a error_n in_o labour_v to_o take_v from_o the_o king_n as_o a_o king_n any_o power_n rightful_o due_a god_n help_v the_o army_n and_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o parliament_n i_o do_v believe_v to_o discern_v the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o remedy_v those_o evil_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v consider_v we_o well_o of_o two_o thing_n in_o this_o mr_n prynne_n speech_n first_o he_o say_v that_o the_o king_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o all_o right_a and_o power_n in_o the_o nomination_n of_o governor_n against_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v direct_o in_o opposition_n for_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n moses_n have_v that_o authority_n to_o appoint_v or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o approve_v of_o the_o officer_n under_o or_o inferior_a to_o he_o read_v and_o observe_v the_o place_n exod._n 18.24_o and_o moses_n choose_v man_n of_o courage_n out_o of_o all_o israel_n and_o make_v they_o head_n over_o the_o people_n and_o they_o 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man_n that_o to_o posterity_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v record_v for_o their_o courage_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o help_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a in_o deliver_v the_o people_n out_o of_o that_o egyptian_a bondage_n consider_v a_o word_n dear_a countryman_n under_o king_n we_o bestow_v time_n and_o cost_n to_o instruct_v our_o child_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n suppose_v the_o king_n then_o be_v shall_v die_v or_o some_o idolater_n poison_n or_o make_v he_o away_o and_o set_v up_o his_o son_n who_o they_o see_v be_v incline_v to_o idolatry_n in_o his_o stead_n what_o then_o follow_v answ_n then_o all_o our_o labour_n be_v lose_v or_o else_o our_o child_n shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o slay_v for_o not_o forsake_v their_o former_a principle_n and_o this_o come_v often_o to_o be_v the_o affliction_n
in_o comparison_n but_o that_o such_o small_a number_n such_o weak_a man_n upon_o such_o unequal_a term_n of_o disadvantage_n shall_v prevail_v against_o such_o great_a number_n of_o able_a man_n in_o outward_a appearance_n so_o well_o furnish_v and_o arm_v with_o so_o great_a advantage_n and_o encouragement_n as_o in_o outward_a appearance_n the_o opposite_n and_o enemy_n of_o our_o present_a army_n and_o government_n have_v i_o do_v believe_v the_o like_a be_v not_o record_v either_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o in_o any_o humane_a record_n god_n drive_v their_o enemy_n before_o they_o as_o chaff_n before_o the_o wind_n it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o contrary_o we_o look_v upon_o this_o army_n and_o government_n as_o those_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n than_o we_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n find_v god_n do_v wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a matter_n exceed_v these_o victory_n but_o not_o usual_o for_o these_o be_v transcendent_a victory_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v 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support_v write_v by_o mr_n william_n prynne_n from_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o it_o be_v there_o write_v and_o the_o manner_n thereof_o consider_v likewise_o what_o pain_n he_o have_v take_v in_o the_o allege_v and_o search_v so_o many_o record_n of_o humane_a author_n of_o emperor_n king_n state_n magistrate_n the_o consent_n of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n the_o statute_n law_n of_o england_n consider_v likewise_o the_o great_a pain_n time_n and_o charge_n he_o spend_v about_o the_o other_o his_o labour_n namely_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o date_v the_o 4_o of_o decemb._n 1648._o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a it_o cause_v i_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o be_v oftentimes_o mistake_v when_o we_o too_o earnest_o and_o with_o much_o care_n and_o industry_n endeavour_v to_o attain_v matter_n which_o can_v we_o accomplish_v those_o thing_n that_o we_o so_o affectionate_o labour_v after_o which_o 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by_o god_n this_o come_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o have_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n stamp_v upon_o it_o this_o come_v with_o power_n it_o search_v tri_v and_o convince_v the_o heart_n and_o inward_a affection_n it_o be_v like_o a_o two-edged-sword_n it_o pierce_v speedy_o unresistible_o the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v not_o useless_a but_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o then_o be_v but_o as_o a_o candle_n compare_v with_o the_o sun_n now_o for_o man_n that_o will_v walk_v by_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o light_n and_o desire_v that_o other_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o light_n for_o such_o man_n to_o spend_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o light_v many_o candle_n to_o show_v the_o way_n then_o at_o noonday_n when_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o strength_n be_v not_o to_o so_o much_o purpose_n the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v thus_o namely_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o man_n allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o writer_n they_o must_v come_v clad_v in_o this_o habit_n namely_o he_o say_v 2._o it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o we_o be_v so_o intent_n so_o