he so Imposes E. Bagshaw of things Indifferent Part. 2. p. 3. 5 Our Fundamentals were not made by our Representatives but by the People themselves and our Representatives themselves limited by them which it were Good that Parliaments as well as People would observe and be faithful to For no Derivative Power can Null what their Primitive Power hath Established The English-man p. 11. 6 Royal Primogeniture alone without the Peoples consent is no Rightful Title to the Government nor hath the Eldest Son or Heir of the King any Right to the Government by Birth unless the People consent to chuse him thereto Mene-Tekel p. 10. 7 The Parliaments of England and often the People without the Parliament have in their Addresses to the King given him the Title of Lord in a way of Honour and Respect but when he hath refused to perform his Duty to them and endeavoured by his Unlawful Prerogative to abridge them of their Liberties they have made him understand his Relation and by force of Arms Asserted their own Privileges and sometimes compelled the King to Perform his Duty other times Deposed him from the Government as the People of Israel did Rehoboam upon the same account and so have most if not all the Nations in the World done the same Ibid. pag. 36. 8 Rising up against Authority it self the Ordinance of God and Disobeying the Powers therewith vested standing and acting in their Right Line of Subordination is indeed Rebellion and as the sin of Witchcraft but to Resist and Rise up against Persons Abusing Sacred Authority and Rebelling against God the Supream is rather to adhere to God as our Liege Lord and to Vindicate both our selves and his Abused Ordinance from Man's Wickedness and Tyranny Naphtali p. 157. 9 The Power of the King Abused to the Destruction of Laws Religion and Subjects is a Power contrary to Law Evil and Tyrannical and Tyeth no man to subjection Lex Rex p. 261. 10 If we consider the Fountain-Power the King is Subordinate to Parliament and not Co-ordinate for the Constituent is above that which is Constituted Lex Rex p. 377. 11 Whensoever a King or other Supream Authority Creates an Inferiour they Invest it with a Legitimacy of Magistratical Power to punish themselves also in case they prove evil doers yea and to act any other thing requisite for the Praise and Encouragement of the Good Io. Goodwins Right and Might well met 1648. p. 7. 12 The People is not King formally because the People is eminently more than the King for they make David King and Saul King Lex Rex p. 156. 13 The Laws are in the hands of the Parliament to Change or Abrogate as they shall see best for the Common-wealth even to the taking away of Kingship it self when it grows too Masterful and Burdensome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 101. 14 The Parliament sit in that body not as his Subjects but as his Superiors call'd not by him but by the Law not only twice every year but as oft as great affaire require to be his Counsellors and Dictators though he stomack it nor to be Dissolved at his pleasure but when all Grievances be first removed all Petitions heard and answered Ibid. p. 110. 15 Our Covenant was not taken without the Royal Authority of the King though it be Condemn'd by his Personal Command for as long as this Parliament of England continueth the Royal Authority and Power is annexed to it by vertue of that Act of Continuance So that the King of England in his Power may still be at Westminster though King Charles in his Person be at Oxford or elsewhere The Covenanters Catechism 1644. p. 16. 16 If a People that by Oath and Duty are obliged to a Sovereign shall sinfully Dispossess him and contrary to their Covenants chuse and Covenant with another they may be Obliged by their latter Covenants notwithstanding the former Ho. Com. p 188. 17 Though the Perfidious Parliament or rather Mock Parliament have lately betrayed their own Trust and our Liberties making it Treason for us to mention the Cruel Tyranny and Oppression we groan under yet by the Ancient Laws of England this Man that Rules at present is no Rightful King of England but by Oppressing the Nation and Persecuting the Lords People hath loss the Title of a King and the Name of a King doth not agree to him but Tyrant is the Name due to him Mene-Tekel p. 63. 18 Q. Whether the Title of Supream be not rather Nominal than Real Valley of Acbor p. 1. 19 Our War has been proved over and over to Unbiast Consciences to be Just. Caryl to the Commons April 23. 1644. p. 15. 20 If the King raise War against the Parliament upon their Declaration of the Dangers of the Common-wealth in that case people may not only Resist him but also he Ceases to be a King Baxter H. Common-wealth Thes. 368. 21 It is our Duty to yield to this Authority all Active and Chearful Obedience in the Lord even for Conscience sake Ibid. 22 A Refusal to be subject to this Authority under the pretence of Upholding the Title of any One upon Earth is a Refusal to Acquiesce in the Wise and Righteous pleasure of God Ienkins Petition Printed Oct. 15. 1651. 23 The King must Command not only according to God's but Man's Laws And if he do not so Command the Resistance is not a Resistance of Power but Will. Bridges to the Commons Feb. 7. 1642. Pref. 24 Let not the Sons of Belial say there is no Law now let them not be as when there was no King in Israel every man doing that which was right in his own eyes let them know that the Kingly Power Resides in the High Court of Parliament Pickering No. 27. 1649. Epist. Ded. 25 Subjects do promise Obedience that the Magistrate might help them which if he do not they are discharg'd of their Obedience Goodman p. 190. 26 Judges ought by the Law of God to Summon Princes before them for their Crimes and to proceed against them as against all other Offenders Obedience p. 111. 27 Scotland fought for themselves and their own safety and whatever Law will Warrant Nations now to joyn together against the Turk will Warrant Scotland their joyning with England against their Common-Enemy Apologet. Relat. p. 138. 28 A War raised by the Parliament against the Common Enemy in defence of the Kings Honour the safety of the People and the Purity of Religion cannot be Condemned as Unjust and Illegal Apol. Rel. p. 142. 29 It was the common practice of the Parliaments of Scotland and Lex currit cum Praxi to rise in Arms against their Kings when they turned Tyrants Ibid. 143. 30 It is lawful for the Inferiour and Subordinate Magistrates to defend the Church and Common-wealth when the Supream Magistrate degenerates and falleth into Tyranny or Idolatry for Kings are subject to their Common-wealths Canterburies Doom p. 290. c. 31 The Parliament have declar'd
