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
promise_v conform_v to_o such_o prohibition_n as_o that_o i_o be_o make_v more_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n against_o the_o abomination_n of_o these_o man_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a and_o for_o the_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o my_o lord_n against_o the_o court-interest_n late_o set_v up_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o own_o solemn_a declaration_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n not_o many_o year_n ago_o it_o be_v coâ—â—â—rtable_a to_o consider_v that_o true_a spiritual_a christian_n have_v a_o unction_n which_o teach_v they_o of_o all_o thing_n 27._o â—_o joh._n 2.20_o 27._o and_o they_o according_o from_o that_o unction_n have_v learned_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o power_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o ruler_n betwixt_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o know_v that_o righteous_a law_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o that_o tyranny_n and_o the_o result_v and_o consequence_n of_o arbitrariness_n in_o government_n be_v their_o weakness_n and_o their_o folly_n and_o not_o only_o so_o for_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o may_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v attain_v by_o such_o as_o know_v not_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v able_a in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o high_a spirit_n then_o that_o of_o the_o proud_a monarch_n to_o tell_v they_o this_o be_v a_o tyrannical_a way_n of_o rule_v and_o that_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v break_v and_o destroy_v though_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v join_v their_o power_n and_o policy_n to_o uphold_v it_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o know_v wherein_o ruler_n do_v commit_v open_a abomination_n and_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o testify_v open_o against_o those_o public_a wickedness_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o more_o of_o this_o afterward_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n for_o here_o it_o be_v a_o digression_n from_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o bring_v out_o of_o that_o treasury_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v into_o this_o earthen_a vessel_n and_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o exemplify_v those_o truth_n by_o lively_a voice_n which_o have_v be_v set_v upon_o my_o spirit_n in_o this_o prison_n where_o i_o have_v remain_v this_o nine_o month_n and_o more_o for_o i_o find_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o express_v my_o mind_n by_o writing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v to_o encourage_v i_o the_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o bless_v my_o endeavour_n this_o way_n for_o the_o present_a see_v i_o be_o so_o unrighteous_o hinder_v from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o power_n now_o in_o be_v have_v speak_v thus_o much_o to_o the_o first_o general_a qualification_n that_o i_o do_v own_o the_o power_n that_o be_v but_o how_o according_a to_o god_n or_o according_a as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v &_o have_v particular_o explain_v my_o meaning_n to_o own_v they_o by_o submit_v to_o their_o law_n whether_o arbitrary_a or_o rational_a according_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o our_o allegiance_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n which_o in_o very_o many_o case_n direct_v we_o to_o obey_v passive_o but_o to_o die_v rather_o than_o to_o fulfil_v their_o law_n by_o active_a obedience_n i_o shall_v now_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o limitation_n which_o be_v to_o own_v they_o in_o pay_v tribute_n &_o custom_n and_o honour_n and_o fear_n as_o i_o have_v express_v in_o the_o forementioned_a epistle_n i_o shall_v now_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o limitation_n which_o be_v to_o pay_v they_o tribute_n and_o custom_n honour_n and_o fear_v as_o i_o have_v express_v in_o the_o forementioned_a epistle_n and_o because_o i_o do_v own_o the_o high_a power_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o i_o shall_v explain_v myself_o herein_o likewise_o scripture_n a_o discourse_n concern_v taxation_n from_o scripture_n according_a as_o i_o intend_v when_o i_o write_v though_o then_o i_o have_v not_o any_o thought_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n to_o give_v so_o public_a a_o account_n of_o my_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o payment_n of_o those_o tax_n which_o i_o and_o other_o of_o my_o brethren_n be_v still_o burden_a withal_o though_o some_o abatement_n be_v now_o speak_v of_o but_o first_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o effectual_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v communicate_v what_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o my_o office_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o saint_n to_o understand_v something_o concern_v the_o first_o practice_n of_o this_o oppression_n and_o which_o will_v be_v more_o welcome_a when_o their_o taxation_n will_v be_v remove_v and_o have_v a_o end_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o one_o of_o the_o high_a power_n be_v describe_v very_o brief_o and_o emphatical_o thus_o tax_n heb._n one_o that_o cause_v a_o exactor_n to_o pass_v over_o he_o do_v sudden_o stand_v up_o &_o be_v as_o sudden_o pull_v down_o whether_o moses_n joshua_n &_o the_o first_o judge_n which_o precede_v monarchy_n be_v raiser_n of_o tax_n dan._n 11.20_o there_o shall_v stand_v up_o a_o raiser_n of_o tax_n etc._n etc._n but_o within_o few_o day_n he_o shall_v be_v destroy_v neither_o in_o anger_n nor_o in_o battle_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v he_o no_o other_o title_n as_o if_o this_o tax_v of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n before_o i_o speak_v of_o particular_a instance_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o moses_n joshua_n or_o the_o judge_n do_v practice_v the_o way_n of_o assessment_n and_o imposition_n upon_o their_o brethren_n which_o now_o be_v so_o current_a and_o have_v be_v so_o much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o as_o well_o as_o here_o at_o home_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o nature_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o those_o porter_n who_o carry_v burden_n custom_n make_v that_o to_o seem_v but_o light_a to_o they_o which_o to_o another_o not_o conversant_a in_o such_o employment_n will_v be_v find_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o to_o bear_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v make_v a_o free_a people_z by_o god_n when_o he_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o so_o may_v have_v continue_v under_o their_o judge_n jehovah_n be_v their_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n if_o they_o have_v not_o set_v up_o a_o king_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o broad_a black_a badge_n of_o absolute_a slavery_n under_o absolute_a sovereignty_n than_o for_o a_o people_n once_o make_v free_a by_o god_n especial_a providence_n to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v tax_v and_o assess_v by_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n afterward_o i_o shall_v begin_v this_o epitome_n of_o the_o history_n of_o tax_n time_n monarchy_n and_o tax_n bear_v &_o bring_v forth_o among_o god_n people_n in_o samuel_n time_n with_o the_o history_n of_o monarchy_n set_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o israel_n rash_o and_o unadvised_o by_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v bless_v with_o samuel_n one_o of_o the_o best_a governor_n that_o ever_o the_o people_n of_o god_n enjoy_v for_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o these_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n people_n come_v in_o with_o kingship_n or_o at_o least_o the_o way_n be_v prepare_v for_o bondage_n to_o return_v upon_o they_o when_o nothing_o but_o a_o king_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n bid_v samuel_n protest_v solemn_o unto_o they_o verse_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o king_n to_o take_v the_o people_n good_n in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a 1_o sam._n 8.14_o 15._o 16_o 17._o verse_n and_o show_v they_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o king_n that_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o among_o other_o head_n of_o arbitrary_a power_n which_o he_o reckon_v up_o before_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o their_o king_n wouldtake_v their_o field_n and_o their_o vineyard_n and_o their_o oliveyard_n even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o he_o will_v take_v say_v samuel_n the_o ten_o of_o your_o seed_n and_o of_o your_o vineyard_n and_o give_v to_o his_o eunuch_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n he_o will_v take_v the_o ten_o of_o your_o sheep_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v his_o servant_n etc._n etc._n now_o although_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o the_o charge_n beside_o their_o bondage_n otherwise_o
of_o that_o this_o cause_n wherein_o i_o be_o engage_v with_o my_o fellow_n and_o companion_n be_v absolute_o and_o unquestionable_o the_o best_a and_o most_o honourable_a cause_n of_o all_o cause_n whatsoever_o agitate_a and_o dispute_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o the_o world_n wherefore_o i_o will_v now_o add_v no_o more_o but_o this_o he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n &_o shall_v never_o be_v confound_v and_o christ_n be_v precious_a to_o they_o which_o believe_v even_o in_o a_o prison_n in_o a_o dungeon_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n upon_o the_o cross_n anywhere_o everywhere_o to_o that_o most_o precious_a anoint_v one_o be_v honour_n glory_n and_o dominion_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o and_o let_v all_o that_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n say_v amen_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o amen_n and_o amen_n the_o end_n here_o follow_v a_o extract_n of_o that_o letter_n to_o the_o congregation_n which_o do_v immediate_o precede_v that_o epistle_n which_o be_v so_o unworthy_o use_v do_v occasion_n such_o a_o noise_n among_o the_o foe_n and_o friend_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o which_o be_v now_o explain_v as_o you_o have_v read_v the_o imprison_v elder_a a_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o his_o watch-tower_n in_o this_o house_n of_o bondage_n send_v greeting_n to_o the_o brethren_n which_o meet_v together_o in_o warwick_n lane_n london_n well-beloved_a brethren_n in_o our_o dear_a lord_n i_o desire_v earnest_o on_o your_o behalf_n all_o and_o all_o manner_n of_o communication_n of_o grace_n from_o heaven_n whereby_o you_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n grow_v up_o into_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n even_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n for_o undoubted_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o a_o prince_z and_o a_o saviour_n in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o glorious_a ministration_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o your_o happiness_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n through_o he_o in_o who_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a etc._n etc._n now_o concern_v the_o thing_n whereof_o you_o write_v unto_o i_o in_o your_o late_a letter_n this_o i_o say_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n mention_v by_o you_o and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o such_o honest_a heart_n who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o true_a israel_n for_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v with_o this_o chain_n that_o although_o my_o name_n be_v cast_v out_o as_o vile_a &_o i_o be_o separate_v by_o the_o new-fashioned_a king_n and_o his_o council_n from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o which_o through_o mercy_n i_o so_o much_o delight_v yet_o i_o bear_v record_n before_o this_o congregation_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n that_o i_o ever_o taste_v of_o and_o enjoy_v only_o one_o sharp_a thorn_n which_o i_o can_v forget_v have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o keep_v my_o spirit_n in_o a_o gospel-decorum_n lest_o otherwise_o i_o may_v have_v be_v lift_v up_o above_o measure_n through_o that_o abundance_n of_o ravish_a glory_n which_o i_o have_v be_v ready_a very_o often_o to_o be_v overwhelm_v withal_o and_o yet_o let_v the_o saint_n take_v diligent_a heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o expect_v much_o from_o i_o when_o i_o be_o deliver_v for_o it_o may_v be_v brethren_n these_o extraordinary_a visitation_n from_o on_o high_a be_v intend_v but_o for_o my_o prison-state_n and_o for_o my_o succour_n and_o support_v while_o i_o be_o thus_o suffer_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o have_v indeed_o desire_v earnest_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n may_v