studious_a and_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o search_v examine_v and_o allege_v so_o many_o other_o author_n beside_o god_n unerring_a word_n it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o be_v too_o short_a in_o our_o allegation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o the_o lively_a and_o clear_a fountain_n of_o live_v water_n 3._o by_o this_o mean_n of_o look_v too_o much_o upon_o humane_a authority_n and_o neglect_v or_o too_o little_a take_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n itself_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v ofttimes_o that_o humane_a author_n vary_v in_o their_o judgement_n lead_v we_o aside_o into_o those_o error_n that_o they_o hold_v 4._o from_o this_o root_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v too_o much_o slight_v and_o despise_v for_o they_o be_v conversant_a and_o studious_a chief_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v but_o mean_o respect_v because_o they_o come_v adorn_v and_o deck_v chief_o with_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n paul_n come_v thus_o apparel_v 1_o cor._n 2.4_o neither_o stand_v my_o word_n and_o my_o preach_n in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o plain_a evidence_n and_o power_n be_v not_o this_o the_o cause_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v so_o much_o despise_v be_v not_o this_o the_o cause_n that_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n be_v despise_v read_v 1_o cor._n 2.11_o &_o 13._o which_o thing_n also_o we_o teach_v or_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v 5._o ofttime_n this_o be_v adorn_v or_o apparel_v so_o much_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o other_o write_n beside_o the_o word_n lift_v we_o up_o in_o our_o affection_n to_o
presume_v more_o than_o be_v meet_v and_o cause_v we_o to_o despise_v many_o of_o god_n saint_n and_o little_a one_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o apparel_v with_o so_o many_o humane_a authority_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o too_o evident_o appear_v that_o from_o this_o very_a root_n be_v spring_v up_o such_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n that_o will_v with_o much_o difficulty_n be_v quench_v god_n grant_v it_o may_v be_v quench_v 6._o my_o endeavour_n be_v primary_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o peace_n and_o truth_n may_v meet_v and_o kiss_v one_o another_o to_o all_o those_o that_o earnest_o and_o hearty_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v the_o same_o namely_o god_n glory_n peace_n and_o truth_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o i_o may_v safe_o and_o bold_o say_v that_o if_o they_o deck_v themselves_o inward_o with_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v they_o be_v but_o low_a enough_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n let_v they_o but_o learn_v of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a a_o lesson_n much_o urge_v by_o moses_n the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o yet_o how_o little_a do_v we_o profit_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n name_n will_v be_v much_o honour_v many_o of_o our_o brethren_n will_v be_v much_o edify_v the_o weak_a much_o strengthen_v ourselves_o much_o more_o approve_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o and_o the_o flame_n of_o the_o fire_n of_o hatred_n and_o contention_n will_v be_v much_o abate_v and_o thereby_o we_o shall_v possess_v our_o own_o soul_n with_o more_o peace_n and_o peace_n and_o truth_n will_v meet_v and_o embrace_v one_o another_o soon_o dear_a countryman_n and_o christian_a friend_n be_v not_o many_o master_n know_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a condemnation_n jam._n 3.1_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v consider_v that_o by_o these_o contention_n we_o shall_v receive_v no_o profit_n but_o much_o loss_n now_o consider_v whence_o come_v our_o contention_n come_v they_o not_o through_o pride_n yea_o certain_o they_o do_v witness_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n consider_v that_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a jam._n 4._o god_n will_v teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n psal_n 2._o oh_o brethren_n countryman_n and_o friend_n that_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o in_o this_o particular_a that_o you_o will_v forbear_v one_o another_o and_o instruct_v one_o another_o and_o build_v up_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n let_v every_o man_n esteem_v other_o better_a than_o himself_o let_v there_o be_v no_o root_n of_o bitterness_n among_o we_o psal_n wait_v upon_o god_n patient_o and_o he_o shall_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v it_o and_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v glad_a and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o i_o may_v safe_o affirm_v by_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o his_o word_n that_o if_o ever_o thou_o shall_v meet_v christ_n jesus_n as_o thy_o husband_n in_o his_o kingdom_n to_o thy_o comfort_n thou_o must_v come_v to_o he_o as_o a_o bride_n prepare_v for_o her_o husband_n in_o which_o preparation_n this_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n namely_o to_o be_v inward_o adorn_v enrich_v and_o furnish_v with_o lowliness_n with_o humility_n pretend_v what_o faith_n in_o christ_n thou_o will_v or_o can_v whosoever_o thou_o be_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o this_o grace_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n thou_o shall_v never_o meet_v jesus_n christ_n to_o thy_o