The true Christian religion again discovered after the long and dark night of apostacy, which hath overshadowed the whole world for many ages ... by a friend to all people, especially them that feares God, and loves righteousness.
         Burrough, Edward, 1634-1662.
      
       
         This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A30554 of text R213868 in the  English Short Title Catalog (Wing B6044). Textual changes  and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more  computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life.  The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with  MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.  This text has not been fully proofread 
       Approx. 56 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 13 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images.
       
         EarlyPrint Project
         Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO
         2017
         A30554
         Wing B6044
         ESTC R213868
         12739788
         ocm 12739788
         93097
         
           
            This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of
             Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal
            . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.
          
        
      
       
         Early English books online.
      
       
         (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A30554)
         Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 93097)
         Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 376:14)
      
       
         
           
             The true Christian religion again discovered after the long and dark night of apostacy, which hath overshadowed the whole world for many ages ... by a friend to all people, especially them that feares God, and loves righteousness.
             Burrough, Edward, 1634-1662.
          
           24 p.
           
             Printed for Thomas Simmons ...,
             London :
             1658.
          
           
             Written by Edward Burrough. Cf. Halkett & Laing (2nd ed.).
             End of text dated: the tenth month, 1657.
             Reproduction of original in Friends' Library, London.
             Marginal notes.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Church of England -- Doctrines.
           Protestantism -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A30554  R213868  (Wing B6044).  civilwar no The true Christian religion again discovered after the long and dark night of apostacy, which hath overshadowed the whole world for many age Burrough, Edward 1658    11114 21 0 0 0 0 0 19 C  The  rate of 19 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
        2004-01 TCP
        Assigned for keying and markup
      
        2004-02 SPi Global
        Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images
      
        2004-07 Judith Siefring
        Sampled and proofread
      
        2004-07 Judith Siefring
        Text and markup reviewed and edited
      
        2004-10 pfs
        Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
      
    
  
   
     
       
       
         
           THE
           TRUE
           CHRISTIAN
           RELIGION
           AGAIN
           DISCOVERED
           After
           the
           long
           and
           dark
           Night
           of
           Apostacy
           ,
           which
           hath
           overshadowed
           the
           whole
           World
           for
           many
           ages
           ;
           and
           the
           profession
           and
           practise
           thereof
           witnessed
           unto
           by
           the
           Scriptures
           .
           And
           here
           all
           may
           see
           who
           it
           is
           of
           all
           these
           Sects
           and
           divers
           forms
           of
           Religion
           in
           these
           Nations
           ,
           that
           are
           agreeable
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           in
           what
           they
           professe
           and
           practise
           ,
           and
           who
           it
           is
           that
           are
           not
           according
           thereunto
           ;
           for
           the
           line
           of
           true
           judgement
           is
           stretched
           upon
           all
           profession
           ,
           and
           a
           true
           search
           into
           ,
           and
           tryal
           thereof
           is
           made
           ,
           and
           hereby
           it
           is
           manifest
           who
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           what
           sort
           of
           people
           ,
           that
           may
           justly
           claim
           the
           benefit
           of
           the
           Protectors
           Oath
           ,
           to
           be
           protected
           thereby
           in
           their
           practises
           of
           Religion
           ,
           who
           hath
           bound
           himself
           to
           maintain
           and
           uphold
           that
           Christian
           Religion
           which
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           This
           is
           written
           for
           the
           good
           of
           this
           Commonwealth
           ,
           and
           the
           information
           of
           all
           people
           in
           it
           .
           By
           a
           friend
           to
           all
           people
           ,
           especially
           them
           that
           feares
           God
           ,
           and
           loves
           righteousness
           .
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             Thomas
             Simmons
             ,
          
           at
           the
           Bull
           and
           Mouth
           near
           
             Aldersgate
             ,
          
           1658.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           THE
           TRUE
           CHRISTIAN
           RELIGION
           Again
           discovered
           ,
           
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           FOrasmuch
           as
           
             Oliver
             Cromwell
             ,
          
           called
           Lord
           Protector
           of
           
             England
             ,
             Scotland
             ,
          
           and
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           (
           chief
           Ruler
           according
           to
           man
           )
           hath
           bound
           himself
           by
           an
           oath
           ,
           and
           sworn
           that
           
             he
             will
             uphold
             and
             maintain
             the
             true
             reformed
             Protestan●
             Christian
             Religion
             in
             the
             purity
             thereof
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             contained
             in
             the
             Old
             and
             new
             Testament
             of
             the
             Scriptures
          
           ;
           which
           oath
           he
           is
           bound
           to
           perform
           before
           the
           Lord
           and
           unto
           all
           men
           .
        
         
           Now
           it
           remains
           to
           be
           tried
           and
           proved
           what
           the
           
             Christian
             Religion
          
           is
           ,
           and
           who
           it
           is
           in
           these
           Nations
           that
           are
           of
           the
           true
           reformed
           
             Protestant
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             in
             the
             purity
             thereof
             ,
          
           as
           it
           is
           contained
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           seeing
           there
           are
           abundance
           of
           Sects
           and
           diversities
           of
           judgements
           ,
           and
           many
           Assemblies
           and
           gatherings
           of
           people
           who
           are
           divers
           in
           their
           wayes
           ,
           in
           their
           practices
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           form
           of
           Religion
           in
           these
           Nations
           ,
           which
           doth
           all
           profess
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           that
           their
           form
           of
           Religion
           is
           accorco
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           but
           this
           cannot
           be
           ,
           but
           it
           will
           be
           manifest
           otherwise
           ;
           for
           the
           Scriptures
           which
           were
           given
           forth
           by
           the
           one
           spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           bears
           not
           witness
           of
           many
           true
           Ways
           ,
           or
           unto
           many
           true
           Religions
           ,
           but
           unto
           one
           truth
           ,
           and
           unto
           one
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           Declaration
           of
           one
           way
           of
           life
           ,
           and
           salvation
           by
           one
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           no
           other
           Name
           under
           heaven
           given
           for
           salvation
           ;
           and
           they
           that
           believe
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           receive
           him
           ,
           they
           it
           is
           onely
           that
           are
           of
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           who
           are
           guided
           by
           his
           spirit
           ,
           and
           changed
           thereby
           from
           death
           to
           life
           ,
           and
           such
           hath
           unity
           with
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Son
           ,
           and
           one
           with
           another
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           but
           heirs
           of
           the
           Kindom
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           these
           may
           own
           and
           claim
           a
           title
           to
           be
           defended
           and
           preserved
           in
           their
           exercise
           and
           practice
           of
           Religion
           .
        
         
         
           Therefore
           come
           all
           sorts
           of
           people
           ,
           and
           let
           us
           try
           and
           prove
           who
           it
           is
           that
           is
           of
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           who
           it
           is
           that
           he
           is
           bound
           to
           maintain
           and
           uphold
           by
           his
           oath
           :
           Come
           I
           say
           ,
           all
           Sects
           and
           sorts
           of
           people
           ,
           and
           appear
           to
           trial
           ;
           Dare
           you
           join
           issue
           with
           me
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           to
           try
           your
           profession
           and
           practise
           of
           Religion
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           in
           the
           purity
           thereof
           yea
           or
           nay
           ;
           for
           the
           Lord
           hath
           put
           it
           into
           my
           heart
           to
           lay
           you
           all
           to
           the
           line
           of
           true
           judgement
           ,
           and
           to
           prove
           you
           whether
           you
           must
           be
           upholden
           and
           maintained
           in
           your
           Religion
           ,
           yea
           or
           nay
           :
           Come
           claim
           your
           priviledge
           ;
           if
           your
           profession
           and
           practice
           in
           Religion
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           then
           you
           may
           own
           your
           right
           ,
           and
           the
           benefit
           of
           the
           Protectors
           oath
           ;
           but
           if
           your
           profession
           and
           practice
           in
           Religion
           be
           otherwise
           ,
           and
           not
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           then
           you
           must
           stand
           back
           ,
           and
           defend
           your selves
           if
           you
           can
           ,
           for
           the
           Protector
           is
           not
           bound
           to
           maintain
           and
           uphold
           you
           in
           your
           practice
           of
           Religion
           :
           And
           with
           this
           argument
           I
           shall
           try
           you
           all
           ,
           
             whatsoever
             is
             professed
             and
             practised
             for
             Religion
             ,
             for
             which
             there
             is
             neither
             command
             nor
             president
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             is
             not
             according
             to
             the
             Scripture
          
           ;
           let
           this
           fall
           where
           it
           may
           ,
           this
           is
           truth
           ;
           and
           therefore
           all
           people
           come
           to
           trial
           ,
           and
           receive
           your
           judgement
           by
           this
           rule·
        
         
           And
           first
           ,
           the
           true
           Religion
           is
           a
           walking
           with
           God
           in
           purity
           and
           holiness
           ,
           a
           performing
           of
           good
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           not
           doing
           any
           evil
           ;
           a
           belief
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           receiving
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           a
           living
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           through
           the
           operation
           of
           his
           spirit
           ,
           to
           be
           changed
           into
           his
           image
           ,
           and
           the
           body
           of
           sin
           and
           death
           put
           off
           ,
           and
           a
           living
           to
           God
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           not
           a
           living
           to
           this
           vain
           World
           in
           any
           thing
           ,
           but
           in
           all
           things
           to
           be
           guided
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           Christ
           :
           This
           in
           short
           is
           a
           description
           of
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           they
           that
           are
           of
           this
           Religion
           shall
           be
           saved
           in
           the
           day
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           in
           equity
           and
           righteousness
           should
           be
           protected
           according
           to
           the
           Oath
           before-mentioned
           ,
           or
           else
           the
           oath
           is
           not
           performed
           in
           justice
           ,
           but
           rather
           broken
           through
           transgression
           ;
           And
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           as
           concerning
           that
           profession
           &
           practice
           in
           Religion
           ,
           which
           is
           most
           general
           in
           these
           Nations
           I
           mean
           such
           
             as
             sprinkle
             Infants
             ,
             and
             are
             sprinkled
             being
             Infants
             ,
             professing
             it
             to
             be
             the
             Baptism
             into
             the
             faith
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             a
             seal
             of
             the
             new
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             of
             remission
             of
             sins
             ,
             and
             that
             thereby
             people
             are
             made
             capable
             of
             union
             
             with
             Christ
             ,
             and
             that
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             sign
             of
             regeneration
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           This
           is
           practised
           and
           professed
           by
           many
           for
           Religion
           ,
           but
           this
           practice
           and
           doctrine
           is
           not
           according
           to
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           being
           it
           was
           never
           commanded
           ,
           nor
           any
           example
           for
           it
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           therefore
           all
           ye
           through
           all
           these
           Nations
           that
           are
           made
           Christians
           ,
           and
           ownes
           your
           title
           in
           Christianity
           ,
           and
           a
           right
           to
           fellowship
           with
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           ye
           are
           joyned
           to
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           become
           members
           of
           Christ
           ,
           because
           you
           were
           sprinkled
           when
           you
           were
           Infants
           ,
           (
           and
           all
           ye
           that
           teach
           this
           for
           doctrine
           ,
           and
           practice
           it
           for
           Religion
           )
           you
           are
           not
           of
           the
           true
           Christian
           Religion
           in
           the
           purity
           thereof
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           contained
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           .
           This
           I
           do
           affirm
           ;
           therefore
           stand
           you
           by
           ,
           for
           what
           you
           practise
           and
           professe
           ,
           there
           is
           neither
           command
           nor
           president
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           if
           you
           could
           shew
           any
           ,
           you
           are
           now
           called
           ,
           and
           a
           necessity
           is
           put
           upon
           you
           to
           make
           use
           of
           your
           knowledge
           ,
           if
           you
           would
           be
           protected
           in
           this
           Commonwealth
           in
           your
           practise
           of
           RELIGION
           ;
           likewise
           you
           sing
           ,
           and
           give
           to
           sing
           