according_o to_o his_o office_n and_o our_o lord_n promise_v bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n what_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o i_o since_o i_o be_v close-prisoner_n and_o what_o i_o have_v see_v and_o taste_v and_o hear_v and_o handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o i_o can_v write_v it_o down_o though_o i_o attempt_v it_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v there_o be_v prayer_n make_v on_o my_o behalf_n and_o on_o your_o behalf_n &_o which_o be_v more_o on_o the_o lord_n behalf_n that_o god_n will_v open_v to_o i_o a_o door_n of_o utterance_n from_o that_o very_a moment_n he_o set_v open_v the_o prison-door_n to_o speak_v forth_o that_o mystery_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o i_o be_o in_o bond_n and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o manifest_a as_o i_o ought_v to_o speak_v and_o whereas_o you_o expect_v i_o shall_v offer_v or_o propound_v a_o way_n to_o you_o that_o may_v be_v conducible_a to_o my_o enlargement_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v never_o in_o my_o heart_n to_o direct_v you_o what_o to_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o light_n and_o those_o principle_n whereby_o i_o walk_v in_o this_o condition_n my_o judgement_n be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o light_a and_o love_n and_o courage_n enough_o in_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n to_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a and_o honourable_a mean_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o officer_n out_o of_o captivity_n it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o still_o to_o lie_v in_o bond_n for_o it_o concern_v they_o above_o all_o other_o people_n to_o endeavour_v his_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n if_o they_o judge_v his_o presence_n needful_a and_o useful_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o also_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o marginal_a note_n in_o your_o epistle_n i_o shall_v be_v plain_a with_o you_o it_o be_v no_o way_n proper_a for_o i_o to_o appear_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o my_o own_o liberty_n in_o a_o private_a way_n and_o rather_o than_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v through_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n be_v content_v to_o suffer_v close-imprisonment_n in_o this_o bless_a cause_n during_o this_o man_n reign_n although_o it_o shall_v last_v as_o long_o as_o athaliah_n who_o usurp_v the_o chief_a government_n for_o about_o the_o space_n of_o twice_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a it_o be_v true_a my_o suffering_n be_v many_o and_o great_a and_o there_o be_v a_o multiplication_n of_o grievance_n and_o injury_n every_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o as_o the_o chief_a captain_n say_v with_o a_o great_a sum_n will_v i_o obtain_v my_o freedom_n if_o i_o be_v imprison_v upon_o a_o common_a account_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v i_o say_v again_o i_o shall_v not_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n for_o a_o moment_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o i_o the_o prisoner_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o a_o precious_a cause_n as_o this_o the_o lord_n stand_v by_o i_o and_o full_o strengthen_v i_o for_o all_o the_o treasure_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o new_a court_n and_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o to_o the_o bargain_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v reason_n for_o what_o i_o write_v in_o this_o particular_a for_o first_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o i_o in_o a_o most_o sweet_a and_o glorious_a manner_n while_o i_o preach_v those_o truth_n for_o which_o i_o suffer_v his_o presence_n be_v also_o with_o i_o most_o comfortable_o from_o the_o first_o moment_n i_o be_v apprehend_v by_o the_o pursuivant_n till_o i_o be_v commit_v hither_o and_o all_o this_o time_n of_o my_o long_a and_o wrongful_a imprisonment_n he_o have_v not_o leave_v i_o nor_o forsake_v i_o in_o the_o least_o praise_v for_o ever_o be_v his_o glorious_a name_n and_o shall_v i_o leave_v and_o forsake_v such_o a_o lord_n protector_n and_o such_o a_o comforter_n by_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o parasite_n will_v not_o that_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v by_o which_o i_o be_o seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n shall_v not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v blaspheme_v and_o the_o face_n of_o the_o choice_a follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n gather_v paleness_n and_o shame_n sure_o these_o consideration_n be_v prevalent_a with_o i_o and_o in_o this_o further_o i_o much_o rejoice_v that_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n beside_o the_o former_a ground_n of_o not_o stir_v or_o move_v for_o my_o own_o liberty_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n i_o find_v not_o upon_o search_n that_o those_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v prisoner_n and_o innocent_a do_v ever_o petition_n or_o use_v other_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o the_o chief_a governor_n for_o their_o own_o liberty_n joseph_n do_v not_o hanani_n do_v not_o jeremiah_n do_v not_o nor_o john_n the_o baptist_n nor_o peter_n nor_o paul_n that_o i_o can_v find_v and_o sure_o there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o if_o we_o can_v search_v it_o out_o i_o conceive_v these_o which_o follow_v may_v be_v give_v as_o some_o ground_n of_o it_o 1._o innocent_a prisoner_n suffer_v as_o they_o do_v who_o i_o have_v mention_v know_v they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o tyrant_n and_o unreasonable_a persecutor_n and_o what_o will_v such_o as_o these_o harken_v to_o unless_o the_o prisoner_n do_v submit_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o satisfy_v their_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 2._o they_o glorify_a god_n all_o the_o while_o they_o be_v suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n the_o service_n of_o their_o master_n be_v promote_v all_o that_o time_n and_o be_v in_o god_n way_n why_o shall_v they_o covet_v to_o go_v out_o of_o so_o good_a a_o employment_n 3._o the_o prisoner_n and_o martyr_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n when_o they_o patient_o endure_v persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n without_o make_v unworthy_a application_n for_o their_o liberty_n 4._o if_o it_o become_v we_o not_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o device_n of_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v imprisonment_n but_o cheerful_o to_o come_v when_o we_o be_v send_v for_o before_o king_n and_o counsel_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o gospel_n how_o unseemly_o will_v it_o appear_v for_o we_o after_o a_o short_a time_n to_o use_v mean_n to_o get_v out_o again_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o other_o man_n who_o be_v in_o bond_n upon_o other_o account_n i_o shall_v proceed_v upon_o the_o other_o part_n of_o your_o letter_n the_o next_o week_n if_o god_n permit_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n i_o beseech_v you_o and_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o as_o it_o be_v write_v not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n in_o one_o sense_n be_v very_o evil_a wherefore_o be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v for_o the_o 7_o day_n of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1654._o you_o in_o christ_n chr._n feake_n finis_fw-la
their_o shepherd_n to_o feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o this_o point_n and_o therefore_o according_o i_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o clear_v it_o up_o unto_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o second_o epistle_n write_v in_o answer_n unto_o they_o it_o seem_v some_o of_o they_o through_o anacquaintedness_n with_o scripture-distinction_n in_o this_o doctrine_n and_o otherwise_o do_v not_o make_v a_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o express_v but_o mistake_v my_o mind_n and_o meaning_n and_o so_o whether_o weak_o or_o willing_o divulge_v or_o suffer_v to_o be_v divulge_v abroad_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o letter_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v do_v consider_v the_o letter_n be_v intend_v for_o their_o use_n and_o edify_v only_o and_o not_o for_o open_a publication_n i_o have_v some_o hint_n of_o this_o in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o not_o be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o alteration_n in_o the_o least_o no_o not_o in_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o heart_n towards_o a_o compliance_n and_o well_o know_v that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o letter_n can_v signify_v any_o such_o thing_n if_o right_o understand_v i_o neglect_v the_o rumour_n as_o only_o one_o of_o the_o petty_a stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n whereby_o to_o do_v i_o some_o mischief_n but_o afterward_o find_v that_o that_o secret_a whisper_n and_o murmur_n be_v ripen_v sudden_o into_o a_o infamous_a report_n letter_n after_o letter_n also_o represent_v this_o as_o of_o very_o sad_a consequence_n to_o that_o name_n and_o cause_n for_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v with_o this_o chain_n i_o be_v bring_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o present_v to_o public_a view_n the_o epistle_n itself_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v this_o cause_n especial_o when_o i_o find_v it_o certify_v that_o one_o well_o know_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o city_n come_v where_o several_a be_v together_o in_o company_n do_v in_o a_o laugh_n and_o scoff_a manner_n draw_v forth_o a_o paper_n and_o say_v there_o be_v my_o recantation_n pretend_v it_o be_v i_o own_o letter_n or_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o wherein_o i_o write_v that_o i_o be_v now_o satisfy_v that_o the_o government_n be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n etc._n etc._n it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o the_o envious_a one_o and_o his_o emissary_n be_v altogether_o in_o extreme_n in_o their_o suggestion_n against_o my_o good_a name_n sometime_o the_o world_n must_v be_v make_v believe_v yea_o and_o the_o elect_a also_o that_o i_o be_o against_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n that_o i_o be_o a_o enemy_n to_o government_n a_o most_o dangerous_a man_n in_o my_o principle_n that_o way_n etc._n etc._n again_o sometime_o it_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n to_o persuade_v such_o as_o will_v have_v it_o so_o that_o i_o be_o come_v over_o to_o my_o adversary_n and_o oppressor_n of_o my_o own_o accord_n and_o that_o sudden_o too_o without_o any_o overture_n make_v or_o argument_n use_v to_o draw_v i_o to_o a_o compliance_n or_o conformity_n but_o how_o improbable_a and_o irrational_a a_o practice_n such_o a_o hasty_a return_n will_v appear_v to_o solid_a christian_n to_o be_v i_o refer_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o say_v and_o judge_v no_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o be_v forsake_v by_o he_o or_o leave_v to_o myself_o as_o to_o gratify_v the_o foe_n and_o grieve_v the_o friend_n of_o my_o dear_a redeemer_n by_o turn_v apostate_n after_o all_o my_o suffering_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n his_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o servant_n yea_o let_v all_o my_o friend_n and_o enemy_n also_o know_v assure_o that_o i_o stand_v my_o ground_n by_o divine_a assistance_n yea_o i_o get_v ground_n and_o be_o abundant_o confirm_v that_o i_o be_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o earthly_a power_n insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v slay_v i_o they_o can_v not_o hurt_v i_o let_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v glorify_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o also_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o epistle_n follow_v together_o with_o a_o further_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o follow_v be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o epistle_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n which_o i_o have_v divide_v into_o section_n for_o method_n sake_n in_o the_o explanation_n of_o my_o meaning_n grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o the_o ever-over-flowing_a fountain_n to_o every_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o live_a god_n sect._n 1_o have_v late_o even_o in_o my_o last_o unto_o you_o declare_v among_o other_o thing_n that_o purpose_n and_o determination_n concern_v my_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n which_o i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o best_a understanding_n take_v up_o upon_o scripture-ground_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o add_v something_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o some_o mistake_n about_o the_o present_a power_n and_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n it_o fall_v in_o