A religious scrutiny concerning unequall marriage to be represented to the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland : together with a postscript to the Commissioners of the Kirk : whereunto is subjoyned an appendix humbly tendred to the Parliament of England in reference to the late transactions of state, and now lastly is added a faithfull and conscientious account for subscribing the engagement / by Thomas Paget ...
         Paget, Thomas, d. 1660.
      
       
         
           1650
        
      
       Approx. 116 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 28 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images.
       
         Text Creation Partnership,
         Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :
         2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).
         A54505
         Wing P169B
         ESTC R31749
         12252282
         ocm 12252282
         57165
         
           
            This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of
             Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal
            . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.
          
        
      
       
         Early English books online.
      
       
         (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A54505)
         Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 57165)
         Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1510:5)
      
       
         
           
             A religious scrutiny concerning unequall marriage to be represented to the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland : together with a postscript to the Commissioners of the Kirk : whereunto is subjoyned an appendix humbly tendred to the Parliament of England in reference to the late transactions of state, and now lastly is added a faithfull and conscientious account for subscribing the engagement / by Thomas Paget ...
             Paget, Thomas, d. 1660.
          
           [10], 45 p.
           
             Printed by John Macock ...,
             London :
             1650.
          
           
             "A faithfull and conscientious account for subscribing the engagement" does not appear.
             Imperfect: print showthrough with loss of print.
             Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.
         Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors.
      
       
         EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.
         EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).
         The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.
         Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.
         Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.
         Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.
         The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.
         Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).
         
          Keying and markup guidelines are available at the
           Text Creation Partnership web site
          .
        
      
       
         
         
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Marriage -- Religious aspects.
           Impediments to marriage.
           Church and state -- Great Britain.
        
      
    
     
        2004-02 TCP
        Assigned for keying and markup
      
        2004-03 Apex CoVantage
        Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images
      
        2004-05 Rachel Losh
        Sampled and proofread
      
        2004-05 Rachel Losh
        Text and markup reviewed and edited
      
        2004-07 pfs
        Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
      
    
  
   
     
       
         
         
         
           A
           RELIGIOUS
           SCRUTINY
           CONCERNING
           Unequall
           Marriage
           ,
           To
           be
           represented
           To
           the
           Generall
           Assembly
           of
           the
           Kirk
           of
           SCOTLAND
           :
           Together
           with
           a
           POSTSCRIPT
           to
           the
           Commissioners
           of
           the
           KIRK
           .
        
         
           Whereunto
           is
           subjoyned
           
             AN
             APPENDIX
          
           ,
           Humbly
           tendred
           to
           the
           
             Parliament
             of
          
           ENGLAND
           ,
           In
           reference
           to
           the
           late
           Transactions
           of
           State.
           
        
         
           And
           now
           lastly
           is
           added
           A
           Faithfull
           and
           Conscientious
           Account
           
             FOR
             Subscribing
             the
             Engagement
          
           .
        
         
           By
           
             Thomas
             Paget
          
           ,
           Minister
           of
           the
           VVord
           in
           SHREWSBURY
           .
        
         
           
             Jer.
             6.
             16.
             
          
           
             
               Thus
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Stand
               ye
               in
               the
               wayes
               and
               see
               ,
               and
               ask
               for
               the
               old
               paths
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               good
               way
               ,
               and
               walk
               therein
               ,
               and
               ye
               shall
               find
               rest
               for
               your
               souls
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             John
             8.
             31
             ,
             32.
             
          
           
             
               Then
               said
               jesus
               to
               those
               Disciples
               which
               believed
               on
               him
               ,
               If
               ye
               continue
               in
               my
               word
               then
               are
               ye
               my
               disciples
               indeed
               ,
               and
               ye
               shall
               know
               the
               truth
               ,
               and
               the
               truth
               shalt
               make
               you
               free
               .
            
          
        
         
           London
           :
           Printed
           by
           
             John
             Macock
          
           ,
           and
           are
           to
           be
           sold
           in
           Popes-head
           Alley
           .
           1650.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           To
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           THis
           last
           addition
           mentioned
           in
           the
           title
           of
           these
           following
           discourses
           ,
           should
           have
           come
           forth
           eight
           moneths
           since
           ;
           but
           many
           occasions
           intervening
           ,
           and
           among
           them
           the
           Author
           observing
           that
           many
           learned
           discourses
           were
           about
           that
           time
           published
           by
           others
           on
           the
           same
           argument
           ,
           he
           thought
           the
           world
           would
           have
           lesse
           need
           of
           his
           ,
           but
           finding
           since
           that
           time
           (
           besides
           the
           perswasion
           of
           such
           as
           had
           viewed
           it
           ,
           to
           whose
           judgement
           he
           owed
           much
           )
           many
           notable
           things
           come
           to
           passe
           in
           the
           event
           of
           affairs
           ,
           in
           a
           manner
           then
           foretold
           to
           those
           of
           that
           faction
           (
           pretended
           to
           be
           the
           old
           Presbyterian
           )
           to
           whom
           the
           advertisement
           agreeing
           with
           the
           scope
           of
           the
           book
           ,
           was
           particularly
           directed
           ,
           and
           
           many
           dangerous
           conjunctions
           since
           discovered
           (
           which
           were
           then
           foreseen
           ,
           when
           they
           seemed
           to
           be
           most
           conceal'd
           )
           repented
           him
           not
           that
           it
           was
           defer'd
           till
           now
           ,
           having
           more
           hope
           that
           after
           so
           many
           means
           of
           conviction
           ,
           they
           might
           be
           now
           found
           the
           willinger
           to
           open
           their
           ears
           to
           that
           evidence
           of
           truth
           which
           is
           laid
           before
           them
           ,
           inducing
           them
           with
           the
           same
           solidity
           and
           clearnesse
           of
           Reason
           to
           submit
           to
           the
           Engagement
           ,
           as
           he
           had
           done
           before
           ,
           in
           exhorting
           them
           to
           a
           peaceable
           compliance
           with
           the
           present
           Government
           ;
           though
           then
           for
           some
           private
           Reasons
           ,
           under
           the
           assumed
           name
           of
           THEOPHILUS
           PHILOPATRIUS
           .
           And
           thus
           much
           was
           thought
           good
           to
           be
           prefixt
           to
           the
           former
           advertisement
           ,
           which
           now
           follows
           ,
        
         
           
             By
             the
             same
             friend
             to
             pure
             Religion
             and
             his
             Native
             Countrey
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           An
           Advertisement
           by
           way
           of
           Preface
           to
           the
           
             Neophyte
             Presbyterian
             Ministers
          
           of
           England
           and
           Ireland
           .
        