             Davids
          
           Psalmes
           in
           rime
           and
           meeter
           ,
           professing
           it
           is
           to
           
             the
             glory
             and
             honor
             of
          
           God
           ;
           ye
           practice
           this
           as
           an
           Ordinance
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           a
           part
           of
           his
           Worship
           ,
           and
           as
           a
           part
           of
           your
           Religion
           ;
           but
           this
           practice
           and
           profession
           also
           is
           manifest
           not
           to
           be
           according
           to
           Scriptures
           ,
           because
           it
           was
           never
           commanded
           ,
           neither
           is
           there
           any
           president
           for
           this
           practice
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           in
           Gospel-times
           :
           Therefore
           in
           this
           part
           of
           your
           Religion
           you
           cannot
           justly
           own
           to
           be
           protected
           and
           maintained
           ,
           because
           the
           Protectors
           oath
           reaches
           not
           to
           uphold
           &
           maintain
           any
           such
           practices
           in
           Religion
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           likewise
           all
           ye
           that
           meets
           together
           to
           exercise
           your
           Religion
           ,
           and
           to
           worship
           God
           in
           
             Temples
             made
             with
             hands
             ,
             set
             apart
             by
             you
             for
             that
             practice
             ,
          
           professing
           them
           to
           be
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           ,
           this
           is
           not
           according
           ,
           but
           contrary
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           which
           saith
           ,
           
             God
             dwells
             not
             in
             Temples
             made
             with
             hands
          
           ;
           neither
           did
           the
           Saints
           of
           old
           constantly
           practice
           any
           such
           thing
           ,
           but
           it
           was
           the
           persecutors
           that
           met
           in
           
             Temples
          
           made
           with
           
             hands
             ,
          
           who
           cast
           out
           ,
           and
           hailed
           the
           
             Apostles
          
           out
           of
           such
           
             Temples
             ,
          
           so
           that
           in
           this
           practice
           you
           cannot
           justly
           own
           to
           be
           protected
           ,
           as
           not
           being
           a
           practice
           in
           Religion
           according
           to
           
             Scriptures
             .
          
           Likewise
           all
           ye
           whose
           
             Ministers
          
           preacheth
           for
           hire
           ,
           and
           have
           hire
           for
           preaching
           ,
           so
           much
           a
           year
           ,
           and
           so
           much
           a
           Sermon
           at
           a
           Town
           ,
           or
           a
           Parish
           in
           a
           setled
           place
           ,
           and
           who
           takes
           Tythes
           ,
           
           and
           compells
           people
           to
           pay
           tythes
           by
           a
           Law
           ;
           such
           are
           not
           the
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           ye
           that
           uphold
           such
           for
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           are
           false
           in
           judgement
           ,
           and
           blind
           in
           understanding
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           of
           that
           Christian
           Religion
           which
           is
           according
           to
           Scriptures
           in
           the
           purity
           thereof
           ,
           neither
           Ministers
           nor
           people
           ,
           for
           the
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           never
           acted
           any
           such
           thing
           ;
           it
           was
           the
           false
           Prophets
           ,
           and
           false
           Apostles
           that
           preached
           for
           hire
           ,
           and
           for
           gifts
           and
           rewards
           ;
           neither
           did
           the
           Saints
           and
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           look
           upon
           them
           that
           acted
           those
           things
           ,
           to
           be
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           but
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           declared
           against
           them
           to
           be
           deceivers
           ;
           so
           that
           all
           you
           people
           ,
           and
           you
           professed
           Ministers
           that
           acts
           those
           things
           that
           the
           false
           Prophets
           acted
           ,
           and
           all
           you
           people
           that
           loves
           to
           have
           it
           so
           ,
           and
           gives
           hire
           to
           your
           Ministers
           for
           preaching
           ,
           and
           consenteth
           unto
           it
           ,
           none
           of
           you
           are
           of
           the
           christian
           Religion
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           
             held
             forth
             in
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
          
           because
           this
           part
           of
           your
           practice
           in
           Religion
           is
           not
           according
           ,
           but
           contrary
           to
           Scriptures
           :
           Now
           substracting
           all
           these
           in
           these
           Nations
           from
           the
           whole
           which
           practiseth
           and
           professeth
           these
           things
           mentioned
           for
           Ordinances
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           for
           his
           Worship
           ,
           none
           of
           you
           are
           of
           the
           true
           christian
           religion
           as
           it
           is
           held
           forth
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           because
           these
           things
           which
           you
           practise
           for
           Religion
           ,
           is
           not
           held
           forth
           in
           all
           the
           Scriptures
           by
           any
           example
           or
           command
           ;
           likewise
           you
           are
           of
           the
           greatest
           number
           of
           people
           in
           all
           these
           Nations
           ▪
           and
           that
           practice
           and
           profession
           in
           Religion
           which
           the
           greatest
           number
           follow
           and
           exercise
           themselves
           in
           ,
           cannot
           be
           the
           true
           christian
           Religion
           ,
           because
           the
           Scripture
           saith
           ,
           
             Few
             are
             in
             the
             straight
             way
             that
             leads
             to
             life
             ,
          
           to
           wit
           ,
           in
           the
           pure
           and
           true
           Religion
           ;
           but
           many
           are
           in
           the
           broad
           way
           that
           leads
           to
           destruction
           ;
           and
           such
           that
           are
           the
           greatest
           number
           who
           are
           in
           the
           broad
           way
           ,
           are
           not
           in
           the
           Religion
           in
           the
           purity
           thereof
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           held
           forth
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           likewise
           many
           of
           ye
           who
           practise
           those
           things
           mentioned
           for
           Religion
           ,
           
             are
             yet
             unconverted
             to
             God
             ,
          
           but
           lives
           in
           wickedness
           ,
           in
           the
           pride
           and
           vanities
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           the
           evil
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           in
           double-dealing
           ,
           in
           drunkenness
           ,
           in
           Whoredom
           ,
           &
           in
           the
           Works
           of
           darkness
           ;
           therefore
           you
           are
           not
           of
           the
           true
           christian
           Religion
           ,
           neither
           do
           you
           walk
           with
           God
           in
           purity
           and
           holiness
           ,
           neither
           are
           you
           changed
           by
           Christ
           into
           his
           Image
           ,
           nor
           are
           guided
           by
           his
           spirit
           ,
           neither
           do
           you
           live
           to
           God
           in
           any
           thing
           ,
           but
           to
           this
           world
           
           in
           all
           things
           ;
           and
           your
           Religion
           is
           manifest
           not
           to
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           but
           contrary
           ;
           and
           so
           let
           all
           people
           consider
           whether
           or
           no
           you
           must
           be
           maintained
           in
           your
           Religion
           .
           Come
           forth
           and
           plead
           your
           cause
           all
           ye
           that
           are
           called
           
             Presbyterians
             ,
          
           and
           
             Independents
             ,
          
           and
           all
           others
           ,
           stand
           up
           ,
           and
           prove
           if
           you
           can
           ,
           your
           practice
           in
           religion
           to
           be
           according
           to
           Scriptures
           ;
           but
           seing
           no
           man
           is
           able
           to
           prove
           these
           things
           mentioned
           ,
           which
           is
           practised
           by
           you
           for
           Religion
           ,
           to
           wit
           ,
           
             Sprinkling
             of
             Infants
             ,
             and
             singing
          
           Davids
           
             experiences
             in
             rime
             and
             meeter
             ,
             and
             worshipping
             God
             in
             set-places
             ,
             as
             Idol-Temples
             ,
             and
             preaching
             for
             ,
             and
             giving
             great
             s●ms
             of
             money
             for
             preaching
             ,
          
           with
           other
           things
           practised
           by
           you
           for
           Religion
           ;
           neither
           were
           these
           things
           ever
           commanded
           in
           Scriptures
           ;
           neither
           is
           there
           any
           example
           for
           the
           practise
           of
           these
           things
           in
           Scripture
           by
           any
           of
           the
           Lords
           people
           ,
           &
           therefore
           you
           cannot
           justly
           own
           a
           title
           in
           the
           Protectors
           oath
           ,
           to
           be
           maintained
           and
           upheld
           by
           vertue
           thereof
           in
           these
           your
           practises
           of
           Religion
           ;
           for
           it
           appears
           he
           is
           but
           bound
           onely
           to
           uphold
           and
           maintain
           that
           Religion
           which
           is
           according
           to
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           not
           them
           who
           practiseth
           those
           things
           for
           Religion
           which
           are
           not
           according
           ,
           but
           contrary
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           Likewise
           all
           ye
           that
           are
           called
           gathered
           churches
           ,
           who
           holds
           forth
           for
           Doctrine
           that
           
             the
             Scriptures
             are
             the
             word
             ,
          
           (
           by
           which
           the
           world
           was
           made
           )
           and
           that
           
             the
             Scriptures
             are
             the
             foundation
          
           ;
           and
           that
           
             the
             Scriptures
             are
             the
             way
             to
             salvation
          
           ;
           &
           that
           
             the
             Letter
             and
             the
             Spirit
             are
             unseparable
          
           ;
           and
           that
           
             the
             Scriptures
             are
             both
             the
             writings
             and
             the
             thing
             signified
          
           ;
           and
           that
           
             except
             a
             man
             be
             baptized
             with
             water
             ,
             he
             cannot
             be
             saved
          
           ;
           with
           such
           like
           Doctrines
           which
           have
           been
           held
           forth
           by
           some
           professing
           themselves
           to
           be
           of
           the
           church
           of
           Christ
           ;
           all
           you
           are
           manifest
           not
           to
           be
           of
           the
           christian
           religion
           ,
           because
           those
           doctrines
           are
           not
           according
           ,
           but
           rather
           contrary
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           :
           Likewise
           all
           ye
           whose
           practise
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           Religion
           is
           but
           by
           imitation
           from
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           you
           are
           not
           led
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Father
           in
           what
           you
           speak
           ,
           &
           practise
           ,
           you
           are
           not
           of
           the
           true
           christian
           religion
           wch
           the
           Scripture
           speaks
           of
           ;
           for
           the
           sons
           of
           God
           ,
           &
           who
           are
           of
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           are
           led
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           &
           not
           by
           their
           own
           thoughts
           &
           imaginations
           ,
           &
           the
           traditions
           of
           men
           ;
           and
           all
           that
           are
           not
           led
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           are
           not
           of
           the
           true
           christian
           Religion
           as
           it
           is
           held
           forth
           in
           