proper_o upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o i_o to_o speak_v something_o to_o you_o concern_v those_o truth_n which_o do_v lie_v somewhat_o remote_a and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o ordinary_a observation_n sect._n 2_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o congregation_n appear_v by_o their_o letter_n to_o i_o to_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o you_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n towards_o my_o enlargement_n prayer_n except_v without_o own_v the_o power_n in_o be_v the_o do_v of_o which_o say_v you_o be_v account_v a_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n now_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n up_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a matter_n i_o shall_v plain_o declare_v as_o follow_v sect._n 3_o first_o i_o do_v not_o know_v by_o who_o the_o ownnig_a of_o the_o power_n in_o be_v be_v account_v a_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n it_o be_v never_o neither_o be_v it_o like_v to_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o whether_o you_o mean_v some_o of_o your_o number_n or_o of_o other_o congregation_n i_o can_v tell_v if_o i_o have_v particular_o know_v i_o shall_v have_v give_v a_o particular_a answer_n for_o as_o for_o myself_o i_o do_v own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v according_a as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v and_o have_v do_v all_o along_o i_o have_v and_o do_v render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n fear_v to_o who_o fear_v honour_n to_o who_o honour_n sect._n 4_o and_o therefore_o second_o the_o do_v of_o this_o that_o be_v own_v the_o power_n in_o be_v be_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v account_v a_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n to_o own_o those_o power_n aforesaid_a be_v a_o plain_a duty_n not_o to_o be_v dispense_v with_o by_o any_o law_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o where_o as_o to_o worship_v or_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o beast_n be_v a_o know_a sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o power_n in_o be_v i_o understand_v the_o army_n as_o supreme_a and_o all_o those_o who_o join_v with_o they_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o mercy_n according_a to_o the_o indubitable_a principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o equity_n for_o ruler_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o power_n answer_v those_o principle_n they_o be_v power_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o resist_v they_o than_o there_o be_v to_o resist_v righteousness_n and_o truth_n whilst_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v and_o you_o know_v i_o never_o teach_v you_o to_o rise_v up_o against_o they_o in_o the_o least_o sect._n 5_o if_o any_o will_v ask_v i_o how_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o own_o the_o power_n and_o yet_o preach_v against_o they_o and_o for_o the_o destroy_n of_o they_o thus_o one_o after_o another_o i_o answer_v i_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o upright_a and_o understand_a saint_n in_o all_o age_n do_v before_o i_o for_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o they_o own_v the_o power_n then_o in_o be_v according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n preach_v and_o prophesy_v against_o they_o for_o their_o abomination_n both_o to_o their_o face_n and_o behind_o their_o back_n also_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n in_o all_o age_n but_o i_o confess_v it_o do_v cost_v they_o very_o dear_a some_o their_o life_n other_o their_o liberty_n other_o their_o the_fw-mi substance_n etc._n etc._n where_o as_o the_o court-chaplain_n the_o parish-clergie_n and_o the_o apostate_n independent_o take_v a_o very_a
wise_a course_n in_o their_o own_o conceit_n to_o keep_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n say_v in_o effect_n and_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n than_o of_o a_o trumpet_n let_v the_o power_n do_v what_o they_o please_v etc._n etc._n so_o we_o may_v get_v and_o keep_v ecclesiastical_a promotion_n under_o they_o and_o the_o protection_n and_o shadow_n of_o their_o wing_n so_o we_o may_v have_v dispensation_n to_o be_v and_o to_o continue_v pluralist_n non_fw-fr resident_n toâ—quots_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n as_o they_o count_v themselves_o be_v agree_v to_o connive_v at_o each_o other_o wickedness_n sect._n 6_o but_o a_o little_a more_o to_o make_v the_o matter_n plain_a before_o you_o you_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v always_o in_o all_o age_n rule_v partly_o like_o man_n and_o partly_o like_o wild_a beast_n they_o rule_v like_o man_n when_o they_o make_v and_o execute_v law_n agreeable_a to_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o mankind_n when_o they_o execute_v judgement_n and_o justice_n when_o they_o relieve_v the_o oppress_a &_o refresh_v the_o bowel_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o fatherless_a &_o when_o they_o make_v the_o desolate_a widow_n heart_n to_o sing_v for_o joy_n and_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a king_n and_o ruler_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o those_o many_o of_o they_o who_o assume_v the_o glorious_a title_n of_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n they_o rule_v like_o wild_a beast_n when_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v hunter_n like_o nimrod_n before_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o do_v carry_v matter_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o satisfy_v their_o own_o lust_n when_o they_o degenerate_v into_o cruel_a tyrant_n which_o be_v monster_n in_o government_n and_o so_o their_o will_n give_v law_n to_o million_o of_o people_n better_o and_o more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v more_o than_o intimate_v this_o distinction_n in_o daniel_n very_o excellent_o by_o compare_v the_o four_o monarchy_n or_o supreme_a power_n to_o the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n dan._n 2._o and_o then_o afterward_o the_o selfsame_a monarchy_n every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o a_o cruel_a wild_a beast_n dan._n 7._o from_o whence_o i_o gather_v that_o they_o do_v and_o will_v be_v find_v to_o govern_v the_o nation_n in_o some_o respect_n like_o man_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o righteousness_n and_o thus_o far_o they_o have_v the_o superscription_n and_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o in_o other_o respect_n and_o at_o other_o time_n they_o do_v live_v like_o so_o many_o wild_a beast_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v they_o lion_n and_o bear_n and_o raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n their_o court_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o people_n to_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o pomp_n pride_n and_o luxury_n their_o wanton_a and_o beastly_a court_n i_o say_v be_v and_o be_v support_v and_o maintain_v out_o of_o those_o unreasonable_a tax_n which_o by_o illegal_a way_n and_o mean_v they_o do_v and_o do_v still_o tear_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o oppress_a people_n sect._n 7_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o observation_n very_o remarkable_a for_o where_o as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n put_v together_o in_o dan._n 2._o by_o one_o only_a image_n of_o a_o man_n he_o do_v in_o dan._n 7._o represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n apart_o by_o four_o several_a cruel_a beast_n which_o to_o i_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o in_o the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v find_v at_o the_o least_o four_o time_n as_o much_o and_o more_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o wild_a beast_n then_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o mankind_n or_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v not_o only_o signify_v in_o this_o prophecy_n but_o it_o be_v plain_o manifest_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o nation_n from_o daniel_n time_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o for_o this_o nation_n i_o dare_v venture_v to_o make_v it_o good_a with_o the_o utmost_a peril_n of_o my_o life_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n be_v yet_o live_v and_o act_v its_o part_n in_o england_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n rule_n and_o precedent_n of_o common_a honesty_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a and_o against_o this_o spirit_n i_o be_o engage_v more_o and_o more_o not_o against_o the_o man_n in_o man_n for_o that_o be_v to_o engage_v against_o god_n and_o his_o ordinance_n but_o against_o the_o beast_n and_o his_o image_n in_o man_n and_o in_o this_o enterprise_n the_o lord_n will_v stand_v by_o i_o against_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o i_o can_v come_v at_o they_o to_o preach_v against_o their_o beastly_a abomination_n etc._n etc._n sect._n 8_o but_o to_o conclude_v this_o where_o as_o you_o say_v in_o effect_n you_o can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o christ_n and_o i_o in_o reference_n to_o my_o enlargement_n without_o own_v the_o power_n in_o be_v unless_o i_o have_v some_o way_n to_o offer_v to_o you_o which_o may_v be_v conducible_a to_o that_o end_n i_o have_v this_o only_a to_o say_v that_o when_o i_o do_v read_v this_o passage_n three_o or_o four_o way_n come_v into_o my_o mind_n wherein_o it_o be_v honourable_a for_o you_o to_o appear_v without_o any_o danger_n of_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v help_v i_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n i_o have_v my_o end_n which_o i_o propound_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o shall_v wait_v on_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o assure_v you_o here_o before_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o i_o do_v not_o yet_o begin_v to_o be_v weary_a of_o my_o imprisonment_n nor_o yet_o to_o yield_v although_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o think_v and_o say_v so_o then_o there_o be_v ground_n so_o to_o think_v or_o say_v and_o my_o message_n as_o you_o call_v it_o do_v not_o signify_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o have_v another_o meaning_n sect._n 9_o for_o my_o brethren_n my_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v and_o will_v nobilitate_v this_o cause_n wherein_o i_o suffer_v more_o and_o more_o and_o if_o my_o enemy_n be_v necessitate_v to_o improve_v it_o shall_v i_o desert_v it_o god_n forbid_v and_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o mourn_a woman_n daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n weep_v not_o for_o i_o but_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o and_o for_o your_o child_n so_o i_o say_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v i_o now_o go_v to_o the_o scaffold_n be_v not_o sad_a for_o i_o you_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o zion_n but_o be_v sad_a for_o yourselves_o and_o for_o your_o family_n for_o great_a distress_n be_v come_v towards_o you_o and_o yet_o to_o other_o i_o may_v say_v look_v up_o and_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n for_o your_o redemption_n draw_v nigh_o and_o great_a shall_v their_o comfort_n be_v who_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o forsake_v all_o for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o such_o disciple_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o time_n will_v give_v we_o yet_o a_o more_o plentiful_a demonstration_n thereof_o 12_o 13._o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1654._o you_o in_o the_o lord_n chr._n feak_v the_o precedent_a epistle_n explain_v for_o a_o more_o complete_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n sect._n 1_o whereas_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o epistle_n it_o be_v write_v that_o my_o intent_n and_o purpose_n concern_v my_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n be_v declare_v by_o i_o in_o a_o former_a letter_n to_o they_o i_o shall_v for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o this_o business_n may_v be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o all_o sort_n of_o reader_n annex_v a_o copy_n of_o so_o much_o of_o that_o letter_n also_o as_o be_v needful_a if_o i_o can_v obtain_v it_o from_o the_o brethren_n in_o due_a season_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o circumlocution_n shall_v pass_v from_o this_o to_o the_o next_o section_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o introduction_n to_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o i_o explain_v brief_o to_o they_o will_v occasion_v some_o inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o so_o write_v to_o they_o sect._n 2._o whereas_o i_o there_o do_v testify_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dark_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 authority_n for_o otherwise_o one_o high_a power_n may_v refuse_v obedience_n to_o another_o high_a power_n yea_o and_o take_v their_o authority_n away_o from_o they_o utter_o and_o for_o ever_o in_o many_o case_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o but_o to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o account_n of_o my_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o more_o particular_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o own_v they_o so_o as_o not_o to_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n &_o that_o the_o gospel_n &_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o regulate_v i_o in_o the_o thing_n under_o consideration_n for_o though_o they_o be_v the_o high_a power_n yet_o not_o the_o high_a for_o there_o be_v high_a than_o they_o 5.8_o eccles_n 5.8_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o command_v aught_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a