the Supream Power to be in themselves Exclusively without a King or House of Lords And they are the Powers that now are as hath been cleared Saunders Mar. 23. 1650. p. 24. 32 It is altogether Lawful for the Parliament to take up Arms for the Defence of the Liberty or any other Imaginable Cause against any Party Countenanced by the Kings Presence against his Laws Baylyes Review p. 83. 33 The Votes Orders and Ordinances of the Lords and Commons in Parliament even without or against the Kings Personal Command are to be obey'd and observ'd Câ—…oftons fastening of St. Peters Fetters p. 118. 34 A Reformation is setled by Highest Authority in despight of Papists Prelate Pope or Devil Staunton to the Commons April 24. 1644. p. 24. 35 Is it so high a Crime for the Great Council of the Nation to determine things necessary for the safety of King and Kingdom without consent of his Majesty when it cannot be obtained Newcomen to the Commons Nov. 5. 1642. p. 48. 36 You are Ambassadors of the Greatest King The Great things of Heaven and Earth are committed to your care the Glory of Iehovah the Gospel of Christ the Welfare of Churches the Good of Kingdoms and in some respect of the whole Christian world is in your hands Greenhil to the Commons April 26. 1643. p. 45. 37 There is no danger in Resisting Acts of Tyranny for Tyrants exercising Tyranny are no Terror to Evil doers Apol. Rel. 154. 38 The Authority and Gods Ordinance can never do wrong but the Corrupt Person placed in Authority may offend so that the King as King is one thing and the King acting Tyranny is another thing Knox Hist. Li. 2. p. 141. Notes on §. 9. THE King render'd Accountable to his Subjects Num. 1 2. His Power Fiduciary and not to be obey'd in doubtful Cases 3 4 The People the Fountain of Power 5 6. And may Depose their Sovereign if he fails in his Duty 7 The Abuse of his Power is the forfeiture of it 8 9. His Parliament is above him 10 11. And so are the People 12. The Parliament are his Superiors and may Depose him 13 14. The Kings Power at Westminster though his Person may be at Oxford 15 The People may discharge themselves of their Allegiance 16 The Crown forfeitable and fâ—…rfeited 17 Supremacy only a Complement 18 The late War justifi'd and the Resistance Lawful 19 20. Cromwel to be Obey'd for Conscienoe sake 21 22. Resistance allowable 23 The Parliament are Supream and the Subjects Obedience Conditional 24 25. Princes Punishable as well as others 26 The Scottish Invasion defended 27 28. And the taking up of Arms against Tyrants 29 Kings subject to their States 30 The Commons and the Parliament-War defended 31 32 33 34 35 36. Tyranny is not Gods Ordinance 37 38. Let the Reader judge now what any man can design that exposes and supports these Positions but the Ruin of the Government §. 10. Tumults Encouraged And chiefly by the Able Holy Faithful Laborious and Truly-Peaceable Preachers of the Gospel Petition for Peace P. 4. 1 IT is not unknown nor unobserved by the Wise that the Ministers have been very serviceable to the Civil State and to the Military too Not only by their Supplications to God for good success in all their Undertakings and their happy Proceedings in all their Warlike Marches and Motions as at the Removal of the Ark Num. 10. 35. Rise up Lord and let thine Enemies be scatter'd Let them that hate thee flee before thee But 2 By their Informations and 3 Solicitations of the People to Engage both their Estates and Persons in the Case of God and their Country Iohn Ley's Examination of the New Quere 1646. Epis. Ded. to the Lord Mayor 2 And we do not Repent of any part of our Pains or Pressures or Perils so long as we may be Serviceable to so good a Cause and to such Good and Gracious Masters as under Christ they The Parliament have hitherto approved themselves towards us And I hope we may without Boasting say by way of Apology that we have not been altogether their unprofitable Servants in respect 1 of our Interest in and 2 Endeavours with the People without whom the Greatest Kings are rather Cyphers than Figures and destitute both of Honour and Safety Prov. 14. 28 1 To Inform their Iudgments and 2 to Enflame their Zeal and 3 to oblige their Consciences and 4 to Fasten their Affections in Loyalty and Fidelity to those worthy Patriots whom they have in their Choice and Votes of Election entrusted with the Religion the Lives and Estates of themselves and their Posterity Hyde p. 80. Sect. 22. 3 After-Ages will Abominate their Baseness and Villanies that have lifted up their hands against the Parliament But the Fsthers the Mordecais the Religious Patriots that have acted in this Sphear the brave Soldiers whose Lives were not dear unto them the FAITHFUL MINISTERS the Horse-men and the Chariots of Israel they shall be had in Everlasting Remembrance Heyrick to the Commons May. 27. 1646. p. 16. 4 You are required to Commend to God in your Prayers the Lord General the whole Army employ'd in the Parliaments Service as also in your Sermons effectually to stir up the People to appear in Person and to joyn with the Army to stand up for our Religion and Liberties as is desired and expected by the Army and the Committee for the Militia in this City Penningtons Order to the London Ministers Ap. 1643. 5 The work of Reformation still goes on There we do get ground as to Perfect a Protestation into a Covenant to ripen an Impeachment into a Root and Branch And in a word to settle an Assembly of Divines as a General Refiners fire to try all Metals of the Church Bond. to the Commons March 27. 1644. p. 56. 6 The Assembly Petition'd both Houses for a Fast and the removing of Blind Guides and Scandalous Ministers destroying all Monuments of Idolatry and Superstition the Executing of Justice upon all Delinquents according to the Solemn and Religious Vow and Protestation for that purpose that so God who is now by the Sword avenging the Quarrel of his Covenant beholding the Integrity and Zeal of the Two Houses might turn from the fierceness of his wrath hear their Prayers go forth with their Armies and perfect the work of Reformation c. Ex. Col. July 19. 1643. p. 242. 7 I must truly tell ye that before these Late Wars it pleas'd the Lord to call me by his Grace through the work of the Ministry and afterwards keeping a day of Humiliation in Fasting and Prayer with Mr. Simeon Ash Mr. Love Mr. Woodcock and other Ministers in Laurence-Lane they did so clearly state the Cause of the Parliament that I was fully convinc'd in my own Conscience of the Justness of the War and thereupon Engaged in the Parliaments Service which as I did and do believe was the Cause of the Lord. I ventur'd my Life
Contributions for all his Payments and Hazards I say he is blind I say his heart is not right with God Marshal to both Houses Jan. 18. 1643. p. 20. All Christendom except the Malignants in England do now see that the Question in England is whether Christ or Anti-Christ shall be Lord and King Ibid. p. 21. 17 Q. Whether the whole Kirk of Scotland in their Letters sent to the King at Oxford as in Mays History hath not judged the late King Guilty of the Blood of Thousands of his best Subjects And if so whether the Laws of God or Man give any Pardon or Dispensation to Kings more than to others If not whether his Judges are not sufficient to justifie it Valley of Achor Q. 8. Q. Whether beside the Guilt of Blood contracted upon himself in the Wars of England and Scotland he was not also Guilty of the Blood of Ireland Ibid. Q. 9. 18 No Sober and Impartial Person can Condemn their Position who denying that a Tyrannous Magistrate was the Minister of God to them for their Good did plainly assert the Lawfulness of Self-defence and Holy Reformation without the Violation of the Ordinance of God Naphtali p. 30. 