comfort_n excuse_v i_o dear_a friend_n if_o i_o digress_v or_o be_v large_a though_o not_o large_a enough_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o this_o be_v a_o principal_a preparation_n to_o the_o way_n where_o peace_n and_o truth_n dwell_v time_n bid_v i_o forbear_v to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o mr_n prynne_v book_n in_o the_o book_n entitle_v the_o sword_n of_o christian_a magistracy_n support_v i_o find_v therein_o many_o precious_a sentence_n allege_v or_o take_v from_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a authority_n the_o very_a writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n these_o scripture_n come_v to_o i_o with_o authority_n i_o consent_v unto_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v write_v before_o the_o come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o prophet_n or_o since_o the_o come_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o his_o apostle_n i_o acknowledge_v they_o all_o and_o rejoice_v to_o consider_v the_o splendour_n beauty_n excellency_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o scripture_n for_o whether_o such_o sentence_n be_v write_v before_o christ_n come_v by_o the_o prophet_n or_o since_o his_o come_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v all_o god_n minister_n his_o messenger_n his_o ambassador_n bless_a messenger_n god_n send_v they_o his_o word_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a unalterable_a i_o consider_v that_o god_n that_o send_v those_o sentence_n be_v not_o as_o man_n variable_a that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o several_a mind_n but_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o therefore_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v not_o so_o far_o leave_v i_o as_o to_o refuse_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n for_o i_o have_v rather_o my_o tongue_n shall_v cleave_v to_o the_o roof_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o that_o my_o hand_n shall_v lose_v its_o use_n then_o that_o i_o shall_v refuse_v or_o dislike_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n or_o square_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o one_o of_o jerusalem_n chief_a joy_n within_o that_o precious_a word_n be_v contain_v all_o those_o precious_a stream_n that_o refresh_v and_o make_v glad_a jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o god_n god_n have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n psal_n 138.2_o i_o hope_v none_o dare_v presume_v to_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o cavil_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n most_o of_o the_o sentence_n so_o allege_v by_o mr_n prynne_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o to_o my_o understanding_n they_o be_v of_o moral_a equity_n and_o use_n i_o do_v except_v against_o none_o i_o have_v not_o exact_o view_v all_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o he_o have_v draw_v many_o necessary_a observation_n and_o conclusion_n from_o the_o scripture_n such_o as_o i_o do_v believe_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o shall_v humble_o desire_v m._n pryn_n to_o review_v his_o labour_n wherein_o i_o do_v believe_v he_o may_v if_o god_n help_v he_o find_v cause_n to_o revoke_v certain_a matter_n there_o in_o that_o book_n contain_v two_o thing_n in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o sinful_a first_o the_o jeer_a or_o deride_v man_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o the_o brethren_n second_o for_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o he_o do_v turn_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n against_o many_o of_o those_o that_o love_n and_o fear_n god_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v his_o will._n in_o the_o first_o leaf_n in_o his_o epistle_n direct_v to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o i_o find_v he_o use_v these_o expression_n to_o m._n dell_n and_o his_o independent_a saint_n and_o the_o like_a again_o be_v use_v fol._n 2._o mr_n dell_n and_o some_o of_o his_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o same_o leaf_n again_o he_o express_v himself_o thus_o saint_n lilburn_n and_o saint_n overton_n and_o a_o little_a further_o thus_o the_o sectary_n and_o independent_a saint_n thus_o in_o divers_a place_n he_o reproach_v many_o under_o these_o name_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o brethren_n and_o such_o like_a term_n to_o my_o understanding_n this_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n first_o because_o this_o name_n of_o saint_n and_o of_o brethren_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o evil_a but_o they_o be_v use_v and_o approve_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n as_o deut._n 33.2_o he_o come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n psa_fw-la 31.32_o o_o love_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o his_o saint_n dan._n 7.18_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a mat._n 27.52_o many_o body_n of_o saint_n rom._n 1.7_o call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o so_o the_o name_n of_o brethren_n deut._n 15.7_o &_o 33.9_o psa_fw-la 122.8_o for_o my_o brethren_n and_o companion_n rom._n 12.1_o i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o brethren_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v unbeseeming_a a_o christian_n to_o call_v any_o other_o christian_n or_o any_o man_n saint_n by_o way_n of_o reproach_n we_o may_v not_o play_v with_o holy_a thing_n god_n give_v this_o name_n of_o saint_n and_o brethren_n to_o his_o elect_n as_o a_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o respect_n it_o can_v be_v good_a for_o any_o to_o reproach_v another_o with_o the_o title_n or_o badge_n or_o cognizance_n of_o his_o own_o profession_n second_o because_o there_o be_v
