A Mystery of godlinesse and no cabala, or, A sincere account of the non-conformists conversation ... occasioned by a bitter and malitions [sic] paper called the Cabala.
      
       
         
           1663
        
      
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             A Mystery of godlinesse and no cabala, or, A sincere account of the non-conformists conversation ... occasioned by a bitter and malitions [sic] paper called the Cabala.
             Birkenhead, John, Sir, 1616-1679.
          
           [3], 40 p.
           
             [s.n.],
             London :
             1663.
          
           
             Sometimes ascribed to Sir John Birkenhead. Cf. NUC pre-1956.
             Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Birkenhead, John, -- Sir, 1616-1679. -- Cabala.
           Dissenters, Religious -- England.
        
      
    
     
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           A
           MYSTERY
           OF
           GODLINESSE
           ,
           AND
           NO
           CABALA
           ;
           Or
           a
           sincere
           Account
           of
           the
           NON-CONFORMISTS
           CONVERSATION
           .
           From
           the
           24.
           of
           August
           to
           this
           time
           .
           For
           the
           conviction
           of
           Adversaries
           ,
           the
           instruction
           of
           the
           ignorant
           ,
           the
           confirming
           of
           the
           weak
           ,
           and
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           all
           .
           Occasioned
           by
           a
           bitter
           and
           malitious
           Paper
           ,
           called
           the
           CABALA
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           in
           the
           Year
           ,
           MDCLXIII
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           A
           MYSTERY
           OF
           GODLINESSE
           AND
           NO
           CABALA
           ;
           Or
           a
           sincere
           Account
           of
           the
           NON-CONFORMISTS
           CONVERSATION
           .
           From
           
             the
             24.
             of
             August
          
           to
           this
           time
           .
           For
           the
           conviction
           of
           Adversaries
           ,
           the
           instruction
           of
           the
           ignorant
           ,
           the
           confirming
           of
           the
           weak
           ,
           and
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           all
           .
           Occasioned
           by
           a
           bitter
           and
           malitious
           Paper
           ,
           called
           the
           CABALA
           .
        
         
           WHen
           the
           fears
           and
           jealousies
           of
           some
           concerning
           us
           are
           so
           restlesse
           ,
           the
           malice
           of
           others
           is
           so
           implacable
           ,
           that
           we
           suffer
           not
           only
           for
           what
           we
           have
           done
           ,
           but
           for
           what
           we
           may
           do
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           not
           only
           
           obnoxious
           to
           Authority
           for
           those
           miscarriages
           the
           world
           hath
           seen
           us
           guilty
           of
           ,
           but
           unto
           the
           Tongues
           and
           pens
           of
           men
           ;
           for
           those
           likewise
           the
           world
           may
           imagine
           us
           guilty
           of
           :
           To
           justifie
           his
           Majesties
           clemency
           over
           us
           ,
           to
           give
           the
           world
           a
           reason
           of
           the
           hope
           that
           is
           in
           us
           ,
           to
           satisfie
           all
           sober
           men
           ,
           and
           to
           to
           promote
           tee
           peace
           and
           settlement
           of
           our
           native
           Country
           ,
           we
           declare
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           it
           is
           true
           indeed
           ,
           we
           cannot
           come
           up
           in
           all
           things
           to
           their
           judgement
           who
           are
           over
           us
           ,
           as
           we
           know
           they
           could
           not
           come
           up
           to
           ours
           ,
           when
           we
           were
           advanced
           over
           them
           ;
           and
           as
           we
           could
           not
           allow
           them
           any
           publick
           employment
           or
           encouragement
           when
           they
           could
           not
           comply
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           our
           Laws
           and
           Constitutions
           ,
           so
           we
           cannot
           expect
           any
           publick
           employment
           or
           encouragement
           from
           them
           ,
           now
           we
           dissent
           from
           ,
           and
           cannot
           close
           with
           their
           Laws
           and
           Constitutions
           :
           Yet
           it
           is
           true
           ,
           that
           we
           
             submit
             patiently
          
           to
           that
           Authority
           which
           we
           cannot
           
             obey
             chearfully
          
           ;
           really
           we
           cannot
           conform
           in
           conscience
           ,
           and
           really
           we
           cannot
           resist
           in
           conscience
           ;
           for
           we
           must
           needs
           
             be
             obedient
             ,
             not
             only
             for
             wrath
             ,
             but
             for
             conscience
             sake
             :
          
           we
           suffer
           ,
           yet
           we
           repine
           not
           ;
           we
           murmur
           not
           ,
           we
           
             speak
             no
             evil
             of
             Dignities
          
           ;
           we
           dare
           
             not
             curse
             the
             King
             ,
             no
             not
             in
             our
             thoughts
             :
          
           we
           desire
           to
           
             fear
             God
          
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           
             honour
             the
             King
          
           ;
           and
           we
           would
           not
           meddle
           with
           them
           that
           are
           given
           to
           change
           ,
           or
           to
           Innovations
           ;
           they
           of
           us
           pay
           tribute
           from
           whom
           tribute
           is
           due
           ,
           custome
           from
           whom
           custome
           ,
           and
           fear
           from
           whom
           fear
           ;
           and
           his
           Majesty
           hath
           our
           hearty
           prayers
           day
           and
           night
           before
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           for
           a
           blessing
           upon
           himself
           and
           Government
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           could
           renounce
           the
           whole
           Covenant
           ,
           yet
           would
           we
           not
           renounce
           that
           part
           of
           it
           ,
           wherein
           we
           have
           
             promised
             ,
             sincerely
             ,
             really
             ,
             constantly
             ,
             in
             our
             several
             vocations
             ,
             to
             endeavour
             ,
             with
             our
             Estates
             and
             Lives
             ,
             to
             preserve
             and
             defend
             the
             Kings
             Majesties
             Person
             and
             Authority
             ,
             that
             the
             world
             may
             bear
             witnesse
             with
             our
             Consciences
             of
             our
             Loyalty
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             have
             no
             thoughts
             or
             intention
             to
             diminish
             his
             Majesties
             just
             power
             and
             greatnesse
             :
          
           for
           indeed
           we
           (
           whatever
           the
           world
           may
           think
           of
           us
           )
           desire
           to
           honour
           his
           Majesty
           :
           1.
           
           For
           the
           Lords
           sake
           ,
           by
           whom
           Kings
           reign
           ,
           who
           by
           a
           special
           providence
           
           hath
           set
           our
           gracious
           King
           over
           us
           .
           2.
           
           For
           our
           own
           sakes
           ,
           who
           though
           we
           are
           not
           capable
           of
           preferment
           under
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           yet
           owe
           unto
           him
           our
           lives
           ,
           which
           he
           hath
           pardoned
           ,
           our
           liberties
           and
           estates
           ,
           which
           he
           secures
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           protection
           he
           affords
           us
           :
           It
           is
           a
           mercy
           that
           we
           may
           live
           comfortably
           as
           Christians
           ,
           though
           we
           cannot
           be
           employed
           and
           preferred
           as
           Ministers
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           true
           we
           have
           different
           apprehensions
           in
           many
           things
           from
           other
           men
           ,
           and
           in
           many
           things
           we
           are
           otherwise
           minded
           ;
           but
           we
           are
           resolved
           ,
           in
           those
           things
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           have
           already
           attained
           ,
           to
           walk
           by
           the
           same
           Rule
           ,
           to
           mind
           the
           same
           things
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           cannot
           be
           of
           one
           mind
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           be
           of
           one
           heart
           ;
           and
           to
           preserve
           unity
           of
           affections
           in
           our
           differ●●ces
           of
           judgement
           .
        
         
           We
           desire
           heartily
           ,
           that
           the
           small
           things
           we
           differ
           in
           should
           not
           have
           so
           much
           power
           to
           divide
           us
           ,
           as
           the
           great
           things
           we
           agree
           in
           should
           have
           to
           unite
           ;
           however
           we
           beg
           of
           the
           Lord
           heartily
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           live
           peaceably
           with
           all
           men
           ;
           we
           desire
           earnestly
           to
           seek
           truth
           and
           peace
           ,
           and
           to
           follow
           peace
           and
           holinesse
           ,
           without
           which
           ,
           we
           think
           ,
           we
           cannot
           see
           the
           Lord
           :
           we
           desire
           to
           be
           just
           in
           our
           dealing
           ,
           harmlesse
           and
           innocent
           in
           our
           behaviour
           and
           carriage
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           our
           conversation
           honest
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           whereas
           some
           speak
           against
           us
           as
           evil
           doers
           ,
           they
           may
           by
           our
           good
           works
           ,
           which
           they
           shall
           behold
           ,
           glorifie
           God
           in
           the
           day
           of
           visitation
           ;
           and
           though
           we
           are
           sorry
           to
           hear
           it
           ,
           that
           some
           think
           it
           strange
           that
           we
           run
           not
           with
           them
           to
           the
           same
           excesse
           of
           Ryot
           ,
           speaking
           evil
           of
           us
           ,
           yet
           will
           we
           sit
           still
           ,
           knowing
           that
           they
           shall
           give
           an
           account
           unto
           him
           who
           
             judgeth
             righteous
             judgement
          
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Without
           all
           dangerous
           ,
           offensive
           ,
           or
           suspitious
           designs
           or
           complottings
           ,
           which
           we
           abhor
           ,
           have
           ,
           we
           fince
           the
           twenty
           four
           of
           August
           ,
           held
           up
           our
           private
           Devotions
           in
           the
           Apostles
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           fellowship
           ,
           and
           breaking
           bread
           from
           house
           to
           house
           ,
           and
           in
           prayers
           ,
           loving
           as
           brethren
           ;
           at
           these
           our
           Meetings
           we
           plot
           nothing
           but
           the
           saving
           of
           souls
           ,
           comforting
           the
           weak
           ,
           reclaiming
           the
           erroneous
           ,
           instructing
           the
           ignorant
           ,
           building
           poor
           souls
           up
           in
           their
           faith
           ,
           as
           helpers
           of
           
           their
           joy
           ,
           for
           the
           perfecting
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           the
           edifying
           of
           the
           body
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           helping
           our
           brethren
           in
           the
           publick
           ministry
           ,
           who
           since
           our
           withdrawing
           have
           a
           great
           burden
           lying
           upon
           them
           ;
           some
           may
           preach
           Christ
           out
           of
           envy
           ,
           some
           out
           of
           discontent
           ,
           but
           Christ
           is
           preached
           ,
           and
           we
           dare
           boldly
           say
           ,
           nothing
           but
           Christ
           crucified
           is
           preached
           among
           us
           :
           wherefore
           we
           rejoyce
           ,
           and
           we
           hope
           they
           rejoyce
           too
           ,
           ever
           since
           we
           hope
           without
           offence
           we
           have
           preached
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           instant
           in
           season
           ▪
           and
           out
           of
           season
           ,
           reproving
           ,
           rebuking
           ,
           and
           exhorting
           with
           all
           long-suffering
           and
           doctrine
           :
           here
           have
           we
           no
           thoughts
           of
           our
           King
           and
           Countrey
           ,
           but
           thoughts
           of
           peace
           ;
           no
           words
           of
           either
           ,
           but
           serious
           Exhortations
           to
           obedience
           under
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           ear●●st
           prayers
           for
           the
           peace
           and
           prosperity
           of
           the
           other
           :
           we
           ●●sire
           indeed
           to
           converse
           profitably
           ,
           to
           improve
           our
           time
           and
           opportunities
           usefully
           ,
           to
           provoke
           one
           another
           to
           love
           and
           to
           good
           works
           .
           In
           obedience
           to
           his
           Majesties
           Laws
           for
           peace
           and
           order
           ,
           we
           have
           no
           factious
           Conventicles
           ;
           in
           compliance
           with
           his
           Majesties
           good
           inclination
           ,
           for
           serious
           holinesse
           ,
           for
           sober
           friendship
           we
           converse
           with
           one
           another
           lovingly
           ,
           we
           meet
           at
           one
           anothers
           habitations
           friendly
           and
           neighbourly
           ,
           we
           open
           our
           doubts
           one
           to
           another
           sincerely
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           to
           resolve
           one
           another
           satisfactorily
           ;
           we
           pray
           unanimously
           ,
           one
           reads
           ,
           another
           openeth
           what
           is
           read
           ,
           and
           presseth
           home
           what
           is
           so
           opened
           ;
           and
           so
           with
           prayers
           ,
           and
           a
           hymn
           ,
           and
           a
           little
           refreshment
           we
           dismisse
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           take
           our
           leave
           ▪
           the
           Prophets
           speak
           ,
           two
           or
           three
           ,
           and
           the
           others
           judge
           ;
           if
           any
           thing
           be
           revealed
           unto
           another
           that
           sitteth
           by
           ,
           the
           first
           holdeth
           his
           peace
           ,
           for
           we
           all
           prophecy
           one
           by
           one
           ,
           that
           all
           may
           learn
           ,
           and
           all
           may
           be
           comforted
           ;
           but
           we
           must
           needs
           say
           ,
           whatever
           in
           suggested
           to
           the
           contrary
           ,
           that
           among
           us
           the
           spirits
           of
           the
           Prophets
           are
           subject
           to
           the
           Prophets
           ;
           for
           we
           own
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           not
           the
           Author
           of
           confusion
           ,
           but
           of
           peace
           ,
           as
           in
           all
           the
           Churches
           of
           the
           Saints
           :
           we
           hope
           there
           is
           so
           much
           of
           the
           English
           genius
           of
           Friendship
           and
           good
           nature
           abroad
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           none
           will
           censure
           us
           ,
           either
           for
           familiar
           meetings
           ,
           which
           are
           neighbourly
           ,
           
           or
           for
           making
           good
           use
           of
           those
           meetings
           which
           is
           Christian
           :
           Indeed
           we
           were
           unsufferable
           ,
           if
           we
           set
           up
           private
           meetings
           in
           opposition
           to
           publick
           Assemblies
           ;
           but
           it
           s
           a
           common
           observation
           by
           this
           time
           ,
           that
           we
           never
           go
           together
           privately
           the
           same
           hour
           that
           others
           meet
           publickly
           ;
           and
           indeed
           we
           are
           glad
           when
           they
           say
           unto
           us
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             go
             up
             to
             the
             House
             of
             God.
          
