The Christian moderator: or, Persecution for religion condemned, by the light of nature. Law of God. Evidence of our own principles.
         Birchley, William, 1613-1669.
      
       
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             The Christian moderator: or, Persecution for religion condemned, by the light of nature. Law of God. Evidence of our own principles.
             Birchley, William, 1613-1669.
          
           [2], 28 p.
           
             Printed for H.J.,
             [London] :
             in the yeer 1651.
          
           
             Attributed to John Austin, who used the pseudonym William Birchley.
             Place of publication from Wing.
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Religious tolerance -- England -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A75807  R206658  (Thomason E640_1).  civilwar no The Christian moderator: or, Persecution for religion condemned,:  by the light of nature. Law of God. Evidence of our own principles. Birchley, William 1651    18707 17 0 0 0 0 0 9 B  The  rate of 9 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           THE
           Christian
           Moderator
           :
           
             OR
             ,
          
           PERSECUTION
           FOR
           RELIGION
           
             CONDEMNED
             ,
          
           
             
               By
               the
               
                 
                   Light
                   of
                   Nature
                   .
                
                 
                   Law
                   of
                   God
                   .
                
                 
                   Evidence
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   Principles
                   .
                
              
            
          
        
         
           JAMES
           II.
           XII
           .
        
         
           So
           speak
           you
           and
           so
           do
           ,
           as
           they
           that
           are
           judged
           by
           the
           law
           of
           liberty
           :
           for
           they
           shall
           be
           judged
           without
           mercy
           that
           have
           shewed
           no
           mercy
           .
        
         
           Mille
           hominum
           species
           ,
           &
           rerum
           
             discolor
          
           usus
           ,
           —
           per
           me
           equidem
           sint
           omnia
           protinus
           
             alba
             .
          
        
         
           Printed
           for
           
             H.
             J.
          
           in
           the
           yeer
           1651.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           Persecution
           for
           Religion
           condemned
           ,
           &
           .
        
         
           WHen
           I
           consider
           how
           tenderly
           your
           Saviour
           Christ
           recommends
           the
           precept
           of
           mutuall
           love
           to
           all
           that
           professe
           his
           Name
           ,
           making
           it
           the
           Character
           of
           his
           followers
           .
           
             By
             this
             all
             men
             shall
             know
             that
             you
             are
             my
             Disciples
             ,
             if
             you
             love
             one
             another
             ,
             John
          
           13.
           35.
           
           And
           when
           I
           reflect
           how
           highly
           the
           great
           Apostle
           
             Paul
          
           exalts
           the
           same
           Commandement
           ,
           abridging
           into
           this
           one
           precious
           ●●●●…ble
           ,
           the
           whole
           duty
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           
             All
             the
             Law
             is
             fulfill'd
             in
             one
             word
             ,
             Thou
             shalt
             love
             thy
             Neighbour
             as
             thy self
             ,
             Gal.
          
           5.
           
           I
           cannot
           sufficiently
           wonder
           ,
           to
           see
           most
           Christians
           in
           this
           present
           age
           with
           fire
           and
           sword
           persecute
           each
           other
           ,
           only
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           Religion
           :
           how
           are
           we
           degenerated
           from
           the
           Primitive
           Believers
           ,
           who
           would
           rather
           have
           given
           their
           own
           lives
           ,
           to
           perswade
           their
           enemies
           to
           piety
           ,
           then
           sought
           to
           take
           away
           the
           lives
           of
           their
           Brethren
           ,
           to
           force
           them
           to
           Hypocrisie
           ?
        
         
           Yet
           hath
           it
           pleased
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           in
           our
           daies
           ,
           
             upon
             whom
             the
             ends
             of
             the
             world
             are
             come
             ,
          
           to
           infuse
           the
           like
           tendernesse
           into
           the
           brests
           of
           many
           conscientious
           and
           godly
           minded
           people
           of
           this
           Nation
           ,
           (
           who
           seeing
           the
           deformity
           and
           unreasonablenesse
           of
           those
           cruell
           Maximes
           ,
           that
           preach
           ruine
           and
           destruction
           for
           the
           least
           difference
           in
           belief
           )
           cease
           not
           to
           pray
           unto
           the
           God
           of
           heaven
           ,
           and
           solicite
           the
           Governors
           of
           the
           earth
           ,
           that
           an
           impartiall
           freedome
           ,
           and
           absolute
           incoercency
           in
           matters
           of
           Religion
           may
           be
           firmly
           and
           irrevocably
           establisht
           ,
           for
           all
           that
           professe
           the
           Gospell
           of
           Christ
           .
        
         
           For
           incouragement
           of
           which
           holy
           design
           ,
           woven
           out
           of
           the
           bowells
           of
           mercy
           ,
           and
           for
           determent
           of
           those
           tempestuous
           spirits
           ,
           that
           with
           thunder
           and
           lightning
           strive
           to
           storm
           mens
           consciences
           ,
           I
           have
           indeavoured
           in
           this
           short
           discourse
           to
           demonstrate
           ,
           that
           Conscience-persecution
           amongst
           Christians
           is
           clearly
           repugnant
           to
           the
           
             Light
             of
             Nature
             ,
          
           the
           
             Law
             of
             God
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             evidence
             of
             our
             own
             Principles
             .
          
        
         
           
             Demonstrative
             Reasons
             against
             forcing
             of
             Conscience
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             SInce
             we
             have
             so
             happily
             shaken
             off
             that
             intollerable
             Yoke
             of
             Popish
             infallibility
             (
             
               which
               neither
               we
               nor
               our
               Fathers
               were
               able
               to
               bear
            
             )
             it
             is
             become
             to
             us
             not
             only
             tyrannicall
             ,
             but
             absurd
             ,
             to
             compell
             others
             to
             a
             way
             ,
             that
             our selves
             confesse
             may
             possibly
             be
             erronious
             ;
             we
             see
             one
             Parliament
             repeals
             those
             Articles
             of
             faith
             which
             a
             former
             enacted
             ;
             that
             form
             of
             worship
             which
             the
             Laws
             of
             the
             last
             age
             introduced
             ,
             is
             now
             generally
             exploded
             ;
             nay
             ,
             the
             very
             last
             Reformation
             ,
             setled
             with
             so
             solemn
             a
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             carried
             on
             with
             so
             furious
             a
             Zeal
             ,
             is
             already
             by
             better
             lights
             discovered
             to
             be
             meerly
             humane
             ,
             &
             therefore
             deservedly
             laid
             aside
             :
             The
             late
             Synods
             Confession
             of
             Faith
             (
             hatch'd
             by
             so
             many
             years
             sitting
             )
             is
             now
             learnedly
             examined
             ,
             and
             indeed
             for
             a
             great
             part
             solidly
             confuted
             ,
             by
             Mr.
             
               W.
               Parker
               ,
            
             and
             other
             learned
             persons
             in
             print
             ;
             how
             preposterous
             is
             it
             then
             to
             constrain
             a
             soul
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             forsake
             his
             conscience
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             truth
             ,
             but
             drive
             him
             contrary
             to
             his
             own
             heart
             ,
             to
             a
             way
             that
             may
             be
             error
             !
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Since
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             is
             the
             sole
             Rule
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             no
             humane
             authority
             so
             highly
             impowred
             ,
             as
             to
             bind
             up
             our
             assents
             to
             whatsoever
             interpretation
             it
             shall
             please
             to
             propose
             ;
             it
             clearly
             follows
             ,
             that
             as
             all
             the
             children
             of
             God
             have
             equall
             interest
             in
             the
             Testament
             of
             their
             Father
             ,
             so
             no
             one
             amongst
             them
             has
             any
             right
             to
             impose
             a
             force
             upon
             the
             judgement
             of
             his
             brother
             :
             One
             holds
             Baptism
             of
             children
             to
             be
             necessary
             ,
             another
             esteems
             it
             unlawfull
             ,
             a
             third
             denies
             both
             these
             Opinions
             ,
             admitting
             well
             that
             it
             may
             ,
             but
             not
             that
             it
             must
             be
             done
             :
             they
             conferre
             Texts
             ,
             look
             into
             Originall
             Tongues
             ,
             pray
             incessantly
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             professe
             solemnly
             the
             sincerity
             of
             their
             intentions
             ;
             yet
             after
             all
             their
             diligences
             and
             devotions
             ,
             stedfastly
             remain
             in
             their
             former
             perswasion
             ;
             truely
             for
             my
             part
             ,
             he
             that
             should
             advise
             persecution
             in
             such
             a
             case
             (
             unlesse
             his
             fire
             brought
             light
             too
             with
             it
             ,
             to
             demonstrate
             the
             truth
             )
             would
             scarce
             satisfie
             my
             suspition
             ,
             that
             his
             coals
             were
             fetcht
             from
             the
             infernall
             pit
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             If
             we
             reflect
             upon
             the
             difficulties
             that
             encounter
             us
             in
             the
             way
             to
             Truth
             ,
             for
             
               strait
               is
               the
               gate
               ,
               and
               narrow
               is
               the
               path
               ,
            
             and
             withall
             consider
             the
             shortnesse
             of
             our
             sight
             ,
             for
             
               here
               we
               see
               but
               in
               part
               ,
               and
               understand
               but
               in
               part
               :
            
             there
             will
             appear
             more
             reason
             to
             endeavour
             the
             mutuall
             assistance
             and
             support
             ,
             then
             malicious
             ruine
             and
             destruction
             one
             of
             another
             .
             However
             ,
             since
             all
             have
             neither
             equall
             depth
             of
             naturall
             judgment
             ,
             nor
             the
             same
             measure
             of
             supernaturall
             illumination
             ,
             
               but
               the
               spirit
               bloweth
               how
               and
               where
               it
               pleaseth
               ,
            
             we
             ought
             not
             to
             attempt
             so
             high
             a
             presumption
             ,
             as
             to
             despise
             or
             persecute
             our
             b●other
             for
             his
             innocent
             and
             blamelesse
             mistakes
             ,
             lest
             we
             be
             found
             to
             fight
             against
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             free
             disposer
             of
             his
             gifts
             ;
             we
             know
             
               the
               way
               of
               man
               is
               not
               in
               himself
               ,
            
             Jer.
             10.
             23.
             but
             his
             
               steps
               are
               ruled
               by
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Pro.
            
             20.
             24.
             and
             therefore
             certainly
             ,
             did
             we
             bear
             a
             due
             respect
             to
             God
             ,
             we
             would
             be
             content
             to
             wait
             his
             leisure
             ,
             who
             has
             engaged
             himself
             by
             his
             Apostle
             ,
             
               Phil.
               3.
               15.
               
               If
               any
               man
               be
               otherwise
               minded
               ,
               God
               shall
               in
               time
               reveal
               even
               this
               unto
               him
               :
            
             let
             us
             therefore
             entertain
             such
             an
             one
             ,
             who
             proceeds
             in
             the
             simplicity
             of
             his
             heart
             ,
             with
             
               milk
               ,
            
             till
             he
             grow
             stronger
             to
             digest
             
               strong
               meat
               .
            
          
           
             4.
             
             All
             compulsion
             upon
             the
             Conscience
             returns
             us
             flatly
             to
             our
             old
             slavery
             under
             the
             
               Prelates
               ,
            
             nay
             more
             to
             the
             implicite
             faith
             of
             the
             
               Papists
               ,
            
             with
             this
             only
             difference
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             worse
             then
             either
             ,
             because
             our
             consciences
             accuse
             us
             of
             doing
             that
             which
             we
             condemn
             in
             others
             ;
             for
             whatsoever
             I
             am
             constrained
             to
             swear
             or
             professe
             more
             then
             I
             am
             convinced
             of
             ,
             proceeds
             from
             as
             great
             a
             tyranny
             as
             the
             High
             Commission
             ,
             and
             is
             as
             blind
             an
             assent
             ,
             as
             can
             be
             match'd
             in
             the
             grossest
             Popery
             ,
             and
             dare
             we
             
               think
               that
               doing
               the
               same
               things
               we
               judge
               in
               others
               ,
               we
               shall
               escape
               the
               Judgement
               of
               God
               ,
            
             Rom.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             5.
             
             Force
             is
             punishment
             ,
             and
             consequently
             not
             just
             ,
             unlesse
             the
             offence
             be
             voluntary
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             believes
             according
             to
             the
             evidence
             of
             his
             own
             reason
             ,
             is
             necessitated
             to
             that
             belief
             ,
             and
             to
             compell
             him
             against
             it
             ,
             were
             to
             drive
             him
             to
             renounce
             the
             most
             essentiall
             part
             of
             man
             his
             reason
             .
             Why
             should
             we
             be
             commanded
             
               to
               try
               the
               spirits
               ,
            
             1
             John
             4.
             1.
             
               to
               prove
               all
               things
               ,
               1
               Thes.
            
             5.
             21.
             if
             there
             be
             not
             a
             faculty
             in
             the
             soul
             to
             judge
             for
             her self
             ?
             why
             are
             we
             enjoyned
             to
             
               hold
               fast
               that
               which
               we
               find
               to
               be
               best
               ,
            
             if
             after
             our
             most
             serious
             and
             deliberate
             election
             we
             shall
             be
             whipt
             out
             of
             our
             conscience
             by
             penalties
             ?
             To
             what
             purpose
             do
             we
             preach
             poor
             souls
             into
             just
             so
             much
             liberty
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             as
             may
             beget
             their
             torture
             ,
             and
             not
             permit
             them
             to
             rest
             where
             they
             find
             satisfaction
             ;
             Either
             prohibit
             to
             search
             at
             all
             ,
             or
             leave
             us
             sensible
             of
             some
             benefit
             by
             teaching
             ;
             To
             believe
             what
             appears
             untrue
             ,
             
             seems
             to
             me
             impossible
             ,
             to
             professe
             what
             we
             believe
             untrue
             ,
             I
             am
             sure
             is
             damnable
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             As
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             whosoever
             swerves
             from
             the
             dictate
             of
             his
             Conscience
             commits
             a
             grievous
             sin
             ,
             
               Rom.
            
             14.
             
             So
             without
             question
             they
             that
             endeavour
             by
             force
             or
             artifice
             to
             draw
             any
             man
             to
             professe
             or
             act
             contrary
             to
             what
             his
             soul
             believes
             ,
             are
             as
             deeply
             guilty
             of
             the
             same
             crime
             ,
             
               When
               you
               wound
               the
               weak
               consciences
               of
               your
               brethren
               ,
               you
               sin
               against
               Christ
               ,
            
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             12.
             
             How
             dangerously
             then
             do
             they
             expose
             themselves
             to
             the
             just
             indignation
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             by
             Oaths
             ,
             Imprisonments
             ,
             Forfeitures
             ,
             &c.
             both
             drive
             others
             ,
             and
             fall
             themselves
             into
             eternall
             perdition
             ?
             How
             desperately
             do
             they
             attempt
             to
             extinguish
             the
             light
             of
             Nature
             ,
             which
             indispensably
             obliges
             all
             men
             to
             deal
             with
             others
             ,
             as
             they
             would
             be
             dealt
             with
             themselves
             ,
             a
             light
             placed
             by
             God
             in
             clear
             and
             candid
             souls
             to
             shine
             and
             guide
             them
             ,
             but
             in
             black
             ones
             to
             condemn
             and
             burn
             them
             ;
             I
             shall
             close
             this
             discourse
             with
             the
             advise
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               Rom.
               14.
               13.
               
               Let
               us
               therefore
               use
               our
               judgement
               rather
               in
               this
               ,
               that
               no
               man
               put
               a
               stumbling
               block
               before
               his
               Brother
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             2.
             
             Unanswerable
             Texts
             of
             Scripture
             against
             coercency
             in
             Religion
             .
          
           
             NOr
             are
             these
             so
             excellent
             and
             important
             truths
             built
             only
             upon
             the
             firme
             foundation
             of
             solid
             reason
             ,
             but
             also
             upon
             the
             infallible
             authority
             of
             evident
             Scripture
             ,
             2
             
               Tim.
            
             2.
             24
             &c.
             
               The
               servant
               of
               the
               Lord
               must
               not
               strive
               ,
               but
               be
               gentle
               unto
               all
               men
               ,
               apt
               to
               teach
               ,
               for
               bearing
               ,
               in
               meeknesse
               instructing
               those
               that
               are
               contrary
               minded
               ,
               if
               God
               peradventure
               will
               give
               them
               repentance
               ,
               to
               the
               acknowledging
               of
               the
               truth
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               recover
               themselves
               out
               of
               the
               snare
               of
               the
               devill
               ,
               who
               are
               taken
               captive
               by
               him
               at
               his
               will
               :
            
             and
             another
             Apostle
             forbidding
             us
             to
             condemn
             one
             another
             ,
             saith
             (
             
               James
            
             4.
             12
             
             )
             
               There
               is
               one
               Lawgiver
               ,
               who
               is
               able
               to
               save
               and
               to
               destroy
               :
               who
               art
               thou
               that
               judgest
               another
               ?
            
             and
             in
             
               Paul
            
             to
             the
             
               Romans
               14.
               4.
               
               Who
               art
               thou
               that
               judgest
               anothers
               servant
               ?
               to
               his
               own
               Master
               he
               standeth
               or
               falleth
               ,
               yea
               he
               shall
               be
               holden
               up
               ,
               for
               God
               is
               able
               to
               make
               him
               stand
               ;
               one
               man
               esteemeth
               one
               day
               above
               another
               ,
               another
               esteemeth
               every
               day
               alike
               ,
               let
               every
               man
               be
               fully
               perswaded
               in
               his
               own
               mind
               ,
               hast
               thou
               faith
               ?
               have
               it
               to
               thy self
               before
               God
               ,
               happy
               is
               he
               that
               condemneth
               not
               himself
               in
               that
               which
               he
               alloweth
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             whose
             conscience
             inwardly
             accuseth
             not
             his
             outward
             profession
             ;
             The
             same
             most
             zealous
             Preacher
             of
             the
             Gospell
             returns
             so
             condescending
             and
             moderate
             an
             answer
             to
             a
             case
             of
             a
             far
             harder
             sound
             then
             we
             undertake
             to
             maintain
             ,
             that
             it
             sufficiently
             proves
             he
             took
             his
             gentle
             pen
             from
             the
             soft
             wing
             of
             the
             
               Dove
               ,
            
             1
             Cor.
             7.
             12.
             
             &c.
             
               If
               any
               brother
               hath
               a
               wise
               that
               believeth
               not
               ,
               and
               she
               be
               pleased
               to
               dwell
               with
               him
               ,
               let
               him
               not
               put
               her
               away
               ,
               and
               the
               woman
               that
               hath
               a
               husband
               that
               believeth
               not
               ,
               and
               he
               be
               pleased
               to
               dwell
               with
               her
               ,
               let
               her
               not
               leave
               him
               ,
               but
               if
               the
               unbelieving
               depart
               ,
               let
               him
               depart
               ;
               a
               brother
               or
               a
               sister
               is
               not
               in
               bondage
               in
               such
               cases
               ,
               but
               God
               hath
               called
               us
               to
               peace
               ;
               for
               what
               knowest
               thou
               O
               wife
               ,
               whither
               thou
               shalt
               save
               thy
               husband
               ?
               and
               what
               knowest
               thou
               O
               man
               whither
               thou
               shalt
               save
               thy
               wife
               ?
               as
               God
               hath
               distributed
               to
               every
               man
               ,
               as
               the
               Lord
               hath
               called
               every
               one
               ,
               so
               let
               him
               walk
               ,
               and
               so
               ordain
               I
               in
               all
               Churches
               .
            
             What
             can
             be
             said
             more
             efficaciously
             to
             oblige
             Christians
             ,
             in
             charity
             and
             meeknesse
             to
             forbear
             one
             another
             ,
             then
             so
             expresse
             an
             Injunction
             of
             so
             great
             an
             Apostle
             ,
             to
             live
             peaceably
             even
             with
             an
             Infidell
             ?
             and
             again
             2
             
               Cor.
            
             1.
             24.
             
             He
             denies
             that
             even
             the
             Apostles
             themselves
             have
             any
             Soveraignty
             over
             the
             Conscience
             ,
             but
             only
             Commissions
             
             to
             assist
             the
             conscientious
             ,
             
               not
               that
               we
               have
            
             (
             saies
             he
             to
             the
             
               Corinthians
               )
               Dominion
               over
               your
               faith
               ,
               but
               are
               helpers
               of
               your
               joy
               ;
            
             therein
             exactly
             observing
             the
             orders
             which
             Christ
             gave
             to
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             
               Go
               and
               teach
               ,
            
             not
             compell
             ,
             
               and
               if
               any
               one
               receive
               you
               not
               ,
               shake
               off
               the
               dust
               of
               your
               feet
               ,
            
             no●
             trample
             upon
             them
             ,
             as
             dust
             under
             your
             feet
             ,
             
               Mat.
            
             10.
             14.
             
             Constant
             to
             which
             Doctrine
             of
             Meeknesse
             ,
             our
             Saviour
             thus
             instructs
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             Mat.
             23.
             9.
             
             
               Be
               not
               called
               Rabbi
            
             (
             that
             is
             Masters
             in
             spiritual
             matters
             (
             
               for
               one
               is
               your
               Master
               ,
               even
               Christ
               ,
               and
               all
               you
               are
               brethren
               .
            