mighty_a honour_n of_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o their_o iron-law-giver_n not_o so_o much_o as_o consult_v with_o their_o faithful_a friend_n who_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o desire_v upon_o their_o entrance_n into_o great_a erterprise_n quest_n who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v this_o secret_a with_o any_o of_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o who_o walk_v before_o he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n answ_n although_o i_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o intrude_v where_o i_o must_v not_o hope_v to_o be_v admit_v yet_o i_o may_v give_v in_o my_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n with_o sobriety_n and_o submission_n to_o saint_n of_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n without_o offence_n and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n 1_o the_o lord_n may_v permit_v these_o thing_n these_o strange_a mutation_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o march_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o enter_v into_o canaan_n be_v motion_n very_o much_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o of_o 600000_o man_n which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n but_o only_o two_o single_a person_n enter_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n those_o man_n who_o conquer_v ameleck_n dare_v not_o encounter_v with_o anak_n but_o have_v rather_o make_v a_o captain_n to_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n than_o follow_v god_n their_o leader_n over_o jordan_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o as_o it_o be_v then_o even_o so_o it_o be_v now_o 2_o another_o end_n of_o god_n leave_v this_o unhappy_a new_a model_n and_o their_o unhappy_a general_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o poor_a afflict_a people_n plain_o perceive_v that_o they_o will_v not_o can_v do_v that_o work_n which_o they_o declare_v for_o may_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o importunate_a with_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n to_o make_v haste_n and_o come_v himself_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o provide_v himself_o of_o new_a servant_n to_o carry_v on_o that_o most_o bless_a design_n which_o his_o heart_n be_v set_v so_o much_o upon_o 3_o that_o the_o alwise_a god_n may_v take_v advantage_n to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a who_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o behold_v and_o wonder_v after_o this_o new_a image_n of_o the_o beast_n there_o be_v a_o rare_a opportunity_n for_o the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n to_o leave_v and_o depart_v from_o those_o professor_n who_o have_v now_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o his_o cause_n for_o the_o loaf_n and_o not_o for_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o their_o eye_n 4_o that_o have_v make_v this_o further_a separation_n from_o babylon_n in_o the_o army_n and_o in_o the_o headquarters_n at_o king_n charles_n his_o palace_n he_o may_v form_v a_o peculiar_a people_n for_o himself_o to_o begin_v where_o the_o new_a model_n leave_v even_o to_o pour_v out_o those_o vial_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o antichristion_n state_n and_o seat_n which_o be_v next_o to_o be_v empty_v by_o those_o angel_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n but_o if_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o end_n propound_v to_o himself_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o i_o exhort_v the_o saint_n who_o be_v inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n to_o observe_v exact_o every_o step_n of_o providence_n operantis_fw-la finis_fw-la open_fw-mi ris_fw-mi finis_fw-la operantis_fw-la that_o they_o may_v see_v what_o end_n the_o lord_n will_v make_v for_o it_o be_v good_a to_o understand_v the_o end_n of_o the_o action_n if_o we_o must_v not_o know_v the_o end_n of_o the_o agent_n or_o efficient_a cause_n so_o much_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o end_n which_o the_o lord_n may_v propound_v to_o himself_o in_o this_o strange_a passage_n of_o providence_n i_o have_v not_o yet_o finish_v the_o explication_n of_o this_o clause_n there_o be_v somewhat_o yet_o further_o to_o be_v unfold_v and_o communicate_v to_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v spirit_v for_o generation-work_n on_o that_o i_o may_v be_v anoint_v with_o fresh_a oil_n to_o speak_v forth_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o work_n of_o christ_n what_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o other_o may_v hear_v and_o fear_n and_o do_v no_o more_o either_o so_o foolish_o or_o so_o presumptuous_o as_o late_o they_o have_v do_v but_o first_o i_o must_v premise_v a_o few_o word_n for_o a_o manuduction_n thereunto_o thus_o i_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n and_o thus_o i_o express_v my_o mind_n one_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v for_o their_o own_o end_n accept_v of_o that_o person_n or_o those_o person_n for_o a_o supreme_a or_o a_o subordinate_a power_n which_o another_o part_n of_o the_o people_n may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o close_v withal_o or_o accept_v for_o their_o ruler_n or_o their_o governor_n though_o thereunto_o require_v or_o otherwise_o attempt_v by_o their_o brethren_n there_o be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 16.16_o zimri_n a_o soldier_n of_o great_a command_n in_o the_o army_n but_o not_o then_o general_n conspire_v and_o smite_v and_o slay_v the_o king_n and_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n the_o people_n who_o be_v encamp_v against_o gibbethon_n hear_v hereof_o make_v omri_n the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n or_o their_o general_n king_n over_o israel_n that_o day_n in_o the_o camp_n here_o be_v part_n of_o the_o soldier_n have_v make_v zimri_n king_n and_o the_o great_a part_n i_o suppose_v make_v omri_n king_n but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o i_o intend_v for_o my_o instance_n the_o quarrel_n be_v betwixt_o the_o soldier_n in_o this_o place_n king_n omri_n overcome_v king_n zimri_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v that_o title_n see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o that_o they_o do_v reign_v though_o zimri_n reign_v but_o seven_o day_n and_o then_o this_o be_v my_o instance_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n half_a of_o the_o people_n follow_v tibni_n the_o son_n of_o ginath_n to_o make_v he_o king_n and_o half_o follow_v omri-sure_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n intend_v some_o instruction_n to_o we_o by_o this_o punctual_a narration_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n 1_o king_n 16.21_o i_o conceive_v for_o my_o part_n that_o upon_o consideration_n which_o may_v be_v offer_v they_o can_v not_o impose_v a_o king_n upon_o each_o other_o be_v equal_o free_a who_o have_v the_o better_a title_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v for_o the_o one_o have_v as_o many_o vote_n as_o the_o other_o the_o people_n be_v equal_o divide_v at_o length_n omri_n obtain_v the_o crown_n and_o so_o all_o must_v consent_v or_o be_v silent_a which_o in_o a_o sense_n be_v as_o much_o as_o consent_v for_o the_o present_a we_o may_v put_v the_o case_n thus_o suppose_v half_o the_o free_a people_n of_o england_n be_v for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o monarch_n with_o a_o guard_n of_o thirty_o thousand_o man_n to_o protect_v he_o in_o his_o honour_n and_o power_n suppose_v half_o the_o people_n be_v for_o a_o commonwealth_n what_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n will_v justify_v the_o first_o half_a that_o have_v declare_v for_o monarchy_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o other_o half_a who_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o king_n from_o the_o infallible_a oracle_n of_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o kingship_n and_o according_o declare_v against_o it_o consider_v they_o be_v as_o free_a as_o themselves_o who_o presume_v to_o impose_v and_o have_v more_o from_o scripture_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o their_o reject_v of_o a_o king_n than_o the_o other_o for_o embrace_v he_o especial_o if_o impose_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o equal_n equal_v in_o that_o point_n of_o freedom_n very_o if_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a number_n of_o the_o freeman_n of_o england_n not_o to_o mention_v other_o consideration_n do_v oppose_v by_o all_o argument_n such_o a_o imperious_a power_n from_o their_o brethren_n insult_v over_o they_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o honest_a man_n can_v draw_v a_o sword_n against_o these_o dissatisfied_a freeman_n and_o if_o the_o sword_n forbear_v i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o scripture_n law_n and_o reason_n will_v prevail_v but_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o captain_n of_o this_o host_n be_v not_o yet_o advance_v so_o far_o towards_o the_o settle_n of_o this_o new_a yoke_n upon_o the_o nation_n as_o omri_n be_v in_o that_o 1_o king_n 16.22_o for_o adbuc_fw-la sub_fw-la judice_fw-la lie_fw-la est_fw-la and_o the_o army_n together_o with_o their_o partaker_n in_o the_o late_a declare_v strange_a government_n not_o have_v make_v
redeem_v they_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o matter_n which_o he_o give_v they_o in_o charge_n before_o his_o ascension_n viz._n 20._o mat._n 28_o 20._o to_o teach_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v for_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v moses_n his_o disciple_n henceforward_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o come_v off_o from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n according_o when_o peter_n speak_v of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o people_n he_o call_v they_o their_o mogistrate_n your_o ruler_n say_v peter_n he_o do_v not_o say_v our_o ruler_n act._n 3.17_o again_o when_o he_o be_v with_o john_n convent_v before_o authority_n this_o be_v his_o language_n you_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_z and_o elder_n of_o israel_n he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v ruler_n that_o be_v of_o the_o people_n but_o call_v they_o not_o at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o such_o title_n as_o may_v signify_v that_o they_o be_v over_o they_o that_o be_v the_o church_n as_o before_o when_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n for_o then_o indeed_o they_o must_v own_v they_o as_o their_o ruler_n for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o to_o rule_v they_o except_o the_o soldier_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n they_o do_v no_o long_a mind_n what_o ruler_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v saint_n by_o call_v undoubted_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o busy_v themselves_o about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o roman_a emperor_n though_o citizen_n of_o rome_n as_o paul_n be_v but_o let_v the_o army_n set_v up_o who_o they_o please_v and_o pull_v down_o who_o they_o will_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o senate_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n 5.22_o act._n 5.22_o as_o we_o read_v it_o they_o have_v little_a cause_n to_o choose_v any_o member_n for_o that_o parliament_n they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o company_n of_o sectary_n or_o separatist_n and_o so_o be_v of_o another_o company_n communion_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n paul_n draw_v the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n from_o the_o court_n of_o those_o high_a power_n to_o compose_v and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n among_o themselves_o for_o they_o have_v better_a law_n and_o may_v have_v better_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o than_o any_o the_o world_n have_v and_o then_o what_o need_v they_o seek_v any_o further_a 1_o cor._n 6._o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chap._n so_o that_o for_o my_o part_n if_o i_o be_v at_o liberty_n i_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o meddle_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o knight_n and_o burgess_n under_o the_o present_a sword-sovereignty_n or_o any_o other_o as_o from_o