           One
           thing
           we
           have
           desired
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           while
           we
           seek
           after
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           dwell
           in
           the
           House
           of
           the
           Lord
           all
           the
           daies
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           to
           behold
           the
           beauty
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           to
           enquire
           in
           his
           Temple
           .
           And
           it
           s
           seldome
           that
           we
           escape
           any
           opportunities
           of
           joyning
           with
           the
           publick
           Assemblies
           ,
           for
           though
           we
           cannot
           administer
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           yet
           we
           cannot
           separate
           from
           the
           Church
           :
           we
           would
           not
           partake
           with
           the
           Churches
           sins
           ,
           least
           we
           be
           defiled
           ;
           we
           would
           not
           remove
           from
           the
           Church
           ,
           least
           we
           be
           nothing
           :
           And
           indeed
           we
           desire
           only
           in
           private
           to
           set
           home
           upon
           our
           hearts
           what
           we
           have
           gained
           in
           publick
           ;
           we
           would
           second
           the
           Ministers
           at
           home
           ,
           whom
           we
           cannot
           assist
           abroad
           :
           It
           s
           true
           ,
           they
           of
           us
           that
           fear
           the
           Lord
           ,
           speak
           often
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           but
           we
           dare
           not
           speak
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           amiss
           ,
           for
           we
           know
           the
           Lord
           hearkeneth
           and
           heareth
           us
           ,
           and
           a
           Book
           of
           Remembrance
           is
           written
           before
           ,
           for
           them
           that
           fear
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           think
           upon
           his
           Name
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Forasmuch
           as
           there
           is
           no
           well-affected
           Christian
           that
           is
           not
           deeply
           sensible
           of
           the
           unsetledness
           ,
           division
           ,
           animosities
           ,
           prophaneness
           ,
           decay
           of
           Trade
           ,
           and
           other
           calamities
           ,
           whereby
           our
           Native
           Country
           is
           exposed
           to
           the
           pity
           of
           Neighbours
           ,
           and
           the
           scorn
           and
           insultation
           of
           Enemies
           ;
           we
           do
           effectually
           endeavour
           to
           work
           our
           hearts
           to
           a
           sound
           humiliation
           for
           our
           own
           sins
           ,
           which
           have
           contributed
           too
           much
           to
           the
           common
           calamities
           ,
           seeing
           we
           are
           so
           unhappy
           as
           to
           add
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           publick
           provocations
           ,
           we
           cannot
           but
           be
           so
           compassionate
           ,
           as
           to
           endeavour
           to
           add
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           publick
           prayers
           ,
           humiliations
           and
           intercessions
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           To
           prevail
           with
           God
           the
           more
           effectually
           ,
           we
           zealously
           stir
           up
           our
           Neighbours
           and
           Friends
           to
           be
           passionately
           affected
           with
           the
           present
           Estate
           of
           the
           Churches
           and
           Servants
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           as
           they
           helped
           on
           their
           miseries
           by
           their
           
           sins
           ,
           so
           they
           may
           assist
           in
           their
           recovery
           ,
           by
           their
           tears
           ,
           sighs
           and
           prayers
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           We
           endeavour
           by
           all
           means
           to
           gain
           just
           notice
           ,
           and
           a
           true
           account
           of
           the
           estate
           of
           our
           Native
           Country
           ;
           that
           as
           the
           men
           of
           Issachar
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           men
           understanding
           the
           times
           ,
           and
           knowing
           what
           Israel
           ought
           to
           do
           ;
           and
           herein
           we
           observe
           :
           First
           ,
           our
           sins
           we
           allow
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           dishonor
           of
           the
           Majesty
           of
           the
           holy
           God
           we
           serve
           ,
           and
           the
           purity
           of
           the
           holy
           Gospel
           we
           profess
           :
           And
           secondly
           ,
           the
           judgements
           we
           lye
           under
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           these
           sins
           ;
           our
           great
           design
           is
           to
           root
           up
           the
           greatest
           evil
           ,
           that
           is
           Sin
           ,
           and
           draw
           neer
           the
           highest
           good
           ,
           that
           is
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           take
           delight
           in
           us
           to
           do
           us
           good
           ,
           and
           would
           receive
           us
           graciously
           ,
           and
           love
           us
           freely
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           We
           deeply
           lay
           to
           heart
           ,
           and
           secretly
           mourn
           for
           the
           sins
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           representing
           them
           to
           our
           thoughts
           in
           their
           heynous
           nature
           and
           circumstances
           ,
           humbly
           entreating
           the
           Lord
           for
           their
           serious
           repentance
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           earnestly
           deprecating
           the
           judgements
           provoked
           by
           them
           ;
           so
           that
           we
           lay
           together
           both
           the
           evils
           we
           feel
           ,
           and
           those
           we
           have
           too
           just
           cause
           to
           fear
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           due
           sense
           of
           both
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           humble
           our selves
           ,
           and
           others
           ,
           under
           the
           mighty
           hand
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           8.
           
           And
           therefore
           whensoever
           we
           have
           an
           opportunity
           to
           speak
           from
           God
           to
           his
           people
           in
           the
           publick
           Assemblies
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           speak
           a
           present
           truth
           ,
           and
           to
           lay
           open
           and
           bewail
           the
           sins
           of
           the
           time
           ,
           and
           to
           awake
           the
           people
           with
           all
           zealous
           exhortation
           to
           a
           lively
           and
           just
           sorrow
           for
           all
           the
           overflowings
           of
           wickedness
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           vehement
           and
           godly
           striving
           against
           the
           stream
           thereof
           by
           their
           prayers
           and
           utmost
           endeavours
           ,
           day
           and
           night
           constantly
           pouring
           out
           their
           hearts
           in
           strong
           cryes
           and
           servent
           prayer
           to
           our
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           be
           pleased
           to
           visit
           us
           in
           mercy
           and
           compassion
           ,
           and
           cause
           the
           light
           of
           his
           countenance
           to
           shine
           upon
           us
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           And
           however
           ,
           privately
           we
           set
           apart
           one
           day
           at
           least
           in
           every
           week
           for
           this
           holy
           end
           and
           purpose
           ,
           wherein
           we
           humble
           our selves
           in
           private
           fasting
           and
           prayer
           ,
           till
           it
           please
           our
           God
           to
           return
           to
           his
           in
           his
           wonted
           pity
           and
           compassion
           ,
           
           and
           put
           an
           end
           to
           our
           sins
           and
           miseries
           ,
           recovering
           us
           to
           that
           first
           state
           of
           Innocence
           ,
           peace
           and
           plenty
           ,
           which
           we
           were
           happy
           in
           before
           our
           late
           miscarriages
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           We
           do
           restrain
           our
           wonted
           pleasure
           ,
           not
           allowing
           the
           liberty
           of
           that
           mirth
           and
           lawful
           refreshment
           which
           we
           might
           formerly
           make
           use
           of
           ,
           while
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           lieth
           thus
           heavily
           upon
           us
           .
        
         
           11.
           
           We
           do
           not
           allow
           our selves
           the
           neglect
           of
           any
           good
           means
           of
           prayer
           ,
           reading
           ,
           meditation
           and
           conference
           ,
           whereby
           the
           peace
           and
           welfare
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           State
           may
           be
           procured
           and
           maintained
           ,
           and
           shall
           carefully
           avoid
           all
           words
           and
           actions
           ,
           ways
           and
           means
           ,
           which
           may
           at
           all
           tend
           to
           the
           widening
           of
           the
           unhappy
           breaches
           ,
           and
           the
           encreasing
           the
           many
           and
           woful
           differences
           among
           us
           ,
           
             seeking
             peace
          
           ,
           and
           
             ensuing
             it
          
           ,
           studying
           now
           in
           our
           leisure
           time
           ,
           to
           look
           into
           the
           bottom
           of
           Controversies
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           bring
           differences
           to
           as
           narrow
           a
           compass
           as
           we
           can
           ,
           beget
           a
           mutual
           good
           understanding
           and
           satisfaction
           among
           sober
           men
           ,
           clearing
           up
           things
           as
           far
           as
           lieth
           in
           our
           power
           for
           the
           reuniting
           of
           all
           honest
           and
           faithful
           hearts
           in
           a
           firm
           concord
           of
           Christian
           love
           ,
           endeavouring
           to
           discover
           and
           defeat
           all
           the
           devices
           and
           machinations
           of
           Satan
           ,
           and
           his
           Engines
           ,
           against
           the
           peace
           and
           welfare
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           all
           parts
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           especially
           in
           these
           wherein
           we
           are
           interested
           .
        
         
           12.
           
           And
           particularly
           
             considering
             our selves
          
           ,
           our
           own
           miscarriages
           and
           infirmities
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           as
           afore
           fly
           out
           upon
           the
           weakness
           ,
           defects
           ,
           or
           excesses
           of
           our
           Fathers
           or
           Brethren
           ,
           aggravating
           the
           blame
           of
           those
           their
           actions
           or
           Opinions
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           capable
           of
           a
           gentler
           or
           milder
           construction
           ,
           resolving
           to
           look
           as
           charitably
           upon
           all
           their
           proceedings
           ,
           who
           are
           otherwise
           minded
           in
           matters
           of
           an
           inferiour
           Nature
           ,
           bending
           our
           whole
           endeavours
           against
           known
           sin
           ,
           and
           open
           prophaness
           ,
           the
           great
           Enemies
           of
           our
           peace
           and
           settlement
           :
           As
           we
           have
           preached
           ,
           so
           we
           desire
           to
           live
           ,
           that
           charity
           that
           suffereth
           long
           ,
           and
           is
           kind
           ,
           is
           not
           easily
           provoked
           ,
           thinketh
           no
           evil
           ,
           beareth
           all
           things
           ,
           believeth
           all
           things
           ,
           hopeth
           all
           things
           ,
           endureth
           all
           things
           .
        
         
         
           13.
           
           And
           to
           that
           purpose
           we
           have
           first
           of
           all
           laid
           aside
           all
           our
           lesser
           Opinions
           among
           our selves
           ,
           and
           our
           little
           separations
           and
           divisions
           ,
           and
           resolvedly
           knit
           our selves
           together
           in
           an
           entire
           affection
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           that
           by
           this
           all
           men
           may
           know
           
             that
             we
             are
             Christs
             Disciples
             ,
             because
             we
             love
             one
             another
             ,
          
           and
           are
           ready
           to
           shew
           all
           mutual
           respects
           of
           Christian
           love
           ,
           and
           observance
           to
           each
           other
           upon
           all
           occasion
           loving
           as
           Brethren
           :
           As
           likewise
           we
           shall
           in
           all
           meekness
           of
           spirit
           lovingly
           converse
           with
           ,
           and
           kindly
           ,
           affectionate
           to
           ,
           and
           respectful
           towards
           all
           our
           Fathers
           and
           Brethren
           in
           their
           places
           ,
           living
           without
           offence
           ,
           and
           blameless
           .
        
         
           14.
           
           We
           mourn
           ,
           but
           not
           
             as
             men
             without
             hope
          
           ;
           that
           our
           gracious
           God
           will
           find
           out
           a
           way
           to
           have
           mercy
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           chear
           up
           his
           countenance
           towards
           all
           his
           Chosen
           Ones
           ,
           wiping
           (
           as
           that
           holy
           Bishop
           said
           )
           
             all
             tears
             from
             their
             eyes
             ,
             and
             all
             spots
             from
             their
             faces
             ,
          
           and
           answering
           the
           holy
           desires
           of
           their
           hearts
           ,
           in
           shewing
           them
           Sion
           in
           perfect
           beauty
           ,
           and
           that
           not
           by
           overturning
           any
           part
           of
           the
           Government
           ,
           but
           by
           opening
           our
           hearts
           to
           see
           our
           errours
           ,
           and
           close
           one
           with
           another
           ,
           by
           turning
           the
           heart
           of
           
             the
             Father
             towards
             the
             Child
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Child
             towards
             the
             Father
             ,
             least
             God
             come
             and
             smite
             the
             earth
             with
             dicurse
             .
          
        
         
           15.
           
           In
           the
           mean
           time
           we
           possess
           our
           Souls
           in
           patience
           ,
           and
           we
           keep
           silence
           before
           God
           ,
           waiting
           upon
           him
           that
           hideth
           his
           face
           from
           Jacob
           ;
           for
           his
           Spirit
           of
           love
           ,
           unity
           ,
           peace
           and
           concord
           ,
           resolving
           to
           continue
           thus
           doing
           ,
           till
           we
           receive
           an
           answer
           from
           heaven
           .
        
         
           16.
           
           It
           s
           true
           ,
           there
           are
           many
           of
           us
           whose
           bodies
           will
           not
           bear
           that
           austerity
           of
           fasting
           and
           humiliation
           which
           our
           cause
           may
           require
           ,
           yet
           they
           that
           cannot
           fast
           do
           pray
           ,
           and
           they
           that
           cannot
           spare
           a
           day
           in
           seven
           ,
           can
           spare
           an
           hour
           in
           twelve
           ,
           and
           make
           up
           the
           rest
           in
           frequent
           and
           servent
           ejaculations
           .
        
         
           17.
           
           Whereas
           some
           have
           pretended
           that
           we
           set
           up
           a
           Government
           within
           a
           Government
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           have
           an
           Authority
           among
           our selves
           ,
           we
           must
           let
           the
           world
           know
           we
           are
           all
           equal
           ,
           and
           we
           have
           no
           formality
           or
           Ceremony
           among
           us
           ,
           but
           a
           free
           and
           voluntary
           entrance
           ,
           left
           open
           for
           
           all
           comers
           into
           this
           strict
           course
           of
           Christian
           Austerity
           ,
           without
           any
           noyse
           ,
           without
           the
           required
           notice
           of
           any
           ,
           but
           God
           and
           their
           own
           conscience
           ,
           that
           all
           may
           well
           know
           and
           see
           ,
           that
           here
           is
           no
           design
           than
           meerly
           Spiritual
           ,
           aiming
           at
           nothing
           but
           Religious
           Transactions
           ,
           between
           God
           and
           our
           own
           Souls
           ,
           and
           consisting
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           the
           unquestionable
           exercises
           of
           Piety
           and
           holy
           Devotion
           .
        
         
           18.
           
           Since
           we
           have
           been
           uncapable
           of
           speaking
           to
           the
           people
           the
           things
           that
           are
           of
           everlasting
           concernment
           ,
           we
           have
           recommended
           to
           them
           the
           writings
           of
           good
           men
           ,
           pious
           and
           peaceable
           ,
           who
           being
           
             dead
             yet
             speak
          
           ,
           and
           poor
           men
           we
           know
           may
           read
           a
           good
           book
           ,
           when
           they
           cannot
           hear
           a
           good
           man
           ;
           and
           we
           our selves
           teach
           them
           from
           house
           to
           house
           ,
           with
           tears
           day
           and
           night
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostles
           did
           ,
           leaving
           with
           them
           such
           books
           as
           Mr.
           
             Baxters
             Call
          
           ,
           his
           
             Now
             or
             Never
          
           ,
           his
           
             Directions
             for
             Peace
             of
             Conscience
          
           ,
           his
           
             Saints
             Everlasting
             Rest
          
           ,
           Mr
           Bolton
           ,
           Dr.
           Sibbs
           ,
           Mr.
           Perkins
           ,
           Mr.
           Dod
           ,
           and
           Dr.
           Preston
           .
        
         
           19.
           
           We
           settle
           mens
           judgements
           upon
           most
           firm
           and
           solid
           principles
           ,
           leading
           to
           peace
           and
           holiness
           ,
           leading
           them
           through
           that
           safe
           and
           middle
           way
           that
           is
           equally
           distant
           from
           all
           the
           extremes
           men
           have
           run
           into
           in
           their
           hearts
           about
           some
           points
           of
           Religion
           ,
           as
           particularly
           in
           the
           points
           now
           in
           difference
           among
           us
           ,
           we
           teach
           our
           people
           ,
           that
           though
           we
           cannot
           conform
           to
           the
           Church
           without
           sin
           ,
           yet
           they
           cannot
           separate
           from
           it
           without
           sin
           ;
           we
           cannot
           administer
           according
           to
           the
           prescribed
           form
           ,
           but
           we
           and
           they
           can
           hear
           according
           to
           it
           ;
           we
           must
           joyn
           with
           the
           Church
           in
           our
           duties
           ,
           though
           we
           are
           not
           guilty
           of
           her
           infirmities
           ;
           we
           teach
           them
           that
           it
           is
           one
           thing
           to
           hold
           communion
           with
           a
           Church
           that
           is
           under
           some
           miscarriages
           ,
           and
           another
           thing
           to
           act
           those
           miscarriages
           ;
           what
           we
           chiefly
           insist
           on
           ,
           are
           things
           much
           comporting
           and
           agreeing
           with
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           things
           that
           are
           most
           proper
           to
           build
           men
           up
           in
           their
           most
           holy
           Faith
           ,
           and
           to
           promote
           the
           power
           of
           godliness
           in
           their
           hearts
           and
           lives
           .
        
         
           20.
           