             To
             this
             belongs
             the
             patient
             forbearing
             the
             
               tares
               ,
            
             and
             letting
             them
             grow
             together
             with
             the
             
               wheat
            
             till
             the
             time
             of
             harvest
             :
             as
             also
             that
             admirable
             president
             of
             mildnesse
             towards
             the
             Samaritanes
             ,
             who
             refused
             to
             receive
             even
             Christ
             himself
             ,
             whereupon
             the
             Disciples
             
               James
            
             and
             
               John
               ,
            
             would
             immediately
             command
             fire
             from
             heaven
             to
             consume
             them
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             daies
             of
             
               Elias
               ,
            
             but
             our
             mercifull
             Lord
             rebuked
             their
             zeal
             ,
             with
             this
             sweet
             and
             tender
             reply
             ,
             
               You
               know
               not
               what
               manner
               of
               spirit
               you
               are
               of
               ,
               the
               Son
               of
               man
               is
               not
               come
               to
               destroy
               mens
               lives
               ,
               but
               to
               save
               them
               ,
            
             Luke
             9.
             54.
             which
             one
             example
             abundantly
             satisfies
             all
             objections
             drawn
             from
             the
             practise
             of
             
               Elias
               ,
               Jehu
               ,
            
             the
             sons
             of
             
               Levi
               ,
            
             &c.
             in
             the
             old
             Testament
             ,
             for
             as
             they
             had
             an
             expresse
             command
             from
             God
             to
             warrant
             their
             Zeal
             ,
             we
             have
             an
             expresse
             warrant
             from
             Christ
             to
             command
             us
             meeknesse
             .
             If
             any
             one
             shall
             shuffle
             in
             a
             suspition
             ,
             that
             this
             moderate
             temper
             was
             meant
             only
             for
             the
             times
             of
             persecutition
             ,
             when
             the
             Christians
             had
             no
             temporall
             Power
             ;
             let
             him
             first
             confesse
             that
             those
             were
             the
             best
             and
             purest
             times
             ,
             and
             then
             show
             a
             Warrant
             dormant
             under
             our
             Saviours
             hand
             (
             that
             is
             in
             his
             Gospell
             )
             to
             Commissionate
             his
             Disciples
             as
             soon
             as
             they
             should
             get
             the
             Sword
             into
             their
             hands
             ,
             to
             cut
             the
             throats
             of
             all
             disobeyers
             ,
             and
             I
             submit
             ;
             but
             if
             they
             can
             cite
             no
             such
             authority
             ,
             let
             them
             freely
             acknowledge
             that
             persecution
             for
             Conscience
             is
             an
             unwarrantable
             tyranny
             over
             the
             just
             priviledges
             and
             liberty
             of
             a
             Christian
             .
          
        
         
           
             3.
             
             Our
             own
             Principles
             against
             constraint
             upon
             the
             Conscience
             .
          
           
             COnsonant
             to
             these
             reasons
             and
             clear
             Texts
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             are
             the
             Principles
             of
             all
             the
             godly
             and
             well-affected
             of
             this
             Nation
             :
             to
             begin
             with
             them
             to
             whom
             we
             owe
             this
             liberty
             of
             discoursing
             ,
             the
             unparallel'd
             Army
             ,
             in
             all
             whose
             proceedings
             ,
             and
             Declarations
             (
             especially
             since
             managed
             by
             the
             prodigiously
             successefull
             hands
             of
             the
             two
             later
             Generalls
             )
             their
             
               Motto
            
             has
             been
             
               Liberty
               to
               all
               tender
               and
               oppressed
               Consciences
               ,
            
             the
             glory
             of
             which
             so
             dazles
             the
             eys
             of
             our
             enemies
             ,
             and
             incourages
             the
             hearts
             of
             our
             friends
             ,
             that
             notwithstanding
             whatever
             other
             disadvantage
             ,
             we
             still
             find
             the
             Author
             of
             our
             Victory
             mindfull
             of
             the
             
               word
               ,
            
             which
             himself
             gave
             to
             our
             Army
             ,
             
               The
               meek
               shall
               inherit
               the
               Land
               ;
            
             Of
             which
             short
             Texts
             written
             in
             our
             Ensigns
             ,
             we
             may
             read
             a
             clear
             and
             perfect
             Commentary
             in
             the
             Proposalls
             of
             the
             same
             stil
             triumphing
             Army
             .
             1
             
               Aug.
            
             1647.
             when
             penetrating
             exactly
             into
             the
             true
             state
             of
             the
             Question
             ,
             they
             prudently
             distinguish
             between
             quiet
             exercicers
             of
             their
             Consciences
             ,
             and
             active
             prejudicers
             of
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             and
             thereupon
             offer
             their
             earnest
             desires
             ,
             
               that
               all
               coercive
               Power
               ,
               and
               all
               civill
               Penalties
               for
               non-conformity
               be
               wholly
               repealed
               ,
               and
               some
               other
               provision
               made
               against
               such
               Papists
               as
               should
               disturb
               the
               publike
               peace
               .
            
          
           
             Many
             and
             wonderfull
             are
             the
             deliverances
             which
             our
             good
             God
             has
             dispensed
             to
             his
             servants
             ,
             in
             reward
             of
             this
             their
             inclination
             to
             mercifullnesse
             ,
             yet
             amongst
             all
             the
             glorious
             appearances
             of
             the
             Lord
             for
             his
             people
             ,
             none
             can
             be
             found
             more
             eminent
             
             then
             the
             renowned
             victory
             over
             that
             rigid
             and
             severe
             Kirk-army
             of
             the
             Scots
             ,
             
               September
            
             1650.
             who
             declining
             the
             mild
             counsell
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               to
               possesse
               their
               souls
               with
               patience
               ,
            
             deservedly
             lost
             their
             lives
             by
             violence
             ,
             a
             fatall
             argument
             ,
             deciding
             manifestly
             this
             very
             controversie
             in
             favour
             of
             meeknesse
             ,
             where
             the
             maintainers
             of
             compulsion
             were
             no
             lesse
             ingeniously
             then
             cruelly
             confuted
             ,
             whilest
             assuming
             to
             themselves
             a
             Power
             to
             force
             our
             souls
             ,
             they
             could
             not
             so
             much
             as
             defend
             their
             own
             bodies
             .
          
           
             In
             memory
             of
             which
             great
             Salvation
             from
             the
             pride
             and
             fury
             of
             the
             
               Presbyterian
               Priesthood
               ,
            
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             as
             a
             new
             Covenant
             of
             Thanksgiving
             for
             so
             seasonable
             a
             mercy
             ,
             in
             the
             same
             moneth
             enacted
             an
             abolishment
             of
             divers
             rigorous
             and
             penall
             Statutes
             ,
             contrived
             on
             purpose
             by
             the
             haughty
             Prelates
             ,
             to
             break
             the
             hearts
             of
             those
             ,
             whose
             consciences
             they
             could
             not
             bend
             ,
             which
             one
             Act
             has
             won
             more
             hearts
             to
             acknowledge
             and
             love
             the
             authority
             of
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             then
             all
             their
             stupendious
             victories
             have
             forced
             bodies
             to
             confesse
             and
             fear
             their
             Power
             ▪
             and
             if
             it
             be
             not
             check'd
             by
             limitations
             and
             partiality
             in
             the
             execution
             ,
             will
             render
             them
             absolute
             Masters
             of
             all
             that
             understand
             their
             own
             felicity
             :
             for
             what
             can
             be
             imagined
             more
             welcome
             to
             a
             Christian
             people
             newly
             delivered
             from
             an
             Antichristian
             bondage
             ,
             then
             to
             see
             themselves
             infranchised
             into
             a
             holy
             Liberty
             of
             proceeding
             sincerely
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             consciences
             in
             the
             Worship
             of
             their
             God
             ?
          
           
             
               Wherefore
               as
               we
               are
               full
               of
               joy
               for
               so
               excellent
               an
               Act
               ,
               by
               which
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saith
            
             )
             we
             are
             called
             unto
             Liberty
             ,
             
               so
               we
               are
               full
               of
               hopes
               to
               be
               perfectly
               happy
               ,
               by
               the
               free
               and
               universal
               observation
               thereof
               ,
               without
               the
               least
               self-interest
               or
               respect
               of
               persons
               ,
               being
               so
               conformable
               to
               the
               constant
               received
               Maximes
               and
               solemn
               deliberate
               profession
               of
               the
               Parliament
               ,
               as
               appears
               by
               the
            
             Declaration
             
               of
               the
            
             Lords
             and
             Commons
             ,
             
               in
               answer
               to
               the
               Scotch
               papers
               ,
            
             4
             Mar.
             1647.
             
               where
            
             folio
             43.
             the
             Discipline
             of
             Ecclesiasticall
             Censures
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             punishmeuts
             for
             matters
             of
             Religion
             are
             disclaimed
             ,
             as
             grounded
             upon
             Popish
             and
             Prelaticall
             Principles
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             revived
             under
             any
             image
             or
             shape
             whatsoever
             ;
             
               and
               a
               little
               after
            
             folio
             63.
             
               they
               proceed
               in
               the
               same
               sense
               ,
            
             We
             shall
             not
             be
             afraid
             at
             the
             day
             of
             Judgement
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             been
             more
             forward
             to
             set
             Christ
             at
             liberty
             ,
             then
             to
             cast
             him
             in
             prison
             ,
             it
             being
             better
             in
             our
             opinion
             (
             where
             the
             case
             is
             not
             very
             clear
             )
             to
             leave
             God
             to
             deal
             against
             many
             errours
             ,
             then
             to
             use
             his
             authority
             for
             the
             suppressing
             of
             one
             truth
             ;
             the
             weapons
             of
             fasting
             and
             prayer
             ,
             being
             both
             more
             Christian
             ,
             and
             more
             available
             in
             such
             cases
             ,
             then
             those
             of
             force
             and
             violence
             :
             
               and
               yet
               more
               fully
               (
               if
               possible
               )
               in
               another
            
             Declaration
             
               in
               answer
               to
               the
               letters
               of
               the
            
             Scotch
             Commissioners
             ,
             17.
             
             Feb.
             1648.
             
             As
             for
             the
             truth
             and
             power
             of
             Religion
             ,
             it
             being
             a
             thing
             intrinsecall
             between
             God
             and
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             the
             matters
             of
             Faith
             in
             the
             Gospell
             being
             such
             as
             no
             naturall
             light
             doth
             reach
             unto
             ,
             we
             conceive
             there
             is
             no
             humane
             power
             of
             coertion
             thereunto
             ,
             nor
             to
             restrain
             men
             from
             believing
             what
             God
             suffers
             their
             judgements
             to
             be
             perswaded
             of
             .
             
               Words
               of
               that
               solid
               weight
               and
               precious
               value
               ,
               as
               deserve
               to
               be
               ingraven
               with
               letters
               of
               gold
               ,
               and
               religiously
               observed
               for
               ever
               by
               all
               tender
               consciences
               ,
               as
               an
               Oracle
               .
            
          
           
             Conformable
             to
             the
             aforesaid
             Principles
             is
             that
             excellent
             Doctrine
             and
             advise
             set
             down
             by
             Mr.
             
               Parker
            
             and
             his
             Brethren
             ,
             in
             their
             
               Examen
               of
               the
               late
               Synods
               Confession
               of
               Faith
               ,
            
             in
             these
             words
             ,
             
               page
               128.
               
               Liberty
               of
               Conscience
               may
               be
               infringed
               ,
               first
               by
               seeking
               by
               violent
               means
               to
               alter
               conscientious
               mens
               judgments
               ,
               
               and
               their
               present
               perswasion
               ;
               for
               it
               is
               the
               office
               of
               him
               who
               is
               the
               Lord
               of
               Conscience
               ,
            
             to
             lighten
             and
             change
             mens
             minds
             ,
             when
             and
             how
             he
             pleaseth
             ,
             
               Phil.
            
             3.
             15.
             
             Let
             us
             therefore
             as
             many
             as
             be
             perfect
             be
             thus
             minded
             ,
             and
             if
             in
             any
             thing
             you
             be
             otherwise
             minded
             ,
             God
             shall
             reveal
             this
             unto
             you
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             By
             inciting
             another
             by
             like
             forcible
             means
             ,
             to
             will
             and
             act
             against
             his
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             much
             more
             by
             imprisonment
             ,
             mulcts
             ,
             terrours
             or
             threats
             ,
             
               Rom.
            
             14.
             15.
             20.
             21.
             
             For
             this
             is
             to
             make
             him
             destroy
             his
             soul
             ,
             
               ver.
            
             20.
             23.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             We
             may
             not
             disturb
             the
             peace
             of
             mens
             Consciences
             ,
             or
             make
             their
             hearts
             sad
             with
             our
             invectives
             ,
             or
             menacing
             them
             causlesly
             with
             terrors
             from
             the
             Lord
             ,
             
               Ezechiel
               13.
               32.
               
               Because
               with
               lies
               ye
               have
               made
               the
               hearts
               of
               the
               righteous
               sad
               ,
               whom
               I
               have
               not
               made
               sad
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               in
               page
               230.
               thus
               ,
            
             But
             we
             would
             not
             have
             you
             assume
             to
             your selves
             ,
             or
             attribute
             unto
             others
             ,
             a
             Power
             to
             Lord
             it
             over
             mens
             Faith
             and
             Consciences
             ,
             especially
             when
             men
             walk
             obediently
             towards
             those
             that
             are
             in
             places
             of
             Rule
             and
             Authority
             ,
             and
             live
             a
             godly
             ,
             sober
             ,
             honest
             ,
             peaceable
             ,
             and
             unblameable
             life
             .
             If
             men
             will
             do
             wickedly
             ,
             and
             defend
             a
             Liberty
             in
             Christ
             so
             to
             do
             ,
             let
             them
             be
             liable
             to
             the
             Sword
             of
             Justice
             for
             so
             doing
             .
             But
             far
             be
             it
             from
             us
             ,
             so
             much
             as
             by
             example
             ,
             to
             draw
             a
             weak
             brother
             ,
             a
             Saint
             and
             fellow-servant
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             whom
             no
             man
             can
             accuse
             ,
             but
             for
             his
             differing
             judgement
             ,
             to
             do
             any
             thing
             against
             Conscience
             ,
             whereby
             he
             should
             condemn
             himself
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             speaks
             ,
             
               Rom.
            
             14.
             
             How
             much
             more
             ought
             Governours
             to
             be
             tender
             and
             abstemious
             in
             the
             use
             of
             violent
             and
             coercive
             means
             ,
             to
             precipitate
             men
             into
             such
             perillous
             and
             destructive
             courses
             .
             All
             authority
             is
             given
             of
             God
             for
             mens
             welfare
             ,
             and
             much
             more
             for
             the
             preservation
             ,
             and
             not
             the
             destruction
             of
             the
             soul
             .
          
           
             By
             these
             considerations
             (
             I
             conceive
             )
             is
             clearly
             demonstrated
             the
             freedome
             of
             a
             Christian
             soul
             in
             her
             commerce
             for
             heaven
             ,
             which
             since
             the
             mercifull
             bounty
             of
             God
             holds
             forth
             indifferently
             to
             all
             ,
             the
             cruell
             covetousnesse
             of
             man
             ought
             not
             to
             obstruct
             to
             any
             ,
             surely
             it
             is
             the
             worst
             of
             
               Monopolies
            
             to
             lay
             Impositions
             upon
             the
             way
             to
             Paradise
             ;
             Christ
             by
             his
             death
             ,
             removed
             the
             Angell
             that
             chased
             from
             thence
             our
             first
             parents
             ;
             and
             shall
             any
             of
             us
             take
             the
             Flaming
             Sword
             into
             our
             hands
             ,
             to
             sheath
             it
             in
             the
             bowells
             of
             a
             poor
             Pilgrime
             ,
             who
             with
             a
             sincere
             heart
             travails
             to
             the
             same
             Countrey
             ,
             only
             because
             he
             goes
             not
             in
             our
             company
             ?
             In
             my
             
               Fathers
               house
               are
               many
               Mansions
               ,
            
             saies
             Christ
             ,
             why
             may
             there
             not
             be
             as
             many
             paths
             that
             lead
             to
             them
             ?
             If
             
               they
               that
               have
               no
               Law
               ,
               shall
               be
               judged
               without
               the
               Law
               ,
            
             certainly
             they
             that
             unblameably
             mistake
             the
             Law
             ,
             shall
             be
             tryed
             according
             to
             those
             Expositions
             which
             appeared
             unto
             them
             ,
             to
             be
             the
             meaning
             of
             the
             Law-giver
             ,
             (
             for
             the
             sense
             is
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             not
             the
             letter
             )
             specially
             having
             so
             gracious
             a
             Judge
             ,
             who
             has
             already
             declared
             by
             his
             Apostle
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             8.
             
             
               If
               there
               be
               first
               a
               willing
               mind
               ,
               it
               is
               accepted
               according
               to
               what
               a
               man
               hath
               ,
               and
               not
               according
               to
               what
               he
               hath
               not
               .
            
          
           
             Wherefore
             let
             us
             not
             by
             a
             suddain
             violence
             break
             into
             pieces
             the
             consciences
             of
             our
             brethren
             ,
             but
             mildly
             thaw
             them
             into
             a
             cordiall
             and
             ingenuous
             unity
             ,
             that
             righteousnesse
             and
             peace
             may
             flow
             together
             in
             the
             same
             channell
             ,
             and
             not
             as
             broken
             Ice
             dash
             one
             against
             another
             :
             let
             us
             patiently
             expect
             ,
             till
             the
             Lord
             be
             pleased
             to
             take
             off
             the
             vail
             from
             their
             hearts
             that
             are
             otherwise
             minded
             ,
             and
             not
             by
             forcing
             their
             judgements
             ,
             add
             to
             their
             vail
             of
             ignorance
             a
             worser
             of
             hypocrisie
             ,
             it
             being
             now
             a
             common
             experiment
             ,
             that
             generally
             the
             issue
             of
             compulsionary
             and
             forced
             conformity
             closes
             in
             this
             ,
             to
             make
             some
             few
             counterfeit
             
               Protestants
               ,
            
             and
             a
             
             great
             many
             reall
             
               Atheists
               ;
            
             whence
             it
             is
             clearly
             concluded
             ,
             that
             the
             only
             true
             means
             of
             winning
             souls
             to
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             Gospellary
             way
             of
             meeknesse
             and
             perswasion
             ,
             and
             indeed
             it
             may
             worthily
             be
             esteemed
             the
             prime
             miracle
             of
             
               Christianity
               ,
            
             that
             a
             person
             so
             humble
             as
             our
             
               Saviour
            
             appeared
             ,
             without
             the
             assistance
             of
             Kings
             and
             Princes
             ,
             without
             the
             enchanting
             words
             of
             mans
             wisdome
             ,
             without
             the
             affrighting
             threats
             of
             fines
             ,
             imprisonments
             ,
             and
             deaths
             ,
             (
             though
             all
             these
             were
             absolutely
             subject
             to
             his
             pleasure
             ,
             )
             should
             conquer
             Powers
             and
             Principalities
             ,
             should
             out-charm
             the
             Magick
             of
             humane
             eloquence
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             admirable
             successe
             of
             his
             mildnesse
             ,
             condemn
             all
             those
             politique
             Religions
             that
             confesse
             their
             own
             crazinesse
             ,
             by
             using
             cruelty
             to
             support
             them
             ;
             whereas
             to
             reduce
             the
             disobedient
             only
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             gentlenesse
             ,
             and
             admonition
             ,
             or
             at
             most
             desertion
             ,
             argues
             indeed
             a
             Divinity
             in
             the
             Author
             ,
             and
             a
             Purity
             in
             the
             Ordinance
             :
             and
             here
             we
             may
             fitly
             apply
             the
             words
             of
             our
             Lord
             ,
             John
             14.
             
             
               If
               it
               had
               been
               otherwise
               ,
               I
               would
               have
               told
               you
               ;
            
             if
             the
             way
             of
             planting
             my
             Faith
             had
             been
             by
             imposing
             penalties
             on
             the
             hearers
             ,
             and
             not
             rather
             by
             exposing
             the
             Preachers
             thereof
             to
             dangers
             ,
             I
             would
             have
             told
             you
             :
             if
             the
             means
             of
             preserving
             Religion
             had
             been
             by
             watering
             it
             with
             the
             bloud
             of
             refusers
             to
             embrace
             it
             ,
             rather
             then
             of
             those
             that
             sought
             to
             propogate
             it
             ,
             I
             would
             have
             told
             you
             either
             by
             my
             example
             (
             all
             the
             world
             being
             in
             the
             power
             of
             my
             Deity
             )
             or
             by
             my
             Doctrine
             ,
             all
             justifiable
             proceedings
             concerning
             the
             government
             of
             my
             Flock
             ,
             being
             derived
             from
             the
             warrant
             of
             my
             Word
             ;
             thus
             we
             see
             our
             gracious
             Law-maker
             ,
             faithfull
             and
             constant
             to
             his
             own
             Principles
             ,
             
               The
               Son
               of
               man
               came
               not
               to
               destroy
               mens
               lives
               ,
               but
               to
               save
               them
               :
            
             Thus
             we
             see
             our
             own
             duty
             to
             
               learn
               of
               him
               ,
               for
               he
               is
               meek
               and
               humble
               of
               heart
               ;
               let
               us
               not
               therefore
               judge
               one
               another
               any
               more
               ,
               but
               use
               our
               judgement
               rather
               in
               this
               ,
               that
               no
               man
               put
               an
               occasion
               to
               fall
               ,
               or
               a
               stumbling
               block
               before
               his
               brother
               ,
            
             Rom.
             14.
             13.
             
             Let
             us
             alwaies
             remember
             the
             advertisement
             which
             the
             beloved
             Disciple
             gives
             to
             all
             his
             fellow-servants
             of
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             ,
             John
             13.
             16.
             