meddle_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o call_v or_o of_o arch-tryer_n or_o tryer_n as_o they_o may_v be_v now_o call_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o other_o be_v of_o my_o mind_n who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o wonderful_a work_n in_o these_o day_n and_o so_o never_o choose_v any_o more_o magistrate_n till_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n and_o government_n come_v to_o take_v place_n in_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o most_o incongruous_a course_n which_o some_o christian_n have_v take_v since_o the_o lord_n pull_v all_o in_o piece_n namely_o the_o late_a power_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nevertheless_o join_v with_o those_o who_o pull_v down_o or_o prevent_v that_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o pray_v for_o but_o let_v all_o the_o saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n throughout_o this_o nation_n take_v heed_n they_o do_v more_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v with_o the_o four_o kingdom_n now_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o to_o take_v away_o its_o deminion_n to_o consume_v it_o utter_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o to_o the_o end_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v at_o large_a my_o apprehension_n concern_v the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o my_o principle_n if_o improve_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a tendency_n will_v make_v notable_a work_n among_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o under_a officer_n oh_o how_o will_v that_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v fulfil_v in_o jer._n 51._o 51.58_o jer._n 51.58_o the_o people_n will_v labour_v in_o vain_a towards_o the_o intend_a settlement_n and_o the_o felk_n shall_v work_v in_o the_o fire_n to_o cause_v the_o iron_n and_o clay_n to_o solder_v and_o to_o incorporate_v and_o yet_o do_v no_o good_a upon_o it_o but_o be_v weary_v out_o babylon_n and_o her_o prince_n her_o captain_n and_o her_o rich_a man_n her_o statesman_n and_o her_o mighty_a man_n will_v be_v tire_v out_o with_o anguish_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o do_v and_o in_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o day_n nevertheless_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o some_o in_o these_o thing_n although_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o my_o thought_n with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v wherefore_o i_o will_v recollect_v all_o in_o a_o few_o word_n by_o the_o way_n of_o distinguish_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o thus_o 1_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_o the_o high_a power_n according_a to_o god_n and_o his_o direction_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o rigtheousness_n and_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o to_o such_o degree_n as_o they_o themselves_o desire_v and_o lust_n after_o the_o former_a way_n i_o walk_v in_o the_o latter_a i_o shall_v never_o be_v find_v in_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o my_o god_n and_o father_n 2_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o as_o power_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o as_o lawful_a and_o righteous_a power_n the_o first_o we_o must_v needs_o do_v for_o they_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o body_n and_o over_o our_o substance_n by_o their_o sword_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o to_o own_v they_o as_o have_v a_o right_a either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n thus_o to_o rule_v over_o we_o i_o absolute_o and_o utter_o refuse_v 3_o again_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n when_o they_o have_v universal_o accept_v of_o their_o iron_n yoke_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v our_o governor_n who_o never_o do_v nor_o do_v ever_o intend_v to_o choose_v or_o accept_v they_o according_a to_o that_o new_a instrument_n of_o servitude_n publish_v to_o the_o nation_n 4_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_o the_o high_a power_n so_o as_o not_o to_o resist_v they_o by_o force_n when_o they_o do_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o right_a though_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n and_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o own_v they_o in_o their_o oppression_n persecution_n all_o their_o unrighteous_a decree_n and_o tyrannical_a practice_n according_a to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n particular_a person_n in_o their_o private_a capacity_n have_v forbear_v to_o interrupt_v they_o but_o as_o for_o he_o other_o part_n none_o but_o base_a sycophant_n and_o their_o fellow_n tyrant_n will_v therein_o testify_v their_o own_n of_o they_o 5_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_o the_o worldly_a and_o tyrannical_a power_n in_o the_o way_n of_o necessary_a subjection_n and_o another_o to_o own_v they_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o voluntary_a approbation_n the_o former_a christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v practise_v but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o none_o but_o ignorant_a slave_n have_v yield_v to_o it_o by_o these_o distinction_n and_o such_o like_a it_o may_v easy_o i_o conceive_v be_v understand_v wherein_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v i_o own_o the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o in_o what_o respect_n i_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o shall_v own_v they_o the_o lord_n continue_v to_o be_v merciful_a unto_o his_o unworthy_a servant_n and_o as_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o army_n which_o i_o account_v the_o supreme_a or_o the_o high_a and_o strong_a be_v these_o island_n i_o do_v still_o adhere_v to_o my_o former_a apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o they_o and_o their_o partaker_n have_v do_v and_o may_v do_v while_o their_o time_n last_v many_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n just_a and_o good_a yea_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o mankind_n as_o the_o suppress_n and_o punish_v of_o thief_n and_o murderer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o
reader_n observe_v the_o emphasis_n for_o the_o jewish_a power_n be_v apt_a to_o put_v it_o off_o to_o pilate_n for_o he_o condemn_v he_o and_o crucify_a be_v not_o the_o jewish_a manner_n of_o execution_n of_o malefactor_n beside_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n for_o the_o roman_n have_v reserve_v that_o to_o themselves_o as_o a_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o of_o their_o absolute_a sovereignty_n yet_o peter_n charge_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o council_n with_o the_o murder_n of_o christ_n you_o may_v observe_v how_o near_o this_o accusation_n go_v 5.33_o act._n 5.33_o for_o the_o text_n say_v upon_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o they_o be_v cut_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o speech_n of_o many_o wise_a englishman_n peter_n and_o john_n may_v be_v think_v not_o to_o use_v so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o discretion_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o ruler_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v keep_v out_o of_o prison_n at_o leastwise_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o death_n for_o be_v not_o they_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o need_v they_o have_v speak_v such_o word_n as_o must_v needs_o provoke_v the_o high_a power_n especial_o after_o they_o have_v bear_v their_o testimony_n once_o and_o again_o they_o may_v have_v forbear_v for_o the_o future_a see_v no_o good_a come_v of_o it_o we_o in_o this_o age_n have_v find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n of_o preach_v for_o we_o know_v how_o to_o order_v thing_n so_o as_o that_o if_o we_o preach_v never_o so_o often_o before_o the_o high_a power_n guilty_a of_o very_o gross_a wickedness_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o cut_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n as_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o stephen_n do_v we_o will_v preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o fear_v this_o will_v appear_v a_o real_a truth_n when_o all_o secret_a thing_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v but_o as_o for_o thousand_o of_o the_o english_a parson_n and_o vicar_n and_o curate_n and_o state-lecturers_n or_o augmentation-man_n i_o be_o far_o from_o doubt_v of_o their_o compliance_n with_o any_o power_n which_o get_v the_o uppermost_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o or_o which_o way_n instead_o of_o appear_v for_o the_o present_a work_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o present_a ruler_n they_o appear_v for_o the_o present_a profit_n of_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a benefice_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v they_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o follow_v christ_n in_o bear_v witness_n against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o great_a and_o small_a without_o respect_n of_o person_n object_n but_o yet_o again_o there_o be_v other_o who_o come_v with_o another_o ridiculous_a objection_n in_o this_o manner_n although_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o zealous_a against_o the_o high_a power_n because_o of_o their_o abomination_n yet_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v to_o their_o face_n and_o not_o behind_o their_o back_n as_o all_o the_o instance_n give_v by_o you_o do_v declare_v they_o do_v not_o disgrace_n or_o arraign_v they_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o vulgar_a as_o you_o do_v and_o your_o fellow-sufferer_n this_o come_v from_o some_o who_o do_v not_o well_o know_v what_o to_o say_v with_o reason_n answ_n 1._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o the_o high_a power_n be_v seldom_o find_v to_o send_v for_o plain-dealing_a preacher_n to_o pray_v or_o prophesy_v in_o their_o chapel_n or_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o hear_v they_o once_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v for_o a_o second_o time_n and_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n declare_v the_o lord_n message_n in_o their_o hear_n answ_n 2._o we_o have_v instance_n from_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o amos_n prophesy_v the_o destruction_n of_o jeroboam_n while_o he_o himself_o be_v absent_a for_o it_o may_v be_v the_o king_n and_o his_o courtier_n will_v not_o hear_v amos_n who_o be_v but_o a_o herdsman_n and_o a_o gatherer_n of_o sycomore-fruit_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n against_o they_o though_o they_o be_v absent_a who_o it_o most_o concern_v so_o that_o we_o prisoner_n be_v not_o the_o first_o who_o have_v declare_v approach_v destruction_n to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o their_o absence_n moreover_o christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n or_o that_o fox_n and_o paul_n call_v caesar_n lion_z behind_o their_o back_n and_o why_o do_v not_o our_o angry_a brethren_n say_v they_o may_v have_v forbear_v such_o kind_n of_o language_n they_o not_o be_v present_a at_o least_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v call_v the_o two_o high_a power_n among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o the_o reproachful_a name_n of_o two_o wild_a bâ—asts_n and_o those_o too_o such_o beast_n of_o prey_n and_o why_o do_v they_o not_o find_v fault_n with_o peter_n and_o john_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n have_v no_o more_o good_a manner_n than_o open_o to_o declare_v the_o high_a power_n guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o the_o worse_a kind_n of_o murder_n and_o this_o behind_o their_o back_n and_o that_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o thousand_o see_v act_n 3.17_o and_o act_v 13.27_o 28._o there_o paul_n charge_v they_o in_o another_o country_n and_o amplifi_v the_o matter_n against_o they_o but_o further_a in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n they_o name_v herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n in_o relate_v their_o wicked_a combination_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o pray_v and_o preach_v after_o that_o manner_n as_o the_o first_o christian_n do_v who_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v more_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o any_o of_o we_o they_o be_v bold_a and_o resolute_a and_o whether_o the_o high_a power_n be_v absent_a or_o present_a it_o be_v alike_o â—o_o they_o certain_o open_a murder_n and_o open_a hypocrisy_n and_o apostasy_n and_o perjury_n and_o treason_n against_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n must_v be_v open_o and_o public_o witness_v against_o before_o god_n angel_n and_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v the_o ruler_n be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o commit_v open_a abomination_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v call_v thereto_o be_v as_o bold_a and_o declare_v as_o open_o against_o those_o abomination_n