           It
           s
           true
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           settle
           our
           peoples
           hearts
           upon
           all
           occasions
           ,
           but
           always
           offering
           them
           such
           things
           as
           tend
           
           to
           peace
           and
           quietness
           ,
           and
           godliness
           of
           living
           ,
           dealing
           as
           faithfully
           with
           them
           ,
           as
           those
           who
           must
           give
           an
           account
           ;
           and
           if
           therefore
           we
           have
           any
           interest
           with
           them
           ,
           we
           improve
           for
           God
           our
           Soveraign
           ,
           and
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           for
           whose
           distressed
           members
           we
           sometimes
           solicit
           them
           with
           success
           ,
           and
           find
           them
           willing
           above
           their
           strength
           and
           ability
           ,
           and
           we
           hope
           the
           Lord
           will
           not
           forget
           their
           work
           and
           labour
           of
           love
           ,
           and
           yet
           we
           desire
           not
           to
           wrong
           any
           Minister
           in
           his
           place
           ,
           for
           indeed
           we
           stated
           the
           point
           of
           Ministers
           maintenance
           upon
           such
           grounds
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           perswaded
           no
           sober
           Christian
           ,
           with
           whom
           we
           have
           any
           interest
           ,
           will
           withdraw
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           due
           from
           any
           man
           that
           labours
           in
           the
           Word
           and
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           watches
           for
           their
           Souls
           :
           And
           though
           we
           are
           otherwise
           represented
           ,
           yet
           our
           great
           endeavour
           is
           ,
           by
           a
           discreet
           interposition
           to
           allay
           and
           fix
           the
           people
           to
           a
           due
           temperament
           (
           gently
           guiding
           some
           mens
           well-meaning
           zeal
           by
           such
           rules
           of
           moderation
           ,
           as
           are
           best
           to
           restore
           and
           preserve
           the
           health
           and
           peace
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           ,
           much
           pleasing
           our selves
           in
           that
           good
           and
           firm
           understanding
           which
           would
           thence
           grow
           between
           his
           most
           Excellent
           Majesty
           and
           his
           good
           people
           ,
           all
           jealousies
           being
           laid
           aside
           ,
           our
           own
           and
           our
           Posterities
           Interest
           lay
           before
           us
           many
           strong
           obligations
           to
           seek
           and
           preserve
           the
           peace
           and
           welfare
           of
           the
           Land
           of
           our
           Nativity
           ;
           the
           offence
           which
           some
           mens
           dangerous
           medling
           and
           over-busie
           interpositions
           have
           contracted
           upon
           our
           profession
           ,
           we
           have
           resolved
           to
           expiate
           by
           such
           moderations
           for
           the
           future
           ,
           as
           might
           not
           only
           check
           the
           excesses
           of
           our
           practise
           ,
           but
           of
           our
           Opinions
           too
           ,
           no
           men
           having
           a
           greater
           kindness
           for
           peace
           and
           settlement
           preserved
           in
           truth
           ,
           unity
           and
           order
           ,
           then
           our selves
           ,
           whom
           it
           most
           concerns
           ,
           whether
           we
           consider
           our
           consciences
           ;
           callings
           or
           interests
           ,
           as
           knowing
           ,
           that
           nothing
           undermines
           to
           much
           in
           our
           Authority
           and
           Calling
           ,
           as
           those
           dangerous
           dissentions
           wherein
           the
           people
           learn
           to
           shake
           off
           both
           .
        
         
           21.
           
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           we
           cannot
           own
           that
           Episcopacy
           now
           established
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           undertake
           it
           our selves
           ,
           yet
           we
           would
           submit
           to
           it
           as
           to
           every
           Ordinance
           of
           man
           for
           the
           Lords
           sake
           ,
           
           whether
           to
           the
           King
           as
           Supreme
           ,
           or
           to
           those
           
             who
             are
             sent
             by
             him
          
           ,
           whose
           great
           charges
           and
           care
           is
           like
           enough
           to
           betray
           them
           to
           some
           errours
           ,
           and
           many
           enemies
           ,
           whereof
           they
           canno
           but
           contract
           good
           store
           ,
           while
           so
           eminent
           and
           so
           active
           ,
           they
           provoke
           that
           envy
           which
           improved
           to
           a
           popular
           odium
           ,
           is
           able
           to
           overcast
           the
           highest
           Merit
           and
           Integrity
           ;
           wherefore
           the
           Bishops
           have
           our
           prayers
           ,
           pity
           ,
           and
           assistance
           ;
           and
           although
           we
           cannot
           in
           our
           judgement
           approve
           all
           that
           they
           do
           ,
           driven
           it
           may
           be
           rather
           by
           the
           ▪
           temper
           of
           the
           people
           and
           unhappiness
           of
           this
           age
           ,
           then
           〈◊〉
           their
           own
           disposition
           to
           any
           height
           and
           rigour
           of
           action
           ;
           yet
           we
           allow
           not
           that
           their
           persons
           or
           Government
           should
           be
           exposed
           to
           the
           malapartness
           of
           the
           loose
           and
           irreverent
           multitude
           ,
           who
           take
           a
           bold
           liberty
           to
           despise
           Dominions
           ,
           and
           to
           speak
           evil
           of
           Dignities
           ,
           whereas
           we
           have
           always
           taught
           ,
           that
           men
           should
           cheerfully
           submit
           to
           the
           Authority
           ,
           when
           they
           cannot
           in
           Conscience
           allow
           all
           the
           practises
           of
           those
           that
           are
           over
           them
           in
           the
           Lord
           :
           Indeed
           ,
           we
           never
           met
           with
           a
           more
           perplexed
           conjuncture
           of
           affairs
           ,
           then
           the
           late
           business
           of
           Bishops
           ,
           when
           between
           our
           unsatisfiedness
           in
           Conscience
           under
           that
           Government
           ,
           and
           the
           woful
           necessity
           if
           we
           shaked
           off
           that
           of
           being
           under
           none
           ,
           we
           run
           head
           ,
           long
           to
           that
           which
           we
           thought
           then
           expedient
           ,
           rather
           then
           we
           should
           suffer
           some
           inconvenience
           under
           that
           which
           ,
           well
           regulated
           we
           must
           ▪
           always
           approve
           as
           just
           ,
           preferring
           the
           humour
           of
           some
           particular
           men
           ,
           before
           the
           reason
           of
           the
           Christian
           World
           :
           Well
           experience
           hath
           taught
           us
           ▪
           that
           we
           had
           better
           live
           where
           nothing
           is
           lawful
           ,
           then
           where
           all
           things
           are
           so
           ;
           that
           Anarchy
           is
           the
           greatest
           oppression
           ,
           licentiousness
           the
           greatest
           grievance
           and
           an
           unbounded
           liberty
           the
           greatest
           slavery
           ▪
        
         
           22.
           
           Indeed
           we
           allow
           it
           for
           weaker
           Christians
           ,
           who
           have
           not
           their
           hearts
           enlarged
           with
           an
           ability
           to
           express
           their
           own
           wants
           and
           desires
           ,
           both
           lawful
           and
           convenient
           to
           help
           themselves
           in
           prayer
           ,
           the
           use
           of
           a
           prescribed
           form
           ,
           wherein
           they
           may
           have
           their
           own
           case
           and
           condition
           more
           pithily
           and
           affectionately
           then
           they
           are
           able
           to
           express
           it
           themselves
           ,
           and
           if
           the
           use
           of
           such
           a
           form
           do
           prove
           a
           means
           
           to
           warm
           the
           affections
           ,
           and
           enkindle
           their
           grace
           ,
           we
           looking
           not
           upon
           it
           as
           any
           quenching
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           it
           being
           not
           in
           our
           apprehension
           essential
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           prayer
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           either
           read
           ,
           or
           rehearsed
           by
           memory
           ,
           or
           by
           immediate
           suggestion
           ,
           but
           rather
           that
           it
           be
           delivered
           out
           of
           the
           book
           ,
           or
           out
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           with
           understanding
           and
           suitable
           affections
           ,
           with
           humility
           and
           confidence
           ,
           and
           an
           inward
           sense
           of
           our
           condition
           ;
           nor
           is
           there
           any
           great
           difference
           betwixt
           repeating
           by
           memory
           ,
           and
           reading
           out
           of
           a
           book
           ,
           the
           memory
           being
           but
           a
           kind
           of
           invisible
           book
           for
           the
           register
           of
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           though
           in
           this
           case
           it
           should
           be
           especially
           remembred
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           use
           of
           such
           prescript
           forms
           ,
           to
           which
           a
           man
           hath
           been
           accustomed
           ,
           he
           ought
           to
           be
           narrowly
           watchful
           over
           his
           own
           heart
           ,
           for
           fear
           of
           that
           lip-service
           and
           formality
           which
           in
           such
           cases
           we
           are
           more
           especially
           exposed
           unto
           ;
           but
           yet
           for
           any
           one
           so
           to
           fit
           and
           satisfie
           himself
           with
           his
           Prayer-book
           ,
           as
           to
           go
           no
           further
           ,
           this
           were
           still
           to
           remain
           in
           his
           Infancy
           ,
           and
           never
           grow
           in
           grace
           or
           gifts
           ;
           and
           withall
           ,
           it
           s
           very
           hard
           for
           a
           man
           to
           find
           a
           prescribed
           form
           that
           may
           suit
           with
           our
           several
           emergencies
           ;
           and
           therefore
           indeed
           we
           do
           not
           tye
           our selves
           so
           precisely
           to
           any
           particular
           form
           of
           words
           ,
           though
           of
           our
           own
           composing
           ,
           and
           fitted
           to
           our
           condition
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           may
           either
           add
           or
           alter
           ,
           according
           as
           our
           emergent
           occasion
           ,
           or
           some
           new
           affection
           suggested
           shall
           require
           :
           Sometimes
           we
           feel
           our
           hearts
           more
           warm
           ,
           our
           desires
           more
           vigorous
           ,
           and
           our
           expressions
           more
           copious
           and
           ready
           :
           And
           in
           this
           case
           we
           suffer
           not
           our selves
           to
           be
           streightened
           or
           confined
           to
           any
           form
           ,
           but
           take
           our
           liberty
           to
           expatiate
           more
           freely
           ,
           according
           as
           we
           find
           our
           inward
           :
           in●argements
           .
        
         
           23.
           
           Amongst
           all
           the
           stratagems
           of
           Satan
           ,
           whereby
           he
           would
           undermine
           Religion
           ,
           and
           pervert
           the
           souls
           of
           men
           ,
           though
           there
           cannot
           be
           any
           more
           unreasonable
           ,
           yet
           there
           was
           never
           any
           more
           unhappily
           successful
           then
           the
           raising
           and
           cherishing
           fears
           and
           jealousies
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           Religion
           in
           the
           height
           and
           exaltation
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           an
           Enemy
           to
           Government
           ;
           and
           that
           to
           be
           a
           through-paced
           ,
           a
           sincere
           and
           zealous
           Christian
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           dangerous
           to
           the
           State
           :
           We
           
           therefore
           ,
           as
           Ministers
           of
           this
           Religion
           ,
           are
           bold
           in
           the
           evidence
           &
           truth
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           say
           that
           (
           whatever
           the
           men
           of
           the
           world
           judge
           of
           us
           )
           we
           profess
           Christian
           Religion
           in
           so
           harmless
           and
           innocent
           a
           way
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           studied
           and
           endeavoured
           to
           state
           the
           Rights
           of
           
             Civil
             Government
          
           upon
           the
           clearest
           and
           firmest
           principles
           ,
           to
           secure
           them
           by
           the
           most
           powerful
           obligation
           ,
           and
           to
           urge
           them
           upon
           men
           by
           the
           most
           efficacious
           motives
           of
           rewards
           and
           punishments
           in
           the
           world
           :
           And
           we
           profess
           sincerely
           ,
           that
           we
           look
           upon
           our
           late
           miscarriages
           as
           most
           unhappy
           scandals
           to
           our
           Religion
           ,
           and
           those
           ingaged
           in
           them
           so
           for
           us
           ,
           to
           persist
           still
           as
           Enemies
           to
           the
           Cross
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           men
           born
           to
           bring
           our
           holy
           Christian
           profession
           into
           jealousie
           ,
           suspition
           ,
           and
           disgrace
           with
           the
           powers
           of
           the
           earth
           ,
           and
           to
           stir
           up
           the
           Kings
           of
           the
           earth
           to
           stand
           up
           ,
           and
           the
           Rulers
           to
           take
           counsel
           together
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           against
           his
           Christ
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           break
           their
           bonds
           in
           sunder
           ,
           and
           cast
           their
           cords
           from
           them
           :
           We
           are
           so
           sensible
           of
           the
           original
           and
           institution
           of
           Government
           ,
           of
           the
           end
           and
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           good
           and
           evil
           men
           ,
           and
           thereof
           the
           necessity
           of
           subjection
           for
           Conscience
           sake
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           sin
           and
           danger
           of
           resisting
           an
           Ordinance
           of
           God
           ,
           considering
           that
           they
           who
           resist
           privately
           or
           openly
           by
           word
           or
           deed
           ,
           resist
           to
           their
           own
           damnation
           ;
           that
           we
           cannot
           allow
           any
           person
           upon
           any
           pretence
           whatsoever
           ,
           in
           any
           manner
           whatsoever
           ,
           to
           vilifie
           ,
           despise
           ,
           murmure
           against
           ,
           disparage
           ,
           undermine
           ,
           or
           oppose
           lawful
           Authority
           that
           is
           set
           over
           him
           ,
           we
           say
           upon
           any
           pretence
           whatsoever
           ,
           either
           1.
           
           In
           respect
           of
           the
           person
           governing
           ,
           as
           Errour
           ,
           Heresie
           ,
           Idolatry
           ,
           harsh
           Administration
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           ,
           in
           which
           cases
           the
           servants
           of
           God
           in
           all
           Ages
           had
           no
           other
           remedy
           but
           patience
           ,
           and
           prayer
           ,
           and
           crying
           mightily
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           1
           Sam
           8.
           9
           ,
           11
           ,
           12
           ,
           18.
           as
           they
           did
           under
           
             Tiberius
             ,
             Caligula
             ,
             Claudius
          
           and
           Nero
           ,
           those
           Monsters
           of
           mankind
           .
           Or
           2.
           
           In
           respect
           of
           the
           persons
           governed
           ,
           be
           they
           never
           so
           holy
           seeing
           ,
           best
           of
           men
           ,
           yea
           God
           and
           Man
           in
           this
           case
           obeyed
           unto
           the
           death
           .
           3.
           
           In
           respect
           of
           any
           causes
           whatsoever
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           Religion
           ,
           whereof
           we
           conceive
           the
           Magistrate
           ought
           to
           have
           the
           greatest
           care
           ,
           so
           that
           we
           are
           perswaded
           in
           our
           Consciences
           ,
           that
           to
           them
           who
           have
           
           imbraced
           Christianity
           in
           the
           true
           and
           genuine
           spirit
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           we
           hope
           we
           have
           all
           done
           ;
           and
           to
           those
           who
           without
           vile
           affections
           ,
           and
           carnal
           interests
           ,
           shall
           apply
           themselves
           to
           know
           the
           mind
           of
           God
           delivered
           in
           Scripture
           :
           As
           we
           hope
           we
           do
           with
           peaceable
           submission
           ,
           and
           patience
           is
           a
           clear
           duty
           under
           any
           Government
           ;
           so
           that
           though
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Ruler
           be
           stirred
           against
           them
           ,
           yet
           they
           cannot
           stir
           out
           of
           their
           place
           .
        
         
           24.
           
           And
           as
           we
           are
           thus
           justly
           affected
           to
           Soveraignty
           ,
           as
           knowing
           by
           whom
           the
           powers
           are
           ordained
           ,
           as
           we
           dare
           not
           curse
           the
           King
           in
           our
           heart
           ,
           or
           revile
           the
           Ruler
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           much
           lesse
           slander
           the
           footsteps
           of
           Gods
           Anointed
           ;
           as
           we
           submit
           for
           conscience
           sake
           to
           every
           Ordinance
           of
           God
           ;
           yea
           to
           every
           Ordinance
           of
           man
           for
           the
           Lords
           sake
           ,
           not
           daring
           to
           disobey
           in
           regard
           of
           the
           Oath
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           pay
           custome
           where
           custome
           ,
           and
           tribute
           where
           tribute
           .
           So
           indeed
           whatever
           apprehensions
           men
           have
           of
           us
           abroad
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           fill
           up
           every
           relation
           conscionably
           and
           faithfully
           according
           to
           the
           Rule
           ,
           and
           as
           men
           that
           desire
           to
           approve
           our selves
           to
           God
           and
           men
           ;
           as
           1.
           to
           our
           calling
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           be
           faithful
           ,
           neither
           suppressing
           nor
           corrupting
           the
           truth
           ,
           to
           take
           heed
           to
           our selves
           ,
           and
           to
           all
           the
           flock
           of
           God
           ,
           over
           which
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           hath
           made
           us
           overseers
           ,
           to
           feed
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           which
           he
           hath
           purchased
           with
           his
           own
           blood
           :
           We
           desire
           to
           speak
           from
           the
           heart
           to
           the
           heart
           ,
           to
           feel
           in
           our selves
           what
           we
           speak
           ,
           to
           others
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           serve
           God
           with
           our
           spirit
           in
           the
           Gospel
           of
           his
           Son
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           save
           our selves
           and
           those
           that
           hear
           us
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           walk
           from
           love
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           salvation
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           as
           able
           ,
           faithful
           ,
           resolute
           ,
           industrious
           ,
           in
           preparing
           for
           ,
           and
           exercising
           of
           our
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           as
           compassionate
           of
           souls
           ,
           preaching
           the
           Word
           purely
           ,
           plainly
           ,
           prude●tly
           ,
           powerfully
           and
           sincerely
           ,
           administring
           the
           Sacraments
           carefully
           ,
           instructing
           our
           Flocks
           ,
           advising
           ,
           admonishing
           ,
           and
           comforting
           them
           as
           we
           see
           occasion
           ;
           being
           good
           examples
           to
           Believers
           ,
           in
           words
           in
           conversation
           ,
           in
           charity
           ,
           in
           spirit
           ,
           in
           faith
           ,
           in
           purity
           and
           waiting
           upon
           God
           for
           success
           :
           We
           desire
           to
           be
           neither
           too
           austere
           in
           our
           retiredness
           ,
           nor
           too
           cheap
           in
           our
           sociablenesse
           ,
           but
           carrying
           so
           even
           a
           
           hand
           ,
           that
           our
           discreet
           affableness
           may
           be
           free
           from
           contempt
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           may
           win
           our
           people
           with
           a
           loving
           conversation
           ;
           as
           secondly
           to
           our
           Relation
           ,
           first
           to
           our
           Familier
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           be
           the
           mouth
           of
           our
           people
           to
           God
           by
           constant
           prayers
           ,
           and
           the
           mouth
           of
           God
           to
           our
           people
           by
           wholsome
           Instructions
           ,
           and
           holy
           Admonitions
           ,
           loving
           ,
           tender
           ,
           and
           careful
           of
           our
           nearest
           Relations
           ,
           devoting
           them
           to
           Gods
           service
           ,
           and
           committing
           them
           to
           his
           care
           ,
           providing
           yet
           for
           them
           honest
           things
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           going
           before
           them
           in
           good
           examples
           of
           piety
           and
           holy
           conversation
           ,
           and
           so
           over-looking
           them
           ,
           as
           they
           that
           have
           more
           then
           meer
           bodies
           committed
           to
           our
           charge
           :
           We
           desire
           to
           be
           familiar
           ,
           meek
           ,
           humble
           ,
           and
           courteous
           towards
           all
           ,
           and
           helpful
           one
           way
           or
           other
           to
           our
           neighbour
           ,
           as
           they
           that
           think
           our selves
           born
           to
           do
           good
           ,
           maintaining
           peace
           and
           love
           at
           home
           and
           abroad
           .
        