         
           THe
           reverend
           Author
           of
           these
           several
           Discourses
           following
           ,
           though
           a
           stranger
           to
           me
           ,
           appears
           throughout
           the
           whole
           Treatise
           ,
           to
           be
           of
           that
           judgment
           in
           Church-Discipline
           ,
           which
           is
           called
           Presbyterian
           ,
           but
           far
           different
           from
           some
           opinions
           which
           so
           many
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           in
           these
           days
           assume
           that
           name
           ,
           have
           under
           that
           pretext
           lately
           broached
           among
           us
           ,
           with
           such
           disturbance
           of
           the
           Peace
           ,
           and
           
             Civil
             Magistracy
          
           of
           the
           Land.
           His
           yeers
           likewise
           intimated
           in
           a
           passage
           of
           his
           Book
           ,
           with
           other
           Arguments
           ,
           give
           us
           to
           believe
           him
           more
           then
           ordinarily
           versed
           ,
           both
           in
           the
           writings
           of
           the
           good
           old
           Non-Conformists
           of
           this
           Nation
           ,
           and
           the
           acquaintance
           and
           familiarity
           of
           many
           grave
           and
           
             worthy
             Ministers
          
           ,
           whose
           faith
           and
           constancy
           ,
           endured
           the
           tryals
           of
           
             long
             persecutions
          
           and
           exiles
           ,
           under
           the
           raign
           of
           the
           two
           last
           Kings
           .
        
         
         
           Whereby
           the
           world
           may
           know
           (
           besides
           what
           hath
           been
           lately
           shewn
           in
           several
           other
           Treatises
           ,
           and
           chiefly
           from
           Histories
           of
           the
           
             Scotish
             Reformation
          
           ,
           penned
           by
           the
           most
           eminent
           of
           the
           Presbyterians
           ,
           and
           principal
           managers
           of
           those
           Affairs
           )
           that
           these
           subscribers
           in
           London
           of
           the
           
             Representation
             ,
             Vindication
             ,
             &c.
          
           against
           the
           tryal
           of
           the
           
             late
             King
             ,
             &c.
          
           and
           their
           copartners
           in
           subscriptions
           on
           the
           same
           accompt
           in
           
             Lancashire
             ,
             Essex
          
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           County
           of
           England
           ,
           with
           the
           Presbytery
           of
           Belfast
           in
           Ireland
           (
           as
           many
           of
           them
           ,
           at
           least
           ,
           whose
           countenance
           ,
           of
           names
           ,
           have
           not
           been
           made
           use
           of
           without
           their
           knowledg
           )
           are
           not
           as
           they
           profess
           to
           be
           ,
           the
           followers
           of
           those
           sincere
           ,
           and
           pious
           men
           of
           this
           ,
           or
           other
           
             Reformed
             Protestant
             Countreys
          
           ,
           whose
           doctrine
           ,
           and
           
             holy
             life
          
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           all
           kinde
           of
           sufferings
           (
           unto
           which
           they
           were
           then
           exposed
           )
           hath
           yet
           left
           a
           
             Religious
             memory
          
           of
           a
           
             sweet
             smelling
             savor
          
           behinde
           them
           .
        
         
           Which
           Contratenor
           of
           these
           mens
           ,
           appears
           not
           onely
           in
           those
           
             assumed
             Vindications
          
           ,
           with
           their
           other
           slightings
           of
           the
           present
           Authority
           ,
           and
           defaming
           the
           higher
           powers
           placed
           over
           them
           in
           the
           manage
           of
           their
           trust
           ;
           and
           these
           Representations
           attended
           in
           
             odium
             tertii
          
           by
           an
           
             unnatural
             
             coition
          
           in
           so
           palpable
           steps
           with
           the
           
             tumultuous
             spirits
          
           of
           their
           old
           ,
           and
           (
           by
           themselves
           declared
           )
           
             inveterate
             enemies
          
           ;
           of
           that
           part
           of
           their
           old
           and
           once
           owned
           friends
           ,
           which
           is
           now
           become
           unto
           them
           a
           principal
           abomination
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           those
           their
           late
           avowed
           and
           
             pursued
             principles
          
           ,
           most
           inconsistent
           with
           their
           interest
           ;
           and
           of
           the
           
             rude
             multitude
          
           ,
           of
           whose
           crying
           one
           day
           Hosannah
           ,
           and
           by
           and
           by
           Crucifie
           ,
           they
           need
           not
           more
           experience
           :
           They
           all
           this
           while
           not
           foreseeing
           how
           naturally
           these
           courses
           do
           tend
           to
           settle
           on
           their
           own
           heads
           ,
           by
           their
           own
           hands
           ,
           those
           very
           evils
           ,
           whereof
           they
           are
           most
           afraid
           .
        
         
           But
           also
           that
           they
           may
           be
           sure
           to
           keep
           distance
           from
           their
           most
           faithful
           and
           inwardly
           approved
           friends
           ,
           their
           countermining
           is
           yet
           more
           evident
           (
           a
           new
           opportunity
           to
           shew
           themselves
           arising
           )
           in
           their
           
             tenacious
             adhering
          
           to
           set
           days
           of
           Humiliation
           ,
           in
           opposition
           to
           occasional
           ;
           wherein
           the
           opinion
           ,
           and
           practice
           of
           the
           
             Reformed
             Churches
          
           ,
           and
           especially
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Scotland
           (
           with
           whom
           they
           most
           plead
           to
           have
           uniformity
           )
           is
           cleerly
           no
           less
           against
           them
           ,
           of
           the
           which
           ,
           such
           of
           them
           as
           have
           either
           been
           conversant
           in
           their
           Writings
           ,
           about
           their
           Discipline
           ,
           against
           the
           Prelatical
           ,
           or
           have
           had
           the
           opportunity
           
           of
           any
           
             free
             discourse
          
           with
           their
           Commissioners
           in
           the
           Assembly
           at
           Westminster
           ,
           or
           elsewhere
           ,
           cannot
           possibly
           have
           any
           colour
           to
           plead
           ignorance
           .
        
         
           Into
           both
           of
           which
           so
           opposite
           aspects
           ,
           that
           they
           did
           not
           upon
           their
           
             own
             principles
          
           chuse
           to
           fall
           ,
           but
           were
           indeed
           by
           emergence
           of
           occurrences
           surprizing
           them
           ,
           driven
           ;
           is
           very
           apparent
           by
           that
           ready
           Testimony
           ,
           which
           the
           most
           forward
           of
           them
           at
           first
           were
           observed
           to
           give
           (
           besides
           former
           expressions
           that
           way
           looking
           )
           to
           the
           very
           Remonstrance
           of
           the
           Army
           ,
           in
           what
           concerned
           even
           the
           calling
           of
           the
           King
           to
           account
           ,
           and
           afterwards
           so
           perfectly
           falling
           out
           with
           it
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           maner
           of
           
             doing
             ,
             viz.
          
           The
           suspension
           of
           some
           Members
           of
           
             Parliament
             ,
             &c.
          