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           not
           any
           that
           are
           such
           can
           justly
           own
           to
           be
           protected
           in
           their
           Religion
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           not
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           likewise
           all
           ye
           that
           doth
           profess
           the
           things
           of
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           are
           members
           of
           the
           church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           professes
           righteousness
           and
           truth
           in
           words
           ,
           and
           
             yet
             lives
             in
             pride
             and
             the
             vanities
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             in
             unrighteousness
             ,
             and
             the
             customs
             of
             the
             heathen
             ,
             which
             are
             vain
          
           ;
           &
           are
           not
           clensed
           from
           unrighteousnes
           ,
           nor
           freed
           from
           the
           body
           of
           sin
           &
           death
           ;
           neither
           doth
           answer
           your
           profession
           wth
           a
           conversation
           ,
           shewing
           that
           you
           are
           not
           guided
           with
           that
           spirit
           whose
           words
           you
           do
           profess
           ,
           all
           you
           are
           hypocrites
           ,
           &
           lives
           in
           hypocrisie
           ,
           none
           of
           you
           are
           of
           the
           
             true
             Christian
             Religion
             as
             it
             is
             held
             forth
             in
             the
             Scriptures
          
           ;
           for
           the
           exercise
           in
           true
           Religion
           sheweth
           forth
           in
           life
           what
           is
           professed
           in
           words
           ;
           come
           try
           your selves
           ,
           and
           prove
           your selves
           all
           sorts
           of
           people
           ,
           for
           now
           your
           Religion
           is
           to
           be
           tryed
           ,
           what
           Name
           soever
           you
           go
           under
           ;
           and
           all
           you
           that
           practise
           and
           profess
           those
           things
           for
           Religion
           for
           which
           there
           is
           neither
           command
           nor
           president
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           your
           Religion
           is
           concluded
           not
           to
           be
           according
           to
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           so
           no
           title
           or
           priviledge
           can
           any
           of
           you
           justly
           own
           of
           being
           upheld
           or
           maintained
           by
           the
           
             Protectors
             oath
          
           ;
           but
           as
           I
           have
           said
           ,
           for
           sprinkling
           of
           Infants
           ,
           and
           singing
           
             Davids
          
           experiences
           in
           rime
           and
           meeter
           ,
           &c
           there
           is
           neither
           command
           nor
           president
           in
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           therefore
           you
           that
           practise
           those
           things
           which
           I
           have
           mentioned
           for
           Religion
           ,
           are
           not
           of
           the
           true
           christian
           Religion
           which
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           be
           protected
           .
           Likewise
           all
           ye
           that
           persecutes
           by
           reproaches
           or
           revilings
           ,
           and
           cruelty
           ,
           or
           that
           causeth
           the
           people
           of
           God
           to
           be
           persecuted
           ;
           many
           of
           you
           there
           are
           in
           these
           Nations
           which
           professeth
           Religion
           ,
           
             yet
             are
             envious
             persons
             ,
             and
             persecutors
             of
             the
             innocent
             ,
          
           hereby
           it
           is
           manifest
           that
           you
           are
           not
           of
           that
           Religion
           which
           is
           according
           to
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           the
           Saints
           never
           persecuted
           any
           ,
           but
           were
           themselves
           persecuted
           for
           righteousness
           sake
           ;
           so
           you
           are
           not
           to
           be
           protected
           in
           such
           exercise
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           not
           according
           ,
           but
           contrary
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           you
           have
           no
           example
           from
           the
           Saints
           for
           professing
           and
           practising
           Religion
           ,
           and
           yet
           persecuting
           such
           as
           are
           of
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           whose
           consciences
           are
           truly
           exercised
           towards
           God
           ,
           and
           towards
           all
           men
           .
        
         
         
           Now
           seeing
           that
           it
           is
           discovered
           in
           part
           ,
           who
           it
           is
           that
           are
           not
           of
           the
           true
           christian
           Religion
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           it
           remains
           to
           be
           proved
           (
           if
           there
           be
           any
           )
           who
           it
           is
           that
           is
           of
           the
           true
           christian
           Religion
           as
           it
           is
           held
           forth
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           who
           it
           is
           that
           is
           to
           be
           protected
           in
           their
           practise
           and
           exercise
           of
           Religion
           :
           And
           as
           concerning
           the
           despised
           and
           rejected
           people
           called
           
             Quakers
             ,
          
           herein
           I
           shal
           speak
           for
           them
           as
           a
           Friend
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           a
           lover
           of
           their
           ways
           ,
           who
           is
           not
           ashamed
           of
           their
           practises
           in
           Religion
           ,
           and
           shall
           measure
           and
           try
           their
           practises
           in
           Religion
           whether
           it
           be
           according
           to
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           if
           it
           prove
           so
           to
           be
           ,
           that
           what
           they
           practise
           for
           Religion
           ,
           and
           holds
           forth
           for
           Doctrine
           ,
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           then
           why
           should
           not
           they
           own
           their
           right
           and
           priviledge
           to
           be
           upholden
           and
           maintained
           by
           the
           Protectors
           oath
           ,
           who
           hath
           sworn
           to
           uphold
           and
           maintain
           them
           and
           their
           Religion
           ,
           whose
           exercise
           in
           Religion
           is
           according
           to
           Scriptures
           ,
           being
           that
           same
           people
           is
           ,
           and
           hath
           been
           faithful
           subjects
           of
           this
           Commonwealth
           .
        
         
           And
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           they
           dare
           not
           own
           themselves
           to
           be
           
             Christians
             ,
             nor
             to
             be
             members
             of
             Christ
             ,
             nor
             to
             have
             any
             right
             or
             title
             to
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
          
           but
           as
           they
           witness
           converting
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           are
           changed
           from
           death
           to
           life
           ,
           and
           from
           darknesse
           to
           light
           ,
           and
           from
           Satans
           power
           to
           the
           power
           of
           God
           ,
           through
           the
           operation
           of
           the
           same
           spirit
           ,
           and
           as
           in
           all
           their
           works
           and
           ways
           ,
           and
           exercises
           in
           Religion
           ,
           they
           are
           guided
           by
           the
           same
           spirit
           who
           leadeth
           them
           out
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           out
           of
           all
           the
           vanities
           and
           evil
           works
           thereof
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           their
           Religion
           herein
           is
           justified
           by
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           who
           witnesseth
           
             That
             Christ
             is
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             have
             received
             him
             through
             faith
             ,
          
           and
           thereby
           are
           cleansed
           from
           all
           unrighteousnesse
           ,
           and
           have
           put
           off
           ,
           and
           are
           putting
           off
           the
           body
           of
           sin
           and
           death
           ,
           and
           walks
           with
           God
           in
           purity
           and
           holinesse
           ,
           being
           led
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           God
           therein
           ,
           and
           with
           God
           they
           have
           peace
           ,
           being
           reconciled
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           their
           salvation
           ,
           and
           they
           have
           no
           other
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           .
        
         
           And
           againe
           as
           concerning
           their
           meetings
           ,
           and
           the
           manner
           thereof
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           contrary
           ,
           but
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           though
           they
           meet
           in
           many
           parts
           of
           these
           Nations
           by
           great
           numbers
           ,
           some
           in
           the
           open
           fields
           ,
           and
           some
           on
           the
           Mountains
           in
           
           some
           places
           ,
           and
           sometime
           without
           doors
           ,
           and
           sometime
           in
           houses
           ;
           all
           this
           practise
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           we
           read
           
             Mat.
          
           5.1
           .
           in
           the
           days
           of
           Christ
           ,
           That
           
             there
             were
             great
             multitudes
             of
             people
             that
             followed
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             went
             up
             into
             a
             Mountain
             ,
             and
             preached
             ,
             and
             taught
             them
             upon
             the
             Mountain
          
           ;
           and
           in
           Matt.
           14.
           
           &
           14.
           we
           read
           that
           there
           was
           great
           multitudes
           that
           came
           out
           of
           the
           
             Cities
             unto
             Iesus
             into
             the
             Deserts
             ,
             &
             he
             had
             compassion
             toward
             them
             ,
          
           and
           did
           good
           unto
           them
           ,
           and
           at
           that
           time
           there
           was
           many
           thousands
           met
           together
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           read
           ,
           and
           it
           seems
           stayed
           whole
           days
           together
           ,
           for
           they
           
             sate
             down
             on
             the
             grasse
             ,
             and
             eat
             together
             ,
             and
             then
             Iesus
             sent
             the
             multitudes
             away
          
           ;
           and
           in
           
             Mark
          
           6.
           you
           may
           read
           how
           that
           multitudes
           came
           to
           Jesus
           out
           of
           the
           
             Cities
             into
             a
             desert
             place
             ,
          
           and
           Jesus
           began
           to
           teach
           them
           many
           things
           in
           that
           desert
           place
           ,
           for
           he
           had
           compassion
           on
           the
           multitude
           ;
           and
           in
           
             Luke
          
           9.
           how
           the
           people
           again
           followed
           Jesus
           
             into
             a
             desert
             place
             ,
             and
             he
             preached
             un●o
             them
             the
             King●om
             of
             God
          
           :
           Such
           meetings
           then
           was
           counted
           strange
           ,
           as
           such
           meetings
           are
           now
           when
           the
           people
           of
           God
           meets
           together
           by
           great
           numbers
           ,
           to
           preach
           ,
           and
           to
           hear
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           preached
           ;
           but
           their
           meetings
           are
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           for
           the
           people
           of
           God
           in
           generations
           past
           ,
           met
           in
           the
           same
           manner
           as
           the
           people
           of
           God
           called
           
             Quakers
             ,
          
           meets
           now
           ;
           for
           somtime
           Christ
           preached
           out
           of
           a
           
             *
          
           ship
           unto
           the
           people
           that
           stood
           on
           the
           sea
           shore
           ;
           &
           
             *
          
           
             Paul
          
           kneeled
           down
           &
           prayed
           among
           the
           Saints
           near
           the
           sea
           shore
           ,
           at
           his
           passing
           into
           the
           ship
           ;
           and
           we
           read
           
             Acts
          
           2
           :
           that
           there
           was
           three
           thousand
           converted
           at
           one
           Sermon
           ,
           then
           there
           must
           needs
           be
           a
           great
           meeting
           ,
           and
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           people
           met
           together
           ,
           such
           meetings
           now
           are
           wondred
           at
           ,
           but
           such
           meetings
           are
           but
           according
           to
           Scripture
           ;
           so
           that
           this
           part
           of
           their
           practise
           in
           religion
           is
           agreeable
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           the
           same
           as
           the
           saints
           practise
           was
           in
           ages
           past
           :
           And
           as
           for
           the
           people
           of
           God
           meeting
           together
           sometime
           in
           the
           night-season
           to
           wait
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           sitting
           in
           silence
           ,
           &
           waiting
           upon
           the
           Lord
           &
           no
           words
           uttered
           amongst
           them
           ,
           but
           every
           one
           sitting
           silent
           before
           the
           Lord
           having
           received
           nothing
           from
           the
           Lord
           to
           speak
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           at
           which
           the
           people
           of
           the
           world
           do
           wonder
           ,
           and
           falsly
           judg
           it
           not
           to
           be
           a
           christian
           exercise
           ;
           but
           we
           read
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           
             Job
          
           2
           :
           that
           
             Job
          
           (
           who
           was
           a
           christian
           ,
           for
           he
           was
           a
           just
           and
           perfect
           
           man
           )
           he
           and
           his
           friends
           
             sate
             upon
             the
             ground
             seven
             days
             ,
             and
             seven
             nights
             ,
             and
             spake
             not
             a
             word
             one
             to
             another
          
           ;
           this
           would
           be
           a
           strange
           thing
           at
           this
           day
           to
           see
           practised
           :
           And
           in
           
             Jer.
          