         
           25.
           
           We
           think
           we
           have
           fully
           informed
           our selves
           in
           all
           the
           necessary
           points
           of
           Religion
           ;
           and
           we
           are
           so
           firmly
           grounded
           in
           those
           fundamental
           and
           saving
           truths
           ,
           that
           we
           will
           not
           be
           carried
           about
           with
           every
           wind
           of
           doctrine
           ;
           as
           for
           circumstances
           ,
           we
           neither
           neglect
           them
           ,
           nor
           yet
           too
           eagerly
           pursue
           after
           them
           ;
           we
           receive
           nothing
           in
           Religion
           upon
           trust
           :
           nor
           dare
           we
           absolutely
           follow
           any
           guide
           ,
           but
           such
           as
           we
           are
           sure
           cannot
           erre
           ;
           we
           have
           some
           hours
           for
           speculation
           ,
           but
           our
           Life
           is
           to
           reduce
           knowledge
           to
           practice
           ,
           and
           so
           much
           we
           think
           we
           know
           ,
           as
           we
           can
           live
           ;
           where
           we
           are
           convinced
           we
           we
           can
           submit
           ,
           where
           we
           must
           dissent
           we
           can
           be
           silent
           ,
           and
           where
           we
           dissent
           from
           the
           Church
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           examine
           throughly
           whether
           we
           are
           deceived
           ;
           we
           keep
           close
           to
           those
           truths
           which
           do
           most
           promote
           the
           glory
           and
           grace
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           reformation
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           the
           salvation
           of
           souls
           :
           
             Whosoever
             therefore
             by
             pride
             ,
             or
             faction
             ,
             or
             schisme
             ,
             or
             ambition
             ,
             or
             novel
             fancies
             ,
             and
             arrogance
             ,
             or
             ignorance
             ,
             or
             sedition
             ,
             or
             popularity
             ,
             or
             vain-glory
             ,
             or
             envy
             or
             discontent
             ,
             or
             corrospondence
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             carnal
             reason
             shall
             cause
             divisions
             or
             offences
             by
             teaching
             any
             other
             doctrine
             then
             what
             we
             have
             received
             ,
             we
             look
             not
             upon
             him
             as
             the
             Servant
             of
             Christ
             .
          
        
         
           26.
           
           We
           desire
           we
           may
           not
           be
           judged
           for
           our
           austere
           
           conversation
           and
           strict
           life
           ;
           for
           we
           desire
           ,
           so
           to
           speak
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           do
           ,
           as
           they
           that
           shall
           be
           judged
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           Liberty
           :
           We
           would
           our
           discourse
           were
           grave
           ,
           discreet
           ,
           pertinent
           ,
           free
           from
           vanity
           ,
           free
           from
           offence
           :
           We
           allow
           our selves
           no
           corrupt
           or
           unsavoury
           communication
           ;
           in
           worldly
           affairs
           we
           desire
           nothing
           may
           fall
           from
           us
           but
           what
           is
           seasonable
           and
           well
           advised
           ;
           in
           spiritual
           ,
           such
           as
           may
           minister
           grace
           to
           the
           hearers
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           is
           sparing
           and
           charitable
           ,
           allowing
           neither
           detraction
           nor
           censure
           ;
           not
           meddling
           with
           any
           matters
           of
           State
           ▪
           but
           keeping
           our selves
           within
           compasse
           ,
           only
           desiring
           to
           understand
           the
           times
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           know
           what
           Israel
           ought
           to
           do
           :
           In
           word
           and
           actions
           we
           desire
           to
           walk
           circumspectly
           ,
           to
           avoid
           all
           appearance
           of
           evil
           ;
           to
           walk
           as
           in
           sincerity
           ,
           as
           in
           truth
           ,
           and
           as
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ;
           exercising
           our selves
           to
           a
           good
           Conscience
           ,
           void
           of
           offence
           towards
           God
           and
           towards
           men
           ;
           willing
           in
           all
           things
           to
           live
           honestly
           ,
           and
           endeavouring
           to
           live
           without
           rebuke
           in
           the
           middest
           of
           a
           crooked
           and
           perverse
           generation
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           are
           more
           earnest
           and
           serious
           then
           ordinarily
           ,
           you
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           sensible
           
             how
             short
             time
             is
             ,
             what
             eternity
             is
             ,
          
           and
           
             what
             are
             our
             immortal
             souls
          
           ,
           and
           
             what
             that
             God
             is
             with
             whom
             we
             have
             to
             do
             .
          
           Our
           recreation
           we
           desire
           may
           be
           safe
           ,
           inoffensive
           and
           moderate
           in
           time
           and
           measure
           ,
           such
           as
           may
           refresh
           a
           tired
           body
           and
           mind
           ,
           and
           not
           effeminate
           or
           debauch
           them
           ,
           we
           would
           indeed
           rejoyce
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           rejoyced
           not
           .
           We
           allow
           our selves
           so
           far
           creature-enjoyments
           ,
           as
           nature
           requires
           ,
           and
           grace
           moderates
           ,
           and
           our
           God
           blesseth
           :
           we
           redeem
           our
           time
           ,
           considering
           it
           is
           not
           our
           own
           improving
           it
           to
           our
           best
           advantage
           ;
           we
           know
           a
           day
           or
           a
           night
           well
           spent
           ,
           makes
           way
           for
           Eternity
           .
           We
           desire
           to
           be
           very
           observant
           of
           our
           outward
           conversation
           ,
           but
           we
           look
           chiefly
           at
           our
           inward
           frame
           ;
           we
           live
           by
           the
           precepts
           ,
           we
           live
           upon
           the
           promises
           ,
           we
           affect
           not
           singularity
           ,
           we
           aim
           at
           sincerity
           ,
           our
           Habits
           commend
           us
           not
           to
           God
           ,
           yet
           by
           our
           Habits
           we
           would
           not
           give
           offence
           unto
           men
           ;
           our
           devotion
           we
           desire
           may
           be
           with
           fear
           and
           reverence
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           ,
           and
           with
           Faith
           and
           sincerity
           on
           the
           other
           ,
           we
           watch
           unto
           prayer
           ,
           and
           we
           watch
           after
           prayer
           ;
           and
           indeed
           we
           desire
           always
           
           to
           watch
           and
           be
           sober
           ,
           fearing
           in
           adversity
           ,
           and
           rejoycing
           in
           tribulation
           ,
           knowing
           that
           tribulation
           provoketh
           patience
           ,
           and
           patience
           experience
           ,
           and
           experience
           hope
           ,
           and
           hope
           maketh
           not
           ashamed
           .
        
         
           27.
           
           Our
           indeavours
           to
           keep
           a
           good
           understanding
           at
           Court
           by
           our
           Friends
           and
           Brethren
           ,
           is
           loaded
           by
           our
           enemies
           (
           for
           so
           some
           would
           be
           still
           ,
           notwithstanding
           his
           Majesties
           endeavours
           for
           pacification
           )
           with
           all
           the
           obloquies
           and
           exasperations
           imaginable
           ,
           and
           looked
           upon
           by
           some
           indifferent
           men
           with
           jealousies
           and
           fears
           ;
           but
           these
           men
           know
           not
           the
           just
           motives
           and
           pregnant
           grounds
           with
           which
           we
           think
           our selves
           furnished
           for
           those
           undertakings
           ,
           God
           knows
           it
           is
           not
           any
           interest
           or
           party
           we
           desire
           to
           serve
           there
           ,
           but
           we
           pursue
           the
           peace
           and
           good
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           to
           prevent
           future
           dangers
           ,
           which
           we
           may
           foresee
           will
           in
           all
           likelihood
           follow
           some
           mens
           activity
           (
           if
           not
           restrained
           )
           by
           a
           moderate
           Interest
           ;
           not
           as
           if
           we
           would
           stop
           the
           course
           of
           Law
           ,
           or
           weaken
           Authority
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           desire
           heartily
           ,
           as
           many
           honourable
           Persons
           do
           ,
           with
           his
           Majesty
           and
           his
           Father
           of
           blessed
           memory
           ,
           
             That
             no
             Party
             or
             Interest
             be
             exasperated
          
           (
           and
           the
           multitude
           are
           easier
           exasperated
           then
           appeased
           )
           
             by
             crossnesse
             ,
             and
             asperity
             of
             some
             mens
             passions
             ,
             humours
             or
             private
             opinions
             ,
             grounded
             only
             upon
             differences
             in
             lesser
             matters
             ,
             which
             are
             but
             the
             skirts
             and
             subburbs
             of
             Religion
             ;
             wherein
          
           (
           as
           his
           late
           Majesty
           of
           renowned
           Memory
           observed
           ,
           as
           an
           Angel
           of
           God
           )
           
             a
             charitable
             counivance
             and
             Christian
             toleration
             of
             sin
             dissipates
             their
             strength
             ,
             whom
             rougher
             opposition
             fortifieth
             ,
             and
             puts
             the
             despised
             and
             oppressed
             party
             into
             such
             combinations
             as
             may
             most
             enable
             them
             ,
             yet
             a
             full
             revenge
             on
             those
             they
             count
             their
             persecutors
             ,
             who
             are
             commonly
             assisted
             with
             that
             vulgar
             commiseration
             ,
             which
             attends
             all
             that
             are
             said
             to
             suffer
             under
             the
             notion
             of
             Religion
             .
          
        
         
           
             Indeed
             we
             only
             desire
             (
             what
             that
             famous
             Prince
             wished
             )
             viz.
          
           That
           solid
           piety
           ,
           and
           those
           fundamental
           truths
           (
           which
           mend
           both
           hearts
           and
           lives
           of
           men
           )
           be
           kept
           up
           and
           encouraged
           with
           equal
           justice
           and
           impartial
           favour
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           outward
           circumstances
           and
           formalities
           of
           Religion
           devour
           not
           all
           ,
           or
           the
           best
           encouragement
           ,
           of
           learning
           ,
           industry
           and
           piety
           ,
           but
           that
           with
           
           an
           equall
           eye
           and
           impartial
           hand
           favours
           and
           rewards
           he
           distrited
           among
           all
           men
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           found
           ,
           for
           their
           real
           goodnesse
           ,
           both
           in
           ability
           and
           fidelity
           worthy
           and
           capable
           of
           them
           :
           This
           ,
           
             saith
             that
             excellent
             Prince
          
           ,
           will
           be
           sure
           to
           gain
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           most
           ,
           and
           the
           best
           too
           ,
           who
           though
           they
           be
           not
           good
           themselves
           ,
           yet
           are
           glad
           to
           see
           the
           severer
           wayes
           of
           virtue
           at
           any
           time
           sweetned
           by
           temporal
           rewards
           .
        
         
           And
           though
           it
           be
           suggested
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           not
           to
           be
           trusted
           about
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           although
           we
           can
           make
           it
           appear
           ,
           that
           since
           his
           Majesty
           was
           restored
           we
           have
           passed
           three
           years
           with
           so
           much
           innocence
           ,
           and
           so
           little
           compliance
           with
           any
           Interest
           or
           Faction
           ,
           that
           not
           one
           publick
           action
           we
           did
           since
           ,
           but
           is
           capable
           of
           a
           fair
           and
           equitable
           plea
           ;
           yet
           since
           an
           Act
           of
           Indempnity
           and
           Religion
           is
           passed
           ,
           we
           think
           it
           our
           duty
           so
           for
           to
           comply
           with
           his
           Majesties
           Intention
           in
           granting
           that
           Act
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           mention
           any
           thing
           ,
           how
           defensible
           soever
           ,
           which
           he
           hath
           commanded
           should
           be
           utterly
           forgotten
           ,
           but
           to
           give
           our
           present
           sence
           of
           things
           ,
           we
           can
           sincerely
           professe
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           not
           only
           a
           Loyal
           ,
           but
           a
           most
           affectionate
           esteem
           for
           his
           Majesties
           Person
           and
           Government
           ;
           for
           since
           ,
           besides
           the
           general
           obligation
           of
           Subjects
           ,
           we
           are
           bound
           by
           our
           Religion
           to
           prize
           gratitude
           above
           all
           things
           ;
           we
           could
           not
           be
           just
           ,
           should
           we
           not
           most
           earnestly
           desire
           the
           happinesse
           of
           that
           Prince
           ,
           unto
           whose
           single
           endeavours
           we
           owe
           all
           our
           Liberty
           ;
           for
           we
           all
           acknowledge
           ,
           that
           his
           Majesties
           personal
           and
           passionate
           interposings
           did
           confirm
           our
           Indempnity
           ,
           and
           his
           most
           pious
           and
           unequalled
           Declarations
           have
           satisfactorily
           evidenced
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           not
           unwilling
           to
           indulge
           the
           utmost
           extent
           of
           sober
           and
           Christian
           Liberty
           ,
           which
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           elsewhere
           professed
           ,
           are
           expressions
           of
           so
           much
           goodness
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           so
           great
           power
           ,
           and
           after
           
             somany
             provocations
          
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           not
           the
           heart
           of
           a
           man
           ,
           much
           lesse
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           that
           hath
           not
           a
           due
           sence
           of
           them
           ;
           we
           are
           sure
           they
           have
           so
           throughly
           possessed
           us
           ,
           that
           if
           in
           any
           publick
           action
           of
           ours
           there
           be
           any
           Instance
           that
           can
           be
           wrested
           to
           the
           disparagement
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Royal
           Authority
           and
           Government
           :
           we
           intreat
           the
           world
           to
           take
           notice
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           hereby
           utterly
           disown
           it
           ,
           as
           being
           directly
           contrary
           to
           our
           professed
           Principles
           ,
           which
           lead
           us
           to
           no
           one
           
           point
           of
           outward
           practice
           more
           strictly
           and
           powerfully
           then
           an
           exact
           and
           punctual
           obedience
           to
           his
           Majesties
           Commands
           ,
           and
           a
           chearful
           submission
           to
           his
           Authority
           .
           And
           once
           for
           all
           ,
           now
           it
           hath
           pleased
           his
           Majesty
           to
           enjoyn
           an
           outward
           conformity
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           cannot
           in
           all
           things
           subscribe
           ,
           we
           are
           resolved
           ,
           the
           Lord
           assisting
           us
           ,
           to
           submit
           with
           chearfulnesse
           ,
           and
           to
           suffer
           with
           silence
           ,
           for
           as
           there
           is
           an
           active
           disobedience
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           resist
           ,
           so
           there
           is
           a
           passive
           disobedience
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           repine
           ,
           neither
           of
           which
           can
           we
           by
           any
           means
           approve
           of
           ;
           since
           whatever
           we
           cannot
           conscienciously
           do
           ,
           we
           think
           our selves
           obliged
           to
           suffer
           for
           ,
           with
           as
           much
           joy
           ,
           and
           with
           as
           little
           resistance
           ,
           as
           if
           any
           other
           act
           of
           obedience
           were
           called
           for
           from
           us
           .
           We
           may
           perhaps
           be
           too
           partial
           to
           our selves
           ;
           but
           certainly
           in
           general
           we
           may
           pronounce
           ,
           that
           whoever
           is
           of
           this
           temper
           ,
           whatever
           his
           judgement
           be
           ,
           as
           touching
           things
           indifferent
           in
           their
           own
           nature
           ,
           yet
           he
           cannot
           be
           supposed
           incompatible
           with
           wayes
           of
           publick
           safety
           .
           And
           over
           and
           above
           all
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           capable
           of
           being
           dangerous
           to
           this
           Government
           ,
           but
           by
           our
           Representatives
           in
           Parliament
           ,
           who
           are
           now
           men
           of
           such
           unspotted
           integrity
           towards
           his
           Majesties
           Person
           and
           Government
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           a
           wonder
           if
           malice
           it self
           can
           find
           the
           least
           suspition
           of
           danger
           .
        