           
           The
           which
           maner
           notwithstanding
           made
           voyd
           ,
           does
           sweep
           along
           with
           it
           (
           whereof
           they
           cannot
           be
           ignorant
           )
           the
           Alpha
           and
           Omega
           of
           their
           
             friends
             transactions
          
           ,
           for
           the
           re-establishent
           and
           preservation
           of
           
             Presbytery
             ,
             &c.
          
           in
           Scotland
           ,
           against
           the
           
             Prelatical
             inundations
          
           ,
           they
           having
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           these
           conflicts
           ,
           no
           Parliament
           ,
           till
           their
           sword
           fencing
           their
           other
           addresses
           ,
           begot
           both
           it
           ,
           and
           their
           assembly
           ;
           and
           that
           Parliament
           in
           a
           few
           
             successions
             degenerating
          
           ;
           these
           again
           with
           their
           own
           sword
           assisted
           with
           the
           followers
           of
           their
           
           copy
           in
           this
           Land
           ,
           having
           altogether
           overturned
           that
           line
           ,
           and
           cut
           out
           a
           new
           Parliament
           in
           affect
           of
           another
           Constitution
           of
           Members
           ,
           and
           〈◊〉
           passed
           sentence
           of
           Non-Communion
           in
           an
           Admonition
           upon
           the
           acquiescers
           in
           the
           settlement
           of
           this
           Nation
           ,
           upon
           the
           Concessions
           at
           Newport
           ,
           as
           being
           destructive
           to
           the
           specially
           
             profest
             Interest
          
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           their
           Presbyterian
           friends
           in
           England
           .
           The
           which
           acquiescers
           seeing
           they
           were
           those
           very
           
             heterogeneous
             Members
          
           ,
           who
           could
           not
           but
           let
           any
           building
           ,
           save
           on
           that
           foundation
           ,
           till
           they
           were
           taken
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           what
           a
           chain
           of
           security
           ,
           their
           continuance
           at
           the
           stern
           ,
           might
           have
           framed
           ,
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           links
           of
           their
           adherents
           ,
           
             Inchiquin
             ,
             Belfast
             ,
             Ormond
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           Yet
           going
           on
           ,
           who
           knows
           how
           far
           further
           ?
           will
           help
           themselves
           to
           give
           judgment
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           heartily
           therefore
           wished
           by
           me
           (
           and
           with
           me
           ,
           I
           doubt
           not
           ,
           but
           by
           all
           those
           who
           duely
           ponder
           the
           present
           carriage
           of
           the
           most
           of
           
             them
             .
          
           )
           That
           if
           their
           judgments
           be
           indeed
           inclined
           to
           the
           
             Presbyterian
             way
          
           ,
           they
           would
           be
           more
           cautelous
           in
           the
           offering
           to
           engage
           a
           whole
           Party
           ,
           in
           what
           is
           too
           too
           evidently
           the
           meer
           driving
           on
           of
           the
           self-interest
           of
           some
           discontented
           persons
           ;
           and
           indeed
           apply
           themselves
           without
           partiality
           to
           
           the
           Law
           and
           Testimony
           ,
           as
           they
           have
           this
           aged
           ,
           and
           
             reverend
             Author
          
           ,
           in
           these
           his
           grave
           and
           
             judicious
             Discussions
          
           (
           upon
           special
           Reason
           ,
           we
           see
           directed
           to
           those
           our
           neerest
           neighbors
           of
           Scotland
           )
           for
           an
           example
           ,
           together
           with
           such
           other
           worthy
           ancients
           ,
           whether
           in
           yeers
           or
           understanding
           ,
           which
           do
           yet
           remain
           exemplary
           ,
           who
           (
           being
           of
           a
           
             fuller
             age
          
           in
           controversies
           of
           this
           nature
           ,
           then
           by
           such
           as
           satisfie
           themselves
           to
           swim
           in
           a
           stream
           ,
           is
           attained
           )
           
             by
             reason
             of
             use
             have
             their
             sences
             exercised
             to
             discern
             ,
             and
             are
             become
             more
             skilful
             in
             the
             word
             of
             righteousness
             ,
             and
             shine
             with
             greater
             brightness
             ,
             in
             the
             rendring
             of
             what
             is
             due
             unto
             all
             ,
             as
             ordained
             of
             God.
          
           And
           that
           they
           would
           timely
           cease
           their
           
             causing
             of
             many
             to
             stumble
          
           (
           an
           evil
           of
           old
           complained
           of
           by
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           as
           raigning
           in
           the
           Ministery
           of
           that
           generation
           ,
           see
           and
           consider
           Mal.
           2.
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           )
           and
           that
           they
           would
           not
           go
           on
           to
           
             render
             themselves
             contemptible
             before
             the
             people
             ,
             by
             their
             corrupting
             the
             Covenant
             ,
          
           which
           is
           the
           main
           scope
           of
           this
           premised
           Advertisement
           to
           these
           Leaders
           of
           the
           over-credulous
           ,
           into
           the
           snare
           wherein
           they
           have
           led
           themselves
           captive
           .
        
         
           
             By
             a
             Friend
             to
             
               pure
               Religion
            
             ,
             and
             his
             
               Native
               Country
            
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
           
             
             
               
                 A
                 Religious
                 Scrutiny
                 ,
                 Or
                 an
                 
                   important
                   ,
                   expedient
                
                 QVESTION
                 To
                 be
                 represented
                 to
                 the
                 GENERAL
                 ASSEMBLY
                 Of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 of
                 SCOTLAND
                 ;
              
               
                 Touching
                 the
                 unlawfulness
                 and
                 nullity
                 of
                 some
                 kinde
                 of
                 
                   unequal
                   Marriage
                
                 ,
                 As
                 a
                 Consectary
                 to
                 the
                 late
                 Necessary
                 and
                 
                   Seasonable
                   Testimony
                
                 ,
                 against
                 Toleration
                 ,
                 in
                 reference
                 to
                 Religion
                 :
                 From
                 the
                 Commissioners
                 of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   Preamble
                   to
                   the
                   Question
                   .
                
                 
                   IT
                   is
                   most
                   humbly
                   and
                   sincerely
                   desired
                   ,
                   That
                   the
                   Reverend
                   ,
                   and
                   godly-wise
                   Pastors
                   ,
                   and
                   Elders
                   of
                   Scotland
                   ,
                   conveening
                   in
                   the
                   
                     General
                     Assembly
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Kirk
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   pleased
                   to
                   take
                   into
                   their
                   grave
                   and
                   mature
                   deliberations
                   ,
                   the
                   ensuing
                   Question
                   of
                   grand
                   importance
                   and
                   expediency
                   .
                   They
                   are
                   earnestly
                   and
                   religiously
                   solicited
                   hereunto
                   the
                   rather
                   ,
                   sith
                   a
                   satisfying
                   Resolution
                   
                   of
                   the
                   case
                   in
                   hand
                   ,
                   may
                   argue
                   ;
                   not
                   onely
                   their
                   unfeigned
                   and
                   impartial
                   zeal
                   against
                   Toleration
                   ,
                   in
                   reference
                   to
                   Religion
                   ,
                   (
                   which
                   the
                   necessary
                   and
                   seasonable
                   Testimony
                   from
                   their
                   Commissioners
                   of
                   the
                   Kirk
                   ,
                   with
                   their
                   Admonition
                   and
                   Exhortation
                   unto
                   their
                   Brethren
                   in
                   England
                   ;
                   together
                   also
                   with
                   the
                   Concurrence
                   of
                   the
                   Estates
                   in
                   Parliament
                   ,
                   allowing
                   ,
                   and
                   attesting
                   the
                   same
                   ;
                   and
                   a
                   Letter
                   likewise
                   from
                   the
                   said
                   Commissioners
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   Ministers
                   of
                   London
                   Province
                   ,
                   dated
                   at
                   
                     Edinburg
                     ,
                     Ian.
                  