           8.14
           .
           you
           may
           read
           ,
           where
           the
           Prophet
           
             Jeremiah
          
           exhorted
           the
           people
           to
           assemble
           themselves
           ,
           and
           said
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             enter
             into
             the
             defenced
             Cities
             ,
             and
             let
             us
             be
             silent
             there
             ,
             for
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             hath
             put
             us
             to
             silence
          
           ;
           but
           such
           a
           practise
           now
           is
           thought
           strange
           by
           the
           people
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           acquainted
           with
           the
           ways
           of
           God
           ;
           who
           are
           wise
           in
           their
           own
           eyes
           ,
           and
           knows
           not
           what
           it
           is
           to
           wait
           upon
           the
           Lord
           in
           silence
           ,
           who
           never
           yet
           was
           put
           to
           silence
           in
           themselves
           by
           the
           Lord
           ;
           and
           you
           may
           read
           
             Ezek.
          
           3
           :
           where
           the
           Prophet
           
             sate
             down
             amo●g
             the
             people
             of
             the
             Captivity
             ,
             and
             they
             were
             astonished
             seven
             days
             ;
             and
             at
             the
             end
             of
             seven
             days
             ,
          
           (
           and
           not
           before
           )
           
             the
             word
             of
             the
             Lord
             came
             to
             the
             Prophet
          
           ;
           so
           that
           you
           see
           it
           was
           the
           practise
           of
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           oftentimes
           to
           sit
           and
           wait
           upon
           the
           Lord
           in
           silence
           ,
           though
           people
           wonder
           at
           such
           meetings
           now
           ;
           and
           we
           do
           not
           read
           that
           there
           was
           alwayes
           speaking
           among
           the
           Saints
           in
           the
           churches
           when
           they
           were
           met
           together
           ;
           but
           
             Acts
          
           2.
           we
           read
           that
           the
           church
           was
           met
           together
           in
           a
           place
           ,
           and
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           fell
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           then
           they
           
             began
             to
             speak
             as
             the
             Spirit
             gave
             them
             utterance
          
           ;
           then
           it
           seems
           they
           had
           not
           spoken
           before
           ,
           though
           they
           had
           met
           together
           in
           a
           house
           ,
           and
           then
           they
           spoke
           the
           wonderful
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           some
           that
           heard
           ,
           mocked
           ;
           and
           others
           said
           they
           were
           full
           of
           new
           Wine
           ;
           even
           as
           the
           people
           of
           the
           World
           do
           at
           this
           day
           when
           any
           of
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Lord
           are
           moved
           to
           speak
           as
           the
           spirit
           gives
           utterance
           ;
           so
           that
           sometime
           to
           sit
           in
           silence
           being
           met
           together
           to
           wait
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           many
           of
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           do
           in
           this
           Nation
           ,
           is
           a
           practise
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           not
           contrary
           ,
           but
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           for
           many
           of
           the
           servants
           and
           assemblies
           of
           the
           Lords
           people
           practised
           the
           same
           thing
           in
           ages
           past
           ,
           as
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           do
           at
           this
           day
           ;
           &
           so
           this
           practise
           is
           to
           be
           upholden
           and
           maintained
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           proved
           to
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           for
           the
           same
           thing
           was
           practised
           heretofore
           ;
           and
           we
           read
           
             Acts
          
           20.7
           .
           that
           the
           church
           met
           in
           the
           night
           ,
           for
           
             Paul
          
           continued
           his
           sermon
           till
           midnight
           :
           And
           as
           for
           their
           practise
           in
           speaking
           ,
           either
           man
           or
           woman
           as
           the
           spirit
           gives
           utterance
           ,
           this
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           much
           wondred
           at
           ,
           and
           cryed
           against
           by
           the
           wise
           men
           and
           
           people
           of
           this
           age
           ,
           for
           we
           read
           
             Act.
          
           2.
           that
           they
           spoke
           in
           their
           meeting
           as
           the
           spirit
           gave
           them
           utterance
           ,
           without
           studying
           before-hand
           what
           to
           say
           ;
           &
           the
           Lord
           promised
           that
           
             sons
             and
             daughters
             should
             prophesie
          
           ;
           &
           in
           
             Act.
          
           21.9
           .
           we
           read
           of
           one
           that
           had
           four
           daughters
           that
           did
           prophesie
           ;
           &
           divers
           other
           places
           in
           Scripture
           doth
           shew
           that
           women
           
             *
          
           
             laboured
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ,
          
           which
           doth
           prove
           that
           a
           woman
           speaking
           &
           declaring
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           not
           contrary
           ,
           but
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           that
           any
           who
           are
           moved
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           may
           declare
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           man
           or
           woman
           ;
           and
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           1
           
             Pet.
          
           4.10
           .
           
             As
             every
             man
             hath
             received
             the
             gift
             ,
             even
             so
             minister
             the
             same
             one
             to
             another
          
           ;
           so
           that
           this
           practise
           in
           Religion
           is
           proved
           to
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           concerning
           their
           call
           to
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           some
           are
           called
           from
           their
           ordinary
           callings
           ,
           as
           from
           the
           Plough
           ,
           or
           from
           handicraft
           work
           or
           tradings
           ,
           or
           such
           like
           :
           this
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           also
           ,
           for
           we
           read
           
             Matt.
          
           4.18
           ,
           19.
           where
           the
           disciples
           were
           called
           from
           their
           Nets
           ,
           and
           some
           were
           called
           from
           the
           receit
           of
           custom
           ▪
           and
           we
           read
           
             Amos
          
           7.
           that
           he
           was
           a
           Herdsman
           ,
           &
           a
           gatherer
           of
           Sycamore
           fruit
           ,
           &
           
             *
          
           
             Elisha
          
           was
           called
           from
           the
           Plough
           ;
           and
           some
           others
           were
           called
           from
           keeping
           of
           sheep
           :
           So
           that
           their
           call
           to
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           practise
           in
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           former
           ages
           were
           called
           to
           the
           Ministry
           after
           the
           same
           manner
           ;
           so
           in
           that
           they
           do
           agree
           to
           the
           Scripture
           both
           in
           Ministry
           and
           ministring
           ,
           and
           so
           may
           own
           protection
           herein
           by
           the
           Protectors
           oath
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           concerning
           their
           going
           up
           and
           down
           through
           the
           Countries
           ,
           and
           from
           City
           to
           City
           ,
           and
           from
           one
           Town
           to
           another
           ,
           and
           from
           one
           Nation
           to
           another
           ,
           this
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           though
           some
           seek
           occasion
           thereby
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           unjustly
           takes
           them
           as
           for
           Vagabonds
           ,
           and
           executes
           their
           envy
           upon
           them
           ,
           yet
           it
           was
           the
           Apostles
           practise
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           read
           in
           the
           Book
           of
           
             Acts
             ,
          
           where
           the
           Apostles
           travelled
           from
           Countrey
           to
           Countrey
           ,
           and
           from
           one
           City
           to
           another
           ;
           and
           though
           some
           of
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           are
           moved
           now
           to
           speak
           and
           dispute
           in
           the
           Markets
           ,
           and
           reprove
           sin
           in
           the
           gates
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           streets
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           high-ways
           ,
           and
           threatning
           Gods
           judgements
           against
           the
           wicked
           ,
           all
           these
           things
           are
           according
           to
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           
           their
           practise
           herein
           is
           justified
           by
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           we
           read
           
             Acts
          
           17.17
           .
           that
           
             Paul
             disputed
             in
             the
             Synagogues
             with
             the
             Iews
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             devout
             persons
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Market
             dayly
             with
             them
             that
             met
             with
             him
          
           ;
           and
           we
           read
           
             Jer.
          
           7.
           that
           he
           was
           commanded
           to
           stand
           in
           the
           Gate
           of
           the
           Lords
           House
           ,
           and
           to
           speak
           to
           all
           that
           passed
           into
           it
           .
           And
           
             Jer.
          
           26.
           we
           read
           that
           he
           was
           commanded
           to
           stand
           in
           the
           Court
           of
           the
           Lords
           House
           ,
           without
           doors
           ,
           and
           to
           speak
           to
           all
           the
           Cities
           of
           Judah
           .
           And
           we
           read
           in
           the
           Booke
           of
           
             Jonah
             ,
          
           how
           he
           was
           commanded
           to
           go
           through
           the
           streets
           ,
           and
           to
           reprove
           sin
           ,
           and
           to
           threaten
           Gods
           judgements
           against
           the
           wicked
           ;
           and
           these
           practises
           were
           strange
           in
           that
           generation
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           at
           this
           day
           unto
           the
           World
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           acquainted
           with
           the
           ways
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           all
           people
           may
           see
           ,
           though
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           do
           practise
           these
           things
           now
           as
           they
           are
           moved
           ,
           their
           practise
           herein
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           for
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           former
           ages
           acted
           the
           same
           things
           ;
           so
           that
           in
           this
           practise
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           persecuted
           ,
           but
           protected
           and
           maintained
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           the
           Protectors
           oath
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           proved
           to
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           which
           he
           is
           sworn
           to
           maintain
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           concerning
           their
           crying
           against
           such
           ,
           and
           declaring
           against
           them
           by
           word
           and
           writing
           ,
           
             that
             preach
             for
             hire
             ,
             and
             divines
             for
             money
             ,
             and
             seeks
             for
             their
             gain
             from
             their
             quarter
             ,
             and
             such
             who
             goes
             for
             gifts
             and
             rewards
             ,
             and
             hath
             sums
             of
             money
             by
             the
             year
             for
             preaching
             ,
          
           and
           though
           they
           deny
           such
           that
           acts
           those
           things
           ,
           to
           be
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ;
           this
           practise
           also
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           for
           we
           read
           
             Mich.
          
           3.
           that
           he
           declared
           against
           such
           as
           
             preached
             for
             hire
             ,
             and
             divined
             for
             money
             ,
          
           and
           such
           were
           no
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           .
           And
           we
           read
           
             Isa.
          
           56.
           that
           he
           declared
           against
           them
           
             that
             sought
             for
             their
             gain
             from
             their
             quarter
             ,
          
           which
           were
           greedy
           covetous
           men
           ,
           such
           as
           is
           many
           of
           the
           Teachers
           of
           
             England
             .
          
           Again
           ,
           we
           read
           
             Matt.
          
           23.
           where
           Christ
           declared
           against
           such
           ,
           &
           did
           not
           own
           such
           to
           be
           any
           of
           his
           Ministers
           ,
           
             who
             were
             called
             of
             men
             Master
             ,
             who
             stood
             praying
             in
             the
             Synagogue
             ,
             and
             had
             the
             chief
             places
             in
             the
             Assemblies
             .
          
           And
           we
           read
           in
           2
           
             Pet.
          