         
           28.
           
           It
           is
           true
           (
           as
           some
           say
           )
           that
           by
           our
           diligence
           ,
           good
           husbandry
           ,
           and
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           our
           endeavours
           ,
           we
           have
           got
           among
           us
           a
           considerable
           part
           of
           the
           treasure
           of
           this
           Land
           ;
           for
           we
           are
           a
           people
           that
           improve
           our
           time
           ,
           and
           follow
           our
           businesse
           ,
           as
           whose
           strict
           profession
           forbids
           us
           those
           excesses
           which
           swallow
           up
           other
           mens
           time
           and
           estates
           ;
           Hounds
           ,
           Hawks
           ,
           Games
           ,
           Wine
           ,
           Women
           ,
           Playes
           ,
           and
           other
           vanities
           ,
           have
           neither
           our
           thoughts
           nor
           our
           purses
           ,
           which
           we
           reserve
           for
           higher
           advantage
           ,
           which
           we
           constantly
           watch
           ,
           and
           as
           constantly
           meet
           with
           (
           so
           great
           an
           advantage
           hath
           the
           sober
           against
           the
           intemperate
           )
           yet
           out
           of
           what
           we
           have
           ,
           are
           we
           ready
           upon
           all
           occasions
           to
           assist
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           support
           his
           Government
           ;
           yea
           if
           ,
           as
           some
           would
           have
           ,
           it
           should
           please
           his
           Majesty
           to
           impose
           upon
           us
           a
           Levy
           for
           our
           former
           miscarriages
           ,
           his
           Indulgence
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           for
           
           the
           peace
           and
           tranquillity
           we
           enjoy
           under
           him
           ,
           it
           should
           be
           parted
           with
           as
           chearfully
           as
           ever
           we
           parted
           with
           money
           in
           the
           heat
           of
           the
           late
           trouble
           ;
           neither
           would
           we
           so
           anxiously
           look
           upon
           what
           is
           gone
           of
           our
           estate
           ,
           as
           we
           would
           thankfully
           take
           notice
           of
           what
           remains
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           we
           have
           got
           estates
           some
           of
           us
           in
           the
           late
           troubles
           ,
           and
           now
           we
           have
           places
           about
           the
           King
           ,
           and
           indeed
           we
           know
           not
           how
           to
           expiate
           former
           transgression
           against
           his
           late
           Majesty
           ,
           but
           by
           endeavouring
           to
           be
           as
           capable
           as
           we
           can
           to
           serve
           his
           Son
           :
           Among
           our
           many
           failings
           we
           hoped
           this
           would
           have
           been
           none
           ,
           that
           we
           used
           all
           means
           to
           get
           into
           his
           Majesties
           service
           ,
           no
           place
           escaping
           us
           that
           could
           be
           had
           for
           love
           or
           money
           ;
           as
           we
           have
           done
           amisse
           ,
           not
           out
           of
           malice
           ,
           but
           misinformation
           ,
           or
           misapprehension
           of
           things
           ,
           so
           we
           hope
           none
           shall
           be
           more
           loyal
           and
           faithful
           then
           we
           ,
           who
           ,
           sensible
           of
           our
           errours
           and
           our
           injuries
           ,
           do
           feel
           in
           our
           own
           souls
           most
           vehement
           motives
           to
           repentance
           ,
           and
           earnest
           desires
           to
           make
           some
           repairations
           for
           former
           defects
           .
        
         
           For
           his
           Majesties
           and
           his
           Fathers
           faithful
           Souldiers
           and
           Subjects
           ,
           who
           out
           of
           conscience
           sunk
           in
           the
           same
           ruine
           with
           their
           Liege
           ,
           Lord
           and
           Soveraign
           ,
           we
           declare
           ,
           upon
           all
           occasions
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           called
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           think
           it
           necessary
           for
           publick
           settlement
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           provided
           for
           as
           may
           be
           just
           and
           expedient
           ;
           such
           valour
           and
           gallantry
           we
           confesse
           they
           have
           shewed
           ,
           that
           we
           heartily
           wish
           we
           may
           never
           want
           such
           men
           to
           serve
           our
           Soveraign
           ,
           to
           maintain
           his
           Laws
           and
           Kingdomes
           in
           such
           a
           peace
           ,
           as
           wherein
           they
           may
           enjoy
           their
           share
           and
           proportion
           as
           much
           as
           any
           men
           ;
           and
           so
           wish
           withall
           ,
           that
           we
           did
           close
           so
           unanimously
           in
           one
           common
           subjection
           ,
           that
           there
           were
           no
           note
           of
           distinction
           left
           ,
           and
           no
           quarrel
           remain
           but
           this
           one
           ,
           
             viz.
             who
             should
             be
             most
             Loyal
             and
             faithful
             :
          
           we
           would
           have
           our
           fellow
           Subjects
           live
           as
           strictly
           and
           as
           warily
           as
           we
           do
           ,
           and
           they
           will
           see
           ,
           the
           very
           money
           that
           is
           spent
           upon
           their
           vanities
           would
           procure
           them
           places
           as
           well
           as
           ours
           does
           us
           :
           and
           as
           for
           such
           of
           them
           as
           the
           iniquity
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           or
           their
           own
           faults
           have
           made
           poor
           ,
           our
           very
           excesses
           would
           support
           them
           ,
           and
           what
           we
           throw
           away
           idly
           would
           relieve
           them
           :
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           joyn
           
           in
           any
           expedient
           that
           may
           accommodate
           all
           grievances
           ,
           that
           if
           it
           be
           possible
           we
           may
           have
           no
           more
           complaining
           in
           our
           streets
           .
           In
           a
           word
           ,
           those
           that
           are
           well
           inclined
           on
           all
           sides
           are
           ready
           to
           agree
           ,
           but
           that
           there
           are
           some
           crafty
           and
           subtle
           men
           on
           both
           sides
           ,
           that
           would
           keep
           our
           distances
           and
           animosities
           to
           serve
           their
           private
           ends
           ,
           which
           they
           propose
           sometimes
           to
           themselves
           out
           of
           the
           publick
           ruine
           ,
           aggravating
           all
           things
           with
           the
           most
           odious
           circumstances
           ,
           and
           endeavouring
           to
           inflame
           the
           vulgar
           to
           a
           temper
           uncapable
           of
           restraint
           or
           Government
           ,
           that
           now
           we
           are
           at
           such
           a
           distance
           ,
           we
           look
           upon
           it
           as
           no
           lesse
           a
           providence
           ,
           that
           God
           keeps
           the
           people
           within
           the
           bound
           of
           Law
           ,
           and
           the
           reverence
           of
           Authority
           ,
           then
           that
           he
           keeps
           the
           Sea
           within
           its
           channel
           ,
           and
           the
           waters
           within
           their
           banks
           .
           And
           thus
           indeed
           since
           our
           seclusion
           have
           we
           endeavoured
           to
           approve
           our selves
           Gods
           faithful
           Children
           and
           Servants
           by
           honour
           and
           dishonour
           ,
           by
           evil
           report
           and
           good
           report
           ,
           as
           deceivers
           ,
           and
           yet
           true
           .
        
         
           29.
           
           The
           great
           discourse
           of
           the
           Nation
           at
           this
           time
           is
           their
           Taxations
           ,
           from
           which
           some
           would
           perswade
           the
           world
           we
           under
           our
           present
           discontent
           make
           some
           advantage
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           which
           our
           sense
           hath
           been
           always
           this
           :
           1.
           
           That
           all
           our
           payments
           are
           our
           advantage
           ,
           we
           allow
           his
           Majesty
           a
           part
           of
           our
           Estate
           ,
           to
           secure
           the
           whole
           ;
           we
           support
           his
           Government
           ,
           he
           protects
           our
           lives
           and
           estates
           from
           that
           rage
           and
           rapine
           which
           in
           a
           few
           daies
           may
           destroy
           the
           industry
           of
           many
           years
           ;
           we
           teach
           men
           constantly
           not
           to
           be
           so
           impertinent
           ,
           as
           to
           complain
           of
           any
           common
           charge
           or
           burthen
           which
           seems
           necessary
           to
           the
           present
           policy
           ,
           under
           which
           we
           may
           have
           leave
           to
           live
           peaceable
           and
           quiet
           lives
           ,
           in
           all
           godliness
           and
           honesty
           ;
           no
           safety
           to
           us
           without
           the
           restraint
           of
           other
           mens
           lust
           and
           violence
           ,
           and
           no
           restraint
           ,
           without
           a
           Government
           that
           is
           able
           to
           raise
           a
           constant
           guard
           to
           every
           man
           that
           would
           live
           securely
           under
           his
           own
           Vine
           ,
           and
           under
           his
           own
           Fig-tree
           .
        
         
           We
           know
           that
           there
           are
           four
           pillars
           of
           Government
           and
           Order
           .
           1.
           
           Religion
           ,
           that
           setleth
           the
           heart
           of
           men
           .
           2.
           
           Justice
           ,
           that
           ordereth
           their
           lives
           .
           3.
           
           Counsel
           ,
           that
           may
           apply
           
           the
           Rules
           of
           Justice
           and
           Religion
           to
           particular
           occasions
           .
           4.
           
           Treasure
           ,
           which
           last
           is
           so
           necessary
           ,
           that
           without
           it
           ,
           Officers
           will
           be
           corrupted
           ,
           Counsels
           betrayed
           ,
           Armies
           ill
           paid
           and
           disciplined
           ,
           Trade
           obstructed
           ,
           and
           a
           poor
           Nation
           will
           lye
           open
           to
           the
           dangerous
           attempts
           of
           an
           untoward
           people
           at
           home
           ,
           and
           the
           unneighbourly
           encroachments
           of
           potent
           Princes
           abroad
           .
           2.
           
           All
           payments
           are
           of
           our
           own
           imposing
           ,
           by
           our
           consent
           in
           Parliament
           .
           3.
           
           Our
           late
           miscarriages
           occasion
           our
           present
           grievances
           .
           4.
           
           Yet
           we
           are
           not
           now
           under
           the
           eighth
           part
           of
           former
           payments
           :
           We
           tell
           our
           people
           ,
           that
           our
           King
           affords
           us
           Christian
           protection
           ,
           and
           therefore
           we
           may
           very
           well
           allow
           him
           dutiful
           assistance
           ,
           by
           our
           lives
           ,
           estates
           and
           prayers
           .
        
         
           30.
           
           Here
           we
           thought
           to
           have
           concluded
           ,
           but
           that
           there
           remains
           two
           particulars
           more
           ,
           whereof
           we
           think
           fit
           to
           give
           an
           account
           ,
           and
           then
           we
           shall
           set
           a
           period
           to
           this
           importunity
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           is
           this
           ;
           viz.
           Why
           we
           have
           been
           so
           importunate
           ,
           both
           a
           little
           before
           the
           24
           of
           August
           ,
           and
           ever
           since
           ,
           against
           Popery
           .
        
         
           Ans
           .
           It
           s
           true
           ,
           that
           we
           had
           verily
           thought
           Popery
           had
           rendred
           it self
           justly
           odious
           ,
           by
           its
           own
           abominations
           in
           doctrine
           ,
           worship
           ,
           and
           bloudy
           slaughters
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           these
           daies
           of
           light
           and
           knowledge
           ,
           to
           imagine
           a
           possibility
           of
           its
           return
           upon
           the
           Protestant
           Churches
           ,
           (
           which
           yet
           hath
           been
           the
           Opinion
           of
           divers
           eminent
           for
           Learning
           and
           Godliness
           among
           us
           )
           was
           groundless
           fear
           ,
           where
           no
           fear
           was
           :
           yet
           really
           considering
           :
           1.
           
           The
           vast
           numbers
           of
           Popish
           Emissaries
           ,
           Priests
           and
           Jesuites
           that
           swarm
           among
           us
           ,
           English
           Colledges
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           certified
           ,
           being
           much
           emptied
           by
           the
           reason
           of
           multitudes
           sent
           hither
           ,
           whose
           ways
           are
           subtil
           and
           close
           ,
           whose
           industry
           is
           indefatigable
           ,
           whose
           influence
           and
           efficacy
           upon
           all
           sorts
           of
           persons
           is
           powerful
           ,
           whose
           support
           from
           abroad
           is
           past
           finding
           out
           .
           2.
           
           The
           printing
           and
           vending
           so
           many
           English
           Popish
           books
           ,
           which
           considering
           the
           Apostasie
           of
           some
           ,
           the
           indifference
           of
           others
           ,
           distracted
           by
           our
           unhappy
           divisions
           ,
           cannot
           speak
           less
           then
           a
           great
           inclination
           to
           a
           revolt
           to
           Popery
           .
           3.
           
           The
           
           toleration
           of
           Popery
           publickly
           by
           them
           pleaded
           for
           .
           4.
           
           The
           Jesuites
           designs
           and
           models
           of
           reducing
           England
           to
           Romes
           obedience
           ,
           followed
           and
           promoted
           by
           many
           deluded
           Protestants
           .
           5.
           
           The
           union
           of
           forreign
           Popish
           power
           ,
           which
           how
           soon
           the
           Court
           of
           Rome
           (
           being
           ever
           vigilant
           to
           improve
           such
           occasions
           for
           the
           propagation
           of
           its
           own
           greatness
           )
           may
           make
           use
           of
           ,
           for
           the
           extirpation
           of
           the
           Protestant
           Religion
           ;
           we
           need
           not
           divine
           .
           6.
           
           The
           whole
           body
           of
           Popery
           published
           by
           Sectaries
           ,
           especially
           Quakers
           ;
           upon
           these
           considerations
           we
           were
           awakened
           ,
           
             to
             contend
             earnestly
             for
             the
             faith
             once
             delivered
             to
             the
             Saints
          
           ;
           having
           not
           the
           least
           thought
           of
           any
           dangerous
           intimations
           to
           the
           people
           ,
           as
           if
           our
           Governours
           or
           Government
           (
           both
           which
           we
           think
           in
           our
           consciences
           clear
           in
           that
           matter
           )
           had
           any
           inclinations
           for
           ,
           or
           were
           to
           give
           any
           countenance
           to
           that
           Mystery
           of
           Iniquity
           :
           And
           it
           was
           therefore
           that
           we
           recommend
           to
           our
           beloved
           Congregations
           :
           1.
           
           The
           love
           of
           the
           truth
           in
           sincerity
           .
           2.
           
           Serious
           endeavours
           to
           heal
           the
           sad
           breaches
           and
           divisions
           which
           are
           among
           us
           .
           3.
           
           To
           read
           good
           books
           .
           4.
           
           To
           make
           Conscience
           of
           all
           Family
           duties
           .
           5.
           
           To
           attend
           on
           publick
           Ordinances
           .
           6.
           