19. As he The late King to acquit himself hath not spar'd his Adversaries to load them with all sorts of blame and accusation so to him as in his Books alive there will be us'd no more Courtship than he uses but what is properly his own Guilt not imputed any more to his Evil Councellors a Ceremony us'd longer by the Parliament than he himself desired shall be laid here without Circumlocutions at his own door That they who from the first beginning or but now of late by what Unhappiness I know not are so much affatuated not with his Person only but with his palpable faults and dote upon his Deformities may have none to blame but their own folly if they live and dye in such a strucken blindness as next to that of Sodom hath not happen'd to any sort of men more gross or more misleading Miltons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pref. 20 The People exorbitant and excessive in all their motions are prone oft-times not to a Riligious only but to a Civil kind of Idolatry in Idolizing their Kings though never more mistaken in the Object of their Worship heretofore being wont to repute for Saints those Faithful and Couragious Barons who lost their lives in the Field making glorious War against Tyrants for the Common Liberty as Simon de Momfort Earl of Leicester against Henry the Third Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster against Edward the Second But now with a Besotted and Degenerate baseness of spirit except some few who yet retain in them the Old English Fortitude and love of Freedom and have testifi'd it by their matchless deeds the rest Embastardiz'd from the ancient Nobleness of their Ancestors are ready to fall flat and give adoration to the Image and Memory of this Man who hath offer'd at more fetches to undermine our Liberties and put Tyranny into an Art than any Brittish King before him Ibid. Pref. 21 Whosoever sheddeth Man's Blood by Man shall his Blood be shed we find here no exception If a King therefore do this to a King and that by men also the same shall be done Ibid. pag. 229. 22 To have brought the King to Condign Punishment hath not broke the Covenant but it would have broke the Covenant to have sav'd him from those Judicatories which both Nations declar'd in that Covenant to be Supream against any person whatsoever Ibid. p. 237. God hath testifi'd by all propitious and evident designs whereby in these latter times he is wont to testifie what pleases him that such a solemn and for many Ages unexampled act of due Punishment was no mockery of Justice but a most grateful and well-pleasing Sacrifice Neither was it to cover their Perjury as he accuses but to uncover his Perjury to the Oath of his Coronation Ibid. 23 This is the Cause of the Kingdom the King should have helpt c. but did not then it became the Duty of the Parliament to have relieved the Kingdom but they did not her necessities great and many Petitions concerning them were slighted and burnt waited many years for help our Oppressions not removed all complain dangers encrease no remedy appears they not help us nor tell us how long it will be before this Parliament will be at an end that we may have another to see if they will help us when all falls no ground of hope of life is left danger eminent and no other means of help left this is a cause of Necessity Now it 's the duty of the Army to help and if they had not it had been their sin if not their overthrow if they had suffer'd it to Perish the Kingdom had been well holpen up with a remedy in extremity An Answer to John Geree c. 1649. p. 4. 24 As to the Blood of the King I have not in the least any Guilt lying upon me for I have many a time sought the Lord with tears to know if I have done amiss in 't but 't was rather confirm'd that the thing was more of God than of Men. Nine Mens Speeches Harrison p. 2. I go to suffer upon the account of the most glorious Cause that ever was in the world Ibid. p. 6. Blessed be the Name of God that I have a Life to lose upon so Glorious and so Honourable an account p. 10. 25 I dye not in the Lord only but for the Lord and think not that this Blessed Cause shall be lost for it shall reach to the end of the Earth Think not your Prayers lost for your Prayers and Tears with our Blood shall come down shortly upon Babylon Mr. Carew's Speech p. 15. 26 I cannot Confess any Guilt It is such a Cause that the Martyrs would gladly come again from Heaven to suffer for if they might I look upon it as the most Noble and High act of Justice that our Story can parallel Nine Mens Speeches Cook p. 41. 27 I Bless Gods Name he hath engaged me in a Cause not to be Repented of Scott Ibid. p. 71. 28 In all that is past I could never yet suffer so much as a wish to pass through my thoughts Oh that I had not been engaged in this thing Or that I had before Forty-eight deserted this Cause Barkstead to a Friend Three Mens Speeches 29 I do believe at long-run there is not a man that Fears the Lord will have any reason to be sorrowful for engaging in that Good Old Cause which I am now to Seal with my Blood again as I have many a time done I am satisfied in my soul that it is a most Just and Glorious Cause c. Three Mens Speeches Coll. Okey 30 As it is unquestionably lawful on serious and real grounds to Depose and do Justice on Kings and Princes as other Magistrates so never was there a greater and more
Person and Guilded over as a Rotten Nutmeg with Gold Vines to the Commons Mar. 10. 1646. P. 27. 18 We must not Judge of Faith by the Person but of the Person by the Faith Ibid. 19 That Horse of Superstition and Idolatry upon the Back of which the Devil hath in Former times made War against the Church is slain under him and now he is mounted upon a Fresh Horse of another Colour called Liberty of OPINION falsly call'd Liberty of CONSCIENCE Ibid. 20 If Conscience be warrant enough for Practices and Opinions and Liberty of Conscience be a sufficient License to Vent or Act them I cannot see but the Judicatories either of Church or State may shut up shop and be resolved into the Judicatory of Every mans Private Conscience Ib. P. 60. 21 The severall Bands of Anabaptists Antinomians Familists Libertines and Separatists are so multiply'd that they begin to threaten and speak Big words Walker to the Commons Jan. 29. 1644. P. 18. 22 The Hand of God is apparently gone out against your ways of Separation and Anabaptism Baxter to the Separatists April 20. 1655. 23 We do again renew our Solemn League and Covenant wherein the securing and â—…reserving the Purity of Religion against all Errour Heresy and Schism and namely Independency Anabaptism Antinomianism Armintanism Socinianism Familism Libertinism Scepticism and Erastianism and the carrying on the work of Uniformity shall be studi'd and Endeavourâ—…d by us before all worldly Interest Nepthaly Engagement to Duties 24 Ob. There are many of em the Sectaries Holy and Pious men Aâ—…s Why should you think to say he is an Honest or a Pious man should be a Foolish Plea in the Case of abusing Coin Theft Treason or the like and yet should be of weight and force in this far greater Business Hodges to the Com. P. 58. 25 Now if Prophane or Erroneous Persons shall Excommunicate themselves from the 〈◊〉 Ordinances of Christ either by Negligence or going a whoring after any Sects or Schisms and say their Conscience must be free to do so then the Magistrate by his Positive Laws must fetch them in and Command Obedience to those Publique Ordinances in the Church as the Kings of Iudah did 2. Chron. 17. c. The Ordinances of Excommunication Stated and Licensed Iohn Downham Feb. 17. 1645. Pâ—…ult 26 If the Parliament and Synod shall by Publique Consent Establish a Presbyteriall Church-Government as most consonant to Gods word Independents and all others are bound in Conscience to submit unto it under the pain of Obstinacy Singularity c. In case they cannot really by direct Texts and Precepts prove it diametrically contrary to the Scripture Prins Full Answer to Io. Goodwin P. 13. 