about_o this_o matter_n and_o what_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v the_o lord_n know_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o bowel_n of_o pity_n if_o you_o love_v god_n glory_n if_o you_o be_v lover_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n then_o fear_v not_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n god_n be_v not_o change_v do_v we_o not_o trust_v our_o soul_n with_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o trust_v god_n with_o our_o body_n the_o lord_n give_v we_o understanding_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o the_o three_o way_n of_o choose_v governor_n it_o be_v say_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o when_o the_o people_n have_v forget_v or_o cast_v behind_o they_o god_n commandment_n yet_o even_o when_o they_o earnest_o seek_v god_n help_n god_n counsel_n than_o god_n stir_v or_o raise_v they_o up_o a_o saviour_n or_o deliverer_n the_o way_n be_v not_o so_o plain_o describe_v where_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o people_n negligence_n in_o not_o seek_v to_o god_n for_o governor_n for_o at_o such_o time_n when_o the_o people_n commit_v such_o wickedness_n we_o shall_v usual_o find_v that_o the_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v vacant_a of_o a_o chief_a governor_n read_v judg._n 3.7_o so_o the_o child_n of_o jsrael_n do_v wicked_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n ver._n 9_o and_o when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n stir_v they_o up_o a_o saviour_n and_o he_o save_v they_o ver._n 10._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o judge_v israel_n we_o may_v note_v here_o that_o the_o people_n be_v negligent_a in_o inquire_v of_o god_n before_o their_o distress_n for_o a_o chief_a judge_n the_o state_n be_v empty_a and_o we_o may_v note_v that_o till_o they_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v afflict_v but_o when_o they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o do_v cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n relieve_v they_o and_o show_v to_o they_o mercy_n this_o way_n namely_o by_o stir_v they_o up_o a_o chief_a governor_n and_o further_o we_o may_v note_v that_o when_o god_n put_v his_o spirit_n eminent_o in_o such_o a_o person_n than_o he_o judge_v israel_n no_o doubt_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o he_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a manner_n read_v jud._n 3.12_o then_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n again_o commit_v wickedness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o former_a governor_n ver._n 15._o and_o when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n stir_v they_o up_o a_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n jud._n 4._o the_o child_n of_o israel_n again_o commit_v wickedness_n ver._n 3._o and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o may_v there_o read_v how_o the_o lord_n show_v they_o favour_n by_o stir_v up_o a_o saviour_n where_o the_o man_n be_v nominate_v that_o be_v their_o leader_n by_o the_o prophetess_n deborah_n but_o deborah_n at_o that_o time_n judge_v israel_n ver._n 4._o and_o so_o deborah_n by_o god_n appointment_n i_o believe_v judge_v israel_n to_o the_o day_n of_o her_o death_n the_o next_o be_v gideon_n judge_n 6._o he_o be_v immediate_o call_v concern_v divers_a judge_n it_o be_v not_o so_o express_o note_v after_o what_o manner_n god_n stir_v they_o up_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o by_o prophet_n direction_n or_o put_v his_o spirit_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v notable_a and_o eminent_a deliverer_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o such_o dubious_a case_n the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o most_o evident_a and_o clear_a rule_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o god_n do_v most_o evident_o prescribe_v own_o and_o bless_v now_o consider_v that_o god_n immediate_a call_n be_v clear_a without_o all_o doubt_n and_o choose_v governor_n by_o lot_n be_v evident_a and_o clear_a to_o be_v a_o way_n that_o god_n himself_o prescribe_v and_o the_o lot_n never_o err_v the_o three_o way_n be_v more_o dubious_a yet_o i_o dare_v not_o oppose_v it_o where_o god_n raise_v up_o a_o man_n and_o make_v he_o a_o eminent_a deliver_v of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n if_o the_o people_n in_o such_o a_o case_n choose_v such_o a_o man_n to_o govern_v they_o god_n may_v bless_v it_o this_o way_n be_v leave_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o we_o find_v that_o thus_o far_o god_n bless_v this_o way_n that_o he_o make_v such_o man_n so_o raise_v up_o or_o stir_v up_o by_o god_n to_o become_v saviour_n the_o people_n be_v protect_v and_o not_o devour_v and_o the_o people_n be_v bless_v with_o peace_n in_o their_o day_n this_o be_v the_o near_a way_n next_o to_o the_o former_a but_o in_o any_o wise_a take_v heed_n not_o to_o establish_v government_n by_o succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n we_o have_v taste_v deep_a of_o the_o cup_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o kind_n the_o father_n a_o good_a man_n the_o child_n otherwise_o the_o father_n hold_v one_o opinion_n and_o the_o child_n another_o this_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o divine_a record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o late_a sad_a experience_n in_o this_o