           2.
           and
           in
           many
           other
           places
           ,
           where
           the
           Apostles
           declared
           against
           such
           ,
           and
           denyed
           such
           to
           be
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             that
             preached
             for
             filthy
             lucre
             ,
          
           and
           took
           
             gifts
             and
             rewards
             for
             preaching
             ,
          
           and
           by
           feigned
           words
           made
           
           merchandize
           of
           souls
           ,
           who
           were
           heady
           and
           high
           minded
           men
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           read
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           chap.
           and
           such
           men
           were
           denyed
           to
           be
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           by
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           Christ
           ,
           and
           his
           Apostles
           .
           So
           that
           all
           people
           may
           see
           this
           practice
           of
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           at
           this
           day
           ,
           who
           are
           moved
           to
           declare
           against
           such
           men
           that
           acts
           these
           things
           mentioned
           ,
           is
           perfectly
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           spoken
           of
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           did
           the
           very
           same
           things
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           as
           is
           done
           at
           this
           day
           ;
           therefore
           for
           this
           practise
           they
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           persecuted
           as
           they
           have
           been
           ,
           but
           ought
           to
           be
           protected
           and
           maintained
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           the
           Protectors
           Oath
           ,
           who
           hath
           sworn
           to
           maintain
           that
           practice
           which
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scripture
           ;
           and
           to
           declare
           against
           them
           that
           preach
           for
           hire
           ,
           and
           have
           great
           sums
           of
           money
           for
           preaching
           ,
           and
           that
           are
           called
           of
           men
           Master
           ,
           and
           that
           takes
           gifts
           and
           rewards
           of
           people
           for
           preaching
           ;
           I
           say
           ,
           to
           do
           thus
           is
           a
           practise
           which
           the
           Scripture
           gives
           a
           large
           example
           for
           ;
           and
           so
           it
           must
           needs
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           ought
           to
           be
           protected
           in
           this
           Government
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           as
           concerning
           their
           denying
           to
           respect
           persons
           ,
           
             or
             to
             bow
             with
             hat
             or
             knee
             ,
          
           in
           respect
           of
           worshipping
           any
           creature
           ,
           this
           also
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           though
           the
           people
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           who
           live
           in
           pride
           and
           vain
           customs
           ,
           are
           offended
           with
           them
           in
           this
           practise
           ;
           for
           we
           read
           that
           God
           commanded
           not
           to
           bow
           to
           any
           likeness
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           20.
           
           And
           we
           read
           
             James
          
           2.
           the
           Apostle
           exhorts
           not
           to
           have
           the
           
             faith
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             with
             respect
             of
             persons
             ,
          
           but
           condemns
           that
           practise
           of
           respecting
           such
           as
           are
           in
           goodly
           apparel
           ,
           and
           gay
           clothing
           ,
           and
           have
           gold
           Rings
           ,
           above
           a
           poor
           man
           in
           vile
           rayment
           ;
           and
           he
           saith
           plainly
           ,
           They
           that
           have
           
             respect
             to
             persons
             ,
             commits
             sin
          
           ;
           and
           we
           read
           that
           the
           Pharisees
           said
           of
           Christ
           ,
           he
           respected
           no
           mans
           person
           ;
           and
           he
           is
           our
           example
           .
           And
           we
           read
           that
           the
           three
           children
           was
           cast
           into
           the
           fiery
           Fornace
           with
           indignation
           before
           the
           King
           ,
           being
           bound
           before
           him
           ,
           and
           cast
           into
           the
           Fornace
           ,
           
             Dan.
          
           3.
           
           And
           we
           read
           that
           
             Paul
          
           and
           all
           the
           servants
           of
           God
           ,
           did
           
             thou
          
           Kings
           ,
           and
           Princes
           ,
           and
           Rulers
           ,
           and
           they
           spoke
           plainly
           to
           all
           men
           ,
           and
           durst
           not
           give
           flattering
           titles
           to
           any
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           read
           in
           
             Job
          
           32.
           so
           that
           all
           people
           may
           see
           the
           practise
           in
           denying
           to
           respect
           persons
           ,
           and
           in
           
           speaking
           plainly
           ,
           without
           flattering
           Titles
           to
           any
           man
           ,
           denying
           to
           put
           off
           the
           Hat
           ,
           or
           bowing
           to
           men
           in
           gay
           clothing
           ,
           or
           giving
           place
           to
           such
           that
           wear
           Gold
           Rings
           ,
           and
           have
           goodly
           apparel
           ,
           before
           such
           as
           have
           vile
           raiment
           ,
           is
           justly
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           though
           people
           stumble
           at
           such
           practises
           ;
           and
           the
           people
           of
           God
           may
           claim
           to
           be
           maintained
           in
           this
           practise
           of
           their
           Religion
           ,
           seeing
           it
           is
           proved
           to
           be
           commanded
           in
           Scriptures
           ,
           not
           to
           respect
           the
           person
           of
           any
           man
           ;
           and
           also
           it
           was
           the
           Saints
           practise
           ,
           and
           therefore
           herein
           they
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           condemned
           ,
           but
           ●ustified
           ,
           as
           being
           a
           practice
           in
           Religion
           agreeing
           with
           the
           Scriptures
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           concerning
           their
           denying
           obedience
           to
           Magistrates
           in
           some
           causes
           ,
           this
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scripture
           also
           ;
           for
           we
           read
           that
           the
           Rulers
           commanded
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           straitly
           charged
           them
           
             to
             speak
             no
             more
             in
             the
             Name
             of
             Jesus
          
           ;
           yet
           the
           Apostles
           did
           not
           obey
           Magistrates
           herein
           ,
           neither
           did
           they
           cease
           to
           preach
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           Jesus
           ;
           and
           though
           Christ
           was
           commanded
           ,
           or
           besought
           to
           depart
           out
           of
           their
           coasts
           ,
           yet
           he
           did
           not
           obey
           their
           request
           ;
           and
           we
           read
           that
           the
           three
           children
           were
           commanded
           to
           worship
           the
           great
           Image
           ,
           yet
           they
           did
           not
           obey
           this
           command
           of
           the
           King
           .
           So
           that
           all
           people
           may
           see
           it
           is
           lawful
           for
           the
           Saints
           to
           disobey
           commands
           of
           Kings
           &
           Rulers
           ,
           where
           they
           command
           that
           to
           be
           done
           or
           spoken
           which
           God
           doth
           not
           ,
           but
           the
           contrary
           :
           And
           I
           say
           again
           ,
           Where
           Kings
           or
           Rulers
           ,
           Parents
           or
           Masters
           doth
           command
           or
           require
           any
           thing
           of
           them
           that
           are
           under
           them
           which
           is
           not
           according
           to
           God
           ,
           in
           such
           causes
           subjects
           ,
           or
           people
           ,
           and
           children
           and
           servants
           ,
           are
           free
           ,
           and
           not
           required
           of
           the
           Lord
           to
           subject
           to
           any
           thing
           which
           is
           not
           justly
           according
           to
           him
           ;
           but
           yet
           we
           say
           ,
           That
           subiects
           ,
           and
           people
           ,
           and
           children
           ,
           and
           servants
           ▪
           ought
           to
           be
           subject
           to
           them
           that
           have
           rule
           over
           them
           ,
           in
           all
           things
           which
           is
           according
           to
           God
           in
           truth
           and
           righteousness
           ;
           and
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           all
           people
           are
           bound
           to
           obey
           those
           that
           have
           rule
           over
           them
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           disobey
           them
           in
           any
           thing
           which
           may
           stand
           with
           the
           exercise
           of
           a
           good
           conscience
           to
           God
           ;
           so
           that
           though
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Lord
           now
           do
           deny
           to
           depart
           out
           of
           a
           Town
           or
           place
           ,
           and
           though
           they
           will
           not
           cease
           to
           declare
           against
           sin
           and
           wickedness
           in
           Teachers
           
           and
           people
           ,
           though
           a
           Magistrate
           command
           it
           ,
           this
           is
           but
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           for
           the
           Apostles
           went
           on
           boldly
           ,
           declaring
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           after
           they
           were
           forbidden
           ;
           and
           thus
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           doth
           now
           ,
           they
           freely
           declare
           the
           way
           of
           salvation
           ,
           and
           calls
           people
           to
           repent
           ,
           and
           reproves
           iniquity
           in
           ●ll
           sorts
           of
           people
           ,
           though
           wicked
           men
           command
           them
           to
           the
           contrary
           ,
           and
           falsly
           charges
           them
           that
           they
           are
           disobedient
           to
           Government
           and
           Authority
           ,
           though
           they
           are
           not
           ,
           no
           more
           then
           the
           servants
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Apostles
           of
           Christ
           ,
           who
           in
           the
           same
           causes
           ,
           did
           the
           same
           things
           ;
           and
           the
           Lord
           hath
           commanded
           to
           
             cry
             aloud
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             spare
             ,
          
           but
           to
           tell
           people
           of
           their
           transgressions
           ;
           and
           therefore
           many
           of
           the
           Lords
           servants
           doth
           deny
           to
           be
           silent
           ,
           or
           to
           cease
           from
           declaring
           against
           sin
           ,
           though
           a
           Magistrate
           command
           it
           :
           And
           Christ
           hath
           commanded
           not
           to
           
             swear
             at
             all
          
           ;
           and
           therefore
           many
           doth
           deny
           to
           swear
           upon
           any
           account
           ,
           in
           any
           place
           ,
           though
           the
           Magistrates
           do
           command
           it
           .
           And
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           doth
           deny
           to
           put
           off
           a
           Hat
           ,
           or
           to
           bow
           in
           respect
           of
           any
           mans
           person
           ,
           though
           a
           Magistrate
           command
           it
           ;
           for
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           say
           ,
           
             He
             that
             respects
             persons
             ,
             commits
             sin
          
           ;
           so
           that
           all
           people
           may
           see
           that
           what
           the
           servant
           of
           the
           Lord
           doth
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           are
           not
           contrary
           ,
           but
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           all
           these
           things
           were
           commanded
           &
           practised
           by
           the
           Saints
           in
           former
           ages
           ,
           &
           they
           said
           it
           was
           better
           to
           obey
           God
           then
           man
           ,
           and
           we
           ought
           to
           do
           it
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           that
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           too
           .
           So
           that
           in
           all
           these
           practises
           in
           religion
           the
           Scriptures
           justifies
           them
           ,
           and
           be●rs
           witness
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           might
           claim
           protection
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           them
           by
           the
           Protectors
           oath
           ;
           but
           if
           they
           be
           not
           maintained
           ,
           but
           persecuted
           for
           the
           practise
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           then
           will
           the
           light
           in
           every
           mans
           conscience
           witness
           the
           oath
           is
           broken
           ,
           and
           not
           kept
           ;
           for
           it
           extends
           to
           uphold
           and
           maintain
           the
           practice
           of
           Religion
           which
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           as
           these
           is
           proved
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           concerning
           their
           doctrines
           wch
           the
           world
           stumbles
           at
           ,
           yet
           their
           doctrines
           are
           according
           to
           the
           Scripture
           ;
           though
           they
           say
           ,
           Chr.
           is
           the
           light
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           &
           lighteth
           every
           man
           ,
           or
           hath
           given
           light
           to
           every
           man
           that
           cometh
           into
           the
           world
           ,
           this
           is
           according
           
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           read
           ,
           
             Joh.
          
           8.12
           .
           
             &
             Ioh.
          