27 That Courtesy which no man can obtain of the Independents where they have Authority viz in New-England That Courtesie should they not be Suiters for here in Old England Adam Stewarts Duply 1644. Part. 2. P. 162. 28 The Late Generall Assemblyes of the Church of Scotland and their Commissioners have born Testimony against Independency Erastianism Antinomianism Anabaptism c. A Testimony against Toleration from the Kirk of Scotland 1949. P. 2. 29 Sins Committed by the Misunderstanding of Gods word may be Punishâ—…d therefore Sins of Conscience Mr. Noise Minister of New England of the Power of Magistrates P. 72. 30 Schism of it sâ—…lf even with sound Doctrine in every Point is a most Grievous wickedness which exceeds all other wickedness I might out of the Fathers Enlarge and shew the great Evil of Schism both in it self and the Effects of it How 't is a greater evil to Rend the Church then to worship Idols Yea that Martyrdom it self cannot profit a Schiâ—…matique That 't is so great an Evil that the â—…loud oâ—… Martyrdom cannot blot it out So Cyprian and Chrysostom And God hath more Severely punish'd it then Murther and other great Crimes Korah Dathan and Abâ—…ram for their Schism were punish'd more severely with the Earth opening and Swallowing them up Quick then Cain and then those who made an Idol Edwards Further Discovery P. 197. 31 If the Devil had his choice whether the Hierarchy Ceremonies and Liturgy should be Establish'd in this Kingdom Or a Toleration granted he would chuse and Prefer a Toleration before them and give up all those for a Toleration of divers Sects and different Churches Edwards Full Answer P. 257. 32. A Treatise against Toleration and Pretended Liberty of Conscience wherein by Scripture sound Reason Fathers Schoolmen Casuists Protestant Divines of all Nations Confessions of Faith of the Reformed Churches Ecclesiasticall Historics and constant Practice of the most Pious and wisest Emperors Princes States the best Writers of Politicks the Experience of all Ages yea by divers Principles Testimonies and Proceedings of Sectaries themselves as Donatists Anabaptists Brownists Independents the Unlawfullness and Mischief in Christian Common-wealths and Kingdoms both of an Universall Toleration of all Religions and Consciences and of a Limited and Bounded of some Sects only are clearly Proved and Demonstrated c. Edwards's Casting down the Last and strongest hold of Satan Notes upon §. 1. TOleration destroys Religion 1 All Errors in 't 2 Instead of Easing Consciences it takes away all Conscience 3 A scandalous Breach of Covenant 4 Contrary to the Gospel 5 And the Government of Christ. 6 The ready way to Popery 7. Erroneous Consciences not to be permitted 8 A Toleration of Independency is Intolerable contrary to the League and Covenant A Temptation to and a Confirmation in Error Destructive of Government The Root of Bitterness and Divisions and of manifold Errors 9 An Erecting of a Trade for the Butchering of Souls 10 A License to all Iniquity 11 It gives a Countenance to Euthusiasms and leads to Diabolicall Illusions 12 And trains us from one Sin to another 13 A Misguided Conscience is an Instrument for Satan 14 It carrys us from Schism to Heresy 15 Ruines Kingdoms Cityes and Familys 16 The Piety of a Person cannot Iustify the Error 17. 18 The Horse of Superstition and Idolatry 19 It Dissolves all Iudicatoryes 20 And threatens the Publique Peace 21 God hath declared himself against it 22 A breach of Covenant 23 A Sectary as Criminal as a Felon 24 Erroneous Persons Excommunicate themselves 25 Independents bound to submit to the Parliament and Synod 26 They that will not allow Liberty ought not to ask it 27 The Generall Assembly of Scotland Expressly against it 28 Sins of Conscience Punishable 29 Schism worse then Murder or Idolatry 30 Toleration is the wish of the Devil 31 Scripture Reason Fathers Schoolmen Casuists Protestant Divines and all the Reformed Churches against it 32 How comes it now to be so Criminall to deny these People a Toleration which they themselves account to be wholly Intolerable Or with what Face can they call the Refusal of that Liberty to themselves by the name of a Persecution which they look upon in all other Cases as against the Rules of Government and Conscience
Colemanstreet Conclave Visited P. 1. 1648. P. 33 The Congregationall men swore to Endeavour Uniformity and yet practice this day Multiformity of Religions have put to the sale the Bloud of many Gallant men in Scotland that so they may buy with their lives Cursed Liberty of Conscience But will it not be bitterness in the End Rutherfords Free Disputation 1649. P. 256. We know no service to the State done by these men but that they set up with the sword all the Blasphemous and Hereticall Sects and Religions that Tho. Muncer or Iohn of Leydâ—…n fancy'd contrary to the Oath of God Ib. 259. I. 34 Was there ever any thing done in the Bishops time or any thing attempted to be done by this Generation of men in the day of their Greatest Interest and Power in the Kingdom of that Bloudy Consequence to those Godly Persons Ministers or others whom they most hated and sought to crush as this Ord'nance to Prevent the Growing and spreading of Heresies c. if once Establish'd is like to be to far greater numbers of truly Pious and Conscientious Men. Some Modest and Humble Queries P. 7. Notes upon §. 3. I Shall not need to cut up this Section by Paragraphs but rather recommend it whole to the Consideration of any Indifferent Reader These are the People that assume to themselves the Title of the Kings best Subjects and the Church of Englands True-Protestants when yet at the same time they do with their own Lips and Pens declare themselves the Implacable Enemies of Order and of One another They call for Indulgence contrary to Law from those whom they themselves destroy'd for Living and Acting according to the Law and to whom so far from Mercy they never shew'd so much as Humanity or Common Pity They demand a Comprehension with that Church which they do Ioyntly pronounce to be Anti-Christian They make use of Religion and Tenderness of Conscience as their Plea for a Common Union with the Church and yet what is it but the same Pretense of Religion and Conscience that Causes all those Mortal Feuds among themselves What Religion can be expected from men of these Outragious Principles What Peace with so many Implacable Antipathies and Oppositions What Truth from such a Medly of Pernitious Errors and what Trust can be given to those that never kept Faith either with God or Man Nor ever agreed but in order to the Ruine and Confusion of the State Would they be United ye see 't is Dangerous and Impossible Dangerous in respect of the Publique and Impossible among Themselves for they make it no less then Matter of Damnation to Suffer one Another Now according to these Practices and Positions let the world Iudge of the Design §. 4. The Dissenters Behaviour toward the Government and first the Clergy 1 PErnicious Deceivers Presumptuous Shepherds Baalamites Blazing-Stars Glosing Hypocrites with God Fasting-Pharisaicall Preachers Miserable Guides Counterfeit-False Prophets Sycophants Trencher-Priests Conscience-Brokers Dangerous and Pestilent Seducers Sectary-Precise Preachers Trecherous Watchmen Sworn Soldiers of Anti-Christ c. Barrow and Greenwood Cited in Bancrofts Survey of Holy Discipline P. 355. 2 This new Parcell of Mockery and Iesuited Popery as bad as any in the Mass-book i. e. A Collection of Prayers and Thanksgivings used in his Majesties Chappel c. and publish'd by his Majesties Command 1644. 