           To
           be
           well
           grounded
           in
           the
           principles
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           to
           watch
           over
           their
           hearts
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           was
           given
           out
           ,
           that
           we
           the
           dissembling
           Party
           had
           made
           an
           accommodation
           among
           our selves
           ,
           the
           naked
           truth
           whereof
           is
           this
           ;
           indeed
           we
           have
           endeavoured
           to
           follow
           the
           things
           that
           make
           for
           peace
           ,
           which
           we
           have
           reduced
           to
           these
           heads
           following
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Peace
           with
           God
           ;
           if
           our
           ways
           please
           the
           Lord
           ,
           our
           Enemies
           will
           be
           at
           peace
           with
           us
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Of
           Nature
           in
           one
           common
           grace
           ,
           wrought
           in
           us
           by
           one
           Spirit
           ;
           if
           we
           had
           all
           one
           new
           Nature
           ,
           we
           should
           have
           all
           one
           mind
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Of
           Judgement
           ;
           1.
           
           In
           principles
           of
           Doctrine
           which
           we
           draw
           up
           ;
           which
           are
           1.
           
           Few
           .
           2.
           
           Plain
           .
           3.
           
           Weighty
           .
           4.
           
           Clear.
           5.
           
           Subservient
           to
           godliness
           .
           6.
           
           Universally
           professed
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Principles
           of
           obedience
           of
           Worship
           ,
           of
           government
           contained
           in
           the
           ten
           Commandments
           ,
           the
           Lords
           Prayer
           ,
           the
           Belief
           ,
           and
           the
           Scripture
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           Of
           affections
           ;
           one
           heart
           where
           there
           cannot
           be
           one
           mind
           ,
           kindly
           affectionate
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           loving
           as
           Brethren
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Of
           ends
           ;
           they
           that
           agree
           in
           the
           end
           ,
           will
           in
           time
           agree
           in
           the
           means
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Unity
           ;
           and
           that
           Scripture
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Uniformity
           ;
           that
           every
           thing
           be
           done
           according
           to
           Scripture
           ,
           decency
           and
           order
           ,
           that
           we
           be
           one
           of
           one
           way
           ,
           and
           of
           one
           mind
           ,
           and
           walk
           by
           the
           same
           Rule
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Order
           ;
           none
           stirring
           out
           of
           his
           place
           ,
           all
           studying
           to
           be
           quiet
           ,
           and
           to
           follow
           their
           own
           business
           peaceably
           and
           obediently
           ,
           knowing
           them
           that
           rule
           over
           them
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           power
           of
           Grace
           and
           Religion
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           wisdome
           from
           above
           ;
           first
           pure
           ,
           then
           peaceable
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           of
           Religion
           makes
           for
           peace
           .
           1.
           
           By
           subduing
           lusts
           ,
           whence
           come
           worse
           .
           2.
           
           By
           working
           that
           love
           that
           beareth
           all
           things
           ,
           &c.
           
           1
           Cor.
           13.
           3.
           
           By
           enlightening
           the
           mind
           ,
           difference
           come
           from
           ignorance
           ,
           if
           we
           have
           grace
           to
           practise
           what
           we
           know
           ,
           God
           will
           reveal
           other
           things
           in
           due
           time
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           all
           agree
           .
           4.
           
           By
           subduing
           that
           covetousness
           ,
           ambition
           ,
           pride
           ,
           envy
           ,
           &c.
           that
           disturb
           the
           world
           .
           5.
           
           The
           power
           of
           Grace
           in
           us
           will
           convince
           all
           men
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           in
           us
           of
           a
           truth
           ,
           and
           so
           will
           pacifie
           the
           world
           .
        
         
           The
           6th
           thing
           that
           makes
           for
           peace
           ,
           a
           great
           care
           of
           weak
           and
           wilful
           ignorance
           ,
           which
           is
           lazy
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           search
           for
           truth
           ;
           bashful
           ,
           and
           is
           ashamed
           to
           do
           it
           ;
           sullen
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           understand
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           Take
           care
           of
           interest
           private
           or
           publick
           ;
           keep
           up
           a
           frame
           of
           spirit
           that
           looks
           rather
           what
           is
           just
           ,
           necessary
           and
           true
           ,
           then
           what
           is
           expedient
           and
           useful
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           Be
           humble
           and
           teachable
           ,
           neither
           proud
           nor
           self-conceited
           pertinacy
           ,
           nor
           think
           seriously
           on
           this
           obvious
           truth
           ,
           a
           man
           may
           erre
           :
           put
           on
           meekness
           and
           long-suffering
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           Take
           care
           of
           respect
           of
           persons
           ,
           and
           of
           prejudice
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           Be
           deliberate
           and
           sober
           ,
           proving
           all
           things
           .
        
         
           11.
           
           Have
           a
           zeal
           always
           guided
           by
           knowledge
           .
        
         
           12.
           
           Let
           nothing
           be
           done
           through
           strife
           ,
           or
           vain-glory
           .
        
         
         
           13.
           
           Prudently
           suspend
           your
           judgement
           and
           practise
           ,
           and
           if
           you
           have
           faith
           ,
           have
           it
           to
           thy self
           .
        
         
           14.
           
           All
           lawful
           condiscention
           and
           forbearance
           one
           with
           another
           ,
           forbearing
           and
           receiving
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           bearing
           one
           anothers
           burden
           .
        
         
           15.
           
           Wait
           by
           prayer
           on
           the
           God
           of
           peace
           ,
           for
           your selves
           ,
           for
           your
           Ministers
           ,
           for
           your
           Magistrates
           .
        
         
           16.
           
           Mark
           them
           that
           cause
           divisions
           ,
           and
           avoid
           them
           .
        
         
           17.
           
           Give
           up
           your selves
           to
           your
           faithful
           Ministers
           ,
           whose
           faith
           follow
           ,
           considering
           the
           end
           of
           their
           conversation
           .
        
         
           18.
           
           Be
           wise
           unto
           sobriety
           ,
           and
           rather
           believe
           then
           dispute
           ,
           avoiding
           all
           unnecessary
           questions
           .
        
         
           19.
           
           Take
           care
           of
           an
           Innovating
           Spirit
           ,
           stand
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           ask
           which
           is
           the
           good
           way
           ,
           and
           walk
           therein
           ,
           and
           you
           will
           find
           rest
           for
           your
           Souls
           .
        
         
           20.
           
           Consider
           one
           another
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           provoke
           one
           another
           to
           love
           ,
           and
           to
           good
           works
           .
        
         
           21.
           
           Let
           the
           spirits
           of
           the
           Prophets
           be
           subject
           to
           the
           Prophets
           .
        
         
           22.
           
           Correct
           and
           keep
           down
           the
           rising
           of
           our
           knowledge
           with
           humility
           in
           our selves
           ,
           and
           charity
           towards
           others
           .
        
         
           23.
           
           So
           long
           as
           there
           is
           sound
           agreement
           in
           fundamental
           truths
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           simplicity
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           silence
           all
           disputes
           ,
           in
           matters
           meerly
           notional
           and
           curious
           ,
           which
           have
           no
           necessary
           influence
           into
           faith
           and
           godly
           living
           .
        
         
           24.
           
           Let
           there
           be
           a
           joynt
           obedience
           to
           the
           truths
           wherein
           all
           agree
           ,
           and
           pursuance
           of
           the
           end
           which
           all
           profess
           ,
           whereunto
           we
           have
           already
           attained
           ;
           let
           us
           walk
           by
           the
           same
           Rule
           ,
           let
           us
           mind
           the
           same
           things
           ,
           Phil.
           3.
           26.
           
        
         
           25.
           
           Out
           of
           a
           serious
           and
           single-hearted
           love
           of
           truth
           ,
           let
           us
           address
           our selves
           to
           the
           search
           of
           holy
           Scriptures
           .
        
         
           26.
           
           A
           mutual
           and
           brotherly
           love
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           very
           great
           means
           to
           work
           upon
           the
           judgements
           of
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           off
           all
           impediments
           as
           usually
           arise
           from
           personal
           prejudice
           in
           disquisition
           of
           truth
           .
        
         
           27.
           
           Keep
           your selves
           to
           the
           Analogy
           of
           faith
           ,
           the
           form
           of
           sound
           words
           :
        
         
           28.
           
           Labour
           against
           the
           inward
           grounds
           of
           contention
           ,
           as
           
           pride
           ,
           self-love
           ,
           envy
           ,
           malice
           and
           covetousness
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           after
           a
           meek
           ,
           charitable
           ,
           yielding
           ,
           and
           submissive
           disposition
           of
           heart
           and
           frame
           of
           spirit
           ,
           that
           may
           let
           fall
           private
           interest
           for
           the
           publick
           .
        
         
           29.
           
           Meet
           and
           converse
           together
           for
           a
           mutual
           good
           ,
           understanding
           of
           one
           another
           .
        
         
           30.
           
           Wait
           upon
           God
           for
           further
           illumination
           in
           all
           truth
           .
        
         
           31.
           
           Let
           the
           grounds
           of
           Religion
           be
           laid
           by
           Catechising
           .
        
         
           32.
           
           Suppress
           the
           beginning
           of
           religious
           debates
           ,
           by
           a
           fair
           and
           amicable
           communication
           among
           your selves
           .
        
         
           Thus
           we
           have
           given
           a
           sincere
           account
           of
           our selves
           ,
           which
           we
           beseech
           the
           Lord
           to
           bless
           ,
           to
           confirm
           the
           weak
           ,
           to
           direct
           the
           doubtful
           ,
           to
           convince
           gain-sayers
           ,
           and
           to
           gain
           peaceable
           and
           sober
           men
           favour
           with
           God
           and
           men
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           A
           SOLEMN
           VOW
           That
           we
           have
           taken
           .
        
         
           VVE
           the
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           in
           the
           Kingdomes
           of
           
             England
             ,
             Scotland
          
           ,
           and
           Ireland
           ,
           living
           under
           one
           King
           ,
           and
           being
           of
           one
           Reformed
           Religion
           ,
           having
           before
           our
           eyes
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           advancement
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           honour
           and
           happiness
           of
           the
           Kings
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           his
           Posterity
           ,
           and
           the
           true
           publick
           liberty
           ,
           safety
           ,
           and
           peace
           of
           the
           Kingdomes
           wherein
           every
           ones
           private
           condition
           is
           included
           ,
           and
           calling
           to
           mind
           the
           treacherous
           and
           bloudy
           Plots
           ,
           Conspiracies
           ,
           Attempts
           ,
           and
           practises
           of
           the
           Enemies
           of
           God
           against
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           Professors
           thereof
           in
           all
           places
           ,
           especially
           in
           these
           three
           Kingdomes
           ,
           ever
           since
           the
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           how
           much
           their
           rage
           ,
           power
           ,
           and
           presumption
           are
           of
           late
           ,
           and
           at
           this
           time
           encreased
           and
           exercised
           ;
           whereof
           the
           deplorable
           estate
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           Ireland
           ,
           the
           distressed
           estate
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           England
           ,
           and
           the
           dangerous
           estate
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           Scotland
           ,
           
           are
           present
           and
           publick
           Testimonies
           ;
           We
           have
           now
           at
           last
           ,
           (
           after
           other
           means
           of
           supplication
           ,
           Remonstrance
           ,
           Protestations
           and
           sufferings
           )
           for
           the
           preservation
           of
           our selves
           and
           our
           Religion
           from
           utter
           ruine
           and
           destruction
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           commendable
           practise
           of
           these
           Kingdomes
           in
           former
           times
           ,
           and
           the
           example
           of
           Gods
           People
           in
           other
           Nations
           ;
           after
           mature
           deliberation
           resolved
           and
           determined
           to
           enter
           into
           a
           mutual
           and
           solemn
           League
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           wherein
           we
           all
           subscribe
           ,
           and
           each
           one
           of
           us
           for
           himself
           with
           our
           hands
           lifted
           up
           to
           the
           most
           High
           God
           ,
           do
           swear
           .
        
         
           And
           because
           these
           Kingdoms
           are
           guilty
           of
           many
           sins
           and
           provocatious
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           Son
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           as
           is
           too
           manifest
           by
           our
           present
           distresses
           and
           dangers
           the
           fruits
           thereof
           ;
           We
           profess
           and
           declare
           before
           God
           and
           the
           world
           ,
           our
           unfained
           desire
           to
           be
           humbled
           for
           our
           own
           sins
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           sins
           of
           these
           Kingdomes
           ,
           especially
           that
           we
           have
           not
           as
           we
           ought
           ,
           valued
           the
           inestimable
           benefit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           not
           laboured
           for
           the
           purity
           and
           power
           thereof
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           have
           not
           endeavoured
           to
           receive
           Christ
           in
           our
           hearts
           ,
           nor
           to
           walk
           worthy
           of
           him
           in
           our
           lives
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           causes
           of
           other
           sins
           and
           transgressions
           so
           much
           abounding
           amongst
           us
           ;
           And
           our
           true
           and
           unfained
           purpose
           ,
           desire
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           for
           our selves
           ,
           and
           all
           others
           under
           our
           power
           and
           charge
           ,
           both
           in
           publick
           and
           in
           private
           ,
           in
           all
           duties
           we
           owe
           to
           God
           and
           Man
           ,
           to
           amend
           our
           lives
           ,
           and
           each
           one
           to
           go
           before
           another
           in
           the
           example
           of
           a
           real
           Reformation
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           may
           turn
           away
           his
           wrath
           and
           heavy
           indignation
           ,
           and
           establish
           these
           Churches
           
           and
           Kingdoms
           in
           truth
           and
           peace
           .
           And
           this
           Covenant
           we
           make
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           Almighty
           God
           ,
           the
           searcher
           of
           all
           hearts
           ,
           with
           a
           true
           intention
           to
           perform
           the
           same
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           answer
           at
           that
           great
           day
           ,
           when
           the
           secrets
           of
           all
           hearts
           shall
           be
           disclosed
           .
           Most
           humbly
           beseeching
           the
           Lord
           to
           strengthen
           us
           by
           his
           Holy
           Spirit
           for
           this
           end
           ,
           and
           to
           bless
           our
           desires
           and
           proceedings
           with
           such
           success
           ,
           as
           may
           be
           deliverance
           and
           safety
           to
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           encouragement
           to
           other
           Christian
           Churches
           groaning
           under
           ,
           or
           in
           danger
           of
           the
           yoak
           of
           Antichristian
           Tyranny
           ,
           to
           joyn
           in
           the
           same
           ,
           or
           like
           Association
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           enlargement
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           peace
           and
           tranquility
           of
           Christian
           Kingdomes
           and
           Commonwealths
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           Bishop
           HALL'S
           Holy
           Order
           OF
           THE
           Mourners
           in
           SION
           .
        