kind_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o bittter_fw-ge fruit_n the_o people_n reap_v by_o government_n from_o father_n to_o son_n if_o we_o consider_v and_o compare_v the_o fruit_n by_o judge_n with_o the_o fruit_n that_o the_o people_n reap_v by_o king_n which_o succeed_v by_o succession_n note_v well_o that_o the_o government_n have_v continue_v from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n which_o be_v many_o hundred_o year_n many_o generation_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v god_n so_o bless_v these_o judge_n that_o come_v not_o in_o by_o succession_n but_o be_v by_o god_n appoint_v where_o he_o see_v meet_v read_z 1_o sam._n 9.8_o and_o the_o servant_n answer_v saul_n again_o and_o say_v behold_v i_o have_v find_v about_o i_o the_o four_o part_n of_o a_o shekell_n of_o silver_n which_o be_v about_o five_o penny_n read_v gen._n 23.15_o that_o will_v i_o give_v the_o man_n of_o god_n to_o tell_v we_o our_o way_n note_v well_o the_o plainness_n and_o godly_a humility_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o those_o time_n that_o will_v accept_v of_o five_o penny_n note_v likewise_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n when_o the_o government_n go_v by_o succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n the_o case_n be_v alter_v we_o may_v note_v in_o three_o or_o four_o generation_n the_o governor_n build_v stately_a house_n rich_a garden_n a_o thousand_o wife_n and_o concubine_n great_a multitude_n of_o charet_n and_o horse_n these_o thing_n be_v direct_o against_o god_n commandment_n deut._n 17_o in_o any_o wise_a he_o shall_v not_o prepare_v he_o many_o horse_n neither_o shall_v he_o take_v he_o many_o wife_n neither_o shall_v he_o gather_v he_o much_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o we_o may_v note_v that_o king_n quick_o overtope_v and_o annihilate_v god_n law_n this_o god_n know_v when_o god_n put_v a_o bit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o king_n to_o curb_v their_o pride_n deut._n 17.18_o 19_o namely_o god_n law_n that_o so_o their_o heart_n shall_v not_o be_v lift_v up_o but_o these_o law_n will_v not_o hold_v they_o their_o heart_n be_v above_o god_n law_n god_n warn_v the_o people_n of_o this_o the_o 1_o of_o samuel_n but_o the_o people_n will_v not_o hear_v till_o they_o cry_v out_o under_o rehoboam_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o oppression_n i_o believe_v a_o doorkeeper_n will_v not_o now_o accept_v five_o penny_n dear_o belove_a father_n if_o you_o shall_v consent_v to_o government_n by_o succession_n it_o may_v be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o let_v their_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o like_a to_o rehoboam_n that_o god_n may_v make_v their_o little_a finger_n big_a than_o the_o former_a king_n loin_n the_o father_n chastise_v we_o with_o rod_n but_o the_o son_n may_v with_o scourge_n i_o pray_v you_o therefore_o let_v we_o have_v plain_a humble_a bless_a judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o not_o choose_v by_o succession_n but_o as_o in_o the_o beginning_n i_o shall_v now_o from_o these_o consideration_n make_v one_o general_a proposition_n and_o humble_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o your_o foot_n dear_o belove_a father_n which_o be_v consider_v the_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a envy_n emulation_n strife_n difference_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o nation_n may_v it_o not_o be_v meet_a solemnly_z after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o to_o cry_v unto_o our_o god_n for_o direction_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o governor_n it_o may_v be_v before_o the_o time_n which_o you_o set_v apart_o for_o this_o occasion_n be_v expire_v god_n may_v reveal_v his_o mind_n in_o some_o extraordinary_a manner_n but_o if_o god_n appear_v
and_o so_o do_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n i_o shall_v refer_v these_o matter_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a if_o any_o lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a i_o strive_v not_o to_o contend_v but_o contend_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o seek_v for_o peace_n and_o truth_n and_o now_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n touch_v the_o lawyer_n god_n law_n if_o we_o observe_v they_o well_o be_v pithy_a and_o short_a they_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o little_a room_n if_o we_o subtract_v the_o historical_a matter_n or_o matter_n which_o show_v god_n act_n and_o man_n act_n which_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o law_n but_o rather_o show_v god_n glory_n and_o man_n conversation_n from_o the_o direct_a commandment_n of_o god_n in_o what_o a_o little_a volume_n will_v god_n law_n be_v contain_v which_o show_v the_o purity_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o of_o god_n law_n the_o law_n of_o some_o country_n contain_v great_a book_n or_o volume_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n law_n many_o lawyer_n look_v much_o upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o common_a law_n i_o will_v there_o be_v many_o more_o look_v faithful_o to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n we_o read_v but_o little_a of_o other_o law_n during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o law_n do_v original_o spring_v from_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o lawyer_n and_o from_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o people_n scarce_o any_o word_n be_v sufficient_a so_o to_o express_v the_o truth_n but_o either_o the_o judge_n or_o the_o lawyer_n