3 Croaking Frogs Clergy that crept into the Kings Chambers who are known by the Gutter whence they came out of the Dragon out of the mouth of the Beast and the False Prophet They are the Spirits of Devils who go forth unto the Kings of the Earth to gather them to Battle c. The Frogs Heads are like their Caps Quadrata Ranarum Capita Here is work for the Parliament that the King may have no more Croakers in his Chambers Wilson to the Commons Sep. 1642. 4 A Stinking Heap of Atheisticall and Roman-Rubbish a Rotten Rabble of Slanderous Priests and Spurious Bastard sons of Belial who by their Affected Ignorance and Laziness their False Doctrines and Idolatrous Superstitious Practises in Gods worship by their most Abominable Evil Lives and Conversations had like Hophni and Phinehas made the Lords Ordinances to be even abhorr'd by the People Vicars Iehovae Iireh P. 88. 1644. 5 Who among us 7. years ago Imagin'd that this Land should be healed of the two Great Plague-Sores of this Land viz. The Common-Pruyer Book and Episcopacy of the lesser Scabs of Deans and Prebends Chancellors Arch-Deacons Queristers Promoters c. Together with the Spiritual Courts and all the Trumpery of their Superstitious Ceremonies Loves Sermon at Uxbridge Ian. 30. 1944. P 29. 6 If Justice be at a stand and cannot take hold of Living Delinquents to keep the Ax from rust Let Justice be Executed upon Liveless Delinquents Are there no Altars no High-Places no Crucifixes c. Greenhill to the Commons Ap. 26. 1643. P. 37. 7 Throw away the Rubbish out with the Lords Enemies and the Lands Vex the Midianites Abolish the Amalekites else they will vex you with their Wiles as they have done heretofore Let Popery find no favour because it is Treasonable Prelacy as little because it is Tyrannicall but Establish God his Truth and ways Coleman to the Commons Au. 30. 1643. P. 64. 8 God was weary of our New-Moons and Sabbaths and the Calling of our Assemblies He could not smell in our Common Feasts our Sacrifices were an Abomination to him through the Noisomness of those Corruptions which Hophni and Phinehas Superstitious and wicked men in the Priesthood mingled with them Strickland No. 1944. P. 33. 9 The Hierarchy is become a Fretting Gaugreen and Spreding Leprosy an Insupportable Tyraany Up with it Up with it to the Bottom Root and Branch Hip and Thigh Destroy these Amalckites and let there Place be no more found Coleman to the Par. Au. 30. 1643. P. 39. 10 Our Cathedralls are in a Great part of late become the Nest of Idle Drones and the Roosting Place of Superstitious Formalities Coleman to the Commons Au. 30. 1643. P. 39 11 How was this Honourable and Famous City of London furnish'd Even just as Ieroboam furnish'd Bethel with the Idlest the most Superstitious of all the rest Id. Ibid. 12 An Ungodly Generation that weep with a Loud Voice and Complain their Gods are gone their God Episcopacy their God Liturgy the Organ and the Surplice the Cross c. Stanton to the Commons Ap. 24. 1644. Epistle 13 Our Religion and Liberties are setled by the Laws of the Land not so Israels in Egypt And therfore the Anti-Christian Party in their attempts to wrest them from us are more Unjust and cruell then of Old was Egypt Ibid. P. 5. 14 How many Dumb Devils are now casting out of many Parishes in the Land Bond to the Commons Mar. 27. 1644. P. 44. 15 What had we got if the Prelaticall Party had been set up What could we have Expected from them but superstitions Innovations Illegalities Bondage
37 'T is now more then manifest that Rome and Hell had long since taken Councell by working to Extirpate all Protestant Religion as for Dissolving our Laws the Introducing Arbitrary Government it was but a design on the by to Cajole and Hire the Court to their Party Ward Deut. 33. 16. P. 16. 38 Israel will not be cured without a Full and Total Extirpation o all the accursed things and Persons also Fair-Cloth on Iosh. 7. 25. P. 25. 39 These Ecclesiasticall Offices Ceremonies and Discipline are set up by the Pope and are an Appendix or Tayl of Anti-Christ D. Holmes on 2 Pet. 3. v. 13. 1641. P. 33. 40 They are Butchers and Horse-Leeches These Dragons Tyranny and Bloud-Thirsty Proceedings are Inexcusable Ha ya any P. 28. and Martins Protestat 41 Episcopacy must not be Moderated nor Reserved but presently and wholly taken away Answer to London-Petition fol. 33. 42 The Church Ministry and worship in England are all Anti-Christian from which all Gods People are in Duty and Conscience bound to separate themselves Eight Propositions 43 The Bishops must be utterly Extirpated no less then the Romans Rooted out the very name of Tarquins for the Tyranny they had Exercis'd A Wind to Fan or Cleanse will not serve their turn but it must be a Full mighty Wind to root up and carry away the very foundation of their being Sions Plea and Christ on his Throne 44 Strike neither at great nor Small but at these Troubles of Israel Smite that Hazaâ—…l in the Fifth Rib yea if Father or Mother stand in the way away with them Down with the Colours of the Dragon Advance the Standard of Christ. Sions Plea P. 240. and 200. Notes upoâ—… §. 4. YOu have here the Spirit of the Godly Party and the False-True-Protestants set forth in their own words and in such Terms too as Paganism it self would Blush at There never was any Design Manag'd with so little regard to the Rules of Government or the Measures of Charity Truth Good Manners or in One word of Humane Society Never any Order of Men certainly Never any Constitution treated at that Scurrilous Barharous Scandalous and Malicious Rate And yet all this while these Sanguinary and Violent Incendiaries are Iuggled and Impos'd upon the Multitude as the only Men to Reform our Manners and Advance the Purity of the Gospel Let but the Reader now Compare this Ribaldry with the Language of the Holy Ghost This Reviling of Dignities with the Practices and Precepts of Christ and his Apostles This Uncharitable Censoriousness with that Caution of our Saviours Judge not that ye be not Judged This Cruelty of Rigour and Persecution with the Dictate of Christian forbearance The ways and Consciences of our New-Gospel Professors with those of former times and He will easily resolve himself whether these Methods and Motions be from Heaven or Hell and how far even in the point of ordinary Prudence as well as of Christian Piety we may safely deliver our selves up to the Conduct of these Guides whose Example as well as Doctrine runs directly Counter to that which has been transmitted unto us by our Saviour Jesus Christ. It will not need any Artifice or Flourish to render these Impious Extravagances odious to any man that shall duly Consider them for they carry their Shame and their Condemnation in their Foreheads §. 5. The Dissenters Behaviour toward the Civil Government 1 WHat Iunto's of Hell have been found out what Plots Discover'd what Cabinets of Letters Detected what Actions Described what Hearts anatomiz'd Popery Prerogatiâ—…e Protestations Plotters Prelates all come to light and found Desperate and Devilish Lightfoot to the Commons Au. 26. 1645. P. 17. 