                   18.
                   1649.
                   do
                   fairly
                   and
                   learnedly
                   pretend
                   unto
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   judgment
                   of
                   
                     Christian
                     charity
                  
                   ,
                   do
                   piously
                   contend
                   for
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   
                     Scriptures
                     ,
                  
                   )
                   but
                   also
                   may
                   tend
                   to
                   instruct
                   and
                   establish
                   pure
                   mindes
                   ,
                   studious
                   of
                   truth
                   and
                   
                     p
                     〈…〉
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   this
                   conjuncture
                   of
                   cloudy
                   and
                   scrupulous
                   emergencies
                   ,
                   occasioned
                   by
                   the
                   extraordinary
                   overtures
                   and
                   
                     mysterious
                     transactions
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Parliaments
                   ,
                   and
                   Souldieries
                   in
                   England
                   and
                   Scotland
                   ;
                   even
                   in
                   the
                   one
                   Nation
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   in
                   the
                   other
                   ,
                   both
                   in
                   the
                   State
                   and
                   Church
                   affairs
                   .
                   But
                   let
                   the
                   Answer
                   be
                   ingenuous
                   ,
                   punctual
                   ,
                   solid
                   ,
                   plain
                   ,
                   and
                   cleer
                   ,
                   grounded
                   on
                   the
                   holy
                   and
                   
                     good
                     Word
                  
                   of
                   the
                   
                     eternal
                     God
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   let
                   it
                   be
                   truly
                   weighed
                   in
                   the
                   balances
                   of
                   the
                   Sanctnary
                   ,
                   which
                   deceive
                   not
                   ,
                   nor
                   can
                   be
                   deceived
                   .
                   For
                   so
                   it
                   becometh
                   the
                   truth
                   which
                   is
                   after
                   godliness
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   is
                   brotherly
                   and
                   modestly
                   requested
                   by
                   an
                   
                     English
                     Minister
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   in
                   his
                   measure
                   zealously
                   affected
                   to
                   the
                   honor
                   of
                   the
                   
                     true
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   sincerely
                   loving
                   to
                   his
                   most
                   endeared
                   
                     native
                     Country
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   hearty
                   wel-wisher
                   of
                   the
                   
                     best
                     good
                  
                   unto
                   theirs
                   ;
                   who
                   hath
                   now
                   about
                   the
                   space
                   of
                   fourty
                   yeers
                   served
                   God
                   with
                   his
                   Spirit
                   in
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   preaching
                   the
                   Word
                   in
                   season
                   ,
                   and
                   out
                   of
                   season
                   ;
                   reproving
                   ,
                   rebuking
                   ,
                   and
                   exhorting
                   ,
                   with
                   all
                   long-suffering
                   and
                   doctrine
                   (
                   save
                   in
                   some
                   intervals
                   ,
                   when
                   a
                   first
                   ,
                   second
                   ,
                   and
                   third
                   time
                   hindered
                   ,
                   and
                   restrained
                   by
                   
                     Prelatical
                     suspension
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Tycannical
                     persecution
                  
                   for
                   the
                   Testimony
                   of
                   
                     Jesus
                     Christ
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   thereby
                   necessitated
                   to
                   keep
                   silence
                   ,
                   till
                   the
                   indignation
                   was
                   overpast
                   ;
                   )
                   and
                   who
                   still
                   aged
                   ,
                   endevoreth
                   diligently
                   and
                   industriously
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   his
                   capacity
                   ,
                   ability
                   ,
                   and
                   opportunity
                   ;
                   the
                   propagating
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   and
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   the
                   utter
                   extirpation
                   and
                   subversion
                   
                   of
                   
                     Popery
                     ,
                     Prelacy
                     ,
                     Superstition
                     ,
                     Heresie
                     ,
                     Schism
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   Prophaneness
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   establishment
                   of
                   the
                   Ministry
                   and
                   Discipline
                   of
                   Christ
                   in
                   Presbyteries
                   and
                   Synods
                   in
                   all
                   Churches
                   ,
                   joying
                   greatly
                   ,
                   in
                   beholding
                   such
                   order
                   ,
                   and
                   contributing
                   prayers
                   ,
                   That
                   notorious
                   Delinquents
                   may
                   in
                   a
                   due
                   way
                   ,
                   be
                   censured
                   and
                   proceeded
                   against
                   ,
                   according
                   as
                   the
                   nature
                   and
                   degree
                   of
                   their
                   offence
                   may
                   require
                   ,
                   in
                   doing
                   justice
                   and
                   judgment
                   upon
                   them
                   ;
                   that
                   so
                   the
                   
                     Lords
                     people
                  
                   may
                   not
                   be
                   left
                   to
                   oppressors
                   ,
                   whose
                   designes
                   and
                   machinations
                   do
                   portend
                   to
                   make
                   voyd
                   God
                   his
                   
                     holy
                     ,
                     just
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     good
                     Laws
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Ordinances
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   The
                   Question
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     WHether
                     the
                     marriages
                     of
                     men
                     ,
                     professing
                     the
                     true
                     Religion
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     according
                     to
                     the
                     Faith
                     of
                     Gods
                     elect
                     ,
                     and
                     acknowledging
                     the
                     Truth
                     ,
                     which
                     is
                     after
                     godliness
                     ;
                     contracted
                     and
                     made
                     with
                     the
                     idolatrous
                     daughters
                     of
                     a
                     strange
                     god
                     ,
                     and
                     through
                     strong
                     delusion
                     ,
                     beleeving
                     a
                     lye
                     ,
                     after
                     the
                     working
                     of
                     Satan
                     ,
                     in
                     all
                     deceiveableness
                     of
                     unrighteousness
                     ;
                     ought
                     not
                     in
                     a
                     due
                     way
                     to
                     be
                     separated
                     ,
                     and
                     made
                     voyd
                     ,
                     as
                     being
                     a
                     nullity
                  
                   (
                   de
                   jure
                   )
                   
                     from
                     the
                     first
                     ?
                     And
                     whether
                     the
                     children
                     born
                     of
                     them
                     in
                     their
                     pretended
                     conjugal
                     Society
                     ,
                     ought
                     not
                     to
                     be
                     separated
                     ,
                     and
                     cast
                     out
                     from
                     patrimonial
                     Inheriting
                     ?
                     And
                     consequently
                     ,
                     whether
                     the
                     marriages
                     of
                     Protestants
                     of
                     the
                     true
                     Christian
                     Religion
                     ,
                     made
                     with
                     Papists
                     of
                     the
                     Antichristian
                     ,
                     false
                     Religion
                     ;
                     ought
                     not
                     to
                     be
                     separated
                     ?
                     And
                     whether
                     the
                     children
                     born
                     of
                     them
                     ,
                     ought
                     not
                     to
                     be
                     cast
                     out
                     from
                     inheriting
                     in
                     Christian
                     Nations
                     of
                     the
                     Reformed
                     true
                     Religion
                     ?
                  
                
              
               
                 
                   The
                   state
                   of
                   the
                   Question
                   discussed
                   and
                   ventilated
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   consideration
                   of
                   certain
                   Observations
                   ,
                   Cases
                   ,
                   and
                   Restrictions
                   ;
                   for
                   anticipating
                   misprision
                   ,
                   and
                   futile
                   prevarication
                   .
                