or_o the_o people_n will_v break_v through_o the_o law_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o of_o shame_n to_o consider_v it_o the_o best_a way_n that_o i_o know_v to_o reform_v this_o be_v to_o keep_v close_a to_o the_o true_a original_a which_o be_v the_o most_o true_a perfect_a and_o clear_a rule_n and_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o rule_n because_o all_o other_o rule_n be_v but_o derivative_n from_o thence_o doubtless_o our_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o few_o as_o may_v be_v and_o those_o law_n distribute_v into_o such_o several_a place_n where_o the_o people_n dwell_v such_o as_o do_v concern_v those_o people_n in_o those_o part_n for_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n second_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o our_o own_o language_n so_o as_o the_o people_n may_v read_v and_o observe_v they_o because_o god_n do_v afford_v that_o benefit_n to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o give_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellency_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o end_n why_o judge_n be_v multiply_v as_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o chief_a so_o likewise_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n be_v express_v so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v in_o those_o law_n that_o be_v branch_n of_o god_n law_n as_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o high_a and_o true_a end_n of_o they_o so_o likewise_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n by_o and_o from_o they_o be_v to_o be_v respect_v a_o great_a help_n both_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n comfort_n be_v to_o have_v good_a and_o faithful_a judge_n for_o such_o will_v not_o so_o much_o seek_v themselves_o which_o be_v true_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o as_o they_o will_v seek_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a these_o thing_n have_v be_v mighty_o pervert_v yet_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o hope_n but_o that_o god_n will_v restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n what_o ever_o i_o have_v write_v in_o this_o little_a book_n or_o treatise_n i_o do_v and_o have_v only_o propound_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o you_o that_o do_v love_n honour_n and_o fear_v the_o true_a and_o ever_o live_a god_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o i_o do_v humble_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o the_o learned_a acknowledge_v i_o be_o but_o a_o weak_a frail_a man_n of_o myself_o i_o may_v err_v therefore_o if_o any_o man_n can_v and_o will_v show_v we_o any_o error_n provide_v that_o they_o bring_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n sacred_a word_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o sincere_a meaning_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v god_n will_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n willing_o not_o constrain_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o error_n i_o ever_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o we_o can_v please_v god_n better_o nor_o bring_v more_o true_a honour_n and_o safety_n to_o ourselves_o then_o by_o hunble_a unfeigned_a and_o willing_a acknowledgement_n of_o any_o of_o our_o error_n in_o some_o proportion_n suitable_a to_o our_o offence_n receive_v nothing_o from_o i_o further_o than_o you_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o in_o what_o ever_o i_o have_v here_o in_o this_o book_n write_v i_o have_v set_v god_n always_o in_o my_o sight_n i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o ever_o in_o his_o sight_n to_o who_o i_o must_v give_v account_n for_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o account_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a moment_n to_o write_v any_o book_n neither_o have_v i_o write_v if_o i_o have_v not_o believe_v god_n call_v i_o to_o it_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v do_v no_o good_a matter_n but_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o this_o writing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n i_o be_o strengthen_v protect_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o the_o true_a and_o everliving_a god_n to_o who_o i_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o give_v as_o be_v god_n due_a and_o my_o duty_n all_o praise_n and_o service_n glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n because_o god_n be_v worthy_a of_o it_o for_o he_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o his_o will_n sake_n they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v create_v rev._n 4.11_o now_o belove_v and_o approve_a commander_n and_o soldier_n you_o that_o have_v be_v helper_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a although_o i_o have_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o your_o name_n in_o this_o little_a treatise_n yet_o you_o be_v in_o my_o eye_n as_o man_n of_o precious_a esteem_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v you_o be_v in_o god_n account_n precious_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o out_o of_o godly_a zeal_n and_o true_a love_n have_v act_v in_o these_o war_n of_o which_o sort_n i_o b●l●eve_v there_o be_v many_o among_o your_o army_n may_v i_o not_o account_v you_o among_o david_n worthy_n yes_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v and_o further_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o many_o of_o you_o revel_v 21.27_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o that_o you_o ver._n 24._o be_v