and_o that_o before_o all_o the_o people_n whether_o the_o guilty_a one_o be_v in_o the_o hear_n or_o not_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v forbear_v to_o bear_v our_o public_a testimony_n against_o public_a wickedness_n object_n but_o other_o who_o understand_v themselves_o better_a than_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o fault-finder_n have_v a_o great_a charge_n than_o those_o before_o mention_v for_o say_v they_o we_o may_v upon_o occasion_n declare_v open_o against_o those_o who_o so_o sin_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n whether_o they_o be_v present_a or_o absent_a but_o what_o have_v we_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o state-matter_n or_o state-affair_n the_o compass_n of_o their_o commission_n will_v not_o warrant_v they_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n in_o another_o man_n diocese_n or_o province_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reduceable_a to_o two_o head_n to_o bring_v soul_n in_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o christ_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v beside_o this_o be_v beside_o the_o cushion_n many_o other_o word_n there_o be_v and_o may_v be_v excogitated_a to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o very_a odious_a matter_n for_o minister_n to_o meddle_v in_o state-affair_n can_v they_o be_v content_a if_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o will_v keep_v to_o that_o and_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o high_a power_n they_o need_v not_o be_v apprehend_v imprison_a etc._n etc._n as_o they_o be_v so_o that_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o with_o much_o more_o such_o stuff_n as_o this_o answ_n i_o perceive_v plain_o that_o these_o kind_n of_o preach_n and_o discourse_n have_v such_o a_o plausible_a veri-similitude_n that_o they_o be_v believe_v by_o many_o honest_a heart_n to_o be_v as_o true_a as_o gospel_n namely_o that_o those_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v as_o too_o pragmatical_a who_o insist_v upon_o such_o point_n and_o very_o worthy_a to_o taste_v and_o feel_v the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n insomuch_o that_o we_o be_v under_o a_o very_a great_a disadvantage_n for_o the_o present_a but_o
be_v do_v be_v by_o their_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n answ_n all_o this_o be_v ready_o and_o easy_o answer_v as_o first_o minister_n do_v not_o lose_v the_o privilege_n of_o saint_n when_o they_o be_v make_v minister_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n no_o more_o than_o a_o other_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n do_v lose_v or_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n upon_o his_o be_v choose_v into_o office_n so_o that_o if_o god_n give_v he_o this_o privilege_n as_o a_o saint_n of_o rule_v govern_v dispose_v the_o affair_n of_o kingdom_n he_o may_v still_o claim_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o commission_n after_o he_o be_v become_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o as_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o there_o speak_v of_o dispose_v by_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n only_o but_o this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o invalidate_n my_o assertion_n because_o to_o set_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o to_o govern_v rule_n and_o dispose_v the_o world_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o kingdom_n by_o prayer_n be_v one_o way_n of_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o a_o excellent_a way_n especial_o if_o that_o spirit_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o christian_n be_v but_o precedent_n and_o predominant_a among_o those_o privy_a councillor_n who_o meet_v in_o christ_n name_n to_o set_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o according_a to_o their_o commission_n for_o those_o who_o i_o mention_v make_v notable_a work_n with_o that_o act_n of_o state_n and_o that_o state-policy_n whereby_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n proceed_v to_o murder_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n the_o faith_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a remnant_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o will_v be_v henceforward_o much_o more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o affair_n than_o the_o great_a quantity_n of_o gunpowder_n set_v on_o fire_n in_o any_o magazeen_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v to_o any_o city_n or_o town_n where_o it_o be_v if_o once_o they_o spring_v a_o mine_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v they_o overthrow_v whatsoever_o they_o do_v undermine_v with_o a_o more_o irresistible_a force_n than_o be_v imagine_v or_o believe_v for_o est_fw-la quaedam_fw-la precum_fw-la omnipotentia_fw-la as_o he_o say_v the_o true_a fervent_a pray_v against_o state_n their_o law_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n be_v meddle_v with_o a_o witness_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hardly_o know_v who_o burt_v they_o but_o at_o the_o last_o day_n it_o will_v be_v know_v what_o execution_n have_v be_v do_v upon_o the_o empire_n and_o monarchy_n of_o this_o world_n by_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o several_a exigency_n of_o their_o affair_n for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o affais_fw-mi of_o state_n reason_n of_o state_n state-policy_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n obstruct_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o choice_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o age_n to_o age_n i_o can_v illustrate_v this_o point_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n meddle_v by_o prayer_n with_o the_o thing_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o worldly_a power_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n show_v of_o what_o excellent_a use_v it_o will_v be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o throne_n of_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o true_a minister_n and_o the_o few_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n to_o exercise_v themselves_o herein_o day_n and_o night_n as_o i_o hear_v they_o begin_v to_o do_v but_o let_v they_o remember_v and_o not_o forget_v upon_o any_o term_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o you_o meddle_v with_o these_o or_o any_o power_n abroad_o without_o that_o you_o will_v meddle_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o answer_n all_o this_o while_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o hear_v for_o faith_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o his_o purpose_n and_o counsel_n in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n or_o prescribe_v to_o he_o a_o method_n or_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o production_n of_o those_o ancient_a decree_n which_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n so_o much_o for_o this_o first_o way_n of_o meddle_v with_o state-affair_n the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o divinity_n aforesaid_a be_v also_o of_o great_a reputation_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v my_o adversary_n will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o doctrine_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_o bold_a to_o call_v he_o forth_o to_o plead_v for_o this_o truth_n for_o his_o preach_v and_o print_v principle_n do_v very_o much_o tend_v in_o my_o apprehension_n to_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o intermeddle_v in_o state-affair_n as_o become_v minister_n for_o no_o otherwise_o will_v i_o have_v any_o one_o to_o meddle_v than_o as_o become_v he_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n there_o be_v one_o notion_n of_o his_o in_o the_o sermon_n which_o i_o mean_v which_o certain_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o many_o other_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o which_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o improve_v it_o according_a to_o its_o natural_a tendency_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o own_o truth_n and_o interest_n so_o sudden_o and_o unworthy_o desert_v by_o those_o who_o seem_v very_o stout_a assertor_n of_o it_o not_o many_o year_n ago_o the_o word_n of_o dr._n o._n in_o the_o serm._n on_o heb._n 12.27_o all_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v cement_v together_o by_o antichristian_a lime_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o unless_o they_o be_v so_o shake_v as_o to_o have_v every_o cranny_n search_v and_o brush_v they_o will_v be_v no_o quiet_a habitation_n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o people_n this_o i_o find_v in_o the_o 14_o page_n again_o in_o the_o 25_o page_n i_o find_v he_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o their_o present_a constitution_n be_v direct_o frame_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n which_o by_o notable_a advantage_n at_o their_o first_o mould_v and_o continue_a insinuation_n ever_o since_o have_v so_o rivet_v itself_o into_o the_o very_a fundamental_o of_o they_o that_o no_o dig_v or_o mine_v without_o a_o earthquake_n will_v cast_v up_o the_o foundation-stone_n thereof_o yet_o again_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n p._n 35._o be_v it_o not_o evident_a to_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n that_o the_o whole_a present_a constitution_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v so_o cement_v with_o antichristian_a mortar_n from_o the_o very_a top_n to_o the_o bottom_n that_o without_o a_o thorough_a shake_n they_o can_v be_v cleanse_v and_o a_o little_a after_o this_o only_o be_v certain_a it_o the_o say_v shake_v shall_v not_o stop_v nor_o receive_v its_o period_n before_o the_o interest_n of_o antichristianity_n be_v whole_o separate_v from_o the_o power_n of_o those_o nation_n thus_o far_o the_o other_o doctor_n 1_o now_o first_o we_o see_v plain_o or_o may_v see_v that_o he_o for_o his_o part_n meddle_v with_o state_n and_o government_n of_o nation_n all_o along_o throughout_o the_o sermon_n 2_o he_o do_v particular_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n both_o foundation_n and_o superstruction_n show_v also_o how_o the_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n be_v intermingle_v or_o interweave_v in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o state_n in_o europe_n and_o that_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n 3_o he_o declare_v and_o foretell_v the_o shake_n translate_n and_o new_a mould_v of_o all_o those_o state_n and_o kingdom_n 4_o he_o affirm_v that_o every_o cranny_n must_v be_v search_v for_o that_o antichristian_a mortar_n or_o lime_n and_o sand_n which_o do_v cement_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o that_o this_o shake_n search_a etc._n etc._n shall_v not_o stop_v nor_o receive_v a_o period_n till_o the_o interest_n of_o antichristianity_n be_v whole_o separate_v from_o these_o nation_n from_o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o that_o sermon_n i_o do_v make_v this_o inference_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v lawful_o or_o without_o sin_n yea_o must_v necessary_o intermeddle_v and_o be_v employ_v in_o search_v into_o the_o affair_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o state_n yea_o further_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v discern_v they_o must_v be_v employ_v by_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o the_o chief_a laborer_n which_o be_v to_o brush_v and_o cleanse_v the_o