2 The Same Spirit that Actuated Cain to Kill his Brother Abel Actuated the Pharisees to kill the Servants the Sons of God the same hath Actuated these men to kill the Saints They all walk by the same Bloudy Principles They have the same Enraged Spirit with the same Hellish Rage Rage which reacheth up to Heaven by which they have shed any of the Bloud of the Saints they would have shed all If all the Bloud that was shed from Abel to this time did run in the Veins of any one Child of God they would open that Vein and let out that Bloud and Spill it as water upon the Ground Caligula's Bloudy wish is in all their Hearts Oh that all the Saints and Servants of God had but one Head that with One Blow I might strike it off Heyrick to the Commons May. 27. 1646. P. 23. 3 What shall we think of that Legion of Devils I had almost call'd them who now possess the Land and after the manner of Devils indeed seek all to rent and tear it in pieces I mean that Colliâ—…vies that heap or gathering together of the Scum and Dross and Garbage of the Land That most accursed Confederacy made up of Gâ—…bal and Ammon and Amalek Philistins with the Inhabitants of Tyre of Iesuits and Papists and Atheists of Schismaticall and Infamous Persons in all kinds with that Bloudy and Butcherly Generation commonly known by the name of Cavaliers Io. Goodwins Anti-Cavalierism P. 2. 4 Qu. What is your Name An. Cavalier Qu. Who gave you that name An. My Seducers and deceivers in my Innocency wherein I was made a Member of the Church of Rome and consequently a Limb of Anti-Christ an Enemy to all Godliness a Child of the Devil and an Inheritor of the Kingdom of Darkness amongst the Infernall Spirits that Rule in the air of this Terrestriall Globe Watsons Cavaliers Catechism 1643. P. 25. 5 To Call a man Defender of the Faith who is a Persecutor of it o call a Prophane Tyrant Gracious O what Abominaâ—… le Falsity and Flattery is this To call Wicked Perjur'd Prophane Lukes or Bloudy-minded Popish Arch-Bishops your Grace what is it less then Blasphemy it were Fitter to call them your Vice then your Grace Mene Tekel P. 60. 6 There is very little Difference between Devils and Wicked men I may say without breach of Charity Devils Incarnate are made Subject this day and their Subjection's the Subject of this days rejoycing Caryl on Luke 10. 20. P. 22. 7 This is the Curse of God on that Party Notwithstanding God sets himself against them yet they will not come in and Repent for God takes no pleasure in them to give them Repentance Butroughs on I say 66. 10. P. 58. 59. 8 If the Retinue of Iim and Ojim about his Majesties Person Those Hairy Apostates from Humanity it self be in the Bishops Judgment the service of God well may he say that the King suffers for the Protection of the Service of God Or if the Ruine or Destruction of the Lamb by those walking Sacks of Bloud the Cavaliers be the Preservation of our Laws from Corrupt Interpretation It is somewhat a Tolerable Conjecture to think the King may suffer by it Os Ossorianum Io. Goodwin P. 21. 9 The Cavaliers Catcekism Or the Reformed Protestant
so many Consecrated Murders which are only wrapt up in Scripture Phrases as the Execution of Judgment Justice running down like a stream c. And the Wickedness looks then as if it were Hallow'd which is no more in short then playing the Devil in Gods name and dedicating the Oblation of Humane Sacrifices to the Everliving God as to an Insensible Idol But to what end serves Argument in the face of so many Pregnant and Undeniable Proofs It is true or not that what I have here recited is an Authentique Evidence both for the Words and for the Authors of them And if the matter of Fact be honestly reported let but any man consider if we follow these Guides whither they 'l carry us at last and how great a scandal 't is to Christianity to suffer such Hearts and Hands as these to serve at the Altar §. 13. The Murder of the King Encourag'd 1 THOSE mine Enemies which would not that I should Reign over them bring hither and slay them before me Let me see them Executed KINGS Rulers People Conspiring Rebellion against the Lord and against his Christ. Maynard to the Commons Octob. 28. 1646. p. 15. 2 Let us he Active against the KINGS and Prince of the Earth those Claws of the cruel Beast Feak at Black Friers Sept. 1â—… 1653. 3 The Quarrel is not now with us only de Terminis Laâ—…tibus touching Bounds or Land-marks touching Privileges and Liberties but whether Christ shall Reign over us or we shall basely yâ—…ld our Necks under the Yoke of Anti-Christ Pet. Smith May 2â—… 1644. p. 42. 4 The King is fallen from Faith in thee and become an Enemy to thy Church Is it not He that has Sinned and done Evil indeed but as for these Sheep what have they done Let thy hand we pray thee O Lord our God be on him and on his Fathers House but not on thy People that they shall be Plagu'd A Lecturer in South-hampton Aug. 1643. 5 Nothing has so much deceived the world as the Name of KING which is the ground of all Mischiefs in the Church of Christ. Corbâ—… a Lecturer in Glocester-shire Iuly 1644. 6 O Lord if thou wilt not Eless us with a King Bless us without one â—…arkin a Lecturer in Greenwich Iune 31. 1â—…44 7 Neither let your eyes spare though there are Great ones that are Guilty The Highest Court may reach the Highest Persons Causes and not Persons are to be heard in your Parliament Heyrick to the Commons May 27. 1646. p. 23. 8 God will make the Sons of Princes bow down unto ye The Greatest that have Afflicted ye and Despised ye shall lye at your feet Id. p. 31. 9 If the KING be a Murderer Adulterer or an Idolater he shall suffer according to Gods Law not as a King but as an Offender Knox Hist. 392. 10 When Great Delinquents go unpunished Divine Providence is brought to the Bar and question'd Greenhill to the Commons April 26. 1643. p. 34. 11 This Arrow Prayer will find a Joynt in Ahabs Armour 1 King 22. 34. Draw this Arrow as Iehu did against Iehoram with your full strength and doubt not but it will in Gods time smite our Romish Iehoram at the heart 2 King 9. 24. and sink him in his Chariot and Chair of Pride Green to the Commons April 24. 1644. pag. 17. 12 Oh Right Honourable take Glorious Resolutions to your selves though your Fathers may stand before you and your Brethren and Friends press about you though your Mother should hang on you I mean the nearest Relations throw down the one and break through the other and trample upon the third that your souls may cleave to the ways of God to the ways of Justice and Righteousness You know the Rule is Fiat Iustitia Ruat Mundus Brooks to the Commons Decemb. 26. 1648. p. 15. Ah Right Honourable As you would not have your Services thrown as dung in your Faces look that Justice and Judgment run down as a mighty stream Ibid. p. 19. Right Honourable Guilty Persons that be by you sinfully acquitted their Sin God will charge upon your account And therefore as you would not have the Guilt of other mens sins upon you hold on in the way of well doing Let Justice and Judgment run down as mighty streams Ibid. p. 18. 13 Phinehas is the Man that Executes Judgment a Man unthought of for such a Service Hence observe that when God hath work to do he can find our Work-men A Phinehas with Zeal in his heart and a Iavelin in his hand to thrust through the Proudest Zimries and Cosbies the most daring Sinners Staunton to the Commons Octob. 30. 1644. p. 9. 14 When Esther was advanc'd she would not lose her opportunities she will in to the King although contrary to a Law She will have the Liberty of her People and Hamans head off and venture her Life to accomplish it If I Perish I Perish Iosiah Hezekiah took their opportunities and made a thorough Reformation in Iudah You know what great things Elijah did Inspiciente Reluctante Rege Greenhill to the Commons April 26. 