           1.9
           .
           and
           though
           they
           turn
           people
           from
           darkness
           to
           the
           light
           of
           Christ
           within
           them
           ,
           &
           exhorts
           people
           to
           hearken
           to
           that
           within
           them
           ,
           &
           not
           to
           seek
           a
           Christ
           without
           them
           ,
           
             to
             ascend
             or
             descend
             to
             fetch
             him
             ,
          
           these
           Doctrines
           are
           perfectly
           according
           to
           the
           Scripture
           ;
           for
           you
           may
           read
           
             Acts
          
           26.18
           .
           
             Paul
          
           saith
           he
           was
           sent
           to
           turn
           people
           
             from
             darkness
             to
             the
             light
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             power
             of
             Satan
             to
             the
             power
             of
             God
          
           ;
           and
           
             Rom.
          
           10
           you
           may
           read
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           
             What
             saith
             it
             ,
             The
             Word
             is
             nigh
             thee
             in
             thy
             heart
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             The
             Word
             of
             Faith
             which
             we
             preach
          
           ;
           and
           they
           were
           not
           to
           say
           ,
           
             Who
             shall
             ascend
             ,
             or
             descend
             to
             fetch
             Christ
             .
          
           And
           though
           they
           tell
           people
           they
           must
           witness
           Christ
           in
           them
           ,
           or
           else
           they
           cannot
           be
           saved
           ;
           this
           also
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           read
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           13.
           chap.
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           
             Jesus
             Christ
             is
             in
             you
             ,
             except
             ye
             be
             reprobates
             .
          
           And
           though
           they
           say
           ,
           Christ
           is
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           doth
           deny
           the
           Scriptures
           to
           be
           the
           Word
           by
           which
           the
           World
           was
           made
           ;
           this
           Doctrine
           also
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           we
           read
           
             Rev.
          
           19.13
           .
           that
           the
           Name
           of
           Jesus
           is
           called
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           .
           And
           
             Luke
          
           1.
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           they
           are
           a
           Declaration
           by
           those
           which
           were
           eye-witnesses
           and
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Word
           .
           And
           though
           they
           press
           people
           to
           perfection
           ,
           and
           doth
           say
           ,
           Men
           may
           be
           perfect
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           and
           compleat
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           this
           Doctrine
           also
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           for
           you
           may
           read
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           2.
           chap
           :
           and
           6
           :
           of
           some
           that
           were
           perfect
           ,
           who
           were
           men
           upon
           earth
           ;
           and
           the
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           spoke
           Wisdom
           among
           them
           that
           were
           already
           perfect
           ;
           and
           Col.
           2·10
           .
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           unto
           the
           Church
           who
           were
           men
           in
           this
           life
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           he
           saith
           to
           them
           ,
           
             Ye
             are
             compleat
             in
             him
             .
          
           And
           though
           they
           press
           the
           people
           to
           live
           without
           sin
           ,
           and
           doth
           say
           ,
           They
           that
           are
           born
           of
           God
           doth
           not
           commit
           sin
           ;
           this
           also
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scripture
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           Christs
           command
           ,
           Mat
           :
           5
           :
           
             Be
             perfect
             ,
             as
             your
             Father
             in
             heaven
             is
             perfect
          
           :
           and
           1
           Joh.
           3.
           there
           it
           is
           spoken
           of
           some
           that
           were
           the
           sons
           of
           God
           already
           ,
           and
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             Whosoever
             is
             born
             of
             God
             ,
             doth
             not
             commit
             sin
             ,
             for
             he
             cannot
             sin
             because
             he
             is
             born
             of
             God
          
           ;
           and
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             A●
             he
             is
             ,
          
           [
           Christ
           ]
           
             so
             are
             we
             in
             this
             present
             world
             .
          
           And
           now
           all
           people
           may
           understand
           that
           in
           all
           these
           Doctrines
           which
           they
           do
           hold
           forth
           ,
           they
           do
           fully
           
           agree
           with
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           and
           they
           bear
           witness
           to
           the
           truth
           of
           their
           Doctrines
           ,
           that
           the
           servants
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Apostles
           of
           Christ
           ,
           did
           preach
           the
           very
           same
           things
           for
           Doctrine
           as
           is
           done
           at
           this
           day
           ;
           and
           so
           these
           Doctrines
           are
           not
           to
           be
           wondred
           at
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           as
           they
           are
           by
           the
           wicked
           to
           be
           cryed
           against
           for
           heresie
           and
           error
           ;
           and
           these
           few
           particulars
           onely
           I
           have
           mentioned
           ,
           at
           which
           the
           people
           of
           this
           age
           the
           most
           stumble
           at
           ;
           and
           all
           other
           things
           whatsoever
           which
           is
           held
           forth
           for
           Doctrines
           unto
           people
           ,
           I
           am
           able
           to
           prove
           them
           by
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           that
           in
           all
           things
           they
           are
           according
           to
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           &
           not
           different
           or
           contrary
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           so
           that
           all
           people
           may
           take
           notice
           and
           see
           that
           whatsoever
           they
           do
           practice
           for
           Religion
           ,
           and
           holds
           forth
           for
           Doctrine
           ,
           they
           do
           herein
           justly
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           they
           justifie
           their
           practises
           &
           doctrines
           in
           these
           things
           mentioned
           ,
           and
           in
           whatsoever
           else
           can
           be
           objected
           by
           any
           man
           .
           And
           this
           I
           shall
           take
           in
           hand
           to
           prove
           before
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           That
           the
           people
           of
           God
           called
           Quakers
           ,
           doth
           practice
           nothing
           for
           Religion
           ,
           or
           preach
           for
           Doctrine
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           perfectly
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           the
           Old
           and
           New
           Testament
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           fulfilling
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           so
           they
           are
           proved
           to
           be
           of
           that
           true
           christian
           Religion
           which
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           so
           may
           fully
           claim
           protection
           and
           preservation
           in
           their
           practice
           of
           Religion
           :
           And
           this
           is
           to
           be
           considered
           by
           the
           Protector
           and
           all
           Magistrates
           and
           people
           in
           these
           Nations
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           know
           what
           the
           true
           Christian
           Religion
           is
           ,
           and
           who
           is
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           who
           is
           not
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           for
           this
           purpose
           is
           this
           written
           ,
           for
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           all
           people
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           see
           who
           it
           is
           that
           hath
           a
           right
           and
           priviledg
           to
           be
           protected
           &
           upholden
           by
           vertue
           of
           the
           Oath
           .
        
         
           Likewise
           all
           may
           understand
           ,
           That
           what
           such
           practice
           and
           profes
           for
           Religion
           ,
           is
           not
           without
           good
           ground
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           very
           same
           things
           were
           practised
           by
           them
           that
           were
           of
           the
           true
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           and
           preached
           for
           Doctrine
           by
           them
           that
           were
           Saints
           ,
           which
           is
           now
           practised
           and
           held
           forth
           by
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           the
           Scriptures
           doth
           fully
           bear
           witness
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           shewing
           that
           such
           are
           guided
           by
           the
           same
           spirit
           which
           the
           Saints
           were
           guided
           by
           in
           ages
           past
           ;
           and
           as
           they
           had
           ,
           so
           have
           these
           the
           testimony
           that
           they
           are
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           whole
           world
           lies
           in
           wickedness
           .
        
         
         
           And
           as
           concerning
           their
           being
           persecuted
           by
           many
           of
           the
           Rulers
           ,
           Priests
           and
           People
           ,
           though
           they
           be
           sent
           to
           prison
           ,
           and
           banished
           out
           of
           Towns
           ,
           and
           whipped
           and
           beaten
           ,
           and
           scorned
           ,
           and
           reviled
           ,
           this
           is
           also
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           the
           Scriptures
           is
           fulfilled
           upon
           them
           ;
           for
           the
           same
           things
           were
           done
           to
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           read
           through
           the
           
             Acts
             ,
          
           the
           people
           mocked
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           slandered
           them
           ,
           and
           said
           they
           were
           full
           of
           new
           Wine
           ,
           and
           the
           chief
           Priests
           conspired
           against
           Christ
           and
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           incensed
           the
           Magistrates
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           Magistrates
           put
           Christ
           and
           many
           of
           the
           Apostles
           in
           prison
           ,
           and
           caused
           them
           to
           be
           whipped
           and
           beaten
           ,
           &
           to
           be
           banished
           ,
           &
           many
           other
           cruelties
           done
           unto
           them
           ;
           the
           Scripture
           is
           full
           to
           prove
           this
           ,
           from
           the
           beginning
           ,
           to
           the
           end
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           Christ
           said
           ,
           
             They
             shall
             persecute
             you
             ,
             and
             speak
             all
             manner
             of
             evil
             of
             you
             for
             my
             Names
             sake
             ,
             and
             as
             they
             have
             done
             unto
             me
             ,
             so
             shall
             they
             do
             unto
             you
             ;
             ye
             shall
             be
             hated
             of
             Nations
          
           :
           And
           the
           Apostle
           said
           ,
           
             All
             that
             will
             live
             godly
             in
             Christ
             Iesus
             ,
             shall
             suffer
             persecution
             .
          
           So
           that
           all
           people
           may
           see
           ,
           though
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Lord
           be
           persecuted
           ,
           and
           reviled
           ,
           and
           imprisoned
           ,
           and
           cruelty
           done
           unto
           them
           ;
           and
           though
           it
           be
           done
           by
           the
           chief
           Magistrates
           ,
           and
           chief
           Rulers
           ,
           and
           the
           wise
           men
           of
           this
           age
           ,
           all
           this
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           Scriptures
           might
           be
           fulfilled
           ;
           and
           the
           same
           things
           which
           are
           now
           done
           unto
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           were
           done
           unto
           the
           people
           of
           God
           in
           ages
           past
           by
           the
           same
           instruments
           ,
           to
           wit
           ,
           the
           Rulers
           and
           Magistrates
           ;
           and
           by
           the
           same
           means
           ,
           to
           wit
           ,
           by
           the
           information
           ,
           and
           false
           accusations
           of
           the
           chief
           Priests
           and
           Teachers
           ;
           in
           