             
               The
               servant
               is
               not
               greater
               then
               his
               Lord
               ,
               if
               you
               know
               these
               things
               ,
               happy
               are
               you
               if
               you
               do
               them
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             Of
             tender
             Consciences
             .
          
           
             THese
             few
             unpolisht
             
               lines
               ,
            
             which
             I
             here
             present
             for
             incouragement
             of
             tendernesse
             ,
             I
             desire
             may
             not
             be
             
               stretcht
            
             to
             draw
             in
             a
             wild
             and
             extravagant
             licentiousnesse
             ,
             since
             they
             aim
             no
             farther
             then
             to
             hold
             up
             a
             Liberty
             to
             such
             only
             as
             professe
             Christ
             ,
             and
             walk
             before
             the
             Lord
             in
             the
             integrity
             of
             their
             heart
             ,
             who
             by
             the
             following
             marks
             are
             easily
             discernable
             from
             all
             those
             that
             for
             their
             blasphemies
             in
             Doctrines
             and
             debauchery
             in
             manners
             are
             worthily
             excluded
             from
             the
             benefit
             of
             this
             Indulgence
             .
          
           
             Supposing
             first
             ,
             as
             confest
             by
             all
             understanding
             men
             ,
             that
             tendernesse
             of
             Conscience
             is
             not
             the
             same
             thing
             with
             truth
             of
             judgement
             ,
             (
             else
             there
             could
             be
             but
             one
             only
             kind
             ,
             because
             truth
             is
             but
             one
             )
             but
             it
             signifies
             a
             proceeding
             
               bonâ
               fide
               ,
            
             without
             sinister
             respects
             ,
             or
             dissimulation
             ,
             seeking
             before
             all
             things
             to
             know
             God
             ,
             and
             fearing
             above
             all
             things
             to
             offend
             him
             .
             And
             secondly
             ,
             since
             in
             our
             enquiry
             ,
             to
             whom
             belongs
             so
             honorable
             a
             title
             ,
             we
             cannot
             pierce
             into
             the
             inward
             thoughts
             of
             men
             ,
             we
             must
             give
             sentence
             as
             they
             appear
             to
             us
             ,
             which
             rule
             in
             cases
             of
             this
             quality
             is
             in
             it self
             sufficiently
             certain
             ;
             however
             ,
             't
             is
             the
             only
             means
             God
             has
             allowed
             our
             nature
             to
             guide
             her
             resolutions
             in
             the
             judging
             of
             others
             .
          
           
           
             The
             signs
             then
             of
             tender
             Consciences
             are
             these
             ,
             if
             they
             lead
             regular
             ,
             vertuous
             ,
             and
             peaceable
             lives
             ;
             if
             their
             opinions
             be
             not
             justly
             accuseable
             of
             self-interest
             or
             licentiousnesse
             ,
             but
             rather
             require
             of
             them
             a
             prudent
             and
             religious
             severity
             against
             the
             inclinations
             of
             corrupted
             nature
             ;
             if
             their
             judgemen●s
             be
             steddy
             ,
             not
             fann'd
             to
             a
             new
             sense
             with
             every
             breath
             of
             wind
             ;
             if
             they
             continue
             in
             the
             same
             perswasions
             at
             their
             death
             ,
             which
             is
             no
             time
             for
             dissembling
             ,
             at
             least
             we
             ought
             to
             judge
             so
             ,
             if
             they
             not
             only
             die
             in
             their
             Faith
             ,
             but
             for
             it
             ,
             not
             only
             give
             away
             good
             part
             of
             their
             estates
             charitably
             ,
             but
             suffer
             all
             to
             be
             taken
             away
             patiently
             ,
             and
             all
             this
             for
             Christs
             sake
             ,
             or
             (
             to
             speak
             more
             closely
             )
             for
             that
             which
             they
             believe
             to
             be
             his
             will
             and
             Commandement
             ,
             no
             higher
             testimony
             of
             a
             true
             and
             reall
             sincerity
             can
             possibly
             be
             given
             ,
             or
             easily
             imagined
             ;
             and
             whosoever
             doubts
             after
             such
             evidence
             ,
             (
             chiefly
             if
             many
             concur
             in
             the
             same
             way
             )
             deserves
             to
             be
             condemned
             ,
             as
             the
             most
             passionate
             ,
             malicious
             and
             uncharitable
             person
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             for
             though
             one
             man
             may
             value
             his
             fancy
             above
             his
             life
             or
             estate
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             very
             neer
             an
             absolute
             impossibility
             ,
             that
             many
             (
             especially
             if
             they
             be
             discreet
             and
             rationall
             in
             other
             negotiations
             )
             should
             agree
             to
             undo
             themselves
             for
             a
             meer
             conceit
             ,
             did
             they
             not
             seriously
             believe
             ,
             it
             more
             imports
             them
             to
             keep
             their
             Faith
             ,
             then
             lose
             their
             fortunes
             .
          
           
             By
             these
             rules
             we
             may
             easily
             conclude
             the
             admission
             of
             those
             pious
             and
             religious
             persons
             ,
             who
             were
             imprisoned
             and
             persecuted
             by
             the
             late
             Prelates
             ,
             into
             the
             number
             of
             tender
             Consciences
             ,
             as
             also
             those
             precious
             servants
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             who
             by
             a
             voluntary
             banishment
             left
             their
             friends
             and
             Countrey
             to
             plant
             the
             liberty
             of
             the
             Gospell
             amongst
             the
             savage
             Heathens
             of
             
               America
               .
            
          
           
             Whilst
             I
             was
             finishing
             these
             lines
             ,
             a
             worthy
             friend
             of
             mine
             came
             to
             honour
             me
             with
             the
             civility
             of
             a
             visit
             ,
             to
             whom
             reading
             these
             last
             two
             or
             three
             considerations
             ,
             he
             told
             me
             ,
             that
             as
             he
             believed
             ,
             the
             Characters
             I
             had
             given
             of
             a
             
               tender
               Conscience
               ,
            
             were
             most
             evidently
             true
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             unbiased-minds
             perfectly
             satisfactory
             ,
             yet
             they
             were
             appliable
             to
             a
             sort
             of
             people
             in
             this
             Nation
             ,
             whose
             being
             discountenanced
             ,
             is
             thought
             so
             profitable
             to
             the
             State
             ,
             and
             so
             pleasing
             to
             a
             certain
             froward
             part
             of
             the
             Ministery
             ,
             that
             he
             feared
             my
             reasons
             might
             incounter
             some
             opposition
             ,
             unlesse
             they
             met
             with
             very
             ingenuous
             and
             disinteressed
             readers
             ,
             plainly
             telling
             me
             ,
             that
             the
             measures
             I
             had
             cut
             out
             for
             tender
             Consciences
             would
             fit
             the
             
               Papists
            
             as
             well
             as
             if
             they
             had
             been
             made
             for
             them
             ,
             for
             who
             live
             more
             peaceably
             with
             their
             neighbours
             ,
             (
             sayes
             he
             )
             who
             deal
             more
             justly
             with
             all
             men
             ,
             then
             they
             ?
             who
             are
             more
             constant
             in
             their
             Religion
             ,
             and
             more
             scrupulous
             in
             the
             observances
             of
             their
             Law
             ,
             then
             they
             ?
             who
             suffer
             for
             their
             Faith
             more
             then
             they
             ;
             nay
             at
             this
             time
             ,
             who
             besides
             them
             ?
             they
             submit
             their
             understandings
             to
             the
             definitions
             of
             their
             Church
             ,
             and
             their
             wills
             to
             the
             obedience
             of
             it's
             Discipline
             ,
             in
             Fasting
             ,
             Confession
             ,
             and
             many
             other
             burthensome
             duties
             ,
             all
             which
             are
             very
             disagreeable
             to
             the
             Dictates
             of
             flesh
             and
             bloud
             ,
             as
             containing
             the
             real
             practise
             of
             the
             highest
             self-deniall
             that
             can
             be
             imagined
             :
             and
             for
             the
             serious
             hour
             of
             death
             ,
             I
             must
             confesse
             ,
             I
             have
             known
             many
             of
             us
             turn
             Papists
             upon
             our
             death-bed
             ,
             but
             never
             in
             all
             my
             life
             so
             much
             as
             once
             the
             contrary
             ;
             and
             to
             speak
             ingenuously
             ,
             I
             have
             often
             observed
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             go
             from
             us
             to
             them
             ,
             seem
             (
             which
             you
             make
             the
             only
             judge
             )
             more
             spirituall
             ,
             retired
             ,
             and
             devout
             ,
             then
             before
             they
             left
             us
             ,
             whereas
             of
             the
             Papists
             that
             become
             Protestants
             (
             besides
             the
             worldly
             designs
             they
             may
             easily
             be
             thought
             to
             have
             )
             most
             commonly
             they
             grow
             more
             licentious
             ,
             both
             in
             Faith
             and
             manners
             ,
             especially
             
             the
             Priests
             ,
             who
             seldome
             or
             never
             are
             converted
             ,
             if
             once
             past
             the
             age
             of
             marrying
             .
          
           
             I
             ,
             who
             had
             alwaies
             believed
             the
             punishments
             laid
             upon
             them
             ,
             were
             reducible
             to
             civill
             crimes
             ,
             though
             defended
             by
             them
             as
             points
             of
             Religion
             ,
             resolved
             to
             follow
             those
             so
             certain
             and
             evident
             Principles
             ,
             which
             I
             had
             already
             framed
             (
             for
             discerning
             of
             tender
             Consciences
             )
             whithersoever
             they
             should
             lead
             me
             ;
             and
             therefore
             desired
             my
             friend
             to
             bring
             me
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             some
             moderate
             and
             discreet
             Papist
             ,
             that
             I
             might
             examine
             their
             Tenents
             ,
             not
             doubling
             their
             easie
             exclusion
             from
             the
             priviledges
             of
             tender
             Consciences
             ,
             this
             my
             friend
             immediately
             did
             ,
             recommending
             one
             to
             me
             ,
             a
             morally
             honest
             and
             understanding
             man
             ,
             though
             (
             sayes
             he
             )
             a
             little
             abused
             in
             his
             Religion
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             deal
             for
             it
             ;
             After
             we
             had
             met
             ,
             and
             agreed
             to
             discourse
             with
             all
             freedome
             ,
             the
             
               Recusant
            
             began
             with
             a
             short
             story
             of
             the
             present
             sufferings
             of
             
               Papists
               ;
            
             whereof
             (
             he
             said
             )
             
               Some
               are
               sequestred
               for
               Delinquency
               ,
               and
               those
               of
               all
               Cavaliers
            
             (
             caeteris
             paribus
             )
             
               the
               most
               severely
               ,
               though
               of
               all
               the
               most
               excuseable
               ,
               because
               wholly
               depending
               upon
               the
               pleasure
               of
               the
               late
               King
               ,
               and
               infinitely
               obliged
               to
               his
               Royall
               Lenity
               ;
               noting
               it
               as
               an
               unanswerable
               argument
               of
               their
               fidelity
               and
               gratitude
               towards
               such
               as
               deal
               with
               them
               in
               mercy
               ,
               as
               also
               that
               their
               declining
               to
               receive
               the
               Oaths
               of
            
             Supremacy
             
               and
            
             Allegiance
             ,
             
               for
               which
               they
               have
               heretofore
               been
               so
               violently
               persecuted
               ,
               proceeded
               not
               from
               any
               aversion
               to
               civill
               obedience
               ,
               but
               because
               there
               were
               mingled
               in
               those
               oaths
               certain
               expressions
               of
               a
               pure
               spirituall
               nature
               ,
               repugnant
               to
               their
               Consciences
               ,
               and
               altogether
               unnecessary
               to
               the
               common
               security
               .
            
          
           
             Others
             are
             equally
             punished
             ,
             that
             is
             their
             whole
             estates
             sequestred
             ,
             allowing
             only
             a
             fifth
             part
             for
             their
             wives
             and
             children
             ,
             though
             in
             true
             reason
             they
             are
             altogether
             justifiable
             ,
             having
             never
             been
             in
             any
             Engagement
             ,
             but
             found
             only
             in
             some
             Garrisons
             of
             the
             King
             ,
             whether
             they
             were
             driven
             for
             refuge
             ,
             being
             put
             out
             of
             the
             protection
             of
             the
             Parliament
             by
             publique
             Proclamation
             ,
             their
             houses
             every where
             rifled
             ,
             their
             goods
             plunder'd
             ,
             and
             lives
             endangered
             by
             the
             souldiers
             ,
             whose
             condition
             seems
             clearly
             to
             be
             within
             the
             equity
             of
             that
             Article
             of
             the
             Armies
             Proposalls
             ,
             
               Aug.
               1647.
               
               That
               the
               Kings
               meniall
               servants
               ,
               who
               never
               took
               up
               Arms
               ,
               but
               only
               attended
               on
               his
               Person
               ,
               according
               to
               their
               Offices
               ,
               be
               freed
               from
               Composition
               ;
            
             much
             more
             those
             who
             had
             both
             the
             civill
             reason
             of
             duty
             ,
             and
             the
             unanswerable
             argument
             of
             necessity
             ,
             to
             plead
             for
             their
             discharge
             :
             And
             (
             which
             is
             yet
             more
             hard
             )
             some
             Recusants
             of
             this
             Classe
             ,
             who
             never
             bare
             Armes
             ,
             but
             were
             only
             found
             in
             Garrisons
             ,
             for
             their
             own
             personall
             security
             ,
             as
             aforesaid
             ,
             are
             now
             rank'd
             among
             the
             highest
             Delinquents
             ,
             and
             their
             estates
             to
             be
             sold
             ,
             such
             are
             Sir
             
               Henry
               Beddingfield
               ,
            
             Mr.
             
               Bodenham
               ,
            
             Mr.
             
               Gefford
               ,
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             As
             for
             the
             single
             Recusants
             ,
             two
             thirds
             of
             their
             estates
             are
             seized
             upon
             ,
             only
             for
             the
             cause
             of
             Religion
             ,
             under
             which
             notion
             are
             included
             all
             such
             as
             were
             heretofore
             convict
             of
             not
             resorting
             to
             
               Common
               Prayers
               ,
            
             or
             do
             now
             refuse
             the
             Oath
             of
             
               Abjuration
               ,
            
             a
             new
             Oath
             made
             by
             the
             two
             Houses
             ,
             when
             the
             former
             kind
             of
             service
             was
             abolish't
             ,
             wherein
             the
             practise
             is
             strangely
             severe
             ;
             for
             upon
             bare
             information
             ,
             the
             estate
             of
             the
             suspected
             is
             secured
             ,
             that
             is
             his
             rents
             &c.
             suspended
             ,
             before
             any
             tryall
             ,
             or
             legall
             proof
             ,
             even
             in
             these
             times
             of
             peace
             ,
             and
             being
             once
             thus
             half-condemn'd
             ,
             he
             has
             no
             other
             remedy
             to
             help
             himself
             ,
             but
             by
             forswearing
             his
             Religion
             ,
             and
             so
             by
             an
             oath
             a
             thousand
             times
             harsher
             then
             that
             
               Ex
               Officio
               ,
            
             they
             draw
             out
             of
             his
             own
             mouth
             his
             condemnation
             .
          
           
           
             When
             the
             Sequestrators
             have
             thus
             seized
             into
             their
             hands
             two
             thirds
             of
             the
             most
             innocent
             Recusants
             lands
             and
             goods
             ,
             then
             come
             the
             Excize-men
             ,
             Tax-gatherers
             ,
             and
             other
             Collectors
             ,
             and
             pinch
             away
             no
             small
             part
             of
             the
             poor
             third
             penny
             that
             was
             left
             them
             ;
             so
             that
             after
             these
             deductions
             I
             have
             known
             some
             estates
             of
             three
             hundred
             pound
             a
             year
             ,
             reduced
             to
             lesse
             then
             threescore
             ,
             a
             lean
             pittance
             to
             maint●in
             them
             and
             their
             children
             ,
             being
             persons
             for
             the
             most
             part
             of
             good
             quality
             ,
             and
             civill
             education
             :
             and
             as
             for
             Priests
             it
             is
             made
             as
             great
             a
             crime
             ,
             to
             have
             taken
             
               Orders
            
             after
             the
             rites
             of
             their
             Church
             ,
             as
             to
             have
             committed
             the
             most
             hainous
             treason
             that
             can
             be
             imagined
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             far
             more
             cruelly
             punish't
             ,
             then
             those
             that
             murder
             their
             own
             Parents
             .
          
           
             Besides
             these
             extreme
             and
             fatall
             Penalties
             that
             lie
             upon
             the
             Recusants
             meerly
             for
             their
             Conscience
             ,
             there
             are
             many
             other
             afflictions
             whereof
             few
             take
             notice
             ,
             which
             though
             of
             lesser
             weight
             ,
             yet
             being
             added
             to
             the
             former
             ,
             quite
             sink
             them
             down
             to
             the
             bottom
             of
             sorrow
             and
             perplexity
             ;
             as
             their
             continuall
             fear
             of
             having
             their
             houses
             broken
             open
             ,
             &
             search'd
             by
             
               Pursuivants
               ,
            
             who
             enter
             at
             what
             hours
             they
             please
             ,
             and
             do
             there
             what
             they
             list
             ,
             taking
             away
             ,
             not
             only
             all
             the
             instruments
             of
             their
             Religion
             ,
             but
             oftentimes
             money
             ,
             plate
             ,
             watches
             ,
             and
             other
             such
             Popish
             Idolls
             ,
             especially
             if
             they
             be
             found
             in
             the
             same
             room
             with
             any
             Pictures
             ,
             and
             so
             infected
             with
             a
             relative
             superstition
             .
          
           
             Another
             of
             their
             afflictions
             is
             ,
             that
             they
             ,
             I
             mean
             these
             single
             Recusants
             ,
             have
             no
             power
             to
             sell
             or
             morgage
             the
             least
             part
             of
             their
             estates
             ,
             either
             to
             pay
             their
             just
             debts
             ,
             or
             defray
             their
             necessary
             expences
             ,
             whereby
             they
             are
             disabled
             for
             all
             commerce
             ,
             and
             their
             credit
             being
             utterly
             lost
             ,
             (
             upon
             which
             many
             of
             them
             now
             provide
             even
             their
             daily
             bread
             )
             they
             must
             needs
             in
             a
             short
             time
             be
             brought
             to
             a
             desperate
             necessity
             ,
             if
             not
             absolute
             ruine
             ;
             and
             if
             any
             ,
             the
             most
             quiet
             and
             moderate
             amongst
             them
             ,
             should
             desire
             to
             transplant
             himself
             to
             a
             milder
             Climate
             ,
             and
             to
             endeavour
             to
             avoid
             the
             offence
             that
             is
             taken
             against
             him
             in
             his
             own
             Countrey
             ,
             he
             cannot
             so
             dispose
             of
             his
             estate
             here
             ,
             as
             by
             Bill
             of
             exchange
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             way
             ,
             to
             provide
             the
             least
             subsistence
             for
             himself
             and
             his
             Family
             ,
             a
             severity
             far
             beyond
             the
             most
             rigid
             practice
             of
             the
             Scotch
             Kirk
             ;
             for
             there
             (
             as
             I
             am
             informed
             )
             the
             persons
             of
             Recusants
             are
             only
             banisht
             out
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             ,
             and
             prohibited
             to
             reside
             at
             their
             own
             homes
             above
             forty
             daies
             in
             a
             year
             ,
             which
             time
             is
             allowed
             them
             for
             the
             managing
             of
             their
             estates
             ,
             and
             their
             estates
             allowed
             them
             for
             their
             maintainance
             abroad
             :
             A
             proceeding
             which
             their
             Principles
             would
             clearly
             justifie
             ,
             if
             they
             could
             justifie
             their
             Principles
             :
             but
             in
             England
             ,
             where
             compulsion
             upon
             the
             Conscience
             is
             decryed
             as
             the
             worst
             of
             slaveries
             ,
             to
             punish
             men
             so
             sharply
             for
             matters
             of
             Religion
             ,
             contrary
             to
             the
             Principles
             publikely
             received
             ,
             is
             a
             course
             that
             must
             needs
             beget
             over
             all
             the
             world
             a
             strong
             suspition
             and
             prejudice
             against
             the
             honour
             and
             reputation
             of
             that
             State
             ,
             which
             at
             the
             same
             time
             can
             practise
             such
             manifest
             contradictions
             .
          
           
             To
             this
             deplorable
             condition
             (
             
               said
               he
               almost
               weeping
            
             )
             are
             the
             English
             Catholiques
             now
             reduced
             ,
             yet
             they
             bear
             all
             ,
             not
             only
             with
             patience
             ,
             but
             even
             silence
             ;
             for
             amongst
             the
             printed
             complaints
             so
             frequent
             in
             these
             times
             ,
             never
             any
             thing
             has
             been
             seen
             to
             proceed
             from
             them
             ,
             though
             alwaies
             the
             chief
             ,
             and
             now
             the
             sole
             sufferers
             for
             their
             Consciences
             ,
             except
             (
             not
             to
             be
             altogether
             wanting
             to
             themselves
             )
             some
             modest
             Petitions
             humbly
             addressed
             to
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             though
             such
             has
             been
             their
             unhappinesse
             ,
             that
             more
             weighty
             affairs
             have
             still
             disappointed
             
             their
             being
             taken
             into
             consideration
             ;
             else
             were
             they
             admitted
             to
             clear
             themselves
             of
             the
             mistakes
             and
             scandalls
             unjustly
             imputed
             to
             them
             ,
             they
             would
             not
             doubt
             fully
             to
             satisfie
             all
             ingenuous
             and
             unpassionate
             men
             ,
             nay
             even
             whomsoever
             ,
             that
             were
             but
             moderately
             prejudiced
             against
             them
             .
          