of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o it_o ver._n 1._o that_o new_a heaven_n ver._n ●_o that_o holy_a city_n that_o new_a jerusalem_n god_n himself_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n with_o you_o verse_n 4._o and_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o your_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n be_v pass_v cha_n 22.12_o and_o behold_v i_o come_v short_o say_v god_n and_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o i_o to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n as_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v ver._n 14._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o their_o right_n may_v be_v in_o the_o tre●_n of_o life_n ver._n 11._o he_o that_o be_v righteous_a let_v he_o be_v righteous_a still_o and_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a let_v he_o be_v holy_a still_o have_v you_o be_v co-acter_n in_o fight_a god_n battle_n and_o shall_v i_o or_o my_o posterity_n be_v forgetful_a that_o you_o many_o of_o you_o have_v bear_v a_o mean_n that_o we_o enjoy_v god_n word_n free_o preach_v and_o that_o we_o still_o enjoy_v god_n sacred_a word_n in_o our_o own_o language_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o force_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o dumb_a idol_n to_o idolatry_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o those_o dark_a miserable_a noisome_a golgotha_n those_o place_n which_o have_v be_v the_o destruction_n of_o thousand_o where_o no_o eye_n can_v see_v or_o speak_v to_o they_o to_o pity_v they_o where_o they_o have_v be_v murder_v out_o of_o the_o view_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v those_o accurse_a inquisition_n house_n this_o comfort_n only_o they_o have_v which_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n can_v not_o take_v from_o they_o that_o there_o be_v one_o open_a place_n where_o the_o bright_a and_o beautiful_a eye_n like_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o morning_n
the_o window_n and_o in_o bypath_n expect_v bitter_a fruit_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o such_o let_v the_o experience_n record_v in_o scripture_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o truth_n teach_v we_o this_o such_o corrupt_a governor_n will_v be_v what_o they_o true_o be_v and_o they_o will_v alter_v break_v through_o and_o evade_v god_n law_n much_o more_o your_o agreement_n observe_v we_o therefore_o god_n precedent_n and_o rule_n cleave_v fast_o and_o close_o to_o god_n now_o observe_v god_n do_v first_o settle_v government_n a_o chief_a judge_n before_o he_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o judge_n or_o people_n moses_n be_v choose_v before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v to_o direct_v both_o he_o and_o the_o people_n therefore_o do_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n break_v out_o preposterous_o and_o now_o to_o all_o discontent_n whether_o through_o weakness_n or_o malice_n consider_v you_o do_v run_v well_o you_o be_v coactor_n in_o the_o late_a war_n what_o hinder_v you_o you_o complain_v of_o taxation_n and_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n by_o your_o irregularity_n and_o gaine-saying_n do_v not_o you_o unavoidable_o pull_v these_o charge_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n both_o upon_o yourselves_o and_o upon_o we_o may_v not_o matter_n be_v quiet_v soon_o an_o with_o less_o charge_n do_v not_o you_o so_o crooked_o imagine_v evil_a matter_n you_o complain_v of_o this_o government_n in_o many_o thing_n both_o unjust_o and_o unworthy_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o that_o seek_v after_o peace_n have_v true_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o you_o fo●_n these_o matter_n consider_v will_v not_o the_o issue_n prove_v bitter_a and_o dangerous_a to_o yourselves_o bear_v the_o burden_n the_o more_o willing_o because_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n our_o governor_n doubtless_o they_o study_v how_o to_o ease_v and_o help_v you_o and_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o study_v evil_a against_o they_o consider_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o god_n have_v divolve_v and_o turn_v the_o government_n let_v we_o not_o strive_v against_o god_n we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n it_o must_v not_o be_v that_o because_o you_o think_v that_o be_v good_a to_o have_v government_n so_o and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v better_a thus_o and_o a_o three_o he_o conceive_v contrary_a to_o we_o both_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o must_v not_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v what_o any_o of_o we_o think_v meet_v further_o than_o what_o god_n counsel_n have_v determine_v which_o i_o believe_v god_n will_v guide_v this_o present_a government_n who_o charge_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o drect_v our_o course_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v that_o their_o heart_n and_o ear_n be_v free_a and_o open_a to_o hear_v any_o regular_a and_o love_a counsel_n for_o david_n say_v he_o will_v hear_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o servant_n dear_o belove_a countryman_n i_o pray_v you_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a we_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o sad_a event_n of_o war_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o profit_v it_o be_v because_o god_n have_v yet_o great_a affliction_n to_o bring_v upon_o we_o labour_v to_o pray_v for_o to_o uphold_v and_o to_o encourage_v this_o present_a government_n and_o ourselves_o