             Jeremiah
          
           you
           may
           read
           how
           the
           Priests
           sought
           to
           take
           away
           his
           life
           ;
           and
           you
           may
           read
           how
           the
           chief
           Priests
           consulted
           against
           Christ
           ,
           and
           how
           they
           complained
           to
           the
           Magistrates
           against
           him
           and
           the
           Apostles
           ;
           and
           the
           same
           things
           are
           now
           come
           to
           pass
           ,
           and
           we
           do
           not
           strange
           at
           it
           ,
           for
           it
           is
           the
           chief
           Priests
           of
           England
           that
           doth
           most
           seek
           the
           persecution
           ,
           and
           causes
           the
           people
           of
           God
           to
           be
           persecuted
           by
           their
           complaining
           and
           petitioning
           to
           the
           Magistrates
           ;
           so
           that
           in
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           not
           onely
           what
           is
           practised
           and
           preached
           for
           Doctrine
           ,
           but
           also
           in
           what
           is
           suffered
           ,
           is
           perfectly
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           all
           people
           that
           are
           
           not
           blind
           ,
           may
           see
           that
           this
           Religion
           is
           in
           all
           things
           agreeable
           with
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           both
           in
           what
           they
           do
           and
           in
           what
           they
           suffer
           ,
           so
           that
           this
           is
           given
           forth
           for
           the
           good
           information
           of
           the
           Protector
           ,
           and
           all
           Magistrates
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           hear
           the
           tryal
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           may
           not
           falsly
           conjecture
           or
           suppose
           ,
           and
           thereupon
           give
           judgement
           without
           any
           true
           knowledge
           ,
           let
           them
           search
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           try
           ;
           I
           hope
           the
           worst
           of
           men
           hath
           so
           much
           conscience
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           stand
           in
           awe
           of
           the
           breach
           of
           their
           own
           oaths
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           will
           perform
           unto
           the
           Lord
           and
           unto
           all
           men
           ,
           what
           they
           have
           firmly
           (
           and
           not
           compell'd
           )
           sworn
           to
           do
           ;
           and
           thus
           it
           may
           be
           hoped
           the
           woful
           persecution
           wil
           cease
           ,
           which
           is
           lamentable
           to
           be
           declared
           ,
           how
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Lord
           have
           sufferd
           in
           many
           things
           ,
           even
           them
           whose
           Religion
           is
           proved
           to
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           who
           practice
           nothing
           for
           Religion
           ,
           neither
           holds
           forth
           any
           thing
           for
           Doctrine
           but
           that
           which
           is
           perfectly
           agreeable
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           as
           all
           people
           hereby
           may
           understand
           ;
           which
           Religion
           the
           Protector
           hath
           sworn
           to
           maintain
           and
           uphold
           ;
           then
           who
           shall
           presume
           to
           persecute
           the
           people
           whose
           practise
           in
           Religion
           is
           proved
           to
           be
           the
           very
           same
           which
           his
           oath
           extends
           to
           maintain
           ?
           Surely
           no
           men
           will
           be
           so
           impudent
           ,
           or
           shew
           such
           rebellion
           to
           Government
           ,
           as
           to
           endeavour
           to
           break
           down
           and
           destroy
           that
           people
           whose
           Religion
           is
           proved
           to
           be
           justly
           that
           which
           he
           is
           by
           oath
           bound
           to
           maintain
           ;
           some
           heretofore
           before
           this
           Oath
           was
           taken
           ,
           might
           plead
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           say
           they
           knew
           not
           the
           mind
           of
           the
           Protector
           ;
           but
           now
           his
           mind
           is
           fully
           discovered
           ,
           and
           he
           doth
           not
           onely
           allow
           ,
           but
           also
           hath
           solemnly
           sworne
           to
           maintain
           and
           uphold
           that
           Christian
           Religion
           which
           is
           according
           to
           Scriptures
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           proved
           what
           people
           it
           is
           whose
           Religion
           is
           so
           ;
           and
           I
           say
           again
           ,
           That
           same
           people
           mentioned
           doth
           practice
           nothing
           ,
           neither
           holds
           forth
           any
           thing
           for
           Doctrine
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           either
           commanded
           ,
           or
           there
           is
           president
           for
           it
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           or
           agreeable
           thereto
           ;
           and
           therefore
           that
           same
           people
           is
           of
           the
           true
           Christian
           Religion
           which
           the
           Lord
           Protector
           hath
           bound
           himselfe
           to
           maintain
           ,
           by
           oath
           in
           the
           face
           of
           the
           whole
           Nations
           ,
           so
           that
           none
           of
           the
           Magistrates
           now
           can
           plead
           ignorance
           ▪
           for
           as
           he
           is
           sworn
           to
           uphold
           the
           people
           of
           God
           in
           their
           Religion
           ,
           so
           are
           
           they
           bound
           to
           be
           true
           to
           him
           and
           the
           Government
           ,
           and
           to
           fulfil
           the
           good
           Laws
           ,
           and
           his
           oaths
           and
           enterprises
           ;
           so
           that
           I
           say
           again
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           hoped
           for
           the
           time
           to
           come
           ,
           for
           protection
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           maintained
           ,
           and
           no
           longer
           persecuted
           and
           destroyed
           in
           their
           persons
           and
           estates
           ,
           as
           formerly
           they
           have
           been
           ,
           if
           men
           regard
           their
           own
           oaths
           ,
           or
           there
           be
           any
           truth
           or
           sincerity
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           ;
           and
           I
           say
           ,
           By
           this
           very
           oath
           mentioned
           might
           the
           people
           of
           God
           own
           and
           claim
           protection
           and
           defence
           in
           their
           way
           and
           practise
           of
           Religion
           ,
           which
           is
           so
           plainly
           proved
           to
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           though
           none
           of
           them
           desired
           such
           an
           oath
           for
           their
           protection
           ,
           or
           sought
           after
           it
           ;
           yet
           being
           voluntarily
           instituted
           and
           taken
           ,
           why
           may
           not
           they
           own
           the
           extent
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           reacheth
           to
           them
           more
           then
           to
           any
           besides
           ,
           as
           is
           clearly
           described
           ;
           and
           not
           for
           their
           own
           sakes
           altogether
           ,
           do
           they
           own
           the
           benefit
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           that
           he
           which
           hath
           taken
           it
           ,
           may
           be
           clear
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           performing
           of
           his
           oath
           ,
           for
           his
           felicity
           ,
           and
           the
           increase
           and
           continuance
           of
           good
           Government
           ,
           they
           desire
           as
           much
           as
           their
           own
           protection
           ;
           and
           they
           would
           not
           have
           any
           man
           so
           wicked
           ,
           or
           the
           cause
           of
           perpetual
           infamy
           to
           be
           given
           to
           this
           Nation
           so
           much
           ,
           as
           that
           any
           thing
           should
           be
           destroyed
           or
           broken
           down
           ,
           which
           is
           sworn
           to
           be
           upheld
           and
           maintained
           in
           the
           Nation
           ,
           lest
           the
           Heathen
           Rulers
           rise
           in
           condemnation
           against
           the
           doers
           thereof
           :
           These
           ,
           with
           many
           other
           arguments
           which
           might
           be
           produced
           ,
           presseth
           many
           to
           endeavour
           the
           fulfilling
           of
           the
           said
           oath
           ,
           for
           his
           own
           sake
           who
           hath
           taken
           it
           .
        
         
           
             And
             that
             first
             of
             all
             ,
             by
             that
             oath
             the
             people
             of
             God
             may
             own
             protection
             in
             this
             Commonwealth
             ,
             because
             their
             Religion
             is
             according
             to
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
             That
             some
             people
             might
             also
             own
             protection
             in
             this
             Commonwealth
             ,
             in
             that
             the
             most
             of
             them
             ,
             if
             not
             all
             ,
             have
             been
             true
             and
             faithful
             subjects
             of
             this
             Commonwealth
             ,
             and
             hazarded
             lives
             and
             estates
             for
             the
             establishing
             of
             such
             a
             Government
             wherein
             the
             people
             of
             God
             might
             have
             full
             liberty
             for
             the
             exercise
             of
             their
             pure
             conscience
             .
          
        
         
           
             Again
             ,
             they
             may
             own
             protection
             in
             this
             Commonwealth
             as
             being
             at
             this
             day
             a
             harmless
             and
             innocent
             people
             ,
             not
             being
             offensive
             to
             
             any
             mans
             person
             or
             estate
             ,
             or
             in
             any
             other
             thing
             ,
             (
             except
             to
             sin
             and
             wickedness
             ,
             and
             the
             workers
             thereof
             )
             and
             I
             say
             again
             ,
             That
             they
             do
             not
             desire
             any
             thing
             but
             the
             welfare
             ,
             and
             the
             encrease
             ,
             and
             the
             establishment
             of
             this
             present
             Government
             ,
             wherein
             it
             is
             according
             to
             God
             :
             And
             this
             is
             written
             for
             the
             information
             of
             all
             sorts
             of
             people
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             know
             unto
             what
             sort
             of
             people
             the
             Protectors
             oath
             extends
             to
             uphold
             and
             maintain
             ;
             and
             as
             concerning
             all
             those
             whose
             practise
             in
             Religion
             and
             Doctrines
             are
             not
             according
             to
             Scripture
             ,
             but
             contrary
             to
             it
             ,
             as
             is
             manifest
             ,
             and
             so
             not
             to
             be
             maintained
             and
             uphold●n
             in
             their
             profession
             and
             practice
             of
             Religion
             by
             the
             Protectors
             oath
             ;
             yet
             it
             is
             not
             desired
             that
             such
             should
             be
             destroyed
             ,
             or
             overthrown
             ,
             or
             bound
             ,
             or
             imprisoned
             ,
             or
             any
             cruelty
             done
             to
             them
             ,
             though
             their
             practice
             be
             not
             according
             to
             Scriptures
             ;
             but
             it
             s
             desired
             that
             such
             may
             live
             in
             peace
             in
             the
             Commonwealth
             ,
             enjoying
             their
             Religion
             to
             themselves
             without
             any
             molestation
             from
             any
             ou●ward
             Law
             ,
             or
             outward
             power
             ,
             for
             many
             would
             not
             that
             any
             should
             be
             compelled
             to
             ,
             or
             from
             any
             exercises
             in
             Religion
             by
             an
             outward
             Law
             ,
             but
             let
             them
             defend
             themselves
             in
             their
             Religion
             ,
             from
             those
             who
             may
             be
             moved
             of
             the
             Lord
             to
             reprove
             them
             ,
             or
             declare
             against
             them
             ,
             or
             covince
             them
             ;
             so
             that
             many
             would
             have
             Religion
             to
             defend
             it self
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             Magistrates
             with
             their
             Laws
             may
             preserve
             the
             peace
             in
             the
             Commonwealth
             ,
             and
             mens
             persons
             and
             Estates
             ,
             and
             not
             their
             opinions
             and
             judgements
             ;
             and
             we
             would
             they
             may
             not
             limit
             or
             stint
             tender
             consciences
             ,
             for
             many
             may
             be
             of
             a
             tender
             conscience
             in
             those
             things
             wherein
             their
             consciences
             are
             not
             truly
             informed
             ,
             and
             such
             should
             not
             bee
             condemned
             to
             death
             ,
             but
             to
             b●
             won
             by
             sound
             doctrine
             ,
             and
             instructed
             by
             those
             who
             are
             called
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             so
             this
             is
             written
             that
             the
             whole
             Nation
             may
             understand
             the
             minde
             of
             the
             Lords
             servants
             in
             all
             these
             things
             .
             And
             let
             no
             man
             blame
             me
             ,
             for
             I
             have
             but
             with
             an
             equal
             hand
             brought
             all
             sorts
             of
             people
             to
             the
             line
             of
             true
             judgement
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             know
             who
             is
             to
             be
             maintained
             (
             and
             who
             is
             not
             )
             in
             their
             Religion
             ,
             and
             practises
             thereof
             .
          