a_o stone_n of_o the_o babylonish_n building_n for_o a_o corner_n nor_o a_o stone_n for_o foundation_n for_o babylon_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a desolation_n say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 51.26_o and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o preacher_n and_o doctor_n aforesaid_a will_v tell_v you_o and_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o part_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o give_v in_o my_o sense_n also_o for_o further_a explication_n we_o shall_v reward_v babylon_n as_o she_o have_v reward_v we_o and_o among_o other_o way_n of_o recompense_n we_o shall_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v and_o encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o pry_v into_o every_o corner_n with_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v look_v and_o search_v narrow_o to_o find_v out_o the_o babylonish_n leaven_n the_o popish_a mixture_n the_o antichristian_a mortar_n which_o be_v yet_o remain_v in_o these_o state_n and_o kingdom_n for_o as_o sure_a as_o the_o lord_n live_v there_o be_v much_o of_o all_o this_o even_a in_o this_o nation_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o earthquake_n and_o wonderful_a revolution_n yea_o i_o will_v say_v it_o bold_o and_o true_o the_o relic_n of_o popery_n be_v maintain_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o present_a power_n but_o to_o this_o end_n that_o there_o may_v a_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o popish_a remain_n a_o glorious_a evangelical_n inquisition_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o due_a time_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v gospel-inquisitor_n i_o speak_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o spanish_a popish_a inquisition_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o be_v the_o touchstone_n what_o we_o find_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n contrary_a to_o or_o destructive_a of_o the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n wherewith_o christ_n our_o lord_n our_o judge_n our_o lawgiver_n our_o king_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o endow_v we_o by_o those_o two_o instrument_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la of_o his_o subject_n i_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v find_v opposite_a or_o contradictory_n thereto_o we_o shall_v discover_v it_o and_z and_o reveal_v it_o open_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o spirit_n thereunto_o when_o we_o be_v once_o anoint_v with_o fresh_a cile_a for_o these_o new_a motion_n and_o expedition_n we_o shall_v intermeddle_v so_o as_o to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o oath_n and_o contract_n of_o the_o state_n we_o shall_v bring_v the_o old_a know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n make_v most_o of_o they_o when_o reason_n and_o religion_n also_o be_v at_o the_o low_a ebb_n when_o king_n and_o parliament_n be_v the_o protector_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o whore_n and_o so_o into_o the_o custom_n in_o all_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o judicature_n of_o which_o though_o many_o be_v fall_v asleep_o and_o be_v rot_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o oblivion_n yet_o other_o remain_v alive_a and_o be_v confirm_v by_o oath_n and_o solemn_a engagement_n all_o act_n of_o state_n will_v be_v meddle_v with_o and_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n bring_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o let_v the_o power_n assure_v themselves_o whatsoever_o oath_n or_o branch_n of_o oath_n whatsoever_o custom_n or_o relic_n of_o custom_n or_o tradition_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o &_o our_o popish_a ancestor_n which_o have_v the_o stamp_n and_o superscription_n of_o antichrist_n or_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v still_o underprop_v and_o support_v by_o the_o present_a commander_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o nation_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o spirit_n so_o far_o meddle_v with_o all_o of_o they_o as_o that_o we_o our_o brethren_n and_o companion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o cause_n and_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v or_o well_o please_v till_o they_o be_v break_v all_o to_o piece_n suppress_v and_o consume_v to_o nothing_o but_o lest_o some_o reader_n shall_v censure_v i_o as_o too_o peremptory_a and_o malapert_a in_o my_o expression_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o our_o author_n before_o mention_v say_v further_a to_o this_o point_n although_o in_o those_o passage_n which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v he_o seem_v to_o content_v himself_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v only_o a_o shake_n 2_o brush_v and_o a_o cleanse_n of_o state_n and_o government_n from_o the_o mortar_n aforesaid_a yet_o in_o another_o part_n of_o his_o sermon_n he_o come_v more_o home_n to_o the_o truth_n where_o he_o say_v that_o no_o atonement_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n slay_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o heretic_n nor_o expiation_n be_v allow_v while_o a_o toe_n of_o the_o image_n or_o a_o bone_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v leave_v unbroken_a i_o assure_v you_o this_o be_v somewhat_o a_o severe_a expression_n this_o be_v much_o more_o than_o brush_v off_o the_o mortar_n and_o the_o cement_n i_o wish_v he_o himself_o will_v fall_v upon_o the_o image_n if_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o one_o of_o the_o little_a toe_n of_o it_o in_o england_n with_o the_o hammer_n of_o the_o world_n will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o genius_n of_o all_o the_o university-doctor_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o bone_n of_o the_o beast_n as_o here_o in_o the_o 22_o page_n he_o do_v express_v himself_o such_o a_o brush_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o a_o downright_a blow_n but_o what_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v espy_v some_o of_o the_o most_o forward_a prosecutor_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o time_n past_a and_o who_o give_v he_o many_o a_o dry_a blow_n to_o be_v turn_v artificial_a chirurgeon_n and_o to_o be_v very_o busy_a in_o heal_v those_o deep_a wound_n which_o be_v late_o make_v and_o very_o careful_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o bruise_n which_o the_o image_n receive_v on_o some_o of_o his_o ten_o toe_n the_o lord_n eye_n be_v upon_o all_o their_o way_n he_o know_v their_o work_n and_o their_o thought_n and_o unto_o he_o i_o refer_v they_o for_o the_o present_a without_o further_a disquisition_n and_o return_v from_o whence_o i_o have_v make_v this_o short_a digression_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n understand_v this_o that_o no_o expiation_n will_v be_v allow_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o yet_o they_o can_v meddle_v with_o antichrist_n nor_o indeed_o come_v at_o he_o or_o at_o the_o beast_n and_o his_o horm_n but_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n meddle_v with_o state-affair_n the_o beast_n and_o the_o state_n or_o ten_o horn_n be_v so_o near_o relate_v each_o to_o other_o and_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n politic_a or_o corporation_n let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o the_o zealous_a faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v give_v over_o or_o leave_v off_o their_o meddle_v in_o state-matter_n because_o of_o the_o clamour_n and_o importune_a suggestion_n of_o those_o preacher_n or_o professor_n who_o sense_n be_v not_o exercise_v by_o reason_n of_o use_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a in_o this_o important_a point_n of_o gospel-truth_n for_o without_o doubt_n as_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o assert_v the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n may_v lawful_o meddle_v with_o the_o popish_a priesthood_n and_o show_v the_o contrariety_n thereof_o unto_o the_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n and_o vileness_n of_o all_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o they_o for_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o concern_v their_o priest_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o size_n and_o their_o mass_n pilgrimage_n purgatory_n procession_n and_o such_o like_a ridiculous_a invention_n custom_n and_o tradition_n in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v among_o know_v christian_n but_o in_o handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o they_o may_v interpret_v and_o apply_v all_o scripture_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o the_o just_a disparagement_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o lord_n constant_o style_v they_o by_o that_o diminish_n title_n and_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n who_o shall_v come_v to_o nothing_o as_o paul_n say_v and_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o effectual_a advance_n of_o the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n they_o may_v endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o esteem_n of_o the_o little_a horn_n and_o all_o the_o adherent_n to_o it_o yea_o they_o may_v meddle_v so_o far_o with_o the_o high_a power_n and_o their_o act_n of_o state_n or_o statute-law_n as_o to_o
discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n thereof_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o law_n statute_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o if_o they_o may_v meddle_v with_o those_o more_o weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o state_n and_o kingdom_n of_o europe_n or_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o beast_n among_o who_o antichrist_n have_v such_o a_o considerable_a interest_n sure_o then_o they_o may_v intermeddle_v with_o lesser_a and_o light_a matter_n of_o the_o government_n viz._n foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a custom_n tully_n say_v well_o in_o act_v publicis_fw-la nihil_fw-la lege_fw-la gravius_fw-la the_o law_n of_o a_o state_n be_v the_o most_o mighty_a act_n of_o state_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o tell_v the_o committee_n of_o the_o new-court-council_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o my_o meddle_v with_o state-matter_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v i_o tell_v they_o i_o will_v meddle_v with_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o genesis_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o i_o know_v assure_o the_o word_n of_o god_n meddle_v with_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_v not_o to_o be_v contract_v in_o my_o ministry_n and_o what_o i_o say_v then_o i_o after_o so_o many_o month_n imprisonment_n confirm_v public_o i_o will_v meddle_v with_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v handle_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o give_v and_o administer_v unto_o so_o unworthy_a and_o so_o sinful_a a_o servant_n of_o he_o either_o light_n or_o opportunity_n and_o i_o will_v call_v no_o man_n lord_n or_o master_n upon_o earth_n by_o his_o assistance_n so_o far_o as_o to_o ask_v leave_n so_o to_o do_v for_o my_o lord_n be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o i_o pity_v the_o present_a power_n because_o i_o foresee_v that_o unless_o the_o lord_n do_v many_o marvellous_a thing_n in_o mercy_n to_o they_o they_o will_v stumble_v so_o often_o at_o that_o stumble_a stone_n as_o their_o bruise_n will_v be_v very_o hardly_o cure_v i_o conclude_v with_o this_o one_o of_o d._n o._n expression_n that_o say_v he_o which_o do_v and_o shall_v stick_v upon_o potentate_n to_o their_o ruin_n be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o own_o or_o any_o other_o interest_n as_o the_o very_a dregs_n of_o this_o papal_a antichristian_a interest_n thrust_v into_o their_o oath_n and_o obligation_n for_o no_o other_o end_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o keep_v the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o his_o throne_n as_o for_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o objection_n whatever_o a_o minister_n meddle_v with_o beside_o bring_v in_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o christ_n it_o be_v beside_o the_o cushion_n i_o answer_v i_o care_v not_o nor_o my_o fellow-prisoner_n what_o be_v beside_o the_o cushion_n we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o beside_o the_o text_n for_o a_o minister_n to_o build_v up_o believer_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o open_v those_o scripture_n which_o concern_v his_o kingdom_n and_o his_o be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o interpret_v those_o oracle_n which_o signify_v that_o he_o will_v govern_v all_o nation_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o omri_n nor_o the_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n that_o be_v not_o by_o the_o statute_n law_n ordinance_n or_o edict_n of_o the_o present_a king_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o beast_n and_o his_o ten_o horn_n etc._n etc._n be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n a_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o if_o we_o in_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o christ_n will_v darken_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o utter_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o all_o the_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v meet_v with_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n from_o our_o brethren_n beside_o all_o manner_n oâ—_n discouragement_n from_o the_o high_o or_o low_a ruler_n of_o the_o nation_n even_o to_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n yea_o even_o to_o torment_n and_o death_n yet_o be_v true_a teacher_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o a_o moment_n that_o we_o must_v rather_o in_o the_o name_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n rise_v much_o high_a in_o bear_v our_o testimony_n and_o so_o in_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o particular_n now_o under_o debate_n but_o there_o be_v many_o time-serving_a professor_n and_o neminal_a christian_n both_o courtier_n and_o other_o who_o use_v to_o declare_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n concern_v we_o they_o bring_v trouble_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n and_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o if_o they_o will_v let_v the_o high_a power_n alone_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n they_o may_v be_v countenance_v maintain_v protect_v and_o it_o may_v be_v prefer_v as_o other_o be_v i_o answer_v in_o the_o self_n same_o language_n the_o lukewarm_a generation_n of_o