           
             To
             this
             I
             answered
             ,
             that
             as
             every
             one
             sees
             the
             severity
             of
             the
             Penalties
             which
             Papists
             suffer
             ,
             so
             for
             my self
             ,
             I
             believe
             the
             tendernesse
             of
             their
             Consciences
             ,
             because
             they
             suffer
             :
             and
             upon
             this
             ground
             we
             see
             our
             Judges
             and
             Commi●…ee-men
             allow
             Deeds
             ,
             where
             they
             find
             cleer
             proof
             of
             a
             valuable
             consideration
             :
             but
             Idolatry
             ,
             and
             the
             destructive
             Principles
             concerning
             Civill
             Government
             ,
             seem
             to
             me
             the
             two
             points
             that
             are
             
               onely
            
             and
             
               altogether
            
             intolerable
             in
             that
             Religion
             .
          
        
         
           
             Whether
             Papists
             be
             guilty
             of
             Idolatry
             in
             the
             Question
             of
             Angells
             ,
             Saints
             ,
             and
             Pictures
             .
          
           
             THe
             Papist
             here
             first
             took
             for
             granted
             ,
             which
             indeed
             I
             could
             not
             deny
             ,
             that
             if
             any
             Opinion
             be
             probably
             true
             ,
             persecution
             in
             that
             case
             is
             certainly
             unlawfull
             ,
             because
             otherwise
             both
             sides
             ,
             for
             both
             are
             probable
             ,
             if
             one
             be
             ,
             might
             justifiably
             persecute
             one
             another
             ,
             to
             the
             utter
             destruction
             of
             all
             Society
             ,
             and
             after
             returned
             this
             answer
             to
             my
             first
             objection
             .
          
           
             We
             reverence
             indeed
             (
             
               sayes
               he
            
             )
             the
             Angells
             and
             blessed
             Saints
             ,
             with
             a
             respect
             far
             more
             then
             we
             use
             to
             men
             ,
             because
             far
             above
             their
             Dignity
             ,
             but
             infinitely
             below
             the
             adoration
             we
             give
             to
             GOD
             ,
             because
             infinitely
             below
             his
             excellency
             .
             All
             the
             mistakes
             in
             this
             controversie
             arising
             from
             hence
             ,
             that
             the
             language
             of
             men
             has
             more
             distinctivenesse
             and
             variety
             then
             the
             gestures
             of
             their
             bodies
             ,
             and
             yet
             is
             far
             lesse
             copious
             then
             the
             thoughts
             of
             their
             minds
             ,
             whence
             it
             is
             they
             so
             frequently
             apply
             to
             most
             different
             conceptions
             the
             self-same
             words
             and
             postures
             of
             body
             ,
             as
             the
             titles
             of
             
               sacred
               Majesty
               ,
               most
               High
               ,
               most
               Mighty
               ,
            
             given
             to
             Kings
             and
             States
             ,
             the
             stile
             of
             
               Grace
            
             to
             Dukes
             and
             Archbishops
             ,
             of
             
               Lord
            
             to
             Noblemen
             ,
             Generalls
             ,
             Ambassadors
             ,
             &c.
             of
             
               Worship
            
             to
             Gentlemen
             of
             quality
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             bear
             any
             considerable
             Office
             in
             the
             Common-wealth
             ;
             so
             kneeling
             to
             Parents
             ,
             standing
             bare
             to
             the
             Parloament
             ,
             and
             other
             Courts
             ,
             bowing
             to
             one
             another
             ,
             &c.
             all
             these
             very
             expressions
             are
             the
             same
             we
             use
             towards
             God
             himself
             ,
             and
             passe
             innocently
             ,
             when
             rightly
             understood
             ,
             but
             to
             a
             scrupulous
             and
             wilfull
             spirit
             ,
             how
             offensive
             would
             this
             one
             word
             
               Worshipfull
            
             be
             ,
             if
             he
             reflected
             with
             a
             little
             rigour
             and
             frowardnesse
             upon
             it
             ?
             now
             as
             every
             old
             woman
             has
             capacity
             enough
             to
             make
             a
             different
             apprehension
             betwixt
             going
             to
             speak
             with
             one
             at
             the
             
               Lion
            
             in
             
               Cheapside
               ,
            
             and
             going
             to
             see
             the
             Lion
             in
             the
             
               Tower
               ,
            
             so
             may
             any
             the
             most
             simple
             Catholique
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             by
             a
             very
             little
             teaching
             ,
             learn
             to
             distinguish
             the
             
               Crucifix
            
             which
             he
             sees
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             from
             Christ
             whom
             he
             believes
             to
             be
             in
             heaven
             ,
             and
             consequently
             in
             no
             more
             danger
             of
             committing
             Idolatry
             to
             that
             Picture
             ,
             then
             the
             other
             of
             fearing
             to
             he
             torn
             in
             pieces
             by
             the
             Sign
             .
          
           
             Upon
             this
             Argument
             of
             the
             Papist
             ,
             I
             call'd
             to
             mind
             what
             I
             had
             read
             my self
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             how
             the
             Prophet
             
               Balaam
            
             fell
             flat
             upon
             the
             ground
             ,
             and
             adored
             an
             Angell
             ,
             
               Num.
            
             22.
             31.
             and
             
               Joshua
            
             gave
             the
             same
             honour
             to
             another
             ,
             that
             stil'd
             himself
             
               Captain
               of
               the
               Lords
               Host
               ,
            
             and
             therefore
             could
             not
             be
             the
             Lord
             ,
             
               Jos.
            
             5.
             13.
             nay
             he
             was
             commanded
             yet
             farther
             ,
             to
             
               put
               off
               his
               shoes
               ,
               because
               the
               ground
               
               was
               holy
               ,
            
             by
             the
             presence
             of
             an
             Angell
             ;
             these
             examples
             I
             confesse
             ,
             being
             related
             in
             the
             Bible
             ,
             without
             the
             least
             note
             of
             reproof
             ,
             enforce
             us
             to
             admit
             severall
             degrees
             of
             worship
             ,
             infinitely
             differing
             in
             the
             intention
             of
             the
             mind
             ,
             though
             very
             little
             in
             outward
             expressions
             .
             Now
             by
             whatsoever
             names
             we
             
               Protestants
            
             shal
             agree
             to
             call
             this
             behaviour
             of
             
               Balaam
               ,
               Joshua
               ,
            
             and
             even
             all
             the
             Jews
             before
             the
             Ark
             and
             Cherubins
             ,
             I
             see
             plainly
             will
             fully
             expresse
             ,
             and
             shrewdly
             justifie
             (
             at
             least
             from
             Idolatry
             )
             all
             the
             approved
             practises
             of
             the
             Papists
             ,
             which
             truly
             cast
             up
             ,
             as
             far
             as
             I
             can
             discern
             ,
             amount
             to
             no
             more
             then
             a
             reverence
             towards
             Saints
             and
             Angells
             ,
             suitable
             to
             the
             excellency
             of
             their
             State
             ,
             and
             for
             Churches
             ,
             Altars
             ,
             Pictures
             ,
             &c.
             only
             to
             an
             Ecclesiasticall
             kind
             of
             good
             manners
             .
             And
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             thus
             far
             seems
             to
             me
             evident
             ,
             that
             all
             honor
             or
             dishonor
             done
             to
             the
             Image
             ,
             reflects
             upon
             the
             Principall
             ,
             since
             not
             one
             amongst
             us
             but
             would
             condemn
             him
             for
             a
             Malignant
             ,
             that
             should
             shoot
             at
             my
             
               Lord
               Generalls
               Picture
            
             without
             
               Temple
               Bar
               ,
            
             and
             if
             any
             should
             reprove
             him
             for
             his
             temerity
             ,
             we
             would
             presently
             conclude
             such
             person
             wel-affected
             to
             the
             present
             Government
             ,
             and
             not
             at
             all
             sequestrable
             for
             
               Idolatry
               ,
            
             unlesse
             we
             could
             prove
             that
             the
             abused
             and
             doting
             people
             superstitiously
             adored
             the
             painted
             cloth
             ,
             which
             kind
             of
             worship
             ,
             I
             am
             satisfied
             ,
             no
             Recusant
             gives
             even
             to
             the
             picture
             of
             our
             Saviour
             .
          
           
             Lastly
             ,
             I
             think
             it
             probable
             ,
             not
             certain
             ,
             as
             the
             Papists
             do
             ,
             that
             the
             second
             
               Commandement
            
             intends
             not
             to
             forbid
             any
             such
             inferiour
             spirituall
             civilities
             ,
             because
             wise
             Governours
             contrive
             their
             Laws
             against
             those
             vices
             ,
             to
             which
             they
             see
             their
             Subjects
             particularly
             enclined
             ,
             and
             therefore
             downright
             
               Idolatry
               ,
            
             by
             offering
             Sacrifice
             to
             Gods
             ,
             made
             with
             hands
             ,
             and
             reposing
             confidence
             in
             their
             assistance
             ,
             being
             the
             common
             sins
             of
             those
             times
             ,
             't
             is
             probable
             we
             ought
             to
             interpret
             this
             
               Precept
               ,
            
             as
             a
             provision
             against
             Heathenish
             Idolatry
             ,
             not
             against
             such
             kind
             of
             reverences
             as
             the
             Jewes
             by
             Gods
             own
             appointment
             used
             before
             the
             Ark
             and
             Cherubins
             .
          
           
             
               Agreeable
               to
               this
               ,
               is
               the
               Opinion
               of
               the
               learned
               Mr.
            
             Hobs
             
               in
               his
            
             Leviathan
             ,
             
               where
            
             fol.
             360.
             
               he
               affirms
               that
            
             to
             worship
             God
             in
             some
             peculiar
             place
             ,
             or
             turning
             a
             mans
             face
             towards
             an
             Image
             ,
             is
             not
             to
             worship
             the
             place
             or
             Image
             ,
             but
             to
             acknowledge
             them
             holy
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             set
             apart
             from
             common
             use
             ;
             for
             that
             is
             the
             meaning
             of
             the
             word
             
               holy
               ,
            
             which
             implies
             no
             new
             quality
             in
             the
             place
             or
             Image
             ,
             but
             only
             a
             new
             relation
             by
             appropriation
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             therefore
             is
             not
             idolatry
             .
             But
             to
             worship
             God
             ,
             as
             inanimating
             or
             inhabiting
             such
             place
             or
             Image
             ,
             is
             idolatry
             ,
             as
             also
             to
             worship
             God
             ,
             not
             as
             inanimating
             or
             present
             in
             the
             place
             or
             Image
             ,
             but
             to
             the
             end
             to
             be
             put
             in
             mind
             of
             him
             or
             of
             some
             of
             his
             works
             ,
             in
             case
             the
             place
             or
             image
             be
             dedicated
             or
             set
             up
             by
             private
             authority
             ,
             and
             not
             by
             the
             authority
             of
             them
             that
             are
             our
             soveraigne
             Pastors
             ,
             is
             idolatry
             :
             for
             the
             Commandement
             is
             ,
             THOU
             SHALT
             NOT
             MAKE
             TO
             THY SELF
             ANY
             GRAVEN
             IMAGE
             .
          
           
             Thus
             in
             my
             judgment
             doth
             that
             learned
             
               Protestant
            
             absolutely
             clear
             the
             Papists
             of
             idolatry
             ,
             though
             perhaps
             he
             had
             more
             precisely
             exprest
             this
             last
             way
             of
             transgressing
             the
             second
             
               Commandement
               ,
            
             if
             he
             had
             call'd
             it
             
               will-worship
            
             rather
             then
             
               idolatry
               ,
            
             because
             there
             is
             only
             a
             want
             of
             commission
             ,
             no
             excesse
             in
             the
             degree
             of
             reverence
             :
             And
             though
             afterwards
             he
             condemne
             praying
             to
             Saints
             departed
             ,
             as
             idolatry
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             only
             upon
             a
             particular
             supposition
             of
             his
             own
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             yet
             no
             such
             thing
             as
             Saints
             in
             heaven
             .
          
           
             When
             I
             had
             read
             this
             passage
             of
             so
             famous
             an
             Author
             to
             the
             Recusant
             ,
             he
             to
             
             requite
             my
             civility
             ,
             immediately
             shewed
             me
             the
             words
             of
             the
             
               Councell
               of
               Trent
               ▪
            
             which
             he
             said
             differed
             nothing
             at
             all
             from
             Mr.
             
               Hobs
               ,
            
             and
             very
             little
             from
             me
             :
             For
             as
             I
             thought
             ,
             that
             the
             exhibition
             of
             some
             inferior
             kind
             of
             reverence
             towards
             Churches
             ,
             and
             other
             instruments
             of
             piety
             ,
             was
             probably
             unforbidden
             :
             So
             that
             Councell
             decrees
             the
             absolute
             lawfulnesse
             thereof
             in
             the
             25.
             
             
               Session
               ,
            
             where
             to
             the
             Canon
             concerning
             Images
             are
             added
             these
             words
             of
             explanation
             :
             
               Not
               that
               there
               is
               believed
               any
               divinity
               or
               vertue
               in
               them
               ,
               for
               which
               they
               ought
               to
               be
               worshipped
               ,
               or
               that
               they
               are
               to
               be
               petitioned
               for
               any
               thing
               ,
               or
               any
               confidence
               ought
               to
               be
               reposed
               in
               images
               ,
               as
               of
               old
               was
               done
               by
               the
               Gentiles
               ,
               who
               placed
               their
               hope
               in
               Idolls
               ,
               but
               because
               the
               honor
               exhibited
               to
               them
               is
               referred
               to
               the
               Prototypes
               they
               represent
               ,
               that
               so
               thorough
               the
               Images
               ,
               which
               we
               kisse
               and
               before
               which
               we
               bare
               our
               heads
               and
               kneel
               down
               ,
               we
               may
               adore
               Christ
               and
               venerate
               his
               Saints
               .
            
          
           
             Upon
             occasion
             of
             which
             words
             ,
             the
             Papist
             assured
             me
             ,
             that
             in
             no
             Councell
             is
             used
             the
             phrase
             of
             
               Religious
               worship
               ,
            
             when
             they
             treat
             of
             these
             questions
             ,
             nor
             any
             thing
             concerning
             them
             commanded
             as
             necessary
             ,
             but
             only
             their
             lawfullnesse
             declared
             ,
             that
             such
             as
             find
             benefit
             by
             their
             assisting
             the
             memory
             ,
             or
             exciting
             the
             affections
             ,
             may
             safely
             use
             them
             ,
             the
             rest
             may
             let
             them
             alone
             ,
             provided
             they
             censure
             not
             the
             practise
             of
             others
             ,
             over
             whom
             they
             have
             no
             Jurisdiction
             ,
             nor
             condemn
             the
             judgment
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             who
             has
             Jurisdiction
             over
             them
             .
          
           
             And
             hereupon
             we
             both
             agreed
             in
             this
             collaterall
             observation
             ,
             that
             if
             all
             modern
             Controvertists
             would
             restrain
             their
             disputes
             to
             positions
             generally
             received
             as
             of
             Faith
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             of
             which
             they
             are
             members
             ,
             attending
             only
             to
             her
             expressions
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             the
             termes
             of
             particular
             Writers
             ,
             the
             differences
             amongst
             Christians
             ,
             so
             fatall
             to
             the
             peace
             of
             
               Europe
               ,
            
             would
             be
             both
             lesse
             numerous
             ,
             and
             far
             more
             reconcileable
             .
          
        
         
           
             Whether
             Papists
             be
             guilty
             of
             Idolatry
             in
             the
             Eucharist
             .
          
           
             BEfore
             we
             could
             proceed
             to
             the
             second
             part
             of
             this
             Question
             ,
             the
             Recusant
             upon
             some
             occasions
             was
             obliged
             to
             go
             into
             the
             Countrey
             ,
             whence
             he
             sent
             me
             this
             following
             paper
             .
          
           
             Since
             it
             is
             concluded
             between
             us
             ,
             that
             probability
             exempts
             from
             persecution
             ,
             I
             shall
             endeavour
             to
             prove
             that
             the
             reall
             presence
             of
             our
             Saviour
             in
             the
             
               Eucharist
               ,
            
             is
             at
             least
             a
             probable
             Opinion
             ;
             and
             in
             order
             thereunto
             ,
             cite
             the
             most
             expresse
             and
             direct
             termes
             of
             the
             holy
             Scripture
             ,
             as
             first
             the
             promise
             of
             our
             SAVIOUR
             ,
             John
             .
             6.
             5.
             
             
               The
               bread
               that
               I
               will
               give
               is
               my
               flesh
               ,
               which
               I
               will
               give
               for
               the
               life
               of
               the
               world
               ,
            
             and
             verse
             55.
             
             
               My
               Flesh
               is
               meat
               indeed
               ,
               and
               my
               Bloud
               is
               drink
               indeed
               .
            
             Secondly
             ,
             The
             performance
             of
             that
             promise
             ,
             in
             the
             words
             of
             Institution
             ,
             
               Take
               eat
               ,
               this
               is
               my
               Body
               ;
            
             punctually
             repeated
             by
             the
             other
             three
             Evangelists
             ,
             
               Mat.
               26.
               26.
               
               Mar.
               14.
               22.
               
               Luke
            
             22.
             19.
             
             And
             thirdly
             ,
             the
             places
             declaring
             the
             use
             of
             this
             Sacrament
             in
             the
             Apostles
             time
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             10.
             16.
             
             
               The
               Cup
               of
               blessing
               which
               we
               blesse
               ,
               is
               it
               not
               the
               Communion
               of
               the
               Blood
               of
               Christ
               ?
               and
               the
               bread
               which
               we
               break
               is
               it
               not
               the
               participation
               of
               the
               Body
               of
               the
               Lord
               ?
            
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             29.
             
             
               He
               that
               eateth
               and
               drinketh
               unworthily
               ,
               eateth
               and
               drinketh
               damnation
               to
               himself
               ,
               not
               discerning
               the
               Lords
               Body
               .
            
             Thus
             the
             great
             Apostle
             
               S.
               Paul
               ,
            
             and
             all
             the
             
             foure
             Evangelists
             unanimously
             teach
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Reall
             Presence
             ,
             and
             not
             one
             single
             place
             produceable
             that
             in
             direct
             termes
             calls
             the
             
               Eucharist
               ,
            
             a
             signe
             or
             figure
             of
             Christs
             Body
             ,
             notwithstanding
             the
             maintainers
             thereof
             admit
             no
             proof
             as
             authenticall
             but
             the
             precise
             text
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             yet
             in
             this
             so
             important
             controversie
             they
             flie
             to
             logicall
             inferences
             and
             Philosophicall
             discourses
             ,
             and
             so
             make
             their
             own
             reason
             the
             Judge
             ,
             and
             not
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             rendring
             by
             their
             now
             and
             private
             interpretations
             this
             great
             Sacrament
             inferior
             in
             dignity
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             the
             
               Paschall
               Lamb
               ,
            
             a
             type
             of
             Christ
             ,
             but
             even
             to
             
               Manna
               ,
            
             which
             was
             but
             a
             figure
             of
             this
             very
             mystery
             .
          
           
             Surely
             if
             we
             shal
             add
             to
             so
             many
             &
             evident
             texts
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             the
             constant
             iudgment
             of
             the
             Fathers
             ,
             and
             the
             universall
             practice
             of
             the
             whole
             Christian
             world
             for
             above
             a
             thousand
             years
             (
             since
             so
             long
             is
             acknowledged
             the
             absolute
             reigne
             of
             our
             Religion
             )
             we
             may
             safely
             conclude
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             our
             Saviours
             presence
             in
             the
             
               Eucharist
            
             to
             be
             at
             least
             probable
             ,
             and
             consequently
             Catholikes
             in
             no
             wise
             accusable
             of
             rashnesse
             or
             obstinacy
             ,
             in
             believing
             a
             Position
             so
             efficaciously
             recommended
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             But
             admitting
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             non-reality
             to
             be
             true
             ,
             (
             
               said
               the
               Letter
               of
               the
               Recusant
            
             )
             yet
             ought
             not
             Catholikes
             to
             be
             iudged
             guilty
             of
             the
             sin
             of
             idolatry
             ,
             because
             their
             adoration
             is
             not
             intentionally
             directed
             to
             any
             creature
             ,
             but
             to
             the
             Person
             of
             Christ
             our
             Lord
             :
             and
             if
             He
             be
             not
             there
             ,
             their
             worship
             is
             mistaken
             in
             the
             place
             ,
             not
             in
             the
             obiect
             ,
             and
             therefore
             at
             most
             an
             error
             of
             fact
             ,
             and
             no
             formall
             Idolatry
             ,
             which
             no
             temperate
             Judge
             will
             impute
             unto
             sin
             ,
             much
             lesse
             our
             mercifull
             Redeemer
             ,
             who
             came
             to
             save
             ,
             not
             to
             destroy
             ,
             who
             accepts
             of
             the
             good
             meaning
             of
             his
             servants
             ,
             though
             mingled
             with
             humane
             infirmities
             ,
             as
             when
             
               Abimelech
            
             mis-took
             
               Sara
            
             from
             her
             husband
             ,
             being
             informed
             by
             
               Abraham
            
             that
             she
             was
             his
             Sister
             ,
             the
             sincere
             and
             conscientious
             King
             received
             absolution
             from
             God
             himself
             ,
             upon
             this
             account
             ,
             that
             he
             did
             it
             (
             saith
             the
             text
             )
             
               in
               the
               simplicity
               of
               his
               heart
               ,
            
             Gen.
             20.
             6.
             which
             seems
             an
             expresse
             and
             infallible
             decision
             of
             this
             Controversie
             ,
             that
             men
             may
             be
             unhappy
             by
             being
             deceived
             ,
             but
             are
             not
             guilty
             ,
             unlesse
             they
             deceive
             themselves
             .
          