1643. p. 48. 15 When the Kings of the Earth have given their Power to the Beast these Choice Soldiers will be so faithful to the King of Kings as to oppose the Beast though Armed with King-like Power Cheynel to the Commons May 31. 1643 p. 10. 16 You see the Faithful People make no scruple at all of Fighting against the Beast though their Enemies were like enough to say that by Fighting against the Beast they did Rebel against their own Kings Id. Ibid. 17 Others say Rebellion against the King is the cause of Judgment upon the Nation but rather the not Timous Rising to help the Lord and his oppressed People against the Mighty is the cause Rutherford to the Lords June 25. 1645. p. 44. Notes on §. 13. WE have now brought ye step by step from the Blind and Pretext of a Reformation to the Highest pitch of Wickedness and the Train was both laid and fir'd in the Pulpit Undutiful thoughts bring forth Seditious words and those Seditious words are naturally follow'd with Violent and Treasonous actions and when People come once to be Plung'd into a Rebellion all other sins even of the highest magnitude flow like streams into that Ocean till at last mens Consciences grow Câ—…llous and Obdurate as under a Iudicial Reprobation It could never be else if it may be said without offence to Charity that so many of the Principal and known Actors in the late Execrable Tragedy should now wipe their mouths after it and fall so comfortably to the old work again without any sort of Reluctancy or Remorse But it will be said perhaps that it was not so much a thirst after the Blood of their Sovereign that pusht them forward to these Extremities but that they were forc'd upon desperate Courses by their Interest and Despairs This would be a sorry excuse God knows for Committing
one of the most Diabolical and Flagitious Villanies imaginable Even allowing that they had no other way left them for their security But alas you will find in the Next and Last Section this Plea remov'd where ye shall see the same Persons that here cry'd Crucifie him Crucifie him Triumphing and only for the Malice sake Exulting in the Contemplation of that Hideous Murder §. 14. The Kings Murder Iustifi'd 1 IT is now high time after so long an Interruption of Enemies for the Parliament and Army concurrently to appear to do their duty not only by Executing Justice upon the Person of the King and his Adherents but also in New Modelling and settling such a Frame and Fundamental Constitution of Government in the Kingdom as God shall put into their hearts to be most Convenient and Useful for the welfare and safety of the People Little Benjamin Licensed by Gilb. Mabbot p. 11. 2 Did not this Grand Pretended Father of this Nation destroy a Multitude of his best Children And would he not gladly have Slain all the rest upon further opportunity Was it not high time the Parliament should Execute Judgment upon him Ibid. p. 12. The General and his Councel do and have performed their Duty in all their Proceedings Concurring with the Parliament to Execute Justice upon the Grand Delinquent and also upon some of the Chief of his Wâ—…cked Counsellors and Adherents Ibid. p. 30. 3 Hath not the King been a Corrupt Fountain Poysoning every Stream and Rivulet he had access unto And would he not have done so still if he had not been cut off Aâ—… is not Justice Executed a good means to Establish the Faith of the Land in Rest and Peace with their Lives Estates Laws Liberties and Privileges Anciently and Inherently in themselves Ibid. p. 15. 4 Shall the Parliament of England be now Blam'd for cutting off that 〈◊〉 of Uâ—…pers and Tyrants and Reducing affairs to their first 〈◊〉 and Right Principle Or will the People of England after 〈◊〉 Experiences Center tâ—… Liberties and Freedoms in a Câ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Succession and lose their Common-wealth 〈◊〉 Personal Glory of a Young Pretender The Portraicture 〈◊〉 Kings of England 1650. p. 15. 5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 no Power but â—…s of God Is not the Late King with his Heirs and Sâ—… is Dâ—…p â—…ssed by God Saunders aâ—… â—…ter to the Judges March 23. 1â—…50 p. 24. 6 God hath been pleased of late to make a sad Breach among us taking away from us our former Pilot the late Renewâ—…d Protector who when he had fought the Natâ—…ons Battels carried through the Wilderness preserved us from the 〈◊〉 and Fury of our Enemies and brought us within sight of the Premised Land gave up the Ghost laid down his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and his Life together with whose fall the Nation was 〈◊〉 His death covered all the Faces of Sobâ—… and Considerate Persons with Paleness and their Hearts with Sadness as if Peace Prosperity Reformation the Gospel all lay drawing on and would be buried in the same Grave with him But blessed be God therâ—… and her 〈◊〉 placed in his room while he directs the Course let us till the Sails with our Praying Breath Moses it is true is dead but we have a 〈◊〉 succeeding him Let as pray that what thâ—… other happily begâ—…n this may more happily finish and bring the accomplishment of all your right-brâ—…d hopes And what they said to 〈◊〉 let us say unto his Highness According as we hearkâ—… unto Moses in all things so 〈◊〉 we hearken unto thee Only the Lord thy God be with thee â—…s he was with Moses Slater's Protectors Prâ—… or the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by a Praying People Octob. 13. 1658. p. 57 58. 7 For my part I have oppos d the Tyranny 〈◊〉 the King Love 's Speech Sect. 20 I did 't is true 〈◊〉 is my Pâ—…ce aâ—…d Calling the 〈◊〉 of the late Kings and were he alâ—…ve again and should I live longer the Caâ—… being as thâ—… it was I should oppose him longer Englands â—…per Sect. 14. 8 As for the Title of this Prince who would fain be accounted the Right Heir let us but remember from whence he had it and how 't is now tainted Were it never so just the Treason of the Father hath cut off the Son True Port. p. 39. 9 Charles the Father is gone to his own Place and so is Charles the Son likewise he being in his own proper Nation Scotland let us keep him there iâ—… we be wise and intend to be happy let England disdain to be under the Domination of a Foreign Power for the future The True Portraiture p. 42. 10 If the God of Heaven the God of Truth have writ your Names aright with the Beams of the Noon day Sun in the eyes of all the Nations in the world You are the Saviours of the Oppressed the Conquerors of Tyrants and the Breakers of those Clergical Yoaks c. The Beacons Quench'd Dedicated to the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England 1652 11 There are great and mighty works in hand in this Nation Tyrants are Punish'd the Laws of Oppressors are broke Bloody Revengeful People in War disappointed I. O. A Thanksgiving Sermon for the Scots defeat at Worcester Oct. 24. 1651. p. 2. A Monarchy of some hundred years Continuance always affecting and at length wholly degenerated into Tyranny destroy'd pull'd down swallow'd up Ibid. p. 6. 12 If any Persons in the world had cause to sing the Song of Moses and the Lamb we have this day The Bondage prepar'd for us was both in Spirituals and Temporals About a Tyrant full of Revenge and a Discipline full of Persecution hath been our Contest Whether the Yoke of the one or the other should by the Sword and Violence be put upon our Necks and Consciences is our Controversie Ibid. p. 7. 13 He that is Entrusted with the Sword and dares not do Justice on every one that dares do Injustice is affraid of the Creature but makes very bold with the Creator Owen to the Commons Jan. 31. 1648. p. 15. 14 Doubtless never was there any person under Heaven speaking of the late King Sentenced with Death upon more Equitable or Just grounds in respect of Guilt and Demerit Jo. Goodwins Defence of the Sentence passed on the King p. 91. 15 Gods Providences that is his permission of Events and Success are Antecedent Declarations of his Good Will and Approbation A Resusal to be subject to this Authority the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England under the pretence of upholding the Title of any one upon Earth is a Refusal to acquiesce in the Wise and Righteous Pleasure of God such an Opposing of the Government set up by the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth as none can have Peace either in acting in or suffering for W. Ienkins Petition Octob. 1651. 16 If there be any in this Assembly that thinks not this Union a sufficient Retribution and Satisfaction for all his Twentieth part for all his