                 
                   I.
                   THe
                   subject
                   of
                   the
                   Question
                   is
                   taken
                   for
                   granted
                   ,
                   viz.
                   There
                   is
                   a
                   lawfulness
                   and
                   requisitness
                   ,
                   of
                   separating
                   and
                   
                     making
                     voyd
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   marriages
                   of
                   some
                   persons
                   unlawfully
                   contracted
                   at
                   the
                   first
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   lawfulness
                   
                   of
                   the
                   casting
                   out
                   the
                   children
                   ,
                   born
                   of
                   them
                   .
                   The
                   Word
                   of
                   God
                   giveth
                   very
                   evident
                   testimony
                   hereunto
                   ,
                   holding
                   forth
                   a
                   
                     most
                     direct
                  
                   and
                   
                     undeniable
                     president
                  
                   ,
                   beyond
                   all
                   exception
                   ,
                   as
                   being
                   practicable
                   according
                   to
                   Law
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   case
                   of
                   divers
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   Israel
                   ,
                   returned
                   from
                   the
                   
                     Babylonish
                     captivity
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   had
                   transgressed
                   abominably
                   in
                   making
                   
                     mixt
                     marriages
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   who
                   therefore
                   as
                   the
                   case
                   required
                   ,
                   did
                   institute
                   Reformation
                   ,
                   and
                   accordingly
                   did
                   reform
                   .
                   This
                   appeareth
                   
                     Ezra
                     9.
                     
                     &
                  
                   10.
                   throughout
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   particularly
                   Chap.
                   10.
                   3
                   ,
                   16.
                   
                   Hereunto
                   also
                   the
                   
                     Apostolical
                     allusion
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   business
                   in
                   hand
                   ,
                   doth
                   notably
                   serve
                   for
                   illustration
                   .
                   See
                   
                     Gal.
                     4.
                     30.
                     
                     Cast
                     out
                     the
                     bond-woman
                     and
                     her
                     son
                     ,
                     &c.
                     
                  
                   Such
                   was
                   the
                   known
                   
                     famous
                     case
                  
                   (
                   in
                   some
                   sort
                   infamous
                   )
                   of
                   King
                   Henry
                   the
                   eighth
                   of
                   England
                   ,
                   who
                   in
                   an
                   Oration
                   to
                   his
                   Subjects
                   ,
                   gave
                   them
                   to
                   understand
                   ,
                   That
                   the
                   Lady
                   Mary
                   his
                   daughter
                   ,
                   was
                   not
                   reputed
                   his
                   
                     lawful
                     daughter
                  
                   ,
                   nor
                   his
                   Queen
                   Katherine
                   ,
                   her
                   mother
                   ,
                   his
                   
                     lawful
                     wife
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   their
                   pretended
                   
                     conjugal
                     society
                  
                   had
                   been
                   most
                   detestable
                   adultery
                   ,
                   as
                   he
                   had
                   been
                   informed
                   by
                   divers
                   learned
                   Clerks
                   :
                   Whereupon
                   afterwards
                   ,
                   the
                   marriage
                   was
                   declared
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   voyd
                   .
                   See
                   2.
                   
                   
                     Vol.
                     of
                     the
                     Book
                     of
                     Martyrs
                     ,
                     pag.
                     327.
                     
                     Edit
                     .
                  
                   1641.
                   
                   Thus
                   it
                   is
                   manifest
                   ,
                   that
                   some
                   pretended
                   
                     conjugal
                     society
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   fruit
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   separated
                   and
                   cast
                   out
                   .
                
                 
                   II.
                   It
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   observed
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   God
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   and
                   Earth
                   ,
                   doth
                   really
                   distinguish
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   difference
                   ,
                   betwixt
                   person
                   and
                   person
                   ;
                   and
                   requireth
                   likewise
                   ,
                   that
                   his
                   people
                   should
                   do
                   so
                   too
                   in
                   their
                   walking
                   and
                   conversing
                   with
                   
                     humane
                     society
                  
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   occasion
                   ,
                   in
                   such
                   
                     Scriptural
                     notions
                  
                   and
                   expressions
                   ,
                   as
                   following
                   are
                   specified
                   and
                   instanced
                   for
                   better
                   discerning
                   herein
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     The
                     seed
                     of
                     the
                     woman
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     seed
                     of
                     the
                     Serpent
                     ,
                     Gen.
                     3.
                     15.
                     
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     The
                     sons
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     daughters
                     of
                     men
                     ,
                     Gen.
                     6.
                     2
                     ,
                     4.
                     
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Noah
                     his
                     family
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     old
                     world
                     of
                     the
                     ungodly
                     ,
                     2
                     Pet.
                     2.
                     5.
                     
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     The
                     tents
                     of
                     
                       Shem
                       ,
                       Canaan
                    
                     his
                     servant
                     ,
                     Gen.
                     9.
                     27.
                     
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     Circumcised
                     persons
                     ,
                     and
                     uncircumcised
                     ones
                     ,
                     Gen.
                     17.
                     13
                     ,
                     14.
                     
                  
                   
                     
                     6.
                     
                     Children
                     of
                     the
                     free-woman
                     ,
                     and
                     of
                     the
                     bond-woman
                     ,
                     Gal.
                     4.
                     31.
                     
                  
                   
                     7.
                     
                     Israelites
                     ,
                     and
                     
                       Gentiles
                       ,
                       Exod.
                    
                     19.
                     5
                     ,
                     6.
                     
                  
                   
                     8.
                     
                     Precious
                     ones
                     ,
                     and
                     vile
                     persons
                     ,
                     Jere.
                     15.
                     19.
                     
                  
                   
                     9.
                     
                     Jews
                     ,
                     and
                     adversaries
                     of
                     
                       Judah
                       ,
                       Ezra
                    
                     4.
                     1
                     ,
                     2
                     ,
                     3.
                     
                  
                   
                     10.
                     
                     Righteous
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     wicked
                     ,
                     Mal.
                     3.
                     18.
                     
                  
                   
                     11.
                     
                     Children
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     and
                     children
                     of
                     the
                     devil
                     ,
                     1
                     John
                     3
                     10.
                     
                  
                   
                     12.
                     
                     Regenerate
                     ,
                     and
                     unregenerate
                     ,
                     John
                     3.
                     3
                     ,
                     &c.
                     
                  
                   
                     13.
                     
                     Spiritual
                     man
                     ,
                     and
                     natural
                     man
                     ,
                     1
                     Cor.
                     2.
                     14
                     ,
                     15.
                     
                  
                   
                     14.
                     
                     Beleevers
                     ,
                     and
                     unbeleevers
                     ,
                     2
                     Cor.
                     6.
                     14.
                     
                  
                   
                     15.
                     
                     Christians
                     ,
                     and
                     Antichrists
                     ,
                     
                       Acts
                       11.
                       26.
                       1
                       
                       John
                    
                     2.
                     18.
                     
                  
                   
                     16.
                     
                     Within
                     the
                     Church
                     ,
                     and
                     without
                     ,
                     1
                     
                       Cor.
                       5.
                       12.
                       
                       Acts
                    
                     2.
                     47.
                     
                  
                   
                     17.
                     
                     One
                     inwardly
                     in
                     the
                     heart
                     ,
                     and
                     one
                     outwardly
                     ,
                     Rom.
                     2.
                     28
                     ,
                     29.
                     
                  
                   
                     18.
                     
                     Quickned
                     ,
                     and
                     dead
                     ,
                     Ephes.
                     2.
                     5.
                     
                  
                   
                     19.
                     
                     Children
                     of
                     the
                     light
                     or
                     day
                     ,
                     and
                     of
                     darkness
                     ,
                     or
                     the
                     night
                     ,
                     1
                     Thes.
                     5.
                     5.
                     