         
           FOrasmuch
           as
           there
           is
           no
           well-affected
           Christian
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           deeply
           sensible
           of
           the
           woful
           calamity
           of
           this
           once
           glorious
           Church
           ,
           now
           humbled
           into
           the
           dust
           of
           confusion
           ,
           and
           exposed
           to
           the
           pity
           of
           all
           those
           forreign
           Neighbours
           ,
           which
           heretofore
           blessed
           it
           as
           a
           singular
           pattern
           of
           Divine
           Mercy
           ;
           and
           to
           the
           scorn
           and
           insultation
           of
           Gath
           and
           Ascalen
           :
           And
           for
           as
           much
           as
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           hath
           been
           ever
           the
           practice
           of
           the
           Enemies
           of
           our
           peace
           ,
           to
           range
           themselves
           into
           several
           Ranks
           and
           Files
           ,
           under
           various
           Forms
           ,
           Qualities
           ,
           and
           Denominations
           ;
           as
           on
           the
           one
           side
           ▪
           the
           Society
           of
           Jesus
           ,
           the
           Order
           of
           the
           glorious
           Virgin
           ,
           th●
           Archi-confraternity
           of
           the
           most
           holy
           Trinity
           ,
           and
           the
           rest
           of
           this
           kind
           not
           easie
           to
           be
           numbred
           :
           On
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           Seekers
           ,
           Quakers
           ,
           Shakers
           ,
           Dippers
           ,
           the
           holy
           Family
           of
           Love
           ,
           Ranters
           ,
           and
           such
           other
           Prodigies
           of
           Mis-religion
           and
           Faction
           ;
           and
           thereby
           have
           found
           advantage
           several
           wayes
           for
           the
           promoting
           of
           our
           ruine
           :
           Why
           should
           it
           not
           b●
           found
           requisite
           ,
           that
           we
           ,
           the
           professed
           Servants
           of
           our
           
             Lor●
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           Orthodox
           and
           genuine
           Sons
           of
           the
           Church
           o●
           England
           (
           whose
           hearts
           are
           moved
           by
           the
           good
           Spirit
           o●
           God
           to
           a
           just
           resentment
           of
           our
           miseries
           and
           dangers
           )
           should
           firmly
           resolve
           (
           for
           the
           countermining
           of
           these
           Engineers
           of
           Hell
           ,
           and
           Conspirers
           of
           our
           destruction
           )
           to
           ente●
           into
           a
           safe
           ,
           warrantable
           ,
           
             Holy
             Fraternity
             of
             Mourners
             i●
             Sion
          
           ;
           whose
           profession
           and
           work
           shall
           be
           a
           peculiarity
           o●
           
           Devotion
           ,
           striving
           with
           servent
           Prayers
           and
           Tears
           to
           obtain
           from
           Heaven
           a
           seasonable
           redrefse
           of
           these
           our
           pressing
           Calamities
           ,
           and
           a
           prevention
           of
           that
           utter
           overthrow
           and
           final
           Devastation
           which
           threatens
           this
           miserable
           Church
           wherein
           we
           do
           yet
           live
           :
           And
           for
           this
           purpose
           may
           it
           be
           thought
           meet
           to
           tie
           ourselves
           by
           our
           secret
           and
           silent
           Vows
           to
           these
           Rules
           following
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           without
           all
           offensive
           ,
           tumultuous
           and
           suspectible
           Gomplottings
           and
           Conventions
           ,
           we
           shall
           hold
           up
           our
           private
           Devotions
           ,
           and
           perform
           these
           our
           godly
           undertakings
           to
           that
           premised
           end
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           there
           shall
           be
           no
           superiority
           or
           subordination
           in
           this
           holy
           Fraternity
           ,
           nor
           any
           soul
           more
           interessed
           in
           i●
           then
           other
           ;
           and
           therefore
           no
           Formality
           or
           Ceremony
           of
           admittance
           into
           it
           ,
           but
           a
           free
           and
           voluntary
           entrance
           ,
           lest
           open
           for
           all
           comers
           into
           this
           strict
           course
           of
           Christian
           austerity
           ;
           without
           any
           noise
           ,
           without
           the
           required
           notice
           of
           any
           ,
           but
           God
           and
           their
           own
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           the
           world
           may
           well
           see
           and
           know
           ,
           that
           here
           is
           no
           other
           design
           then
           meerly
           spiritual
           ;
           aiming
           at
           nothing
           but
           religious
           transactions
           between
           God
           and
           our
           Souls
           :
           and
           consisting
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           the
           unquestionable
           Exercises
           of
           Piety
           and
           holy
           Devotion
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           we
           shall
           zealously
           excite
           our
           Neighbours
           and
           Friends
           to
           be
           passionately
           affected
           with
           this
           sad
           Estate
           of
           Gods
           Church
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           liberal
           of
           their
           sighs
           ,
           and
           tears
           ,
           and
           prayers
           for
           the
           happy
           recovery
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           That
           we
           will
           effectually
           endeavour
           to
           work
           our
           hearts
           to
           a
           found
           Humiliation
           for
           our
           own
           sins
           ,
           which
           have
           helpt
           to
           contribute
           to
           the
           common
           stock
           of
           our
           miseries
           ,
           and
           daily
           renue
           our
           Vows
           of
           a
           more
           strict
           and
           holy
           obedience
           ,
           and
           a
           more
           close
           walking
           with
           our
           God.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           That
           we
           shall
           deeply
           take
           to
           heart
           ,
           and
           secretly
           mourn
           for
           ,
           and
           lament
           the
           sins
           of
           our
           people
           ,
           representing
           them
           to
           our
           thoughts
           in
           their
           haynous
           nature
           and
           quality
           ,
           humbly
           begging
           for
           their
           serious
           repentance
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           earnestly
           deprecating
           the
           judgements
           provoked
           by
           them
           .
        
         
         
           6.
           
           That
           for
           this
           end
           we
           shall
           do
           our
           best
           indeavour
           to
           get
           just
           notice
           of
           the
           sad
           estate
           of
           this
           distracted
           Church
           of
           ours
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           truly
           apprehensive
           of
           the
           peril
           wherein
           it
           stands
           ,
           as
           also
           of
           the
           horrible
           Blasphemies
           and
           damnable
           Heresies
           which
           have
           been
           of
           late
           disgoi
           ged
           from
           the
           mouth
           of
           Hell
           amongst
           us
           ,
           and
           those
           hellish
           practises
           which
           have
           followed
           thereupon
           ,
           to
           the
           high
           dishonour
           of
           the
           Majesty
           of
           that
           holy
           God
           whom
           we
           pretend
           to
           serve
           ,
           to
           the
           utter
           shaming
           of
           that
           blessed
           Gospel
           which
           we
           professe
           ,
           for
           as
           much
           as
           we
           cannot
           mourn
           for
           what
           we
           know
           not
           ,
           nor
           mourn
           enough
           for
           what
           we
           do
           not
           know
           to
           be
           so
           transcendently
           sinful
           .
        
         
           As
           of
           the
           sins
           ,
           whereby
           we
           have
           moved
           the
           fierce
           anger
           and
           wrathfull
           displeasure
           of
           our
           God
           against
           us
           ,
           so
           also
           shall
           we
           take
           full
           notice
           of
           the
           judgements
           ,
           whereby
           we
           have
           smarted
           from
           his
           most
           just
           hand
           ;
           yea
           (
           in
           a
           larger
           comprehension
           )
           of
           the
           judgements
           past
           ,
           present
           ,
           eminent
           ;
           amongst
           which
           ,
           how
           can
           we
           but
           sorrowfully
           reckon
           the
           mutual
           effusion
           of
           so
           much
           Christian
           blood
           ,
           spilt
           by
           the
           hands
           of
           brethren
           ,
           (
           and
           as
           the
           Tribes
           of
           Israel
           did
           for
           Benjamin
           )
           bitterly
           mourn
           for
           the
           slain
           of
           our
           people
           ;
           of
           whom
           so
           many
           on
           both
           parts
           have
           been
           swept
           away
           from
           the
           earth
           ,
           in
           the
           sury
           of
           a
           violent
           hostility
           ,
           as
           might
           well
           have
           served
           to
           store
           a
           populous
           Nation
           ,
           or
           might
           probably
           have
           over-run
           the
           professed
           enemies
           of
           Christendome
           :
           To
           these
           we
           cannot
           but
           add
           the
           woful
           disasters
           and
           inexpressible
           miseries
           which
           do
           alwayes
           inevitably
           attend
           an
           intestine
           war.
           
        
         
           But
           of
           all
           judgement
           ,
           none
           have
           cause
           to
           make
           so
           deep
           an
           impression
           in
           us
           as
           the
           spiritual
           ;
           as
           knowing
           ,
           that
           as
           our
           God
           is
           terrible
           in
           all
           his
           inflictions
           ,
           so
           most
           of
           all
           where
           he
           is
           least-felt
           ;
           when
           he
           payes
           us
           in
           our
           own
           coin
           ;
           when
           he
           punisheth
           us
           with
           our
           sins
           ,
           making
           one
           sin
           the
           revenger
           and
           executioner
           of
           another
           ;
           when
           he
           repayes
           our
           actual
           rebellion
           against
           him
           with
           a
           senslesse
           obduratenesse
           ,
           with
           a
           plausible
           security
           and
           deadnesse
           of
           spirit
           .
           When
           he
           rewards
           our
           neglect
           and
           contempt
           of
           his
           Ordinances
           ,
           with
           giving
           us
           up
           to
           spiritual
           delusions
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           seductions
           of
           the
           spirits
           of
           
           errour
           ,
           to
           prodigious
           whimsies
           ,
           and
           spiritual
           blasphemies
           .
        
         
           We
           shall
           then
           (
           as
           we
           have
           too
           just
           reason
           )
           lay
           together
           these
           evils
           that
           we
           feel
           ,
           with
           those
           which
           we
           have
           no
           lesse
           cause
           to
           fear
           ;
           and
           under
           the
           sense
           of
           both
           shall
           find
           our
           hearts
           pierced
           with
           sorrow
           ,
           and
           resolved
           into
           the
           just
           tears
           of
           our
           mourning
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           That
           we
           shall
           not
           fail
           both
           by
           night
           and
           day
           constantly
           to
           pour
           out
           our
           hearts
           in
           strong
           eries
           and
           fervent
           prayer
           to
           our
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           be
           pleased
           now
           at
           last
           to
           visit
           this
           miserable
           and
           disconsolate
           Church
           in
           mercy
           and
           compassion
           ,
           and
           cause
           the
           light
           of
           his
           Countenance
           to
           shine
           upon
           us
           once
           again
           ,
        
         
           9.
           
           That
           the
           matter
           of
           our
           Prayers
           shall
           be
           the
           illumination
           and
           reduction
           of
           those
           our
           weak
           Brethren
           ,
           which
           ofsend
           through
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           out
           of
           a
           well-meant
           zeal
           are
           in
           the
           simplicity
           of
           their
           hearts
           miscarried
           into
           erroneous
           wayes
           ,
           whether
           of
           doctrine
           or
           practise
           ;
           for
           the
           merciful
           conversion
           of
           the
           not-obdured
           and
           wilful
           opposers
           of
           the
           Truth
           ;
           for
           the
           seasonable
           confusion
           of
           the
           desperately
           malicious
           enemies
           of
           God
           and
           his
           Church
           ;
           for
           the
           settling
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           in
           righteousnesse
           ,
           order
           and
           peace
           ,
           for
           the
           prevailence
           and
           happy
           successe
           of
           the
           Gospel
           against
           all
           Schism
           ,
           Heresie
           ,
           errours
           in
           Opinion
           ,
           and
           wickednesse
           of
           life
           ;
           for
           the
           discovery
           and
           defeat
           of
           all
           the
           devices
           and
           machinations
           of
           Satan
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           accursed
           Instruments
           ,
           against
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           in
           all
           parts
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           especially
           in
           these
           disjoynted
           members
           of
           it
           ,
           wherein
           we
           are
           interessed
           ;
           for
           the
           incouragement
           and
           prosperity
           of
           all
           those
           that
           are
           faithful
           in
           the
           Land
           ,
           and
           that
           are
           hearty
           well-wishers
           to
           our
           Sion
           ;
           for
           the
           averting
           of
           those
           heavy
           and
           desolatory
           judgements
           which
           our
           sins
           have
           thus
           long
           and
           loud
           called
           for
           ;
           and
           lastly
           ,
           for
           the
           making
           up
           of
           our
           deplorable
           breaches
           ,
           and
           reuniting
           of
           all
           honest
           and
           faithful
           hearts
           in
           a
           firm
           concord
           and
           Christian
           love
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           That
           we
           shall
           every
           week
           set
           apart
           one
           day
           for
           this
           holy
           purpose
           ;
           wherein
           we
           shall
           humble
           our selves
           in
           private
           fasting
           and
           prayer
           ,
           till
           it
           shall
           please
           our
           God
           to
           return
           to
           
           us
           in
           his
           wonted
           Compassion
           ,
           and
           to
           put
           an
           end
           to
           these
           deadly
           distractions
           under
           which
           we
           labour
           .
        
         
           11.
           
           That
           we
           shall
           willingly
           abridge
           our selves
           of
           our
           wonted
           pleasure
           ;
           not
           giving
           our selves
           leave
           to
           enjoy
           any
           publick
           meetings
           of
           mirth
           and
           jollity
           ;
           nor
           take
           the
           liberty
           of
           those
           lawful
           Recreations
           ,
           which
           we
           have
           formerly
           made
           use
           of
           ,
           whiles
           the
           Hand
           of
           God
           lies
           thus
           heavily
           upon
           this
           Church
           and
           Nation
           .
        
         
           12.
           
           That
           it
           shall
           be
           the
           desire
           of
           our
           hearts
           ,
           that
           all
           which
           shall
           condescend
           to
           joyn
           together
           in
           the
           profession
           of
           this
           holy
           Fraternity
           ,
           be
           knit
           together
           in
           an
           entire
           affection
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           be
           ready
           to
           show
           all
           mutual
           respects
           of
           Christian
           love
           and
           observance
           to
           each
           other
           upon
           all
           occasions
           ;
           being
           withall
           in
           all
           mecknesse
           of
           spirit
           charitably
           affected
           to
           ,
           and
           lovingly
           conversing
           with
           those
           their
           Brethren
           and
           Neighbours
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           yet
           so
           sensible
           of
           the
           just
           cause
           of
           their
           humiliation
           .
        
         
           13.
           
           That
           in
           the
           conscience
           of
           our
           own
           wants
           and
           infirmities
           ,
           we
           shall
           make
           it
           our
           care
           to
           spend
           our
           main
           censures
           upon
           our selves
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           enormities
           :
           Not
           being
           apt
           to
           flie
           out
           upon
           the
           weaknesses
           and
           defects
           of
           our
           Brethren
           ;
           bearing
           with
           those
           that
           are
           otherwise
           minded
           in
           matters
           of
           an
           inferiour
           nature
           ,
           not
           aggravating
           the
           blame
           of
           those
           their
           Actions
           ,
           or
           Opinions
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           capable
           of
           a
           gentler
           and
           milder
           construction
           ;
           and
           reserving
           the
           edge
           of
           our
           zeal
           for
           those
           foul
           and
           grosse
           offences
           ,
           which
           carry
           open
           guilt
           in
           their
           faces
           ,
           making
           head
           against
           them
           by
           all
           spiritual
           resistence
           and
           godly
           endeavours
           of
           Reclamation
           .
        
         
           14.
           
           That
           whensoever
           we
           shall
           be
           called
           to
           deliver
           the
           Message
           of
           God
           to
           his
           people
           in
           publick
           Auditiories
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           fail
           to
           lay
           open
           and
           bewail
           the
           sins
           of
           the
           time
           ,
           and
           to
           rouze
           up
           our
           Hearers
           ,
           with
           all
           zealous
           Exhortations
           ,
           to
           a
           lively
           sense
           of
           just
           sorrow
           for
           the
           universal
           overflowings
           of
           wickednesse
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           vehement
           and
           godly
           striving
           against
           the
           stream
           thereof
           ,
           by
           their
           prayers
           and
           utmost
           endeavours
           .
        
         
         
           15.
           
           That
           we
           shall
           heartily
           labour
           not
           to
           be
           found
           defective
           in
           the
           use
           of
           all
           good
           means
           ,
           whereby
           the
           peace
           and
           welfare
           of
           Gods
           Church
           may
           be
           procured
           and
           maintained
           ;
           and
           shall
           carefully
           avoid
           all
           such
           wayes
           and
           meanes
           ,
           which
           may
           in
           any
           sort
           endanger
           the
           widening
           of
           the
           unhappy
           breaches
           ,
           and
           multiplying
           of
           the
           many
           and
           miserable
           distractions
           thereof
           .
        
         
           These
           are
           the
           Laws
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           have
           thought
           fit
           in
           these
           doleful
           times
           to
           bind
           our selves
           ,
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           that
           God
           ,
           who
           hath
           graciously
           wrought
           in
           us
           a
           feeling
           compassion
           of
           the
           publique
           evils
           ;
           beseeching
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Father
           of
           all
           mercies
           ,
           to
           inable
           us
           by
           the
           powerful
           operatio
           of
           his
           good
           Spirit
           ,
           to
           an
           effectual
           performance
           of
           all
           these
           our
           holy
           engagements
           ,
           that
           after
           the
           short
           time
           of
           our
           mourning
           in
           this
           vale
           of
           tears
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           admitted
           to
           be
           the
           blessed
           partakers
           of
           that
           eternal
           joy
           which
           abides
           for
           all
           his
           in
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           Christian
           Brethren
           ,
           of
           what
           quality
           soever
           ;
           I
           cannot
           fear
           ,
           lest
           it
           will
           seem
           too
           much
           boldnesse
           in
           me
           to
           invite
           you
           all
           to
           take
           part
           with
           me
           in
           this
           holy
           Fraternity
           ;
           which
           you
           shall
           highly
           wrong
           if
           you
           look
           upon
           it
           as
           mine
           ,
           or
           any
           meerly
           humane
           institution
           :
           No
           ,
           the
           Founder
           of
           it
           is
           in
           Heaven
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           charge
           of
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           himself
           ,
           by
           the
           hand
           of
           his
           chosen
           Vessel
           ,
           
             Weep
             with
             them
             that
             weep
          
           :
           If
           our
           tears
           therefore
           be
           (
           as
           they
           are
           )
           most
           just
           ,
           ye
           are
           bound
           to
           add
           yours
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           shall
           offend
           if
           ye
           forbear
           :
           Neither
           can
           you
           be
           ignorant
           that
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           himself
           whiles
           he
           was
           visibly
           here
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           did
           not
           only
           own
           it
           as
           well-pleasing
           to
           him
           ,
           but
           encouraged
           it
           with
           the
           promise
           of
           an
           assured
           comfort
           ,
           and
           crowned
           it
           with
           no
           lesse
           title
           then
           Blessednesse
           :
           And
           if
           ye
           look
           for
           a
           more
           ancient
           precedent
           ,
           even
           before
           the
           Lord
           of
           Life
           was
           manifested
           in
           the
           flesh
           ,
           ye
           do
           apparently
           find
           this
           Fraternity
           of
           singular
           note
           in
           old
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
             Ye
             know
             the
             Man
             cloathed
             with
             white
             Linnen
             ,
             which
             had
             the
             Writers
             Inkhorn
             by
             his
             side
             ,
          
           had
           this
           charge
           from
           the
           mouth
           of
           the
           Lord
           himself
           ,
           
             Go
             through
             the
             midst
             of
             the
             City
             ,
             through
             the
             midst
             of
             Jerusalem
             ,
             and
             set
             a
             mark
             upon
             
             the
             foreheads
             of
             the
             Men
             that
             sigh
             ,
             and
             that
             cry
             for
             all
             the
             abominations
             that
             be
             done
             in
             the
             midst
             thereof
             .
          