Universal Concurrence of all Reasons and Circumstances and a greater harmony of the Laws of Nature Reason Prudence and Necessity to warrant any act then was found and may be discerned in that act of Justice upon the late King English Translation of the Scot Declaration 1650. p. 18. Notes on §. 14. I Shall now briefly and plainly sum up the whole matter and leave it with the Reader to consider of You have in the First Section a full and unanimous Testimony of the Presbyterians against Toleration nay against any sort of Toleration either in Doctrine or in Discipline and in what Degree or Measure soever as a thing utterly Impious and therefore Insufferable This me-thinks should be sufficient to stop the mouth of a Presbyterian when he demands a Toleration that he himself pronounces it a wicked thing to grant it In the Second Section he sets forth the Fruits and Consequences of it to be not only the certain Destruction of Church and State but an Inlet to Licentious Prostitution of Manners and the most Blasphemous of Herefies With what forehead now shall a Presbyterian desire that Liberty from the Government which he declares in his own Conscience will be the Ruin and Damuation of the Allowers of it In the Third Section the Dissenters do not only make it a matter of Conscience to disagree among themselves but fall even to Cutting of Throats upon the very Question What is the meaning then of their pressing for a Union among men of so many several Persuasions not to be United And what do they talk of Brotherly Love and Agreement for among men of Principles as Inconsistent as fire and water In the Fourth Section you may observe the Rude and Implacable Animosities of the Dissenters toward the Ecclesiastical State where they declare themselves tyed in Conscience to do their utmost endeavours towards the overthrowing of it What would you think of half a dozen good Fellows that should come to the Maâ—…er of a House and tell him Sir We are very Uneasie on the wrong side of the door you 'l do us a great favour to let us into your 〈◊〉 that we may Rifle ye and cut your Throat for your pains Is it not the same thing 〈◊〉 a Phanatique to make the same Proposition to the Church when they declare before hand that they will destroy it if they can And the Case of the Civil Government in the Fifth Section holds exactly with the former of the Ecclesiastical for Kings are to be pull'd down as well as Bishops for the Establishing of Christ upon his Throne The Covenant ye see in the Sixth Section is an Oath of Conspiracy set up against an Oath of Allegeance And on the other hand an Oath if I may say so of Anti-Canonical Obedience By this Oath the Presbyterians reckon themselves Indispensably bound to oppose the King and the Church Would they have the King now to Indulge any man without renouncing that Covenant by which every Unrenouncer accounts himself oblig'd to Depose his Majesty In the Seventh Section is set forth in few words the Inexorable Rigour of all sorts of Dissenters toward the Episcopal Party With what Equity now can these several Schisms make it a point of Conscience in the Government to grant them a Common Indulgence who both joyntly and severally agreed in the giving no Quarter to those of the Religion Establish'd The Eighth Section advances the Authority of the Kirk to a more absolute Degree of Sovereignty over King and People than ever the Papacy it self pretended and supported upon the same Pretensions too so that to demand a Toleration of the Presbyterial Government is only to desire his Majesty that he will d'off his Imperial Crown and strike to the Consistory In the Ninth Section lies fairly expos'd the hazard of abating any thing in the strictness of Ecclesiastical Discipline in regard of the Principles and Positions of these People even if the Men themselves were honestly inclin'd Take notice of the Positions and never doubt it but Men of Deposing Principles will proceed if they have opportunity to Deposing Actions and reckon that they do God and their Country good Service too Especially when it seems no more to them than the placing of Authority upon the right Foundation In the Tenth Section you will find the Operation of the former Principles in the Animating Pressing and Irritating of the People to Commotions and Tumults and still the Dissenting Divines in the Head of the Controversie and the Pulpits and Presses the Fountains of our Calamities Never did any People speak fairer at first or do fouler things at last then those pretended Peaceable Ministers of the Gospel And had they but come into the World time enough Boccalini would never have drawn his Intelligence from New-Spain of the Shepherds Dogs being all turn'd into Wolves when he might have found so much a more lively instance nearer home of those that were set to Guard and Defend the Sheep transform'd into the Merciless Devourers of them In the Eleventh Section you will find a Rebellion Justifi'd by the same lips that had call'd God a thousand times over to witness the Integrity of their hearts and the Loyalty of their intentions And with Imprecations also not to be mention'd without trembling Iudge what Credit now is to be given to the fair Professions of this sort of People In the Twelfth Section you would take these Godly Ministers as they style themselves to be Members rather of a Corporation of Common Executioners then of an Assembly of Divines by their Outragious and Insatiable Thirst of Blood and yet thâ—…se practices are recommended to the multitude as the Inspirations and Duties of the Gospel And it is not Common Blood will serve their turns neither nor any thing less than the Sacred Life of their Sovereign to appease their Holy Wrath Section 13. and to Attone for the sins of the Nation And in the Last Section as if it were to put themselves beyond the Possibility of Repentance and to Preclude the ordinary course even of God's Boundless Mercies they pass an Approbation upon the whole Tract of their proceedings and ascribe to Almighty God one of the most execrable acts of Cruelty and Injustice that ever was committed upon the face of the Earth since the Crucifixion of his Blessed and only Son New as to the Contrivers the Principal Actors and Asserters of this Unexampled Wickedness what clearer Evidence can ye desire then what is here deliver'd unto ye in their own Words and Writings THE END Presbyterian