                  
                   
                     20.
                     
                     Baptized
                     ,
                     and
                     unbaptized
                     ,
                     
                       Luke
                       3.
                       7.
                       and
                    
                     7.
                     30
                     ,
                     &c.
                     
                  
                
                 
                   Hence
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   discerned
                   ,
                   how
                   marriages
                   may
                   be
                   made
                   in
                   the
                   Lord.
                   
                
                 
                   III.
                   The
                   Question
                   is
                   not
                   propounded
                   ,
                   touching
                   a
                   separating
                   of
                   the
                   marriages
                   of
                   such
                   persons
                   who
                   were
                   married
                   ,
                   when
                   both
                   of
                   them
                   were
                   idolatrous
                   ,
                   but
                   after
                   the
                   marriage
                   ,
                   one
                   of
                   them
                   through
                   the
                   dispensation
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   becometh
                   a
                   convert
                   to
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Religion
                  
                   :
                   Neither
                   is
                   it
                   touching
                   the
                   casting
                   out
                   of
                   their
                   children
                   ,
                   sith
                   such
                   their
                   condition
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   state
                   of
                   their
                   children
                   likewise
                   ,
                   is
                   cleerly
                   and
                   punctually
                   spoken
                   unto
                   ,
                   and
                   determined
                   by
                   the
                   Apostle
                   Paul
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   case
                   of
                   desertion
                   ,
                   or
                   non-desertion
                   ,
                   according
                   as
                   occasion
                   may
                   offer
                   .
                   See
                   1
                   Cor.
                   7.
                   10
                   ,
                   11
                   ,
                   12
                   ,
                   13
                   ,
                   14
                   ,
                   15
                   ,
                   16.
                   
                   The
                   case
                   of
                   
                     Galeacius
                     Caracciolus
                  
                   ,
                   Marquess
                   of
                   Vico
                   ,
                   declared
                   in
                   his
                   life
                   ,
                   translated
                   into
                   English
                   ,
                   by
                   
                     W.
                     Cr.
                     cap.
                  
                   25.
                   is
                   a
                   singular
                   instance
                   in
                   the
                   specified
                   occasion
                   .
                
                 
                   IV.
                   Neither
                   is
                   the
                   Question
                   about
                   the
                   abrogating
                   of
                   the
                   marriage
                   of
                   such
                   a
                   professor
                   of
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   in
                   a
                   due
                   way
                   ,
                   doth
                   
                     espouse
                     himself
                  
                   unto
                   such
                   a
                   woman
                   ,
                   whose
                   parents
                   and
                   progenitors
                   are
                   grosly
                   idolatrous
                   ,
                   and
                   she
                   her self
                   was
                   lately
                   
                   such
                   ,
                   but
                   she
                   is
                   now
                   converted
                   ,
                   and
                   embraceth
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   before
                   the
                   marriage
                   be
                   made
                   :
                   For
                   there
                   are
                   approved
                   presidents
                   in
                   the
                   Word
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   of
                   the
                   lawfulness
                   of
                   such
                   their
                   matrimony
                   .
                   See
                   Ruth
                   4.
                   13.
                   compare
                   chap.
                   1.
                   16.
                   1
                   
                   Kings
                   1.
                   3.
                   compare
                   Psal.
                   45.
                   13.
                   
                
                 
                   V.
                   Nor
                   yet
                   the
                   Question
                   is
                   not
                   instituted
                   with
                   a
                   
                     partial
                     respect
                  
                   and
                   exception
                   of
                   some
                   sorts
                   of
                   persons
                   ,
                   but
                   it
                   equally
                   and
                   indifferently
                   concerneth
                   any
                   sort
                   and
                   degree
                   of
                   persons
                   whomsoever
                   ,
                   whether
                   Civil
                   or
                   
                     Ecclesiastical
                     ,
                     Supreme
                  
                   or
                   
                     Inferior
                     ,
                     Rich
                  
                   or
                   
                     Poor
                     ,
                     &c.
                  
                   
                   Sith
                   by
                   occasion
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   possibility
                   ,
                   that
                   any
                   sorts
                   and
                   degrees
                   of
                   persons
                   may
                   be
                   tempted
                   ,
                   and
                   fall
                   into
                   one
                   miscarriage
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   another
                   as
                   is
                   implyed
                   ,
                   Gal.
                   6.
                   1.
                   
                   Yea
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Scripture
                   instanceth
                   the
                   transgressions
                   in
                   such
                   kinde
                   ,
                   even
                   of
                   
                     Kings
                     ,
                     Princes
                     ,
                     Rulers
                     ,
                     Priests
                     ,
                     Levites
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   People
                   .
                   See
                   Nehe.
                   13.
                   26.
                   
                   Ezra
                   9.
                   1
                   ,
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   Scripture
                   giveth
                   instance
                   likewise
                   ,
                   of
                   course
                   held
                   for
                   redress
                   ,
                   see
                   Ezra
                   10.
                   
                   Nehe.
                   13.
                   
                
                 
                   VI.
                   Moreover
                   ,
                   the
                   Question
                   is
                   not
                   ,
                   whether
                   the
                   professors
                   of
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   having
                   transgressed
                   by
                   making
                   
                     mixt
                     marriages
                  
                   ,
                   may
                   ,
                   or
                   ought
                   ,
                   at
                   their
                   own
                   pleasure
                   ,
                   put
                   away
                   their
                   wives
                   ,
                   by
                   their
                   own
                   and
                   sole
                   authority
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   likewise
                   ,
                   cast
                   out
                   their
                   children
                   :
                   Sith
                   such
                   procedure
                   ,
                   it
                   may
                   seem
                   ,
                   if
                   admited
                   of
                   ,
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   by
                   the
                   decision
                   and
                   order
                   of
                   such
                   ,
                   as
                   have
                   calling
                   and
                   authority
                   thereunto
                   .
                   As
                   it
                   may
                   appear
                   ,
                   Ezra
                   10.
                   2
                   ,
                   3
                   ,
                   4.
                   
                   Nehe.
                   13.
                   23
                   ,
                   24
                   ,
                   25.
                   
                
                 
                   VII
                   .
                   Likewise
                   ,
                   the
                   Question
                   is
                   not
                   touching
                   a
                   
                     making
                     voyd
                  
                   the
                   marriages
                   of
                   the
                   professors
                   of
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   married
                   to
                   professors
                   of
                   the
                   said
                   
                     true
                     Religion
                  
                   for
                   the
                   substance
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   but
                   some
                   difference
                   is
                   in
                   some
                   
                     circumstantial
                     matters
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     superstructive
                     opinions
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   do
                   not
                   destroy
                   the
                   foundation
                   and
                   principles
                   of
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Religion
                  
                   .
                   Sith
                   such
                   condition
                   of
                   difference
                   in
                   judgment
                   ,
                   about
                   lesser
                   matters
                   in
                   Religion
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   incident
                   unto
                   some
                   members
                   of
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Churches
                  
                   of
                   Christ.
                   See
                   1
                   Cor.
                   3.
                   3
                   ,
                   4
                   ,
                   12.
                   
                   Phil.
                   3.
                   13.
                   