           
             This
             kind
             of
             reasoning
             prevailed
             somewhat
             the
             more
             with
             me
             ,
             because
             the
             Apology
             of
             the
             
               reformed
               Churches
            
             of
             
               France
               ,
            
             expressely
             approves
             it
             ;
             saying
             ,
             
               if
               an
               Apostle
               had
               by
               mistake
               adored
               some
               other
               man
               resembling
               Christ
               ,
               when
               he
               lived
               on
               earth
               ,
               his
               error
               would
               have
               excused
               him
               ,
               Daillé
            
             chap.
             11.
             
             As
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             
               Mary
               Magdalens
            
             not
             adoring
             Christ
             ,
             when
             he
             appeared
             to
             her
             in
             the
             habit
             of
             a
             Gardener
             ,
             
               John
            
             20.
             15.
             was
             never
             accused
             as
             a
             defect
             of
             devotion
             ;
             wherefore
             since
             the
             Papists
             all
             professe
             not
             to
             terminate
             their
             adoration
             in
             the
             species
             of
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             ,
             nor
             any
             other
             creature
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             blessed
             person
             of
             our
             Lord
             ,
             I
             conclude
             them
             erroneous
             in
             their
             Doctrine
             ,
             but
             not
             Idolatrous
             in
             their
             practise
             ,
             to
             be
             pitied
             as
             souls
             misled
             ,
             not
             persecuted
             as
             malicious
             .
          
           
             Nor
             can
             I
             satisfie
             my
             Conscience
             ,
             since
             as
             to
             this
             point
             the
             Opinion
             of
             the
             
               Papists
            
             is
             no
             more
             opposite
             to
             us
             ,
             then
             that
             of
             the
             
               Lutherans
               ,
            
             why
             we
             should
             freely
             allow
             Communion
             to
             
               these
            
             even
             of
             spirituall
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             mean
             while
             not
             afford
             
               them
            
             so
             much
             as
             the
             liberty
             to
             possesse
             their
             own
             temporall
             goods
             .
             The
             
               Lutherans
            
             believe
             our
             SAVIOUR
             to
             be
             as
             really
             in
             the
             
               Eucharist
               ,
            
             as
             he
             was
             upon
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             but
             do
             not
             adore
             him
             ;
             the
             Papists
             both
             believe
             and
             adore
             ;
             for
             my
             part
             ,
             I
             should
             clearly
             ,
             either
             do
             both
             ,
             or
             neither
             ,
             at
             least
             I
             shall
             never
             be
             
             brought
             to
             this
             partiality
             ,
             to
             cherish
             the
             one
             as
             brethren
             ,
             and
             persecute
             the
             other
             as
             enemies
             ;
             especially
             when
             I
             consider
             the
             Christian
             proceedings
             of
             the
             Protestants
             in
             
               New-England
               ,
               Virginia
               ,
            
             and
             the
             other
             plantations
             in
             the
             
               Indies
               ,
            
             where
             we
             abhor
             to
             destroy
             the
             Natives
             ,
             though
             confessedly
             Idolaters
             ,
             but
             rather
             strive
             to
             convert
             them
             ,
             by
             holding
             out
             the
             truth
             in
             love
             .
          
        
         
           
             Whether
             Papists
             are
             inconsistent
             with
             Civill
             Government
             .
          
           
             BY
             the
             next
             Post
             I
             received
             from
             the
             same
             hand
             another
             Letter
             concerning
             the
             common
             objection
             ,
             that
             Papists
             hold
             many
             Principles
             destructive
             to
             civill
             Society
             ;
             wherein
             the
             Recusant
             protesting
             first
             solemnly
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             and
             his
             holy
             Angells
             ,
             to
             use
             all
             ingenuity
             and
             candor
             in
             his
             relation
             of
             the
             Catholike
             Doctrine
             ,
             earnestly
             intreated
             me
             to
             give
             credit
             to
             his
             report
             in
             the
             matters
             of
             
               Fact
               ,
            
             and
             for
             the
             right
             ,
             to
             judge
             freely
             ,
             as
             I
             saw
             cause
             .
          
           
             We
             will
             divide
             (
             
               sayes
               he
            
             )
             the
             main
             Question
             into
             two
             points
             ,
             as
             it
             relates
             either
             to
             our
             equalls
             ,
             or
             Superiours
             :
             for
             the
             first
             touching
             Commerce
             and
             Conversation
             ,
             we
             absolutely
             disclaim
             that
             scandalous
             opinion
             ,
             
               that
               no
               Faith
               is
               to
               kept
               with
               Heretikes
               ,
            
             and
             flatly
             deny
             ,
             that
             our
             Engagement
             ,
             promise
             ,
             or
             contract
             ,
             may
             lawfully
             be
             broken
             by
             our selves
             ,
             or
             dispensed
             with
             by
             any
             Power
             on
             earth
             ,
             to
             the
             prejudice
             of
             a
             third
             person
             ,
             of
             what
             Religion
             soever
             ,
             and
             for
             
               equivocation
               ,
               mentall
               reservation
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             I
             am
             confident
             ,
             though
             I
             have
             not
             here
             any
             oportunity
             to
             look
             into
             books
             ,
             that
             no
             Generall
             Councell
             mentions
             either
             any
             such
             word
             ,
             or
             any
             such
             thing
             ;
             Schoolmen
             indeed
             frequently
             dispute
             such
             subtilties
             ,
             which
             by
             men
             of
             different
             principles
             and
             affections
             in
             Religion
             are
             easily
             misunderstood
             ,
             and
             often
             perverted
             ,
             but
             amongst
             
               Catholiques
            
             every
             one
             has
             liberty
             to
             deny
             them
             as
             he
             pleases
             ,
             without
             any
             prejudice
             to
             Faith
             :
             and
             though
             those
             speculations
             generally
             deserve
             encouragement
             ,
             yet
             when
             they
             arrive
             at
             a
             certain
             degree
             of
             nicenesse
             ,
             they
             rather
             become
             an
             innocent
             curiosity
             ,
             then
             profitable
             euployment
             ,
             and
             in
             such
             an
             infinity
             of
             Opinions
             ,
             as
             Catholike
             writers
             have
             leisure
             to
             publish
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             ,
             but
             that
             thorough
             passion
             ,
             unwarinesse
             ,
             or
             humane
             frailty
             ,
             some
             mistakes
             must
             escape
             ,
             and
             then
             the
             unhappinesse
             is
             ,
             that
             prejudiced
             and
             captious
             Readers
             applying
             their
             whole
             study
             to
             find
             faults
             ,
             forget
             the
             good
             and
             wholesome
             notions
             they
             meet
             ,
             and
             remember
             nothing
             but
             the
             errors
             .
          
           
             As
             to
             the
             second
             branch
             concerning
             our
             duty
             to
             Magistrates
             ,
             we
             deny
             ,
             
               sayes
               the
               letter
               ,
            
             any
             earthly
             power
             can
             dispense
             with
             our
             civill
             obedience
             ,
             and
             acknowledge
             our selves
             bound
             ,
             not
             only
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             Nature
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             expresse
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             
               render
               unto
               Caesar
               the
               things
               that
               are
               Caesars
               ,
               to
               be
               subject
               not
               only
               for
               feare
               ,
               but
               conscience
               sake
               ;
            
             What
             Christian
             Prince
             or
             State
             is
             there
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             whom
             the
             Subjects
             serve
             with
             more
             fidelity
             then
             the
             
               Spaniard
               ,
               French
               ,
            
             and
             
               Italian
               ,
            
             all
             Catholike
             Dominions
             ?
             and
             particularly
             in
             
               England
               ,
            
             where
             we
             are
             some
             of
             
               Paul
               ,
            
             and
             some
             of
             
               Apollo
               ,
            
             and
             some
             of
             
               Cephas
               ,
            
             what
             comparison
             is
             there
             betwixt
             the
             behaviour
             of
             
               Catholikes
               ,
            
             towards
             
               H.
               8.
               Edw.
            
             6.
             and
             
               Eliz.
            
             and
             the
             fury
             of
             
               Lutherans
            
             and
             
               Calvinists
            
             in
             
               Germany
               ,
            
             and
             indeed
             wheresoever
             they
             are
             discontented
             ;
             yet
             there
             is
             a
             vast
             difference
             ,
             as
             to
             Government
             ,
             between
             these
             two
             cases
             ,
             to
             oppose
             by
             force
             the
             introduce
             men
             of
             innovations
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             peace
             must
             needs
             be
             endangered
             ,
             and
             to
             attempt
             by
             force
             the
             extinguishment
             of
             an
             ancient
             Religion
             ,
             whereof
             the
             people
             are
             universally
             in
             quiet
             and
             immemoriall
             possession
             ,
             the
             one
             drives
             others
             out
             of
             possession
             ,
             the
             other
             maintains
             himself
             in
             ,
             the
             one
             invades
             his
             neighbours
             rights
             ,
             the
             other
             defends
             his
             own
             .
          
           
           
             How
             many
             modern
             experiences
             (
             the
             easiest
             argument
             to
             be
             understood
             ,
             and
             surest
             to
             be
             relied
             on
             )
             clearly
             resolve
             this
             question
             ;
             if
             we
             but
             consider
             the
             union
             of
             hearts
             ,
             and
             common
             interests
             of
             State
             ,
             between
             the
             Protestant
             and
             Catholike
             
               Cantons
            
             of
             
               Switzerland
               ,
            
             where
             very
             many
             Churches
             serve
             by
             turns
             upon
             the
             same
             day
             ,
             for
             the
             exercise
             of
             both
             Religions
             ,
             dividing
             every
             Sunday
             morning
             into
             two
             parts
             ,
             and
             assigning
             to
             each
             about
             three
             hours
             for
             their
             devotions
             ,
             wherein
             they
             are
             so
             punctuall
             to
             maintain
             equality
             ,
             that
             if
             the
             
               Protestants
            
             have
             the
             first
             three
             hours
             one
             morning
             ,
             next
             week
             they
             are
             to
             have
             the
             last
             ;
             and
             this
             they
             continually
             practise
             ,
             without
             enterfering
             or
             offending
             one
             another
             .
          
           
             To
             this
             so
             pregnant
             example
             (
             sufficient
             of
             it selfe
             to
             cleare
             the
             consistency
             of
             those
             two
             Religions
             )
             I
             shall
             further
             add
             their
             fair
             comportment
             one
             towards
             another
             ,
             in
             many
             Provinces
             ,
             and
             free
             Towns
             in
             
               Germany
               ;
            
             but
             most
             remarkable
             is
             their
             friendly
             and
             peaceable
             living
             together
             in
             
               Holland
               ,
            
             even
             during
             so
             long
             and
             dangerous
             wars
             with
             
               Spain
               ;
               Spain
            
             the
             chief
             protector
             of
             the
             Catholique
             Faith
             ;
             
               Spain
            
             the
             most
             zealous
             propagator
             of
             the
             Pontificiall
             Authority
             ,
             to
             whose
             Dominion
             ,
             if
             the
             united
             Provinces
             should
             again
             return
             ,
             certainly
             the
             Catholikes
             there
             might
             prudently
             promise
             to
             themselves
             all
             possible
             advantages
             ;
             yet
             notwithstanding
             so
             great
             occasion
             of
             jealousie
             ,
             the
             
               States
            
             (
             then
             whom
             none
             are
             more
             vigilant
             over
             their
             true
             Interest
             )
             have
             not
             only
             with
             security
             ,
             but
             exceeding
             benefit
             to
             their
             Common-wealth
             ,
             tolerated
             the
             
               Catholikes
            
             of
             quiet
             Conversation
             ,
             to
             live
             freely
             amongst
             them
             .
             And
             on
             the
             other
             side
             the
             
               Catholikes
               ,
            
             in
             gratitude
             for
             so
             favourable
             a
             treating
             ,
             have
             exactly
             corresponded
             to
             the
             mercy
             of
             their
             Magistrates
             ,
             with
             a
             most
             constant
             ,
             sincere
             ,
             and
             faithfull
             obedience
             .
          
           
             To
             none
             of
             these
             suspitions
             are
             the
             
               Recusants
               of
            
             England
             in
             the
             least
             measure
             obnoxious
             ,
             because
             whatever
             change
             of
             Government
             can
             happen
             ,
             they
             must
             expect
             but
             a
             milder
             degree
             of
             disaffection
             towards
             them
             ,
             at
             most
             a
             sufferance
             ,
             no
             incouragement
             ,
             or
             particular
             confidence
             ;
             and
             infallibly
             ,
             if
             the
             rigour
             of
             the
             Laws
             (
             made
             upon
             far
             different
             motives
             which
             are
             now
             no
             waies
             pressing
             )
             were
             qualified
             to
             a
             temper
             of
             mercy
             ,
             that
             the
             
               Catholikes
            
             might
             enjoy
             but
             half
             the
             Liberties
             to
             which
             they
             were
             born
             ,
             they
             would
             be
             the
             most
             quiet
             and
             usefull
             Subjects
             of
             England
             ,
             since
             their
             Religion
             obliges
             them
             to
             obey
             the
             lawfull
             commands
             of
             their
             Superiours
             ,
             not
             only
             for
             fear
             ,
             but
             conscience
             .
             Nor
             did
             ever
             the
             very
             worst
             of
             them
             stir
             in
             any
             sedition
             at
             a
             time
             when
             they
             were
             admitted
             to
             but
             half
             the
             common
             rights
             of
             English-men
             ,
             nor
             were
             they
             many
             that
             ever
             attempted
             their
             own
             relief
             by
             endangering
             their
             Countreys
             peace
             ,
             all
             the
             rest
             sitting
             quietly
             and
             patiently
             under
             the
             burthens
             which
             the
             heavy
             hand
             of
             those
             times
             continually
             heapt
             upon
             them
             .
          
           
             Now
             that
             the
             crimes
             (
             though
             never
             so
             hainous
             )
             of
             a
             few
             discontented
             and
             desperate
             spirits
             ,
             should
             be
             imputed
             to
             their
             Religion
             ,
             whose
             Principles
             expressely
             condemn
             such
             conspiracies
             ,
             seems
             extremely
             rigorous
             ;
             but
             when
             to
             those
             dishonorable
             imputations
             are
             joyned
             intolerable
             penalties
             ,
             both
             upon
             our
             lives
             and
             estates
             ,
             and
             not
             only
             against
             the
             then
             living
             Catholikes
             ,
             but
             all
             their
             Posterity
             to
             this
             very
             day
             ,
             surely
             it
             must
             needs
             appear
             the
             most
             harsh
             and
             severe
             proceeding
             that
             ever
             was
             practised
             in
             the
             world
             :
             wherefore
             I
             shall
             close
             this
             second
             Letter
             with
             my
             humble
             prayers
             to
             the
             gracious
             Redeemer
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             that
             you
             would
             cease
             to
             impute
             all
             our
             faults
             to
             our
             Religion
             ,
             and
             we
             begin
             to
             commit
             no
             other
             fault
             
             but
             our
             Religion
             ,
             so
             should
             we
             happily
             overcome
             our
             own
             infirmities
             ,
             and
             fully
             satisfie
             your
             jealousies
             .
          
           
             When
             I
             had
             well
             perused
             this
             Gentlemans
             discourse
             ,
             and
             attentively
             read
             his
             letters
             ,
             I
             must
             freely
             confesse
             ,
             I
             could
             not
             have
             believed
             that
             either
             the
             Papists
             had
             suffered
             so
             much
             from
             us
             ,
             or
             been
             able
             to
             say
             so
             much
             for
             themselves
             ,
             I
             doe
             not
             mean
             in
             order
             to
             prove
             the
             truth
             of
             their
             Religion
             ,
             but
             the
             unreasonablenesse
             of
             our
             persecution
             ;
             since
             really
             to
             my
             understanding
             our
             jealousies
             of
             their
             obedience
             seem
             as
             unnecessary
             unto
             us
             ,
             as
             prejudiciall
             to
             them
             ;
             for
             I
             am
             confident
             there
             is
             no
             Religion
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             but
             by
             good
             Laws
             against
             breach
             of
             Peace
             ,
             and
             due
             execution
             of
             them
             ,
             may
             be
             made
             consistent
             with
             any
             Kingdome
             or
             Common-wealth
             whatsoever
             ;
             who
             more
             opposite
             in
             belief
             then
             
               Christians
               ,
               Jewes
               ,
            
             and
             
               Turks
               ,
            
             yet
             we
             see
             by
             experience
             that
             
               Jews
            
             are
             not
             inconsistent
             with
             the
             Government
             of
             
               Christians
               ,
            
             nor
             
               Christians
            
             with
             that
             of
             the
             
               Turks
               ,
            
             no
             not
             such
             
               Christians
            
             as
             are
             here
             in
             question
             ,
             
               Papists
               ;
            
          
           
             As
             concerning
             the
             Doctrine
             we
             charge
             upon
             them
             ,
             of
             the
             Popes
             power
             over
             Supreme
             Magistrates
             ,
             I
             had
             the
             fortune
             some
             few
             years
             since
             ,
             to
             meet
             with
             a
             paper
             that
             clearly
             answered
             all
             my
             difficulties
             ,
             wherein
             were
             written
             the
             
               negative
            
             subscriptions
             of
             many
             English
             Recusants
             against
             these
             three
             following
             
               Propositions
               ,
            
             as
             no
             part
             of
             their
             Faith
             or
             Religion
             ,
             the
             Subscribers
             being
             both
             in
             number
             and
             quality
             sufficient
             to
             represent
             the
             whole
             body
             of
             them
             in
             this
             Nation
             .
          
           
             
               1.
               
               That
               the
               Pope
               or
               Church
               hath
               power
               to
               absolve
               any
               person
               or
               persons
               from
               their
               obedience
               to
               the
               civill
               and
               politicall
               Government
               establisht
               ,
               or
               to
               be
               establisht
               in
               this
               Nation
               in
               Civil
               and
               Politicall
               Affairs
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               That
               by
               the
               command
               or
               dispensation
               of
               the
               Pope
               or
               Church
               ,
               it
               is
               lawfull
               to
               kill
               ,
               destroy
               ,
               or
               do
               any
               injury
               to
               any
               person
               or
               persons
               living
               within
               the
               Kings
               Dominions
               ,
               because
               that
               such
               a
               person
               or
               persons
               are
               accused
               ,
               condemned
               ,
               censured
               ,
               or
               excommunicated
               for
               
                 Errour
                 ,
                 Schisme
                 ,
              
               or
               
                 Heresie
                 .
              
            
             
               3.
               
               That
               it
               is
               lawfull
               in
               it self
               ,
               or
               by
               dispensation
               from
               the
               Pope
               ,
               to
               break
               promise
               or
               oath
               made
               to
               any
               of
               the
               foresaid
               persons
               ,
               under
               pretence
               that
               they
               are
               Heretiques
               .
            
          
           
             These
             they
             utterly
             disclaim
             ,
             and
             renounce
             as
             no
             part
             of
             their
             belief
             ,
             professing
             under
             their
             hands
             their
             readinesse
             to
             abjure
             (
             if
             the
             State
             should
             so
             require
             )
             the
             practise
             and
             execution
             of
             them
             all
             ,
             which
             gave
             me
             so
             much
             the
             more
             satisfaction
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             it
             was
             besides
             my
             expectation
             ,
             nor
             have
             I
             now
             any
             thing
             to
             say
             against
             them
             upon
             that
             account
             .
          
           
             And
             indeed
             if
             we
             consider
             these
             differences
             between
             us
             impartially
             ,
             our
             suspitions
             are
             not
             only
             confuted
             ,
             but
             shamed
             by
             our
             own
             daily
             experience
             ,
             for
             we
             trust
             
               Papists
            
             in
             all
             Negotiations
             ,
             as
             indifferently
             as
             
               Protestants
               ,
            
             nay
             even
             our
             Travellers
             and
             Merchants
             beyond
             Seas
             (
             where
             the
             
               Papists
            
             are
             Masters
             )
             converse
             and
             traffique
             securely
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             yet
             I
             never
             heard
             the
             least
             complaint
             of
             any
             one
             single
             Protestant's
             being
             cheated
             by
             them
             ,
             upon
             pretence
             of
             exemption
             or
             dispensation
             ,
             and
             therefore
             since
             they
             practise
             not
             that
             part
             ,
             which
             may
             sometimes
             be
             profitable
             ,
             I
             cannot
             think
             they
             hold
             to
             no
             purpose
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             alwaies
             prejudiciall
             .
          
           
           
             For
             my
             small
             experience
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             all
             the
             objection
             that
             ever
             I
             heard
             of
             against
             the
             credit
             of
             our
             
               Papists
               ,
            
             was
             their
             being
             disabled
             by
             sequestrations
             to
             pay
             their
             debts
             ,
             not
             taught
             by
             their
             Religion
             to
             deceive
             the
             Creditors
             .
          