to_o walk_v even_o and_o humble_o with_o god_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v it_o be_v the_o near_a the_o safe_a way_n and_o best_a please_v to_o god_n and_o the_o most_o for_o our_o own_o comfort_n how_o ever_o i_o be_o much_o grieve_v for_o many_o especial_o for_o those_o malevolent_a inventor_n of_o evil_a thing_n because_o they_o provoke_v wrath_n against_o themselves_o now_o dear_o belove_v father_n the_o true_o virtuous_a general_n the_o lord_n general_a fairfax_n and_o the_o lord_n lieutenant_n general_a cromwell_n who_o though_o i_o never_o see_v either_o of_o they_o yet_o i_o know_v they_o by_o their_o godly_a and_o gracious_a act_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o we_o the_o people_n of_o england_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o posterity_n can_v but_o unfeigned_o love_v they_o how_o have_v god_n use_v they_o as_o instrument_n to_o free_v we_o from_o that_o miserable_a bondage_n to_o they_o therefore_o and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o worthy_a and_o godly_a man_n that_o now_o govern_v this_o land_n may_v not_o that_o which_o be_v record_v be_v speak_v of_o you_o all_o numb_a 24.5_o how_o goodly_a be_v thy_o tent_n o_o jacob_n and_o thy_o habitation_n oh_o israel_n as_o the_o valley_n be_v they_o stretch_v forth_o as_o garden_n by_o the_o river_n side_n as_o the_o aloe_n tree_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v plant_v as_o the_o cedar_n beside_o the_o water_n ver._n 8._o god_n bring_v he_o out_o of_o egypt_n his_o strength_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o unicorn_n he_o shall_v eat_v the_o nation_n his_o enemy_n and_o bruise_v their_o bone_n and_o shoot_v they_o through_o with_o his_o arrow_n ver._n 9_o he_o couch_v and_o lie_v down_o as_o a_o young_a lion_n and_o as_o a_o lion_n who_o shall_v stir_v he_o up_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o bless_v thou_o and_o curse_a be_v he_o that_o curse_v thou_o dear_o and_o unfeigned_o belove_a father_n suffer_v i_o to_o use_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n moses_n often_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n know_v how_o weak_a and_o frail_a our_o nature_n be_v and_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o forget_v those_o most_o perfect_a and_o bless_a direction_n of_o our_o good_a god_n consider_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o as_o our_o god_n be_v a_o god_n abundant_a in_o mercy_n rich_a in_o mercy_n so_o also_o he_o have_v make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o exod._n 20.5_o for_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n a_o jealous_a god_n exod._n 34.14_o because_o the_o lord_n who_o name_n be_v jealous_a be_v a_o jealous_a god_n deut._n 4.23_o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o lest_o you_o forget_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n ver._n 24._o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n &_o a_o jealous_a god_n chap._n 6.9_o jos_n 24.19_o joshua_n say_v he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n he_o will_v not_o pardon_v your_o iniquity_n nor_o your_o sin_n if_o you_o forsake_v the_o lord_n ver._n 24._o and_o the_o people_n say_v unto_o joshua_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n will_v we_o serve_v and_o his_o voice_n will_v we_o obey_v 1_o king_n 19.10_o eze._n 39.25_o rev._n 1.13_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n and_o gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n ver._n 14._o his_o head_n and_o hair_n be_v white_a as_o white_a wool_n and_o as_o snow_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n revel_v 2.1_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n ver._n 5._o remember_v thereofre_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n rev._n 22.12_o behold_v i_o come_v short_o and_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o i_o ver._n 3._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n ver._n 14._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n remember_v that_o god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n who_o say_v express_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v that_o which_o seem_v good_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n but_o all_o that_o god_n command_v note_v this_o rule_n well_o it_o be_v god_n own_o word_n and_o counsel_n the_o neglect_v this_o rule_n be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o root_n and_o branch_n of_o a_o world_n of_o mischief_n eye_n the_o word_n of_o god_n thorough_o follow_v those_o bless_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o god_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n this_o be_v your_o wisdom_n and_o safety_n no_o doubt_n when_o israel_n choose_v abimeleck_n it_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n when_o they_o choose_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o they_o when_o the_o people_n live_v without_o any_o government_n that_o condition_n seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n although_o it_o bring_v the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o worship_v jdol_n and_o other_o wickedness_n no_o doubt_n these_o matter_n do_v seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n therefore_o dear_o belove_v lean_a not_o to_o your_o own_o wisdom_n to_o your_o own_o strength_n follow_v the_o straight_a rule_n of_o god_n sacred_a word_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n and_o time_n the_o most_o plain_o describe_v consider_v that_o government_n be_v of_o very_o weighty_a concernment_n proceed_v wary_o with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o