                
                 
                   VIII
                   .
                   Neither
                   is
                   the
                   Question
                   concerning
                   professors
                   of
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   charitably
                   and
                   probably
                   reputed
                   to
                   be
                   
                     truely
                     religious
                  
                   ,
                   having
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   power
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   love
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   a
                   
                     sound
                     minde
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   their
                   yoke-fellows
                   professing
                   outwardly
                   
                   onely
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     having
                     a
                     form
                     of
                     godliness
                     ,
                     but
                     deny
                     the
                     power
                     of
                     it
                  
                   ;
                   professing
                   indeed
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   know
                   God
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   their
                   works
                   deny
                   him
                   ;
                   whether
                   these
                   should
                   be
                   separated
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   children
                   cast
                   out
                   ?
                   Sith
                   profession
                   denominateth
                   the
                   Religion
                   .
                   Howbeit
                   ,
                   
                   in
                   the
                   seventh
                   and
                   eighth
                   Cases
                   ,
                   special
                   and
                   uttermost
                   
                     faithful
                     endevor
                  
                   ,
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   used
                   by
                   persons
                   of
                   
                     good
                     knowledg
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   free
                   their
                   yokefellows
                   from
                   the
                   entanglement
                   of
                   
                     erroneous
                     opinions
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     unchristian
                     conversation
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   establish
                   them
                   in
                   the
                   truth
                   ;
                   if
                   so
                   ,
                   they
                   may
                   yet
                   be
                   brought
                   to
                   approve
                   themselves
                   ,
                   as
                   becometh
                   the
                   Gospel
                   of
                   Christ
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   God
                   through
                   their
                   
                     due
                     way
                  
                   of
                   
                     instructing
                     them
                  
                   with
                   meekness
                   ,
                   may
                   peradventure
                   grant
                   them
                   
                     repentance
                     unto
                     life
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   unto
                   the
                   
                     acknowledging
                     of
                     the
                     truth
                  
                   ,
                   see
                   2
                   Tim.
                   2.
                   25
                   ,
                   26.
                   
                   Whereas
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   in
                   this
                   case
                   ,
                   God
                   hateth
                   
                     putting
                     away
                  
                   ,
                   (
                   as
                   being
                   a
                   
                     trecherous
                     dealing
                  
                   against
                   
                     ones
                     companion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   wife
                   of
                   his
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   see
                   Mal.
                   2.
                   14
                   15
                   ,
                   16.
                   )
                   save
                   in
                   the
                   case
                   of
                   whoredom
                   alone
                   ;
                   for
                   in
                   such
                   case
                   it
                   is
                   lawful
                   to
                   procure
                   a
                   Bill
                   of
                   divorcement
                   for
                   the
                   
                     putting
                     away
                  
                   of
                   the
                   wife
                   ,
                   notwithstanding
                   the
                   marriage
                   was
                   lawfully
                   made
                   and
                   continued
                   ,
                   until
                   such
                   occasion
                   ,
                   see
                   Matth.
                   19.
                   9.
                   
                
                 
                   IX
                   .
                   And
                   lastly
                   ,
                   the
                   Question
                   is
                   not
                   whether
                   in
                   all
                   ages
                   and
                   times
                   recorded
                   in
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   the
                   Rulers
                   commissioned
                   to
                   execute
                   justice
                   and
                   judgment
                   on
                   notorious
                   offendors
                   ;
                   have
                   fully
                   approved
                   their
                   integrity
                   and
                   faithfulness
                   ,
                   in
                   acting
                   in
                   the
                   specified
                   case
                   as
                   had
                   been
                   meet
                   .
                   1.
                   
                   Forasmuch
                   as
                   the
                   
                     sacred
                     Records
                  
                   in
                   matters
                   of
                   fact
                   ,
                   are
                   many
                   times
                   silent
                   ,
                   lest
                   they
                   should
                   be
                   too
                   voluminous
                   ,
                   and
                   because
                   also
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   recorded
                   is
                   enough
                   for
                   the
                   guiding
                   of
                   beleevers
                   in
                   steering
                   of
                   their
                   course
                   ,
                   see
                   John
                   21.
                   25.
                   and
                   Chap.
                   20.
                   30
                   ,
                   31.
                   2.
                   
                   And
                   forasmuch
                   as
                   sometimes
                   the
                   Rulers
                   ,
                   who
                   ought
                   to
                   have
                   been
                   vigorously
                   active
                   against
                   miscarriage
                   of
                   any
                   herein
                   ,
                   have
                   been
                   themselves
                   delinquent
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   the
                   edg
                   of
                   Iustice
                   hath
                   been
                   thereby
                   blunted
                   ;
                   see
                   
                     Solomon
                     ,
                     Nehe
                  
                   13.
                   26.
                   
                   Iehoram
                   ,
                   2
                   Chron.
                   21.
                   6.
                   3.
                   
                   Yea
                   ,
                   and
                   forasmuch
                   as
                   pious
                   and
                   
                     reforming
                     Princes
                  
                   ,
                   have
                   yet
                   some
                   of
                   them
                   been
                   too
                   remiss
                   in
                   
                     zealous
                     executing
                  
                   according
                   to
                   Law
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   ought
                   to
                   have
                   done
                   ,
                   even
                   as
                   the
                   Scripture
                   sheweth
                   in
                   the
                   example
                   of
                   gracious
                   and
                   
                     worthy
                     Iehoshaphat
                  
                   ,
                   2
                   Chron.
                   20.
                   33.
                   and
                   of
                   the
                   zealous
                   and
                   
                     constantly
                     upright-hearted
                  
                   King
                   
                   Asa
                   ,
                   2
                   Chron.
                   15.
                   17.
                   
                   In
                   their
                   not
                   taking
                   away
                   of
                   the
                   
                     high
                     places
                  
                   .
                   It
                   is
                   the
                   Annotation
                   in
                   the
                   Margent
                   (
                   of
                   the
                   Bible
                   ,
                   Printed
                   at
                   Edinburg
                   ,
                   by
                   
                     Andrew
                     Hart
                  
                   ,
                   1610.
                   much
                   approved
                   in
                   
                   Scotland
                   )
                   on
                   2
                   Chro.
                   15.
                   16.
                   touching
                   King
                   Asa
                   his
                   deposing
                   his
                   mother
                   Maachah
                   from
                   her
                   regency
                   ,
                   because
                   she
                   had
                   made
                   an
                   Idol
                   in
                   a
                   
                     Grove
                     .
                     That
                     therein
                     he
                     shewed
                     he
                     lacked
                     zeal
                     ,
                     for
                     she
                     ought
                     to
                     have
                     died
                     ,
                     both
                     by
                     the
                     Covenant
                     ,
                  
                   as
                   vers
                   .
                   13.
                   
                     and
                     by
                     the
                     Law
                     of
                     God
                     ;
                     but
                     he
                     gave
                     place
                     to
                     foolish
                     pity
                     ,
                     and
                     would
                     seem
                     also
                     after
                     a
                     sort
                     to
                     satisfie
                     the
                     Law.
                  