           
             If
             their
             Doctrines
             were
             so
             destructive
             to
             civill
             Society
             ,
             as
             our
             accusations
             pretend
             ,
             how
             comes
             it
             to
             passe
             that
             all
             our
             fundamentall
             Laws
             were
             enacted
             by
             them
             ,
             who
             invested
             the
             Supreme
             Authority
             of
             this
             Nation
             with
             so
             honourable
             Priviledges
             ,
             and
             yet
             provided
             so
             prudently
             for
             the
             just
             security
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             against
             the
             unjust
             inc●oachments
             of
             Prerogative
             ?
             from
             whom
             have
             all
             those
             excellent
             customes
             and
             Statutes
             of
             this
             Nation
             descended
             upon
             us
             ?
             is
             it
             possible
             we
             should
             derive
             all
             the
             ancient
             Priviledges
             of
             Parliament
             ;
             and
             Liberties
             of
             the
             Subject
             contained
             in
             
               Magna
               Charta
               ,
               &c.
            
             from
             the
             times
             their
             Religion
             governed
             the
             Land
             ,
             and
             yet
             say
             now
             their
             Religion
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             the
             Government
             of
             the
             Land
             ?
             as
             it
             is
             very
             true
             ,
             that
             sometimes
             the
             Popes
             power
             here
             was
             abused
             to
             support
             a
             temporall
             interest
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             evident
             to
             those
             that
             know
             History
             ,
             that
             his
             mediation
             has
             been
             often
             available
             ,
             both
             for
             the
             preventing
             and
             reconciling
             of
             our
             differences
             ,
             as
             well
             with
             our
             neighbouring
             Kingdomes
             ,
             as
             amongst
             our selves
             .
          
           
             Nor
             is
             it
             possible
             that
             any
             Modell
             of
             Government
             should
             be
             absolutely
             proof
             against
             all
             exceptions
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             experience
             of
             five
             or
             six
             hundred
             years
             some
             abuses
             wil
             certainly
             happen
             ;
             whence
             it
             is
             easie
             for
             a
             severe
             observer
             to
             gather
             objections
             enough
             to
             puzzle
             the
             most
             able
             and
             politique
             Statist
             in
             the
             world
             to
             answer
             ,
             especially
             if
             they
             be
             managed
             with
             dexterity
             and
             eloquence
             amongst
             a
             half-witted
             and
             stubborn
             people
             ,
             who
             neither
             can
             guide
             themselves
             ,
             nor
             will
             be
             led
             by
             others
             ,
             not
             blind
             enough
             to
             be
             ignorant
             ,
             where
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             yet
             too
             short-sighted
             to
             see
             whether
             they
             go
             ;
             unhappy
             chiefly
             in
             this
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             tender
             in
             the
             sense
             of
             any
             present
             evill
             ,
             and
             wholly
             incapable
             of
             foreseeing
             the
             destruction
             that
             followes
             their
             impatience
             .
          
           
             
               Hear
               what
               is
               charitably
               said
               of
               Papists
               in
               the
               foresaid
            
             Examination
             
               of
               the
               late
            
             Synods
             Confession
             of
             Faith
             (
             
               page
            
             266.
             )
             The
             Papists
             believe
             in
             the
             same
             God
             with
             the
             Protestants
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             Father
             ,
             the
             Son
             ,
             and
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             though
             they
             differ
             in
             some
             Articles
             ,
             or
             branches
             of
             Articles
             of
             their
             belief
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             way
             of
             worship
             ;
             yea
             some
             of
             the
             Papists
             are
             regenerate
             ,
             conscientious
             ,
             and
             vertuous
             persons
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             (
             I
             humbly
             conceive
             )
             our
             Magistrates
             and
             Ministers
             ought
             sincerely
             to
             enquire
             into
             the
             truth
             of
             things
             ,
             and
             make
             a
             conscience
             of
             judging
             or
             preaching
             otherwise
             then
             
               secundum
               probata
               ,
            
             and
             not
             upon
             bare
             jealousies
             ,
             or
             the
             blind
             opinion
             of
             the
             vulgar
             condemn
             any
             free-born
             member
             of
             this
             Nation
             farther
             then
             he
             shall
             be
             proved
             to
             be
             guilty
             :
             Nor
             do
             I
             believe
             it
             reasonable
             ,
             to
             charge
             every
             unjustifiable
             action
             of
             particular
             
               Papists
               ,
            
             or
             extravagant
             opinion
             of
             any
             private
             writer
             amongst
             them
             ,
             upon
             the
             whole
             Body
             of
             their
             Religion
             ;
             The
             Decrees
             of
             their
             Councells
             ,
             they
             professe
             to
             be
             the
             only
             absolute
             declarers
             of
             their
             Faith
             ,
             amongst
             whose
             determinations
             there
             are
             faults
             enough
             ,
             which
             they
             strive
             to
             defend
             ,
             no
             need
             of
             imposing
             upon
             them
             errors
             ,
             which
             they
             flatly
             deny
             ▪
             Let
             us
             lay
             our
             hands
             upon
             our
             own
             hearts
             ,
             we
             our selves
             want
             not
             our
             capriches
             and
             exorbitant
             conceits
             ,
             which
             ough●
             not
             to
             be
             imputed
             to
             the
             whole
             reformed
             Religion
             ,
             but
             to
             the
             imperfection
             of
             humane
             nature
             ,
             easily
             deceived
             with
             the
             colour
             of
             truth
             ,
             and
             passionately
             in
             love
             with
             it's
             owne
             invention
             .
          
           
           
             Besides
             instead
             of
             jealousies
             and
             dangers
             ,
             I
             cannot
             see
             but
             great
             security
             and
             advantages
             would
             accrue
             to
             this
             Nation
             ,
             by
             treating
             in
             mercy
             all
             peaceable
             Papists
             ;
             the
             Pope
             would
             be
             deprived
             of
             that
             specious
             pretext
             of
             relieving
             his
             distressed
             Flock
             ;
             the
             Princes
             and
             States
             of
             that
             Religion
             ,
             would
             for
             honour
             as
             well
             as
             conscience
             ,
             upon
             all
             occasions
             ,
             expresse
             their
             satisfaction
             to
             see
             them
             mercifully
             used
             ,
             whom
             for
             their
             profession
             they
             account
             brethren
             ,
             and
             for
             their
             sufferings
             ,
             Martyrs
             .
             The
             
               Protestants
            
             in
             other
             Countreys
             would
             be
             more
             assured
             of
             the
             freedome
             they
             injoy
             ,
             and
             more
             hopefull
             of
             obtaining
             new
             encreases
             of
             their
             liberty
             ;
             The
             Papists
             of
             England
             would
             be
             bound
             by
             their
             own
             interest
             (
             the
             strongest
             obligation
             amongst
             wisemen
             )
             to
             live
             peaceably
             and
             thankfully
             in
             the
             private
             exercise
             of
             their
             consciences
             ,
             and
             ,
             becoming
             gainers
             by
             such
             compassion
             ,
             could
             not
             so
             reasonably
             be
             distrusted
             ,
             as
             the
             
               Prelaticall
            
             or
             
               Presbyterian
            
             Party
             ,
             who
             must
             needs
             reckon
             themselves
             no
             small
             losers
             ,
             in
             that
             the
             reines
             of
             authority
             are
             taken
             out
             of
             their
             hands
             ,
             which
             they
             had
             by
             turns
             abused
             into
             meer
             whips
             for
             their
             brethren
             .
          
           
             Of
             the
             one
             we
             have
             had
             too
             long
             experience
             in
             their
             
               High
               Commission
               ,
            
             especially
             since
             its
             power
             was
             overgrown
             by
             the
             conspiracy
             of
             the
             
               Starchamber
               ;
            
             a
             Court
             ,
             where
             fines
             were
             imposed
             not
             according
             to
             the
             quality
             of
             the
             offences
             ,
             but
             of
             the
             Judges
             ,
             who
             thought
             it
             below
             their
             honour
             to
             punish
             under
             thousands
             of
             pounds
             for
             every
             
               Peccadillo
               .
            
          
           
             Of
             the
             other
             ,
             though
             our
             tryall
             has
             been
             but
             short
             ,
             yet
             it
             was
             very
             smart
             ,
             and
             lives
             still
             in
             the
             memory
             of
             
               England
               ,
            
             which
             is
             every
             day
             refresht
             by
             the
             present
             practise
             of
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             where
             the
             
               Kirk
            
             has
             condemn'd
             all
             that
             differ
             in
             the
             least
             tittle
             from
             her
             humor
             ,
             crying
             
               Anathema
               Maranatha
            
             upon
             all
             the
             Congregations
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             as
             appears
             by
             their
             
               Synodicall
               Act
               ,
            
             set
             forth
             in
             
               Jan.
            
             1650.
             and
             sent
             to
             their
             Brethren
             in
             
               Edenburgh
               ,
            
             where
             ,
             having
             first
             called
             our
             wayes
             
               abominations
               ,
            
             and
             our selves
             a
             
               perverse
               generation
               ,
            
             and
             branded
             those
             few
             honest
             Scots
             ,
             who
             suffered
             themselves
             to
             be
             undeceived
             by
             the
             reasons
             and
             civility
             of
             our
             Army
             ,
             with
             the
             infamous
             name
             of
             
               Apostates
               ,
            
             they
             proceed
             to
             the
             most
             bitter
             ,
             malicious
             ,
             and
             scandalous
             words
             that
             an
             inraged
             Scot
             can
             utter
             ,
             speaking
             thus
             to
             their
             Party
             .
             
               We
               exhort
               you
               ,
               and
               by
               all
               the
               power
               over
               you
               :
               we
               have
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               require
               you
               ,
               carefully
               to
               avoid
               all
               familiar
               converse
               of
               every
               degree
               ,
               above
               all
               ,
               that
               you
               beware
               to
               joyne
               with
               them
            
             (
             those
             that
             adhere
             to
             the
             Parliament
             of
             England
             )
             
               in
               any
               publike
               or
               private
               exercise
               of
               Religion
               ,
               those
               who
               will
               adventure
               to
               touch
               pitch
               ,
               may
               be
               defiled
               before
               they
               be
               aware
               ,
               those
               who
               will
               not
               abstain
               from
               the
               Harlots
               house
               ,
               shall
               not
               be
               innocent
               ▪
               take
               heed
            
             (
             dearly
             beloved
             )
             
               of
               them
               that
               are
               led
               by
               the
               subtilty
               and
               depth
               of
               the
               Divell
               ,
               and
               among
               all
               his
               instruments
               ,
               we
               intreat
               you
               to
               avoid
               none
               more
               then
               these
               miserable
               Apostates
               of
               our
               own
               Nation
               ,
               for
               we
               conceive
               none
               more
               sitted
               to
               work
               mischiefe
               among
               you
               then
               this
               sort
               of
               men
               :
            
             and
             in
             their
             motives
             or
             grounds
             for
             a
             Fast
             in
             
               June
            
             1651.
             their
             expressions
             against
             us
             are
             no
             lesse
             bitter
             :
             see
             how
             their
             zeal
             boyles
             ,
             while
             they
             are
             but
             a
             kindling
             ,
             while
             we
             choke
             the
             fuell
             in
             its
             owne
             smoke
             ,
             how
             will
             their
             fury
             run
             over
             ,
             when
             the
             fire
             shall
             by
             any
             successe
             be
             raised
             into
             a
             flame
             !
             how
             will
             they
             drowne
             the
             whole
             Countrey
             in
             an
             inuadation
             of
             more
             then
             Antichristian
             slavery
             !
          
           
           
             But
             because
             I
             perceived
             by
             a
             passage
             in
             the
             Recusants
             discourse
             ,
             that
             nothing
             lay
             more
             heavy
             upon
             them
             then
             the
             new
             Oath
             of
             
               Abjuration
            
             made
             by
             the
             Presbyterian
             Party
             in
             the
             beginning
             of
             the
             late
             troubles
             ;
             I
             shall
             adventure
             humbly
             to
             move
             some
             
               Queres
            
             thereupon
             ,
             transcribing
             first
             a
             true
             Copy
             of
             the
             Oath
             it selfe
             .
          
           
             J.
             A.
             B.
             Do
             abjure
             and
             renounce
             the
             Popes
             Supremacy
             and
             Authority
             over
             the
             Catholike
             Church
             in
             generall
             ,
             and
             over
             my self
             in
             particular
             ,
             and
             I
             do
             believe
             that
             there
             is
             not
             any
             Transubstantiation
             in
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             Elements
             of
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             after
             Consecration
             thereof
             ,
             by
             any
             person
             whatsoever
             ;
             and
             I
             do
             believe
             that
             there
             is
             not
             any
             Purgatory
             ;
             and
             that
             the
             consecrated
             Host
             ,
             Crucifixes
             or
             Images
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             worshipped
             ,
             neither
             that
             any
             worship
             is
             due
             unto
             them
             ;
             and
             I
             also
             believe
             that
             Salvation
             cannot
             be
             merited
             by
             works
             ,
             and
             all
             Doctrines
             in
             affirmation
             of
             the
             said
             points
             ,
             I
             do
             abjure
             and
             renounce
             without
             any
             AEquivocation
             ;
             mentall
             reservation
             ,
             or
             secret
             evasion
             whatsoever
             ,
             taking
             the
             words
             by
             me
             spoken
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             common
             and
             usuall
             meaning
             of
             them
             ,
             So
             help
             me
             God
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Whether
             this
             Oath
             do
             not
             flatly
             contradict
             the
             known
             Laws
             of
             the
             Land
             ,
             by
             enforcing
             a
             free-born
             English-man
             to
             accuse
             himself
             ▪
             with
             so
             strong
             and
             dangerous
             a
             temptation
             to
             perjury
             ,
             where
             the
             choice
             is
             only
             this
             ,
             either
             forswear
             your
             Religion
             ,
             or
             ruine
             your
             estate
             ;
             a
             severity
             that
             far
             exceeds
             the
             tyranny
             of
             the
             Prelates
             ,
             whose
             indignation
             stayed
             it self
             upon
             the
             exteriour
             non-conformity
             ;
             whereas
             this
             passes
             on
             to
             constrain
             the
             inward
             belief
             of
             the
             mind
             ,
             which
             God
             (
             the
             searcher
             of
             all
             hearts
             )
             hath
             reserved
             to
             himself
             ,
             and
             all
             this
             ,
             in
             Questions
             no
             waies
             concerning
             either
             Idolatry
             ,
             or
             the
             security
             of
             the
             State
             ;
             as
             Purgatory
             ,
             and
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             merits
             ,
             for
             that
             conscience
             that
             is
             not
             wide
             enough
             to
             swallow
             all
             the
             Oath
             ,
             how
             great
             soever
             the
             part
             is
             that
             he
             can
             digest
             ,
             it
             will
             do
             him
             no
             good
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             This
             Oath
             being
             wholly
             Negative
             ,
             and
             no
             Positive
             Articles
             establisht
             by
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             to
             be
             proposed
             to
             all
             as
             the
             touchstone
             of
             Faith
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             conscientious
             to
             oblige
             the
             Papist
             to
             swear
             away
             his
             own
             Religion
             ,
             before
             we
             have
             provided
             another
             for
             him
             ?
          
           
             3.
             
             
               Whether
               it
               be
               conscientious
               or
               reasonable
               for
               us
               to
               enforce
               this
               Oath
               on
               the
               Papists
               ,
               since
               we
               have
               many
               godly
               persons
               of
               our
               own
               party
               ,
               who
               will
               not
               take
               it
               ,
               and
               others
               who
               will
               not
               swear
               at
               all
               :
               Hear
               what
               is
               said
               in
               the
            
             Examination
             
               of
               the
               before
               mentioned
            
             Synodicall
             Confession
             ,
             
               page
            
             238.
             
             There
             is
             a
             greater
             restraint
             laid
             upon
             us
             now
             then
             in
             the
             old
             Testament
             ,
             Mat.
             5.
             34.
             
             James
             5.
             12.
             which
             hath
             made
             some
             to
             shun
             Oaths
             ,
             though
             called
             to
             swear
             by
             the
             Magistrate
             in
             matters
             lawfull
             .
             
               And
               again
               ,
            
             that
             it
             is
             a
             sin
             in
             those
             ,
             who
             impose
             unnecessary
             ,
             subtill
             and
             ensnaring
             oaths
             ,
             
               Zach.
            
             5.
             3.
             4.
             
             There
             is
             a
             curse
             gone
             out
             against
             swearers
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             against
             thieves
             ,
             because
             of
             needlesse
             swearing
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             false
             swearing
             ,
             
               a
               Land
               is
               made
               to
               mourn
               ,
            
             Jer.
             23.
             10.
             
          
           
             4.
             
             Since
             all
             these
             Negatives
             are
             not
             clearly
             set
             down
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             as
             fundamental
             paints
             of
             Christian
             Faith
             ,
             but
             deduced
             from
             passages
             ,
             to
             which
             the
             Answers
             are
             believed
             as
             probable
             by
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             arguments
             by
             us
             ,
             why
             should
             we
             so
             cruelly
             persecute
             one
             another
             for
             Doctrines
             ;
             that
             are
             either
             obscurely
             revealed
             ,
             or
             not
             necessarily
             enjoyned
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             How
             shall
             we
             defend
             the
             Oath
             against
             this
             Objection
             ,
             that
             any
             
               Jew
               ,
               Turk
            
             
             or
             
               Infidell
            
             may
             take
             it
             lawfully
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             Principles
             ,
             nay
             will
             delight
             to
             swear
             against
             so
             many
             points
             of
             that
             Church
             ,
             which
             (
             by
             reason
             of
             their
             confining
             Territories
             )
             mainly
             opposes
             them
             ;
             nor
             have
             we
             any
             Law
             at
             all
             (
             to
             my
             knowledge
             )
             for
             which
             Jew
             ,
             Turk
             ,
             Heathen
             ,
             or
             the
             most
             grosse
             Heathenish
             Idolator
             is
             sequestrable
             ,
             nor
             any
             penall
             Oath
             against
             the
             most
             extravagant
             blasphemies
             ,
             that
             a
             loose
             wit
             can
             imagine
             ,
             and
             a
             prophane
             tongue
             utter
             ,
             as
             
               Ranters
               ,
               Antitrinitarians
               ,
            
             and
             the
             like
             ?
             what
             can
             be
             more
             destructive
             to
             the
             very
             foundation
             of
             
               Christianity
               ,
            
             then
             the
             prophane
             and
             scandalous
             blasphemies
             of
             Mr.
             
             
               Fry
               ,
            
             a
             late
             Member
             of
             Parliament
             ,
             who
             publikely
             in
             print
             ,
             not
             only
             denies
             ,
             but
             decides
             that
             Supreme
             Mystery
             of
             
               Christian
               Religion
               ,
            
             the
             sacred
             
               Trinity
               ,
            
             calling
             it
             a
             
               chaffy
               and
               absurd
               Opinion
               ,
               &c.
            
             yet
             the
             mercy
             of
             the
             Parliament
             contented
             it self
             with
             a
             moderate
             and
             favourable
             punishment
             ,
             excluding
             him
             only
             from
             sitting
             amongst
             them
             ;
             and
             if
             his
             Dignity
             and
             publique
             Character
             had
             not
             rendred
             him
             obnoxious
             to
             the
             crime
             of
             scandall
             ,
             he
             might
             perhaps
             have
             remained
             as
             free
             from
             trouble
             ,
             as
             all
             the
             rest
             of
             his
             Opinion
             do
             ,
             who
             never
             yet
             have
             suffered
             the
             least
             molestation
             for
             the
             greatest
             exorbitances
             that
             can
             be
             devised
             .
          
           
             In
             particular
             at
             the
             Quarter
             Sessions
             at
             
               Westminster
               ,
            
             on
             the
             24.
             of
             
               June
            
             1651.
             there
             wered
             five
             
               Ranters
            
             convented
             before
             Colonell
             
               Baxter
               ,
            
             and
             other
             Justices
             ,
             and
             sufficient
             proof
             ,
             that
             they
             had
             maintained
             that
             one
             
               Robins
               a
               Glazier
               was
               a
               Prophet
               ,
               and
               that
               his
               wife
               was
               with
               child
               of
               the
               Messias
               ,
            
             with
             such
             other
             blasphemous
             stuff
             ;
             but
             four
             of
             these
             ,
             not
             then
             absolutely
             asserting
             these
             Opinions
             ,
             nor
             yet
             denying
             them
             ,
             but
             evading
             the
             severall
             questions
             demanded
             of
             them
             by
             the
             Bench
             ,
             were
             discharged
             ,
             the
             fifth
             was
             committed
             (
             as
             he
             well
             deserved
             )
             not
             for
             his
             Opinions
             ,
             but
             for
             calling
             the
             Justices
             Traytors
             ,
             &c.
             
             On
             the
             same
             day
             a
             gentle-woman
             great
             with
             child
             ,
             and
             some
             others
             ,
             were
             also
             convented
             ,
             for
             a
             supposed
             hearing
             of
             Masse
             ,
             on
             the
             day
             commonly
             called
             
               Christmas
            
             day
             1650.
             at
             the
             then
             
               French
               Agents
            
             in
             Long
             Acre
             ,
             and
             though
             there
             was
             no
             direct
             proof
             that
             they
             were
             at
             
               Masse
               ,
            
             but
             at
             Mattins
             or
             Prayers
             before
             Masse
             ,
             yet
             Colonell
             
               Baxter
            
             did
             maintain
             against
             some
             other
             of
             the
             Justices
             ,
             that
             
               Mattins
            
             and
             
               Masse
            
             was
             all
             one
             ,
             and
             so
             the
             gentlewoman
             and
             the
             rest
             were
             fined
             one
             hundred
             marks
             a
             piece
             ,
             and
             sent
             to
             prison
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             rigour
             of
             the
             Statute
             in
             that
             behalfe
             formerly
             made
             ,
             the
             severity
             of
             which
             last
             proceeding
             ,
             and
             the
             partiality
             of
             the
             first
             ,
             needs
             no
             Comment
             .
          