           Lo
           here
           ,
           a
           company
           of
           Mourners
           marked
           out
           for
           Mercy
           ;
           even
           whiles
           the
           Sanctuary
           is
           contemptuously
           defiled
           ,
           and
           all
           Jerusalem
           is
           in
           blood
           .
        
         
           Shall
           I
           now
           need
           any
           other
           motive
           to
           win
           you
           into
           the
           Brotherhood
           of
           this
           sacred
           Order
           ?
        
         
           
             Know
             then
          
           ,
           that
           they
           which
           sow
           in
           tears
           shall
           reap
           in
           joy
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           goeth
           sorth
           and
           weepeth
           ,
           bearing
           precious
           seed
           ,
           shall
           doubtlesse
           come
           again
           with
           rejoycing
           ,
           bringing
           his
           sheaves
           with
           him
           .
        
         
           Know
           that
           they
           are
           not
           Tears
           ,
           but
           Pearles
           ,
           that
           thus
           fall
           from
           your
           Eyes
           ,
           dearly
           precious
           to
           the
           Almighty
           ,
           and
           carefully
           reserved
           in
           his
           Casket
           ,
           for
           the
           decking
           of
           your
           Souls
           to
           all
           Eternity
           .
        
         
           Know
           that
           even
           the
           Lord
           of
           Glory
           was
           a
           man
           of
           sorrows
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           bedewed
           Jerusalem
           with
           his
           Teares
           ,
           ere
           he
           watered
           is
           with
           his
           Blood.
           If
           therefore
           ye
           will
           be
           moved
           either
           with
           the
           sweet
           and
           unfailable
           promises
           of
           a
           gracious
           acceptation
           ,
           and
           a
           blessed
           remuneration
           of
           everlasting
           comfort
           ,
           or
           led
           by
           the
           Precept
           ,
           or
           the
           Example
           of
           that
           dear
           Saviour
           ,
           whose
           Name
           ye
           professe
           to
           bear
           ,
           refuse
           not
           ,
           delay
           not
           to
           enter
           your selves
           into
           this
           so
           holy
           ,
           ancient
           ,
           and
           highly
           priviledged
           Fraternity
           of
           Mourners
           in
           Sion
           .
        
         
           Mourn
           then
           ,
           my
           Brethren
           ,
           mourn
           heartily
           ,
           but
           (
           as
           the
           Apostle
           in
           another
           case
           )
           
             Mourn
             not
             as
             men
             without
             hope
             ,
          
           Be
           not
           disheartened
           ,
           O
           ye
           faithful
           Mourners
           in
           Sion
           ,
           as
           if
           ye
           were
           hopelesly
           condemned
           to
           a
           perpetual
           darknesse
           ,
           and
           were
           doomed
           to
           dwell
           under
           a
           Cloud
           of
           endlesse
           sorrow
           .
           The
           Almighty
           will
           find
           a
           time
           to
           have
           mercy
           upon
           his
           poor
           Church
           ,
           and
           to
           clear
           up
           his
           countenance
           towards
           his
           chosen
           Ones
           ;
           wiping
           all
           tears
           from
           their
           eyes
           ,
           and
           all
           spots
           from
           their
           faces
           ,
           and
           answering
           the
           holy
           desires
           of
           their
           hearts
           ,
           in
           shewing
           them
           his
           Sion
           in
           her
           perfect
           beauty
           .
           Could
           we
           but
           weep
           soundly
           ,
           he
           would
           smile
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           comfortably
           shine
           upon
           his
           Sanctuary
           ,
           and
           make
           the
           
           place
           of
           his
           feet
           glorious
           ,
           even
           an
           eternal
           excellency
           ,
           the
           joy
           of
           many
           Generations
           :
           Indeed
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           O
           our
           God
           ,
           thou
           hast
           removed
           our
           Souls
           far
           from
           peace
           ;
           thou
           hast
           most
           justly
           filled
           us
           with
           thine
           indignation
           ;
           for
           we
           have
           deserved
           that
           thou
           shouldst
           pour
           out
           iniquities
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           shouldst
           bring
           upon
           us
           the
           fruits
           of
           our
           own
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           measure
           our
           works
           into
           our
           bosomes
           ;
           and
           cause
           us
           to
           drink
           at
           thy
           Hand
           the
           Cup
           of
           thy
           fury
           ,
           yea
           ,
           even
           to
           have
           the
           dregs
           of
           the
           Cup
           of
           trembling
           to
           be
           wrung
           out
           to
           us
           ,
           for
           we
           have
           walked
           every
           one
           after
           the
           imagination
           of
           his
           own
           evil
           heart
           ;
           our
           transgressions
           are
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           are
           multiplied
           before
           thee
           ;
           and
           though
           we
           have
           professed
           to
           be
           humbled
           under
           thy
           mighty
           hand
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           cried
           to
           thee
           in
           our
           hearts
           ,
           when
           we
           howled
           upon
           our
           beds
           ;
           neither
           have
           we
           loathed
           our selves
           in
           our
           own
           sight
           for
           the
           evils
           that
           we
           have
           committed
           ;
           so
           as
           we
           do
           now
           justly
           lie
           down
           in
           our
           shame
           ,
           and
           our
           confusion
           covereth
           us
           ,
           willingly
           acknowledging
           that
           our
           iniquities
           have
           most
           deservedly
           turned
           away
           thy
           blessings
           from
           us
           ,
           and
           drawn
           thy
           judgements
           upon
           our
           heads
           .
        
         
           But
           ,
           O
           Lord
           ,
           hast
           thou
           so
           smitten
           us
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           healing
           for
           us
           ?
           Have
           we
           put
           our selves
           utterly
           out
           of
           the
           reach
           of
           thy
           boundlesse
           mercies
           ?
           Art
           not
           thou
           the
           God
           that
           retainest
           not
           thine
           anger
           for
           ever
           ,
           because
           thou
           delightest
           in
           mercy
           ?
           Oh
           why
           shouldest
           thou
           then
           be
           to
           us
           as
           a
           mighty
           Man
           that
           cannot
           save
           ?
           O
           thou
           the
           hope
           of
           Israel
           ,
           and
           the
           Saviour
           thereof
           in
           time
           of
           trouble
           ,
           return
           ,
           return
           to
           thy
           people
           in
           the
           tender
           bowels
           of
           thine
           infinite
           pitty
           and
           compassion
           ;
           humble
           our
           Soules
           throughly
           under
           the
           sense
           of
           our
           many
           back
           slidings
           and
           grievous
           provocations
           of
           the
           Eyes
           of
           thy
           Glory
           :
           Oh
           strike
           thou
           our
           heart
           with
           an
           unfeigned
           repentance
           of
           all
           our
           evil
           wayes
           ,
           and
           once
           again
           speak
           peace
           unto
           thy
           servants
           :
           Was
           there
           ever
           a
           more
           stiffe-necked
           and
           rebellious
           people
           ,
           O
           Lord
           ,
           then
           thine
           Israel
           ?
           more
           eminent
           in
           abused
           mercies
           ?
           more
           notorious
           in
           all
           kinds
           of
           abominable
           wickednesses
           ?
           more
           exercised
           with
           variety
           of
           judgements
           ?
           
           Yet
           when
           they
           cryed
           to
           thee
           in
           their
           distresse
           thou
           were
           still
           ready
           to
           hear
           ,
           and
           deliver
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           renew
           thy
           so
           often
           forseited
           blessings
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           wouldst
           not
           let
           loose
           thy
           vengeance
           upon
           them
           till
           there
           was
           no
           remedy
           .
           Behold
           ,
           we
           are
           thy
           people
           ,
           though
           a
           sinful
           one
           ;
           a
           second
           Israel
           both
           for
           sins
           and
           mercies
           :
           Now
           ,
           Lord
           ,
           since
           it
           is
           thy
           marvellous
           mercy
           that
           we
           are
           not
           yet
           consumed
           ,
           be
           still
           pleased
           to
           magnifie
           thy
           infinite
           goodnesse
           in
           thy
           gracious
           forbearances
           and
           our
           powerful
           conversion
           to
           thee
           :
           And
           though
           we
           cannot
           but
           confesse
           that
           we
           are
           a
           sinful
           Nation
           ,
           a
           people
           laden
           with
           iniquity
           ,
           a
           seed
           of
           evil
           doers
           ,
           yet
           ,
           Lord
           ,
           thou
           knowest
           that
           thou
           hast
           thy
           secret
           ones
           amongst
           us
           ;
           a
           people
           that
           prayeth
           ,
           and
           trembleth
           at
           thy
           judgements
           ,
           and
           waiteth
           humbly
           at
           the
           door-posts
           of
           thy
           Sanctuary
           ;
           a
           people
           that
           defireth
           to
           walk
           close
           with
           thee
           their
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           approved
           of
           thee
           in
           all
           their
           wayes
           ;
           a
           people
           that
           figheth
           and
           mourneth
           for
           the
           abominable
           sins
           of
           the
           Land
           of
           their
           Nativity
           ;
           Oh
           ,
           for
           their
           sakes
           ,
           be
           thou
           intreated
           to
           hold
           off
           thy
           revenging
           hand
           from
           this
           sinful
           Nation
           ,
           and
           even
           yet
           still
           provoke
           us
           by
           thy
           goodnesse
           to
           Repentance
           ,
           O
           thou
           the
           righteous
           and
           merciful
           Judge
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           
             who
             even
             for
             ten
             righteous
             persons
             wouldest
             have
             spared
             a
          
           Sodome
           and
           Gomorrah
           
             from
             their
             fiery
             execution
          
           ;
           be
           pleased
           tenderly
           to
           regard
           the
           cries
           of
           thy
           many
           hundred
           faithful
           and
           devout
           Soules
           ,
           that
           sue
           to
           thee
           for
           the
           stay
           and
           removal
           of
           thy
           deserved
           judgements
           :
           Oh
           do
           thou
           look
           down
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           behold
           from
           the
           habitations
           of
           thy
           holinesse
           and
           thy
           glory
           ,
           the
           unsaigned
           humiliation
           of
           thy
           servants
           ,
           who
           are
           prostrate
           before
           thee
           with
           fasting
           and
           weeping
           ,
           and
           mourning
           ;
           turn
           away
           thine
           heavy
           displeasure
           from
           us
           ,
           and
           pitty
           thy
           .
           Sanctuary
           which
           is
           desolate
           ;
           so
           shall
           our
           mouthes
           be
           full
           of
           the
           praises
           of
           thy
           Name
           ,
           and
           thy
           Saints
           shall
           rejoyce
           and
           sing
           new
           Songs
           unto
           the
           God
           of
           our
           Salvation
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           mean
           time
           we
           shall
           in
           silence
           and
           hope
           wait
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           hideth
           his
           face
           from
           Jacob
           ,
           and
           not
           cease
           
           to
           pour
           out
           our selves
           in
           Tears
           and
           Supplications
           to
           him
           that
           is
           mighty
           to
           save
           ;
           neither
           will
           we
           suffer
           our
           cheeks
           to
           be
           dry
           ,
           or
           our
           souls
           to
           receive
           comfort
           ,
           till
           we
           shall
           receive
           a
           gracious
           answer
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           shall
           see
           that
           the
           Lord
           hath
           been
           pleased
           to
           shew
           mercy
           to
           his
           Sion
           .
        
         
           In
           this
           condition
           ,
           we
           that
           are
           Sions
           Mourners
           shall
           not
           need
           to
           be
           distinguished
           (
           as
           other
           Orders
           are
           wont
           )
           by
           Colours
           ,
           Devises
           ,
           Abiliments
           .
           Our
           qualifications
           will
           be
           easily
           discerned
           by
           our
           sad
           faces
           ,
           wet
           eyes
           ,
           deep
           sighs
           ,
           mortified
           carriage
           ,
           willing
           neglect
           of
           those
           vanities
           wherewith
           others
           are
           transported
           ,
           our
           holy
           retirednesse
           ,
           assiduous
           Devotions
           ,
           and
           strict
           professions
           of
           Godlinesse
           ,
           Carry
           your selves
           thus
           ,
           dear
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           God
           and
           his
           Angels
           shall
           gladly
           welcome
           you
           into
           that
           holy
           Society
           of
           Mourners
           ,
           which
           shall
           be
           marked
           out
           for
           preservation
           here
           ,
           and
           for
           eternal
           comfort
           hereafter
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           let
           none
           of
           you
           discourage
           himself
           from
           entring
           into
           this
           sacred
           Fraternity
           ,
           out
           of
           the
           sense
           of
           his
           bodily
           infirmity
           ,
           or
           the
           urgent
           necessity
           of
           outward
           impediments
           .
           There
           is
           many
           an
           holy
           Soul
           that
           dwells
           inconveniently
           ,
           in
           a
           crazy
           ,
           tottering
           ,
           ruinous
           Cottage
           ,
           ready
           to
           drop
           down
           daily
           upon
           his
           head
           ,
           not
           able
           to
           endure
           the
           substraction
           of
           one
           Meales
           support
           :
           There
           are
           not
           a
           few
           well-affected
           Christians
           ,
           whom
           the
           necessary
           exigences
           at
           their
           Calling
           and
           Estate
           ,
           like
           so
           many
           hard
           Taskmasters
           hold
           close
           to
           their
           tale
           of
           Bricks
           ,
           not
           allowing
           them
           the
           leisure
           of
           our
           limited
           Devotion
           .
           Let
           all
           these
           of
           both
           kinds
           know
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           no
           cause
           hereupon
           ,
           either
           to
           hold
           off
           ,
           or
           to
           think
           they
           shall
           (
           in
           this
           case
           )
           need
           the
           dispensation
           of
           any
           superiour
           power
           ;
           since
           their
           condition
           doth
           sufficiently
           dispense
           with
           it self
           .
           Even
           the
           severest
           Casuists
           of
           the
           
             Roman
             Church
          
           (
           who
           are
           wont
           to
           be
           the
           rigidest
           Exactors
           of
           the
           outward
           exercises
           of
           Mortification
           )
           do
           ,
           in
           these
           Cases
           ,
           allow
           of
           a
           just
           relaxation
           .
        
         
         
           My
           Brethren
           ;
           if
           ye
           cannot
           fast
           ,
           yet
           ye
           can
           pray
           ,
           if
           your
           Stomacks
           be
           weak
           ,
           yet
           your
           zeal
           may
           be
           strong
           ;
           ye
           can
           mourn
           though
           ye
           pine
           not
           ;
           and
           if
           ye
           cannot
           spare
           a
           day
           in
           seven
           ,
           yet
           ye
           may
           spare
           an
           hour
           in
           twelve
           ,
           and
           make
           up
           the
           rest
           in
           your
           frequent
           and
           servent
           Ejaculations
           :
           shortly
           if
           you
           have
           truly
           mourning
           Souls
           they
           will
           be
           accepted
           in
           the
           necessary
           want
           of
           the
           strict
           termes
           of
           bodily
           exercises
           .
        
         
           Farewell
           in
           the
           Lord.
           
        
      
       
         FINIS
         .