minister_n and_o conformable_a puritan_n be_v hear_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o time_n of_o prelatical_a persecution_n and_o when_o a_o certain_a disciple_n complain_v to_o another_o godly_a minister_n how_o that_o faithful_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n master_n henry_n burton_n be_v cruel_o handle_v by_o his_o persecutor_n he_o tell_v he_o immediate_o he_o may_v thank_v himself_o if_o he_o have_v let_v the_o bishop_n alone_o and_o the_o like_a they_o will_v not_o have_v meddle_v with_o he_o and_o as_o for_o that_o great_a quarrel_n against_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o if_o we_o always_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n we_o shall_v be_v always_o lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o so_o shall_v never_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n but_o we_o know_v though_o it_o be_v not_o account_v gospel_n in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n to_o declare_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o put_v down_o all_o rule_n all_o authority_n and_o power_n that_o the_o saint_n may_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o the_o new_a testament-ministration_n yet_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v account_v it_o gospel_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n also_o and_o this_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o flatter_a court-chaplain_n and_o of_o their_o master_n also_o at_o who_o table_n they_o be_v say_v delicious_o every_o day_n while_o their_o brethren_n be_v so_o thrust_v into_o corner_n and_o unchristian_a and_o inhumane_o use_v and_o abuse_v by_o they_o but_o further_a do_v they_o still_o say_v we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o we_o say_v no._n we_o may_v thank_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o lord_n jevus_n christ_n himself_o that_o we_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o reproach_n and_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o gaoler_n for_o his_o truth_n sake_n and_o that_o glorious_a cause_n which_o once_o be_v cry_v up_o by_o the_o general_n and_o his_o army_n though_o now_o they_o have_v get_v a_o new_a cause_n to_o carry_v on_o again_o whereas_o a_o great_a noise_n be_v make_v what_o liberty_n we_o may_v have_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n what_o countenance_n and_o maintenance_n this_o i_o have_v to_o return_v to_o such_o discourse_n first_o i_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v or_o be_v such_o liberty_n allow_v for_o whosoever_o will_v preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n thorough_o and_o effectual_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o whosoever_o will_v zealous_o insist_v upon_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v profitable_a for_o the_o press_n of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o concern_v the_o present_a age_n and_o time_n or_o those_o which_o be_v profitable_a for_o reproof_n and_o for_o correction_n of_o the_o present_a evil_n and_o iniquity_n of_o the_o high_a or_o low_a power_n they_o shall_v not_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n long_o but_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v and_o connive_v at_o it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o ruler_n be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o preacher_n or_o their_o doctrine_n and_o reproof_n but_o upon_o other_o consideration_n as_o either_o to_o avoid_v the_o reproachful_a imputation_n of_o persecute_v power_n or_o else_o because_o their_o instrument_n be_v but_o green_a and_o tender_a as_o king_n saul_n be_v when_o he_o do_v politic_o forbear_v to_o punish_v those_o who_o will_v not_o choose_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n whereas_o afterward_o when_o the_o kingdom_n be_v confirm_v to_o he_o he_o be_v not_o so_o modest_a
or_o upon_o some_o such_o profound_a reason_n of_o carnal_a state-policy_n second_o as_o for_o their_o countenance_n and_o maintenance_n for_o my_o part_n i_o look_v upon_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o two_o of_o the_o sore_a and_o most_o dangerous_a snare_n wherein_o minister_n can_v possible_o be_v catch_v in_o these_o day_n for_o be_v it_o probable_a or_o indeed_o possible_a for_o any_o one_o of_o the_o whole_a generation_n of_o the_o parson_n and_o vicar_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o europe_n or_o for_o the_o nursery_n and_o seminary_n of_o they_o the_o several_a university_n in_o the_o respective_a nation_n which_o do_v always_o and_o do_v to_o this_o day_n all_o depend_v upon_o the_o bounty_n munificence_n and_o good_a will_n of_o the_o serveral_a high_a power_n i_o say_v again_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o these_o or_o such_o like_a creature_n of_o man_n make_v shall_v turn_v head_n upon_o their_o good_a lord_n or_o bountiful_a benefactor_n and_o so_o to_o bear_v a_o high_a testimony_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n against_o the_o oppression_n luxury_n superstition_n and_o other_o abomination_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n aforesaid_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v or_o expect_v for_o do_v rational_a man_n look_v for_o grape_n from_o thorn_n or_o for_o fig_n from_o thistle_n they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n plant_v and_o how_o can_v they_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o lord_n himself_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n work_v in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o mighty_o do_v call_v they_o forth_o as_o he_o do_v paul_n luther_n and_o such_o like_a to_o bear_v his_o name_n before_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o must_v cast_v up_o their_o reckon_a with_o paul_n etc._n etc._n and_o come_v to_o this_o conclusion_n even_o to_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n their_o lord_n for_o who_o and_o who_o service_n they_o will_v then_o willing_o count_v their_o benefice_n and_o promotion_n ecclesiastical_a as_o they_o call_v they_o their_o vice-chancellorships_a their_o headship_n their_o deanery_n their_o fellowship_n their_o university-degree_n their_o augmentation_n but_o dross_n and_o dung_n that_o they_o may_v promote_v the_o work_n and_o honour_n of_o their_o lord_n for_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o kindly_a operation_n of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o parish-preacher_n soever_o he_o be_v who_o intend_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n in_o good_a earnest_n during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o little_a horn_n and_o to_o follow_v he_o close_o so_o as_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n he_o must_v necessary_o deny_v himself_o and_o forsake_v his_o house_n and_o glebe_n land_n his_o tithe_n and_o rate_n for_o tithe_n whether_o personal_a or_o predial_a his_o state-salary_n or_o augmentation_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o fine_a thing_n aforesaid_a for_o otherwise_o he_o can_v bold_o bear_v up_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n nor_o declare_v against_o the_o babylonish_n beast_n and_o the_o ten_o horn_n in_o all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o crown_n and_o dignity_n but_o if_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o be_v for_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o invent_v and_o contrive_v how_o to_o prevent_v suffering_n for_o his_o sake_n let_v they_o stay_v behind_o and_o keep_v company_n with_o the_o world_n the_o world-like_a church_n and_o the_o carnal_a clergy_n yea_o let_v they_o do_v as_o the_o most_o do_v and_o then_o the_o few_o will_v laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o i_o although_o you_o be_v so_o malapert_a and_o so_o bold_a to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o so_o many_o reverend_a dean_n doctor_n divine_n vicechancellors_a with_o other_o of_o the_o worshipful_a clergy_n and_o orthodox_n minister_n in_o all_o the_o protestant_a court_n city_n and_o country_n in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v what_o a_o prate_a fool_n do_v speak_v beside_o solomon_n say_v a_o prate_a fool_n shall_v fall_v to_o this_o i_o reply_v they_o will_v do_v i_o manifest_a wrong_n whosoever_o shall_v say_v that_o i_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o these_o man_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o they_o have_v besmear_v their_o own_o face_n with_o grovel_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n of_o the_o filthy_a antichristian_a world_n or_o else_o they_o have_v contract_v dirt_n for_o want_n of_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v their_o face_n and_o their_o hand_n and_o i_o do_v but_o tell_v they_o where_o the_o dirt_n be_v and_o where_o the_o filth_n stick_v upon_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v and_o appear_v very_o deform_v by_o reason_n thereof_o and_o if_o you_o call_v i_o and_o my_o fellow_n prate_v fool_n for_o show_v you_o where_o the_o spot_n of_o dirt_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o will_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o we_o will_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n proceed_v and_o go_v on_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o that_o till_z either_o you_o turn_v your_o back_n and_o depart_v with_o shame_n or_o until_o you_o be_v persuade_v to_o look_v into_o the_o glorious_a glass_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o compare_v our_o word_n with_o what_o you_o find_v there_o represent_v to_o you_o for_o we_o will_v not_o be_v outface_v by_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n upon_o any_o term_n but_o put_v the_o case_n we_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o you_o and_o your_o patron_n say_v and_o that_o we_o talk_v much_o more_o than_o our_o share_n come_v to_o methinks_v you_o shall_v suffer_v fool_n glad_o see_v you_o yourselves_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o what_o be_v it_o for_o some_o of_o you_o to_o persuade_v your_o lord_n protector_n to_o let_v out_o of_o prison_n two_o or_o three_o or_o a_o few_o fool_n to_o make_v sport_n for_o the_o wise_a man_n at_o the_o court_n certain_o we_o be_v such_o simple_a and_o contemptible_a ignoramuss_n can_v not_o prejudice_v so_o many_o wise_a man_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v do_v or_o say_v thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v those_o objection_n and_o to_o speak_v something_o to_o those_o reproachful_a cavil_n which_o be_v hear_v by_o many_o to_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o use_v to_o appear_v like_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o sunshine_n day_n but_o to_o leave_v he_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n as_o for_o the_o truth_n though_o it_o can_v be_v defend_v by_o we_o silly_a weak_a worm_n as_o the_o lord_n know_v we_o be_v yet_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v lift_v up_o the_o banner_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v display_v in_o such_o glory_n at_o the_o length_n that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o section_n need_v no_o explanation_n for_o res_fw-la ipsa_fw-la loquor_fw-la the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v and_o speak_v aloud_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hear_v through_o the_o nation_n viz._n that_o the_o carnal_a clergy_n have_v no_o heart_n to_o declare_v or_o pray_v or_o confess_v according_a to_o the_o present_a exigence_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n but_o the_o counsel_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v plain_a let_v they_o alone_o they_o be_v blind_a leader_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o this_o matter_n until_o a_o better_a opportunity_n sect._n 6_o and_o 7._o i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o satisfy_v any_o reader_n concern_v the_o content_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v themselves_o explanation_n of_o what_o go_v before_o only_o concern_v the_o late_a part_n of_o the_o seven_o i_o shall_v wait_v for_o such_o a_o season_n as_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o wise_a providence_n shall_v administer_v for_o the_o best_a advantage_n of_o his_o service_n for_o for_o the_o present_a i_o do_v not_o find_v my_o spirit_n free_a to_o increase_v this_o treatise_n to_o a_o great_a bulk_n and_o price_n and_o i_o design_v only_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o first_o part_n in_o regard_n none_o else_o need_v a_o interpreter_n sect._n 8_o and_o 9_o the_o ensue_a epistle_n which_o i_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o first_o section_n be_v obtain_v that_o will_v sufficient_o enlighten_v the_o reader_n in_o the_o understanding_n what_o i_o intend_v in_o those_o thing_n namely_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o application_n for_o my_o enlargement_n and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o my_o very_a thought_n to_o accept_v of_o deliverance_n upon_o base_a and_o dishonourable_a term_n at_o any_o time_n in_o regard_n i_o know_v assure_o without_o any_o degree_n of_o doubt_v that_o i_o be_o sensible_a