           
             Why
             must
             the
             
               Papist
            
             be
             thus
             singled
             out
             from
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             and
             peremptorily
             forc't
             to
             this
             hard
             choice
             ,
             of
             either
             forfeiting
             his
             estate
             ,
             or
             forsaking
             his
             Conscience
             ?
             if
             we
             fear
             their
             encrease
             ,
             we
             overvalue
             their
             Religion
             ,
             if
             we
             doubt
             their
             disturbing
             us
             ,
             we
             undervalue
             our
             own
             strength
             ,
             abundantly
             sufficient
             are
             the
             means
             which
             God
             has
             put
             into
             our
             hands
             ,
             to
             secure
             our selves
             from
             a
             few
             disarm'd
             Papists
             ,
             abundantly
             sufficient
             were
             this
             only
             provision
             ,
             to
             exclude
             them
             from
             Offices
             of
             importance
             ,
             and
             execute
             severe
             punishment
             upon
             such
             as
             should
             actually
             attempt
             any
             thing
             to
             the
             discomposure
             of
             the
             State
             .
          
           
             Nor
             can
             such
             gentlenesse
             and
             moderation
             towards
             quiet
             Recusants
             ,
             be
             justly
             accounted
             a
             toleration
             of
             them
             ,
             because
             (
             I
             conceive
             )
             that
             word
             signifies
             an
             absolute
             equality
             in
             all
             civill
             respects
             ,
             betwixt
             Subjects
             of
             different
             judgements
             in
             Religion
             ,
             else
             the
             present
             sufferings
             of
             
               Papists
               ,
            
             paying
             their
             two
             thirds
             ,
             might
             by
             the
             same
             frowardnesse
             be
             accused
             as
             a
             toleration
             ;
             whereas
             the
             Penalties
             indeed
             are
             altogether
             intolerable
             :
             Not
             to
             inflict
             the
             utmost
             severity
             of
             punishment
             ,
             is
             
             not
             presently
             to
             be
             reputed
             an
             allowance
             of
             the
             crime
             ,
             God
             himself
             suffers
             all
             the
             sins
             we
             commit
             ,
             but
             approves
             none
             of
             them
             ;
             we
             our selves
             daily
             permit
             mischiefs
             to
             avoid
             in
             conveniences
             ,
             and
             for
             that
             reason
             we
             prohibit
             not
             
               Masse
            
             in
             the
             houses
             of
             Ambassadors
             ,
             nor
             pnnish
             usury
             ,
             though
             the
             Statute
             it self
             13.
             
               Eliz.
            
             8.
             brands
             it
             with
             the
             name
             of
             Vice
             ,
             and
             most
             Divines
             hold
             it
             a
             detestable
             sin
             ,
             expressely
             forbidden
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             .
          
        
         
           
             A
             conscientious
             way
             of
             setling
             Religion
             proposed
             .
          
           
             IN
             the
             same
             place
             where
             God
             commands
             children
             to
             obey
             their
             parents
             ,
             he
             forbids
             parents
             to
             provoke
             their
             children
             ,
             
               Ephes.
            
             6.
             
             And
             where
             he
             exacts
             fidelity
             in
             servants
             ,
             he
             likewise
             requires
             moderation
             in
             Masters
             ,
             nay
             more
             ,
             the
             text
             includes
             even
             bondmen
             and
             slaves
             ,
             enjoyning
             the
             Masters
             
               to
               forbear
               threatning
               ,
               knowing
               that
               their
               Master
               also
               is
               in
               heaven
               ,
               neither
               is
               there
               respect
               of
               persons
               with
               him
               :
            
             thus
             clearly
             doth
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             condemn
             as
             well
             harshnesse
             and
             cruelty
             in
             Governours
             ,
             as
             stubbornnesse
             and
             treachery
             in
             Subjects
             ;
             so
             that
             there
             is
             also
             a
             tendernesse
             of
             conscience
             requisite
             on
             the
             Magistrates
             part
             ,
             to
             proceed
             sincerely
             and
             purely
             for
             the
             good
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             truely
             say
             with
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               I
               seek
               not
               yours
               ,
               but
               you
               ,
            
             2
             Cor.
             12.
             1.
             and
             again
             verse
             17.
             
             
               Did
               I
               make
               a
               gain
               of
               you
               ,
               by
               any
               of
               them
               whom
               I
               sent
               unto
               you
               ?
            
             in
             which
             two
             lines
             we
             are
             plainly
             advertised
             of
             the
             chiefe
             danger
             which
             Superiours
             ought
             carefully
             to
             avoid
             ,
             that
             neither
             themselves
             ,
             nor
             their
             under-Officers
             make
             a
             profit
             of
             mens
             consciences
             concerning
             matters
             of
             Religion
             .
          
           
             Since
             therefore
             the
             only
             tolerable
             designe
             of
             the
             Corrector
             in
             such
             cases
             is
             the
             benefit
             of
             the
             sufferer
             ,
             it
             necessarily
             follows
             ,
             that
             before
             we
             can
             with
             the
             least
             colour
             of
             Justice
             inflict
             a
             penalty
             upon
             any
             different
             profession
             ,
             we
             ought
             to
             use
             all
             means
             possible
             to
             recover
             them
             to
             truth
             ,
             and
             therefore
             our
             first
             work
             should
             be
             to
             collect
             a
             body
             of
             positive
             Articles
             ,
             evidently
             contained
             in
             Gods
             Word
             ,
             and
             absolutely
             necessary
             to
             mans
             salvation
             ;
             it
             being
             very
             improper
             ,
             to
             pen
             the
             publike
             form
             of
             Faith
             in
             the
             Negative
             ,
             because
             my
             believing
             Christian
             truths
             makes
             me
             a
             Christian
             ,
             and
             not
             my
             disbelieving
             the
             errors
             that
             oppose
             it
             ,
             else
             he
             that
             believes
             nothing
             at
             all
             would
             be
             the
             best
             Christian
             .
          
           
             In
             order
             to
             which
             collection
             ,
             the
             most
             religious
             way
             is
             ,
             that
             every
             one
             that
             will
             modestly
             ,
             may
             safely
             propose
             and
             discusse
             those
             difficulties
             he
             meets
             with
             in
             Gods
             Word
             ,
             and
             if
             after
             all
             possible
             diligences
             of
             study
             ,
             meditation
             and
             prayer
             ,
             no
             satisfaction
             or
             union
             follow
             in
             any
             point
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             evident
             sign
             the
             question
             is
             either
             obscure
             or
             unnecessary
             ,
             and
             then
             provide
             for
             the
             peace
             of
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             and
             submit
             the
             rest
             to
             the
             pleasure
             of
             God
             .
          
           
             When
             we
             have
             agreed
             upon
             a
             summary
             of
             belief
             ,
             according
             to
             these
             three
             conditions
             
               positive
               ,
               evident
               ,
            
             and
             
               fundamental
               ,
            
             (
             with
             which
             the
             
               Creed
               ,
            
             commonly
             call'd
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             suits
             best
             of
             any
             I
             ever
             saw
             )
             then
             ought
             the
             Magistrates
             hold
             forth
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             love
             and
             meeknesse
             ,
             those
             so
             clear
             and
             important
             verities
             ,
             and
             if
             any
             shall
             be
             found
             dissenting
             (
             which
             I
             am
             confident
             will
             be
             very
             few
             )
             let
             us
             follow
             the
             Apostles
             rule
             in
             punishing
             ,
             a
             gentle
             one
             it
             is
             indeed
             ,
             but
             powerfull
             ,
             2
             Thes.
             3.
             6.
             
             
               Withdraw
               from
               such
               a
               one
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               be
               ashamed
               ,
            
             and
             verse
             15.
             
               esteem
               him
               not
               an
               enemy
               ,
               but
               correct
               him
               as
               a
               brother
               ,
            
             at
             worst
             ,
             
               rebuke
               him
               
               sharply
               ,
            
             Tit.
             1.
             13.
             
               and
               after
               the
               first
               and
               second
               admonition
               reject
               him
               ,
            
             Tit.
             3.
             10.
             that
             is
             ,
             leave
             him
             to
             the
             hardnesse
             of
             his
             heart
             :
             if
             his
             conscience
             grow
             tender
             ,
             it
             will
             check
             ;
             if
             obdutate
             ,
             he
             will
             soon
             break
             out
             into
             lewdnesse
             ;
             and
             then
             be
             justly
             punishable
             by
             the
             Law
             ,
             as
             other
             criminall
             Malefactors
             ;
             only
             we
             must
             be
             carefull
             not
             to
             anticipate
             his
             condemnation
             before
             he
             be
             legally
             convinced
             of
             some
             actuall
             offence
             against
             the
             publique
             repose
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             suspect
             the
             disaffection
             of
             any
             Party
             ,
             as
             the
             Papists
             ,
             let
             us
             first
             make
             it
             their
             interest
             to
             love
             their
             Countrey
             by
             treating
             them
             at
             least
             mercifully
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             then
             we
             shall
             have
             a
             fair
             tryall
             of
             their
             fidelity
             ;
             I
             do
             not
             know
             one
             example
             ,
             where
             ,
             to
             a
             Prince
             or
             State
             that
             used
             them
             well
             ,
             they
             have
             shown
             themselves
             ungratefull
             .
          
           
             And
             though
             it
             be
             the
             duty
             of
             every
             Christian
             to
             love
             his
             enemy
             ,
             and
             do
             good
             to
             those
             that
             persecute
             him
             ,
             yet
             surely
             it
             is
             a
             
               hard
               saying
               ,
            
             and
             the
             most
             sincere
             professors
             of
             any
             Religion
             whatsoever
             find
             difficulty
             enough
             to
             observe
             it
             ,
             even
             
               Protestants
            
             as
             well
             as
             
               Papists
            
             know
             how
             to
             fall
             out
             with
             those
             Magistrates
             that
             oppresse
             them
             ,
             else
             how
             shall
             we
             excuse
             the
             civill
             wars
             of
             
               France
               ,
               Germany
               ,
               Holland
               ,
            
             &c.
             if
             we
             have
             not
             recourse
             to
             the
             harsh
             usage
             of
             their
             Superiours
             ;
             nor
             need
             we
             seek
             the
             reason
             of
             these
             disorders
             amongst
             the
             Articles
             of
             any
             Parties
             Religion
             ,
             when
             by
             the
             instinct
             of
             nature
             ,
             not
             only
             man
             ,
             but
             even
             the
             most
             triviall
             creature
             that
             seems
             to
             have
             no
             interest
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             attends
             with
             diligence
             to
             the
             preservation
             of
             it self
             :
             who
             can
             blame
             the
             humble
             worm
             ,
             that
             whil●st
             we
             walk
             fairly
             by
             ,
             it
             prostrates
             it selfe
             before
             us
             ,
             and
             lowly
             creeps
             upon
             the
             ground
             ,
             if
             when
             we
             tread
             upon
             it
             ,
             it
             lift
             its
             head
             ,
             and
             strive
             to
             wring
             it self
             from
             under
             our
             cruell
             feet
             ?
             Notable
             to
             this
             purpose
             is
             the
             old
             example
             of
             the
             
               Privernates
               ,
            
             an
             ancient
             people
             of
             Italy
             ,
             who
             having
             rebell'd
             against
             the
             Common-wealth
             of
             
               Rome
               ,
            
             and
             being
             almost
             quite
             reduced
             by
             force
             of
             Armes
             ,
             they
             dispatch
             their
             Embassadors
             for
             terms
             of
             peace
             ;
             the
             Senat
             sternly
             ask
             them
             ,
             
               What
               new
               peace
               they
               could
               expect
               ,
               who
               had
               so
               insolently
               infringed
               the
               old
               ?
            
             to
             which
             they
             stoutly
             answered
             ,
             
               We
               must
               now
               take
               such
               conditions
               as
               you
               please
               to
               give
               ;
               if
               they
               be
               moderate
               ,
               you
               shall
               find
               us
               faithfull
               ,
               if
               too
               heavy
               ,
               we
               shall
               observe
               them
               only
               till
               we
               may
               safely
               break
               them
               ;
            
             which
             free
             and
             generous
             expression
             induced
             that
             wise
             Senate
             to
             assign
             them
             their
             own
             demands
             .
             This
             so
             full
             and
             pregnant
             instance
             I
             humbly
             offer
             ,
             as
             most
             worthy
             the
             imitation
             of
             our
             English
             Senate
             ,
             that
             even
             to
             
               Recusants
               ,
            
             who
             ingage
             to
             live
             innocently
             and
             quietly
             amongst
             us
             ,
             such
             reasonable
             conditions
             of
             subsistence
             may
             be
             allowed
             (
             since
             they
             are
             equally
             with
             our selves
             born
             to
             the
             freedome
             of
             this
             Nation
             )
             as
             their
             consciences
             be
             not
             violated
             ,
             their
             spirits
             embittered
             ,
             nor
             humane
             infirmity
             tempted
             to
             despair
             ;
             let
             us
             rather
             incourage
             them
             to
             come
             to
             our
             meetings
             ,
             and
             freely
             propose
             their
             difficulties
             ,
             which
             now
             they
             dare
             not
             ,
             for
             fear
             of
             discovering
             their
             judgements
             ,
             to
             the
             ruine
             of
             their
             estates
             ;
             let
             us
             use
             the
             same
             gentlenesse
             here
             in
             
               England
               ,
            
             that
             his
             Excellency
             the
             
               Lord
               Generall
            
             practises
             in
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             towards
             those
             that
             are
             not
             only
             otherwise
             minded
             in
             Religion
             ,
             but
             
               contrary
               minded
            
             in
             civill
             concernments
             ,
             and
             actually
             in
             arms
             to
             maintain
             their
             opposition
             :
             he
             invites
             them
             to
             conferences
             ,
             and
             himself
             with
             admirable
             temper
             and
             moderation
             manages
             the
             discourse
             ,
             allowing
             free
             liberty
             of
             reply
             to
             the
             adverse
             party
             ,
             without
             passion
             ,
             bitternesse
             or
             threatning
             ,
             and
             though
             he
             find
             not
             the
             event
             answerable
             to
             his
             endeavours
             ,
             remaines
             at
             least
             satisfied
             in
             his
             conscience
             ,
             by
             having
             given
             a
             reason
             of
             his
             actions
             ;
             and
             whom
             can
             we
             better
             imitate
             ,
             then
             so
             great
             an
             instrument
             of
             the
             liberty
             we
             all
             enjoy
             ?
             
             or
             wherein
             can
             we
             follow
             him
             with
             so
             much
             praise
             both
             of
             God
             and
             man
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             mildnesse
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             conquers
             more
             powerfully
             ,
             then
             by
             the
             sharpnesse
             of
             his
             Sword
             ?
             have
             not
             the
             
               Papists
            
             understandings
             as
             well
             as
             we
             ,
             which
             our
             Arguments
             may
             rectifie
             ?
             have
             they
             not
             souls
             to
             save
             ,
             which
             our
             charity
             may
             gain
             to
             heaven
             ?
             why
             do
             we
             not
             erect
             a
             Committee
             to
             purchase
             souls
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             Contracters
             to
             sell
             Lands
             ?
             why
             is
             there
             not
             establisht
             a
             Committee
             of
             
               Salvation
               ,
            
             as
             wel
             as
             of
             
               Indempnity
               ,
            
             where
             the
             Questions
             of
             Religion
             may
             be
             freely
             discust
             ,
             and
             the
             distresses
             of
             tender
             and
             innocent
             consciences
             impartially
             relieved
             ?
             if
             men
             dealt
             mildly
             ,
             and
             only
             by
             the
             Gospell
             way
             of
             perswasion
             ,
             surely
             there
             would
             in
             time
             grow
             Society
             ,
             Commerce
             ,
             and
             mutuall
             confidence
             ,
             and
             so
             frequent
             oportunities
             of
             clearer
             information
             :
             when
             once
             all
             jealousies
             and
             misunderstandings
             of
             one
             another
             shall
             be
             laid
             aside
             ,
             the
             differences
             amongst
             Christians
             will
             soon
             be
             reconciled
             ,
             if
             not
             to
             an
             absolute
             and
             precise
             unity
             of
             Faith
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             yet
             at
             least
             to
             a
             blessed
             union
             of
             peace
             and
             love
             .
          
           
             Oh
             how
             much
             better
             and
             more
             admirably
             divine
             is
             the
             gentle
             method
             of
             the
             Christian
             ,
             how
             to
             propagate
             it self
             
               in
               plain
               evidence
               of
               the
               spirit
               ,
            
             then
             the
             unnaturall
             Turkish
             cruelty
             ,
             of
             taking
             children
             from
             their
             parents
             !
             or
             the
             unworthy
             
               Machiavillian
            
             policy
             of
             taking
             the
             inheritance
             from
             the
             children
             !
             or
             lastly
             ,
             which
             is
             ,
             worse
             then
             either
             ,
             the
             barbarous
             Heathenish
             tyranny
             of
             shedding
             bloud
             ,
             and
             tearing
             limb
             from
             limb
             meerly
             upon
             the
             account
             of
             Religion
             .
          
           
             Nor
             can
             I
             find
             any
             satisfaction
             in
             that
             shuffling
             and
             hypocriticall
             distinction
             ,
             invented
             by
             the
             Lawyers
             to
             deceive
             the
             common
             people
             ,
             whose
             simplicity
             and
             innocency
             they
             easily
             beguile
             ,
             by
             pretending
             that
             none
             are
             executed
             for
             Religion
             ,
             but
             for
             offending
             against
             the
             Laws
             ?
             what
             can
             be
             more
             palpably
             false
             ,
             or
             divellishly
             malicious
             then
             this
             ?
             who
             does
             not
             see
             but
             by
             this
             rule
             those
             bloudy
             tyrants
             ,
             
               Nero
               ,
               Dioclesian
               ,
            
             and
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             ten
             infamous
             persecuters
             ,
             must
             be
             canonized
             for
             good
             and
             conscientious
             Justicers
             ,
             because
             they
             judged
             according
             to
             Law
             ?
             who
             does
             not
             see
             that
             by
             this
             rule
             those
             glorious
             Martyrs
             ,
             who
             watered
             the
             Christian
             Faith
             with
             their
             precious
             bloud
             ,
             must
             be
             accounted
             Traytors
             ,
             because
             they
             suffered
             according
             to
             Law
             ?
             nay
             even
             the
             cursed
             Jews
             ,
             who
             crucified
             our
             blessed
             Saviour
             ,
             impiously
             alledged
             the
             self
             same
             reason
             for
             themselves
             ,
             
               We
               have
               a
               Law
               ,
               and
               by
               our
               Law
               he
               ought
               to
               die
               ,
            
             John
             19.
             7.
             
          
           
             Nor
             can
             I
             forbear
             to
             professe
             how
             extremely
             unwelcome
             that
             scurvy
             news
             was
             to
             me
             ,
             of
             one
             
               Wright
            
             a
             Jesuite
             ,
             being
             drawn
             to
             Tiburn
             as
             a
             Traytor
             upon
             a
             hurdle
             for
             his
             Religion
             ,
             on
             the
             19.
             of
             
               May
            
             1651.
             because
             I
             had
             so
             often
             commended
             the
             moderation
             of
             the
             present
             Authority
             ,
             as
             having
             never
             spilt
             one
             drop
             of
             Bloud
             for
             Religion
             :
             and
             though
             the
             
               Sequestrations
            
             of
             all
             peaceable
             
               Recusants
               ▪
            
             were
             flatly
             against
             our
             Maximes
             ,
             yet
             the
             pressing
             necessities
             of
             the
             State
             ,
             and
             their
             purpose
             (
             which
             I
             alwaies
             believed
             )
             of
             taking
             away
             all
             penalties
             upon
             the
             conscience
             ,
             after
             a
             short
             time
             ,
             when
             the
             Government
             should
             be
             a
             little
             better
             setled
             )
             exceedingly
             qualified
             the
             harshnesse
             of
             those
             pecuniary
             severities
             ;
             but
             now
             with
             grief
             I
             must
             lay
             down
             my
             arms
             ,
             and
             with
             shame
             revoke
             all
             my
             arguments
             which
             I
             have
             hitherto
             used
             ,
             to
             lessen
             the
             injustice
             of
             our
             sequestring
             for
             conscience
             ,
             and
             pacifie
             the
             ruines
             of
             many
             well-affected
             and
             religious
             persons
             ,
             who
             highly
             disliked
             even
             that
             
               soul-money
               ,
            
             as
             King
             
               James
            
             used
             to
             call
             it
             ,
             wherein
             as
             I
             have
             had
             no
             small
             successe
             :
             so
             now
             I
             cannot
             with
             a
             safe
             conscience
             endeavour
             any
             more
             ,
             least
             I
             should
             cooperate
             to
             deceive
             the
             people
             ;
             
               Sequestrations
            
             I
             confesse
             did
             shrewdly
             crack
             ,
             but
             this
             killing
             has
             broken
             quite
             in
             pieces
             all
             our
             Principles
             .
             