        
         
           But
           and
           if
           that
           after
           all
           this
           ,
           the
           people
           of
           God
           be
           persecuted
           ,
           and
           violence
           be
           done
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           injustice
           and
           unrighteousness
           acted
           upon
           them
           in
           this
           Commonwealth
           ,
           as
           of
           late
           years
           hath
           been
           ,
           and
           yet
           it
           be
           suffered
           to
           be
           ,
           and
           none
           taken
           any
           notice
           to
           preserve
           and
           defend
           them
           whose
           Religion
           is
           according
           to
           
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           he
           is
           sworn
           to
           maintain
           ,
           then
           I
           leave
           it
           to
           the
           light
           in
           all
           mens
           consciences
           to
           judge
           ▪
           what
           a
           condition
           such
           are
           in
           whose
           oath
           is
           not
           kept
           ,
           but
           broken
           ;
           for
           these
           things
           are
           of
           no
           less
           value
           then
           either
           breaking
           or
           keeping
           a
           mans
           own
           oath
           ,
           which
           solemnly
           hath
           been
           taken
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           not
           a
           light
           thing
           ,
           but
           to
           be
           seriously
           considered
           of
           both
           by
           Magistrates
           ,
           Teachers
           and
           people
           in
           this
           Commonwealth
           ,
           yet
           notwithstanding
           all
           this
           ,
           the
           people
           of
           God
           doth
           not
           boast
           in
           ,
           or
           trust
           unto
           the
           arm
           of
           flesh
           ,
           neither
           are
           any
           whit
           the
           more
           confident
           in
           their
           way
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           proved
           that
           they
           ought
           in
           justice
           to
           be
           upholden
           and
           maintained
           in
           what
           they
           profess
           and
           practise
           ,
           as
           aforesaid
           ;
           for
           their
           hope
           and
           confidence
           is
           onely
           in
           God
           ,
           who
           onely
           is
           sufficient
           to
           protect
           and
           uphold
           his
           people
           in
           all
           their
           ways
           and
           exercises
           ;
           and
           though
           all
           men
           do
           forget
           their
           own
           promises
           and
           oaths
           ,
           yet
           will
           not
           the
           Lord
           forget
           his
           chosen
           people
           ,
           to
           defend
           them
           from
           all
           their
           Enemies
           ,
           who
           hath
           again
           appeared
           to
           gather
           his
           people
           ,
           after
           the
           long
           and
           dark
           night
           of
           apostacy
           ,
           and
           his
           House
           and
           Tabernacle
           shall
           be
           exalted
           over
           all
           the
           Earth
           .
        
         
           
             An
             Objection
             .
          
           
             Now
             many
             may
             say
             ,
             seeing
             I
             challenge
             ,
             claim
             ,
             and
             affirm
             that
             this
             Religion
             is
             the
             true
             Religion
             which
             is
             according
             to
             Scripture
             ,
             then
             they
             ask
             and
             say
             ,
             Hath
             there
             been
             no
             true
             Religion
             before
             this
             ?
             or
             hath
             all
             these
             Religions
             been
             false
             before
             ?
             and
             seeing
             this
             hath
             but
             newly
             appeared
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             was
             there
             no
             true
             Religion
             before
             ?
             and
             if
             there
             were
             any
             ,
             where
             was
             it
             ?
             and
             what
             was
             that
             Religion
             ,
             seeing
             there
             hath
             not
             been
             for
             many
             ages
             such
             a
             Religion
             as
             this
             is
             :
             And
             after
             this
             manner
             doth
             many
             reason
             and
             object
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             raises
             to
             themselves
             stumblings
             ,
             and
             conceits
             themselves
             that
             our
             forefathers
             were
             of
             a
             good
             way
             ,
             and
             many
             of
             them
             sure
             were
             saved
             which
             was
             not
             of
             this
             Religion
             ,
             which
             did
             not
             profess
             and
             practice
             these
             things
             which
             is
             professed
             and
             practised
             by
             this
             people
             .
          
        
         
           
             Answer
             ▪
          
           
             Now
             unto
             all
             these
             I
             do
             answer
             and
             say
             ,
             That
             this
             Religion
             is
             the
             true
             Religion
             which
             is
             according
             to
             Scriptures
             ,
             as
             is
             proved
             
             already
             ,
             seeing
             they
             profess
             and
             practice
             nothing
             for
             Religion
             but
             what
             the
             Scriptures
             doth
             justifie
             ,
             and
             shews
             the
             very
             examples
             of
             the
             same
             things
             ;
             but
             that
             God
             had
             a
             people
             in
             all
             ages
             ,
             and
             a
             feed
             that
             never
             bowed
             to
             
               Baal
            
             it
             s
             believed
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             did
             sincerely
             seek
             after
             God
             according
             to
             what
             they
             knew
             ,
             and
             they
             were
             accepted
             of
             God
             according
             to
             what
             was
             made
             manifest
             in
             that
             age
             and
             generation
             ;
             yet
             the
             testimony
             of
             truth
             it self
             ,
             and
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Lord
             it self
             ,
             for
             many
             generations
             hath
             not
             so
             clearly
             and
             purely
             been
             held
             forth
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             now
             in
             this
             age
             and
             generation
             ;
             for
             now
             the
             true
             light
             hath
             shined
             ,
             and
             the
             way
             of
             salvation
             is
             evidently
             made
             manifest
             ,
             as
             by
             many
             witnesses
             and
             evident
             tokens
             which
             may
             be
             given
             ,
             and
             was
             not
             so
             clearly
             for
             many
             ages
             past
             ,
             held
             forth
             and
             known
             :
             And
             such
             who
             have
             been
             sincerely
             seeking
             after
             God
             ,
             though
             they
             knew
             not
             perfectly
             the
             way
             unto
             him
             ,
             neither
             had
             they
             such
             a
             pure
             testimony
             revealed
             to
             guide
             them
             ,
             as
             now
             is
             manifest
             ,
             yet
             such
             do
             now
             rejoice
             ,
             and
             owns
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             the
             seed
             of
             God
             is
             refreshed
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             all
             causes
             of
             stumbling
             removed
             ,
             and
             the
             pure
             light
             of
             the
             Gospel
             is
             sprung
             forth
             more
             clear
             in
             this
             age
             ,
             then
             in
             any
             age
             for
             many
             generations
             ;
             for
             the
             Scripture
             sheweth
             that
             a
             dark
             night
             of
             Apostacy
             hath
             been
             over
             the
             whole
             world
             ,
             and
             the
             beast
             hath
             reigned
             ,
             and
             the
             false
             Prophet
             hath
             deceived
             many
             Nations
             ;
             and
             the
             whole
             World
             hath
             wondered
             after
             the
             beast
             for
             many
             ages
             ,
             and
             the
             beast
             hath
             made
             war
             with
             the
             Saints
             ,
             and
             hath
             had
             power
             to
             kill
             them
             ,
             and
             hath
             put
             a
             stop
             many
             times
             to
             the
             appearances
             of
             God
             ,
             till
             now
             at
             length
             he
             doth
             appear
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             of
             hell
             and
             death
             shall
             not
             stop
             it
             ,
             and
             they
             do
             say
             that
             they
             are
             come
             out
             of
             the
             Apostacy
             ,
             to
             the
             dawning
             of
             the
             day
             again
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             power
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             truth
             as
             was
             in
             the
             Apostles
             days
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             Ministry
             by
             the
             gift
             of
             the
             same
             Holy
             Ghost
             as
             was
             in
             the
             Apostles
             days
             ,
             is
             now
             witnessed
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             time
             of
             ignorance
             God
             winked
             ,
             but
             now
             the
             eye
             is
             opened
             ,
             and
             all
             is
             called
             to
             repentance
             ;
             so
             it
             will
             not
             excuse
             any
             man
             to
             plead
             how
             it
             was
             with
             our
             forefathers
             ,
             or
             to
             say
             ,
             Where
             was
             this
             Religion
             before
             these
             few
             years
             ,
             and
             such
             like
             ,
             for
             now
             the
             power
             of
             God
             it self
             is
             made
             manifest
             ,
             which
             brings
             into
             the
             true
             Religion
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             are
             of
             God
             heareth
             
             it
             ,
             and
             shall
             own
             it
             ,
             and
             shall
             receive
             the
             Testimony
             which
             is
             given
             :
             It
             's
             known
             that
             there
             are
             many
             thousands
             which
             hath
             not
             yet
             owned
             it
             ,
             in
             which
             there
             is
             true
             thirstings
             after
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             zeal
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             such
             are
             not
             condemned
             to
             be
             altogether
             out
             of
             Religion
             ,
             for
             such
             seeks
             his
             face
             ,
             and
             the
             day
             is
             neither
             clear
             nor
             dark
             to
             them
             ,
             in
             which
             they
             are
             ;
             and
             such
             shall
             own
             and
             submit
             to
             the
             Government
             of
             Christ
             ;
             and
             they
             that
             are
             not
             under
             the
             Government
             ,
             are
             not
             of
             the
             true
             Religion
             ▪
             as
             I
             said
             ;
             This
             is
             the
             time
             of
             restauration
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             is
             bringing
             back
             again
             ,
             and
             a
             thorow
             reformation
             wil
             the
             Lord
             work
             in
             the
             Earth
             ,
             such
             as
             hath
             not
             been
             known
             in
             ages
             past
             .
             There
             hath
             been
             a
             Seed
             sown
             which
             the
             Devil
             hath
             catched
             away
             ;
             but
             now
             the
             Seed
             shall
             grow
             ▪
             and
             become
             the
             greatest
             of
             all
             herbs
             ,
             and
             the
             fowls
             of
             Heaven
             shall
             lodge
             in
             the
             Branches
             .
          
           
             
               And
               this
               is
               a
               plain
               answer
               to
               all
               sober
               people
               ,
               for
               according
               to
               the
               Scriptures
               in
               the
               times
               of
               the
               Apostles
               ,
               the
               day
               of
               glorious
               light
               sprung
               forth
               ,
               and
               mighty
               was
               the
               power
               of
               God
               at
               that
               day
               ,
               but
               since
               hath
               darkness
               overshadowed
               all
               ,
               and
               Antichrist
               hath
               reigned
               ,
               and
               the
               whole
               world
               hath
               been
               made
               drunk
               with
               the
               wine
               of
               forn●cation
               ,
               which
               hath
               been
               in
               the
               hand
               of
               the
               whore
               ,
               who
               hath
               set
               upon
               the
               Beast
               ,
               and
               upon
               Nations
               and
               Peoples
               ,
               and
               the
               Gentiles
               hath
               trodden
               under
               foot
               the
               holy
               City
               of
               God
               for
               forty
               and
               two
               months
               ;
               but
               now
               is
               the
               time
               of
               restauration
               as
               hath
               been
               promised
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               is
               bringing
               back
               his
               people
               again
               ,
               and
               the
               Tabernacle
               of
               God
               shall
               be
               with
               men
               ,
               and
               Christ
               alone
               must
               reign
               and
               rule
               ,
               and
               his
               Kingdom
               set
               up
               over
               the
               whole
               world
               .
            
          
           
             
               And
               let
               no
               man
               be
               offended
               at
               what
               I
               have
               done
               ;
               for
               I
               have
               not
               reflected
               upon
               any
               mans
               person
               ,
               but
               on
               what
               he
               practiseth
               for
               Religion
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 London
                 ,
              
               
                 
                   the
                   tenth
                   Month
                   ,
                
                 1657.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           The
           End
           :
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A30554e-110
           
             *
             
               Mark
            
             4.1
             ,
             2.
             
             
               Luke
            
             5
             3.
             
          
           
             *
             
               Act
               :
            
             20
             
          
           
             *
             
               Phil.
            
             4.3
             
          
           
             *
             1
             
               Kings
            
             19.19
             .