             Against
             what
             have
             we
             principally
             fought
             all
             this
             while
             ,
             but
             coercency
             in
             Religion
             ?
             for
             what
             have
             we
             made
             so
             many
             tedious
             marches
             and
             Declarations
             ,
             but
             
               liberty
               of
               tender
               Consciences
               ?
            
             is
             this
             
               to
               hold
               forth
               the
               truth
               in
               love
               ?
            
             is
             this
             
               to
               instruct
               in
               meeknesse
               ,
            
             as
             becomes
             the
             servants
             of
             the
             Lord
             ?
             let
             us
             take
             heed
             how
             we
             fall
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             living
             God
             ,
             let
             us
             alwaies
             remember
             that
             voice
             speaking
             within
             us
             ,
             
               They
               shall
               be
               judged
               without
               mercy
               ,
               that
               have
               shewed
               no
               mercy
               .
            
          
           
             Besides
             the
             sharpnesse
             of
             the
             sentence
             ,
             the
             very
             tryall
             (
             as
             I
             am
             informed
             )
             had
             many
             singular
             and
             unusuall
             passages
             ,
             as
             that
             nothing
             was
             proved
             against
             the
             Prisoner
             ,
             but
             that
             a
             great
             many
             years
             ago
             he
             had
             said
             
               Masse
            
             in
             
               Flanders
               ,
            
             and
             this
             only
             by
             one
             witnesse
             ,
             and
             one
             who
             in
             open
             
               Sessions
            
             profest
             a
             particular
             
               pique
            
             and
             quarrell
             towards
             him
             ,
             alledging
             an
             old
             grudge
             as
             one
             of
             the
             reasons
             why
             he
             came
             up
             out
             of
             the
             Countrey
             to
             swear
             against
             him
             ,
             no
             disturbance
             of
             the
             publique
             repose
             ,
             nor
             so
             much
             as
             the
             least
             breach
             of
             peace
             laid
             to
             his
             charge
             ,
             but
             only
             his
             being
             a
             
               Priest
               ,
            
             and
             in
             England
             :
             And
             that
             this
             was
             his
             only
             crime
             ,
             is
             unquestionably
             clear
             by
             the
             
               Ministers
            
             charitable
             offer
             at
             the
             
               Gallows
               ,
            
             that
             
               there
               was
               yet
               time
               enough
               for
               him
               to
               save
               his
               life
               ,
               if
               he
               would
               renounce
               his
               Religion
               ,
               and
               become
               a
               Protestant
               ;
            
             which
             he
             resolutely
             denying
             ,
             as
             against
             his
             conscience
             ,
             was
             first
             hanged
             amongst
             the
             thieves
             and
             murderers
             ,
             and
             then
             quartered
             as
             a
             
               Traytor
               ;
            
             and
             yet
             both
             Sheriff
             ,
             Jury
             ,
             Judge
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             that
             cooperated
             to
             the
             execution
             ;
             all
             seriously
             professe
             ,
             that
             nothing
             is
             so
             dear
             to
             them
             ,
             nothing
             so
             reasonable
             in
             it self
             ,
             as
             incoercency
             in
             matters
             concerning
             the
             salvation
             of
             our
             Souls
             .
             I
             pray
             God
             we
             be
             not
             too
             guilty
             
               of
               having
               a
               form
               of
               godlinesse
               ,
               but
               denying
               the
               power
               thereof
               .
            
             I
             pray
             God
             these
             severe
             and
             ungospellary
             proceedings
             (
             especially
             this
             last
             of
             bloud
             ,
             so
             displeasing
             to
             the
             Spectators
             ,
             and
             unprofitable
             to
             the
             Authors
             )
             become
             not
             in
             time
             a
             prejudice
             to
             our
             Brethren
             beyond
             the
             Seas
             ,
             a
             discontenting
             of
             our
             friends
             at
             home
             ,
             and
             a
             scandall
             to
             all
             the
             world
             ;
             for
             that
             very
             day
             of
             the
             Priests
             execution
             I
             o'reheard
             a
             nimble
             witted
             man
             say
             these
             very
             words
             ,
             
               Since
               we
               are
               come
               to
               this
               passe
               that
               we
               can
               fight
               against
               the
               Covenant
               for
               Reformation
               of
               the
               Kirk
               ,
               sequester
               men
               for
               Recusants
               ,
               and
               continue
               their
               Sequestrations
               ,
               whether
               they
               continue
               their
               Recusancy
               or
               no
               ,
               make
               a
               close
               peace
               with
               Spain
               ,
               and
               openly
               hang
               up
               Jesuits
               ,
            
             SIT
             ANIMA
             MEA
             CUM
             PHILOSOPHIS
             .
          
           
             Surely
             it
             were
             far
             better
             to
             let
             the
             Papists
             for
             a
             while
             practise
             their
             kind
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             then
             upon
             a
             suddain
             deprive
             them
             of
             the
             only
             Religion
             to
             which
             they
             are
             accustomed
             ,
             and
             so
             indanger
             the
             driving
             of
             them
             to
             
               Atheisme
               ,
            
             instead
             of
             reducing
             them
             to
             
               Protestancy
               .
            
          
           
             Besides
             how
             easily
             may
             the
             like
             severity
             be
             exercised
             against
             our selves
             ,
             if
             any
             Power
             dis-affected
             to
             godlinesse
             should
             gain
             authority
             over
             us
             ?
             it
             is
             but
             straining
             the
             word
             
               Recusant
            
             a
             little
             above
             the
             common
             note
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             making
             our
             holy
             conferences
             Treason
             by
             Statute
             ,
             and
             then
             all
             the
             precious
             Saints
             and
             dearest
             servants
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             may
             be
             hang'd
             ,
             drawn
             and
             quartered
             by
             Law
             ,
             and
             yet
             at
             the
             same
             time
             our
             Executioners
             may
             professe
             (
             as
             seriously
             as
             we
             now
             seem
             to
             do
             )
             Liberty
             of
             Conscience
             ;
             only
             they
             will
             think
             it
             reasonable
             to
             their
             own
             interpreters
             ,
             and
             consequently
             intend
             by
             this
             charming
             sound
             of
             Liberty
             ,
             an
             absolute
             and
             uncontroulable
             freedom
             indeed
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             by
             none
             but
             themselves
             .
          
           
             How
             do
             the
             Papists
             themselves
             in
             
               France
            
             outgo
             us
             in
             their
             tender
             and
             moderate
             behaviour
             towards
             the
             Protestants
             of
             their
             Countrey
             ,
             notwithstanding
             former
             
             provocations
             to
             jealousie
             in
             the
             last
             civill
             warrs
             ?
             nay
             notwithstanding
             present
             provocations
             by
             our
             severity
             against
             all
             of
             their
             profession
             in
             
               England
               ,
            
             they
             dispute
             openly
             and
             frequently
             together
             ,
             not
             only
             the
             Clergy
             ,
             but
             tradesmen
             one
             with
             another
             :
             at
             many
             of
             which
             conferences
             I
             have
             been
             present
             in
             
               Paris
               ,
            
             where
             every
             one
             freely
             defended
             his
             own
             Opinion
             ,
             so
             civilly
             and
             peaceably
             ,
             that
             I
             never
             returned
             from
             the
             place
             of
             those
             discourses
             ,
             without
             exceeding
             comfort
             and
             satisfaction
             ,
             thinking
             often
             with
             my self
             ,
             it
             were
             a
             fashion
             as
             worthy
             to
             be
             transpoorted
             into
             
               England
               ,
            
             as
             any
             our
             Gallants
             bring
             from
             thence
             .
          
           
             At
             the
             end
             of
             the
             Dispute
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             not
             upon
             any
             solemn
             challenge
             ,
             but
             casuall
             ,
             though
             very
             often
             )
             if
             either
             party
             seem
             unsatisfied
             ,
             his
             liberty
             is
             inviolably
             preserved
             ,
             without
             seizing
             upon
             a
             penny
             of
             his
             estate
             (
             which
             there
             is
             accounted
             but
             a
             politique
             covetousnesse
             )
             or
             touching
             so
             much
             as
             a
             hair
             of
             his
             head
             ,
             (
             not
             to
             speak
             of
             spilling
             his
             blood
             for
             a
             different
             opinion
             )
             which
             they
             detest
             as
             a
             most
             abominable
             cruelty
             ,
             but
             with
             a
             courteous
             friendlinesse
             and
             mutuall
             compassion
             ,
             part
             in
             as
             perfect
             charity
             as
             they
             met
             ,
             each
             hoping
             and
             praying
             for
             the
             others
             conversion
             :
             in
             the
             mean
             while
             the
             King
             allows
             a
             certain
             number
             of
             publike
             Churches
             to
             
               Protestants
               ,
            
             and
             as
             much
             liberty
             in
             private
             for
             the
             exercise
             of
             their
             consciences
             ,
             as
             any
             disagreers
             from
             the
             common
             belief
             of
             the
             State
             can
             reasonably
             desire
             .
          
           
             Nay
             ,
             even
             the
             Spanish
             Inquisition
             (
             so
             universally
             abhor'd
             )
             practises
             all
             imaginable
             means
             towards
             the
             accused
             ,
             to
             reduce
             his
             judgement
             to
             theirs
             ,
             before
             they
             pronounce
             theirs
             against
             him
             ,
             and
             upon
             conformity
             immediately
             acquit
             him
             ;
             whereas
             our
             conscience-sequestrations
             are
             laid
             on
             ,
             without
             any
             disputing
             ;
             and
             hardly
             taken
             off
             ,
             upon
             never
             so
             much
             conforming
             ;
             which
             very
             thing
             I
             have
             heard
             some
             
               Presbyterians
            
             object
             to
             us
             ,
             though
             themselves
             made
             the
             abjuring
             Oath
             on
             purpose
             to
             pinch
             the
             Papist
             ,
             yet
             they
             said
             it
             was
             intended
             only
             for
             times
             of
             war
             ,
             when
             all
             other
             waies
             ,
             either
             of
             convincing
             by
             reasons
             ,
             or
             convicting
             by
             Law
             were
             obstructed
             .
          
           
             And
             ,
             proceeding
             upon
             the
             same
             subject
             ;
             they
             alledged
             divers
             Papists
             by
             name
             ,
             who
             have
             not
             only
             gone
             to
             
               Church
               ,
            
             but
             taken
             both
             the
             
               Communion
               ,
            
             Oath
             of
             
               Abjuration
               ,
            
             and
             
               Engagement
               ;
            
             and
             all
             this
             undeniably
             proved
             by
             sufficient
             Testimony
             ,
             yet
             after
             solemn
             debate
             upon
             their
             Petitions
             in
             
               Haberdashers
               Hall
            
             to
             be
             no
             longer
             punisht
             ,
             since
             they
             were
             no
             longer
             guilty
             ,
             the
             Commissioners
             declared
             
               that
               it
               was
               not
               express'd
               in
               any
               Act
               or
               instructions
               from
               the
               present
               Parliament
               ,
               what
               should
               amount
               unto
               ,
               or
               be
               adjudged
               by
               them
               to
               be
               a
               Conformity
               ;
            
             and
             therefore
             they
             continue
             the
             Sequestrations
             as
             formerly
             ,
             notwithstanding
             such
             conformity
             as
             aforesaid
             ;
             In
             particular
             ,
             on
             Wednesday
             the
             second
             of
             
               July
            
             16●1
             .
             It
             was
             the
             case
             (
             saies
             my
             Presbyterian
             friend
             )
             of
             one
             
               Smith
               ,
            
             a
             suspected
             Papist
             ;
             who
             had
             Lands
             in
             the
             
               Soke
            
             of
             
               Winchester
            
             sequestred
             ;
             upon
             his
             appeal
             at
             
               Haberdashers
            
             Hall
             ,
             he
             produced
             sufficient
             proof
             that
             he
             had
             been
             severall
             Lords
             daies
             at
             Church
             ,
             and
             had
             twice
             taken
             the
             Oath
             of
             
               Abjuration
               ,
            
             but
             one
             of
             the
             
               Commissioners
            
             made
             answer
             that
             this
             was
             not
             enough
             ,
             he
             must
             also
             take
             the
             
               Communion
               ,
            
             otherwise
             must
             continue
             sequestred
             as
             a
             
               Papist
               :
            
             wherto
             
               Smiths
            
             Councell
             replied
             ,
             
               That
               if
               it
               were
               a
               mark
               of
               Papists
               not
               to
               have
               received
               the
               Communion
               ,
               we
               are
            
             (
             said
             he
             )
             
               all
               Papists
               in
               our
               Parish
               ,
               for
               we
               have
               had
               no
               Communion
               in
               our
               Church
               these
               four
               years
               :
            
             And
             't
             is
             very
             probable
             that
             that
             very
             
               Commissioner
            
             who
             made
             this
             objection
             ,
             hath
             not
             of
             late
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             will
             not
             receive
             the
             
               Communion
               ,
            
             in
             manner
             as
             is
             prescribed
             by
             the
             Statute
             ;
             and
             certainly
             it
             is
             a
             very
             sad
             case
             for
             us
             to
             force
             others
             ,
             under
             
             so
             great
             a
             penalty
             ,
             as
             the
             sequestration
             of
             their
             estates
             ,
             to
             do
             that
             which
             we
             will
             not
             do
             our selves
             :
             All
             the
             relief
             and
             hopes
             ,
             that
             
               Smith
            
             and
             others
             in
             his
             condition
             (
             who
             have
             both
             gone
             to
             Church
             ,
             and
             taken
             the
             
               Communion
            
             and
             Oath
             of
             
               Abjuration
            
             )
             have
             received
             at
             the
             said
             Hall
             ,
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             said
             Commissioners
             have
             promised
             to
             move
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             to
             know
             
               what
               shall
               amount
               unto
               a
               Conformity
               ;
            
             and
             it
             might
             also
             be
             desired
             to
             know
             what
             Religion
             the
             Papists
             (
             in
             case
             they
             be
             forc'd
             to
             leave
             their
             own
             )
             shall
             conform
             unto
             ,
             since
             we
             have
             three
             severall
             Religions
             ,
             that
             at
             present
             seem
             to
             have
             an
             equall
             power
             or
             influence
             :
             the
             Prelaticall
             or
             old
             Protestant
             (
             as
             some
             call
             it
             )
             is
             establisht
             by
             Law
             ;
             the
             Presbyterian
             carries
             the
             vogue
             in
             the
             Pulpit
             ;
             but
             the
             Independent
             has
             the
             power
             and
             countenance
             of
             the
             State
             .
             Certainly
             the
             abovesaid
             strange
             proceedings
             must
             needs
             appear
             ,
             both
             to
             all
             the
             reformed
             Churches
             abroad
             ,
             and
             to
             very
             many
             conscientious
             people
             at
             home
             ,
             as
             savouring
             of
             a
             design
             to
             make
             sure
             of
             the
             Papists
             estates
             ,
             whatsoever
             becomes
             of
             their
             souls
             .
          
           
             And
             all
             this
             while
             we
             hold
             forth
             
               meeknesse
               ,
            
             and
             all
             this
             while
             we
             cry
             up
             
               Liberty
               of
               Conscience
               !
            
             is
             it
             possible
             we
             should
             so
             far
             forget
             our
             principles
             ,
             as
             to
             seize
             the
             estates
             of
             our
             neighbours
             and
             kindred
             for
             Religion
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             same
             time
             professe
             to
             venture
             all
             our
             own
             to
             purchase
             freedom
             of
             Religion
             ?
             is
             it
             possible
             we
             should
             expose
             our
             own
             lives
             in
             so
             long
             and
             dangerous
             a
             war
             ,
             to
             establish
             and
             secure
             
               Liberty
               of
               Conscience
               ;
            
             and
             at
             the
             same
             instant
             of
             time
             ,
             hang
             ,
             draw
             ,
             and
             quarter
             men
             for
             their
             Consciences
             ?
             how
             shall
             we
             answer
             at
             the
             day
             of
             Judgement
             our
             shedding
             so
             much
             bloud
             to
             deliver
             our
             Countrey
             from
             coercency
             in
             matters
             of
             belief
             ,
             if
             as
             soon
             as
             the
             power
             is
             in
             our
             hands
             we
             emb●…e
             them
             in
             the
             bloud
             of
             our
             Countreymen
             meerly
             for
             their
             Religion
             ;
             have
             we
             so
             soon
             forgot
             those
             sharp
             reproofs
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             Rom.
             2.
             
             
               Behold
               you
               are
               called
               Jews
               and
               rest
               in
               the
               Law
               ,
               and
               make
               your
               boast
               of
               God
               ,
               you
               know
               his
               will
               ,
               and
               approve
               the
               things
               that
               are
               more
               excellent
               ,
               you
               are
               confident
               that
               your selves
               are
               guides
               of
               the
               blind
               ,
               and
               lights
               to
               them
               which
               are
               in
               darknesse
               ,
               instructers
               of
               the
               foolish
               ,
               and
               teachers
               of
               babes
               ,
               who
               have
               the
               form
               of
               knowledge
               and
               of
               truth
               in
               the
               Law
               ;
               you
               therefore
               ,
               who
               teach
               another
               ,
               teach
               you
               not
               your selves
               ?
               you
               that
               preach
               a
               man
               should
               not
               steale
               ,
               do
               you
               steale
               ?
               you
               that
               abhor
               idols
               do
               you
               commit
               sacriledge
               ?
               In
               the
               day
               when
               God
               shall
               judge
               the
               secrets
               of
               men
               by
               Jesus
               Christ
               :
            
             how
             can
             we
             answer
             that
             excellent
             and
             self-evident
             precept
             of
             nature
             ,
             
               do
               as
               you
               would
               be
               done
               unto
               ?
            
             God
             is
             not
             mocked
             ,
             he
             promises
             indeed
             ,
             that
             
               the
               meek
               shall
               inherit
               the
               Land
               ,
            
             but
             surely
             means
             not
             such
             as
             seem
             
               meek
            
             only
             to
             inherit
             the
             Land
             .
          
           
             Thus
             sharly
             went
             on
             my
             angry
             
               Presbyterian
               ,
            
             and
             I
             confesse
             I
             was
             extremely
             ashamed
             to
             hear
             him
             say
             so
             much
             reason
             ,
             that
             used
             to
             speak
             nothing
             but
             passion
             ,
             and
             to
             see
             my self
             so
             confounded
             by
             one
             ,
             that
             I
             have
             alwaies
             overcome
             with
             ease
             upon
             any
             other
             subject
             ,
             and
             should
             have
             liked
             far
             better
             his
             observations
             (
             which
             with
             grief
             I
             acknowledge
             to
             be
             too
             true
             and
             open
             to
             all
             the
             world
             )
             if
             they
             had
             come
             from
             an
             indifferent
             and
             unfactious
             spirit
             ,
             because
             I
             suspect
             they
             may
             perhaps
             proceed
             rather
             from
             envy
             towards
             the
             gainers
             ,
             then
             pitty
             upon
             the
             losers
             :
             for
             during
             the
             violent
             ,
             and
             therefore
             short
             ,
             Dominion
             of
             the
             
               Presbyterians
               ,
            
             never
             were
             more
             cruell
             torturers
             of
             the
             
               Conscience
               ,
            
             then
             they
             ,
             never
             a
             more
             tyrannicall
             Tribunall
             then
             their
             
               Jure
               divine
               Assembly
               ,
            
             and
             classicall
             High
             Commission
             ,
             but
             the
             hand
             of
             the
             Lord
             stopt
             them
             in
             their
             full
             career
             ,
             and
             by
             wofull
             experience
             they
             now
             find
             the
             truth
             of
             Gods
             threatnings
             ,
             
               If
               you
               bite
               and
               devoure
               one
               another
               ,
               take
               heed
               you
               be
               not
               consumed
               one
               of
               another
               ,
            
             Gal.
             5.
             15.
             
          
           
           
             Wherefore
             it
             shall
             be
             my
             daily
             prayer
             to
             our
             great
             and
             good
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             graciously
             inspire
             his
             servants
             ,
             who
             now
             sit
             at
             the
             Helm
             ,
             to
             prevent
             the
             like
             heavy
             judgements
             upon
             themselves
             ;
             and
             seriously
             considering
             that
             both
             their
             allegiance
             to
             reason
             ,
             their
             duty
             to
             God
             ,
             their
             Engagement
             to
             their
             own
             Principles
             ,
             call
             so
             loudly
             upon
             them
             ,
             they
             would
             
               fulfill
               now
               our
               joy
               ,
            
             and
             compleat
             the
             good
             work
             so
             happily
             begun
             ,
             by
             putting
             the
             tender-conscienced
             and
             peaceable-minded
             people
             of
             this
             Nation
             into
             a
             condition
             of
             perfect
             security
             for
             matters
             of
             Religion
             ,
             which
             cannot
             be
             effected
             without
             a
             generall
             Act
             of
             Conscience-indemnity
             ,
             firmly
             to
             be
             establisht
             as
             a
             fundamentall
             and
             unalterable
             Law
             of
             the
             Land
             ,
             for
             all
             that
             professe
             the
             Gospell
             of
             Christ
             .
          
           
             FINIS
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
           Postscript
           .
        
         
           SInce
           there
           is
           scarce
           one
           whom
           something
           in
           these
           few
           sheets
           will
           not
           please
           ,
           nor
           very
           many
           whom
           something
           will
           not
           displease
           ,
           they
           therefore
           freely
           submit
           themselves
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           the
           judgement
           of
           the
           civill
           Magistrate
           ,
           but
           of
           every
           civill
           man
           ;
           and
           I
           have
           (
           according
           to
           the
           Order
           of
           Parliament
           )
           hereunto
           subscribed
           my
           name
           ,
        
         
           
             William
             Birchley
             .