                   Concerning
                   the
                   which
                   Annotation
                   ,
                   the
                   propounder
                   of
                   this
                   Question
                   ,
                   heard
                   it
                   reported
                   about
                   fourty
                   yeers
                   agone
                   from
                   
                     authentick
                     witnesses
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   King
                   Iames
                   was
                   so
                   offended
                   thereat
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   for
                   that
                   Note
                   sake
                   ,
                   would
                   not
                   permit
                   thenceforth
                   any
                   Bibles
                   in
                   English
                   to
                   be
                   Reprinted
                   with
                   any
                   Annotations
                   whatsoever
                   ,
                   neither
                   of
                   the
                   
                     new
                     Translation
                  
                   ,
                   nor
                   of
                   the
                   former
                   
                     old
                     Translations
                  
                   .
                   Which
                   by
                   the
                   way
                   ,
                   may
                   advertise
                   the
                   learned
                   and
                   
                     forward
                     attesting
                     Brethren
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Ministery
                   ,
                   both
                   in
                   Scotland
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   London
                   ,
                   and
                   some
                   other
                   Provinces
                   of
                   the
                   
                     English
                     Nation
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   need
                   not
                   seem
                   strange
                   ,
                   if
                   there
                   be
                   a
                   paucity
                   of
                   presidents
                   in
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     modern
                     Protestant
                     writings
                  
                   ,
                   about
                   
                     penal
                     executions
                  
                   on
                   
                     superlative
                     persons
                  
                   ,
                   especially
                   as
                   matters
                   have
                   stood
                   under
                   Monarchy
                   :
                   When
                   yet
                   notwithstanding
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   sure
                   and
                   
                     sufficient
                     rule
                  
                   and
                   example
                   in
                   the
                   Word
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   either
                   
                     directly
                     expressed
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   by
                   
                     just
                     consequence
                  
                   to
                   be
                   deduced
                   from
                   the
                   latitude
                   of
                   Commandments
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Scripture
                     Historical
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   may
                   satisfie
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   and
                   also
                   oblige
                   and
                   encourage
                   unto
                   the
                   
                     due
                     execution
                  
                   of
                   Iustice
                   :
                   so
                   that
                   the
                   Question
                   is
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   stated
                   ,
                   Whether
                   
                     commissioned
                     Rulers
                     ,
                     supreme
                  
                   or
                   subordinate
                   ,
                   ought
                   not
                   formerly
                   ,
                   and
                   consequently
                   ,
                   Whether
                   they
                   ought
                   not
                   still
                   ,
                   even
                   in
                   these
                   Gospel-days
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   occasion
                   ,
                   see
                   to
                   
                     legal
                     execution
                  
                   in
                   the
                   matter
                   in
                   hand
                   ,
                   or
                   any
                   other
                   ?
                
              
               
                 
                 
                   Motives
                   inducing
                   unto
                   the
                   representing
                   of
                   the
                   Question
                   ,
                   arguing
                   the
                   importance
                   and
                   expediency
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   I.
                   TExts
                   of
                   Scripture
                   expresly
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Requiring
                   and
                   commanding
                   professors
                   of
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   when
                   they
                   shall
                   make
                   use
                   of
                   their
                   liberty
                   or
                   necessity
                   to
                   marry
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   sure
                   that
                   they
                   do
                   marry
                   onely
                   in
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   see
                   1
                   Cor.
                   7.
                   39.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Prohibiting
                   and
                   forbidding
                   people
                   in
                   Covenant
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                   to
                   make
                   any
                   marriages
                   with
                   daughters
                   who
                   are
                   strangers
                   to
                   the
                   Covenant
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   see
                   Deut.
                   7.
                   3.
                   2
                   
                   Cor.
                   6.
                   14.
                   
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   Complaining
                   of
                   ,
                   convincing
                   ,
                   and
                   reprehending
                   such
                   mixture
                   in
                   marriages
                   ,
                   see
                   Ezra
                   9.
                   2.
                   
                   Nehe.
                   13.
                   23
                   ,
                   24
                   ,
                   25
                   ,
                   28
                   ,
                   Mal.
                   2.
                   11.
                   
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   Threatning
                   ,
                   and
                   denouncing
                   punishment
                   to
                   be
                   executed
                   in
                   such
                   case
                   of
                   
                     unlawful
                     marriages
                  
                   ,
                   whoever
                   the
                   offenders
                   are
                   ,
                   see
                   Mal.
                   2.
                   12.
                   
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   Informing
                   of
                   the
                   
                     approved
                     course
                  
                   of
                   faithful
                   and
                   
                     religious
                     Rulers
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   separating
                   and
                   
                     putting
                     away
                  
                   such
                   
                     idolatrous
                     wives
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   as
                   were
                   born
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   done
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   see
                   Ezra
                   10.
                   2
                   ,
                   3
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   Declaring
                   and
                   shewing
                   
                     Gods
                     proceedings
                  
                   in
                   judgment
                   against
                   the
                   
                     old
                     world
                  
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   deluge
                   for
                   sin
                   in
                   this
                   kinde
                   ,
                   see
                   Gen.
                   6.
                   2
                   ,
                   3
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 
                   II.
                   Divine
                   forceable
                   Reasons
                   made
                   use
                   of
                   in
                   the
                   
                     holy
                     Scriptures
                  
                   ,
                   against
                   such
                   
                     mixt
                     prophane
                     marriages
                  
                   ,
                   taken
                   from
                   the
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Inequality
                   of
                   their
                   being
                   yoked
                   together
                   in
                   
                     conjugal
                     society
                  
                   ,
                   see
                   2
                   Cor.
                   6.
                   14
                   ,
                   15
                   ,
                   16.
                   compared
                   with
                   Deut.
                   22.
                   10.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Extream
                   danger
                   of
                   the
                   not
                   attaining
                   of
                   an
                   
                     holy
                     seed
                  
                   in
                   
                     mixt
                     marriage
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   yet
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   seriously
                   looked
                   after
                   ,
                   as
                   that
                   which
                   God
                   seeketh
                   and
                   mindeth
                   ,
                   see
                   Mal.
                   2.
                   15.
                   
                   But
                   in
                   all
                   appearance
                   ,
                   is
                   likely
                   to
                   be
                   frustrated
                   hereby
                   ,
                   see
                   Ezra
                   9.
                   2.
                   
                   Nehe.
                   13.
                   23
                   ,
                   24.
                   
                   Inasmuch
                   as
                   children
                   are
                   most
                   apt
                   to
                   be
                   
                   swayed
                   according
                   to
                   their
                   
                     mothers
                     principles
                  
                   ,
                   see
                   2
                   Chron.
                   22.
                   3
                   ,
                   4.
                   
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   
                     Dangerous
                     ensnaring
                  
                   the
                   husbands
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   sin
                   of
                   the
                   Wives
                   ,
                   foreseen
                   and
                   warned
                   against
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   Lord
                   himself
                   ,
                   see
                   Deut.
                   7.
                   4.
                   and
                   envinced
                   by
                   woful
                   event
                   ,
                   see
                   1
                   King.
                   11.
                   1
                   ,
                   2
                   4.
                   
                   Nehem.
                   13.
                   26.
                   whence
                   also
                   ensueth
                   ,
                   an
                   hinderance
                   or
                   disturbance
                   of
                   
                     religious
                     family
                     duties
                  
                   of
                   
                     prayer
                     ,
                     1
                     Pet.
                  
                   3.
                   7.
                   and
                   consequently
                   a
                   drawing
                   down
                   the
                   wrath
                   of
                   God
                   on
                   them
                   ,
                   Jerem.
                   10.
                   25.
                   
                
                 
                   III.
                   
                     Evident
                     testimonies
                  
                   of
                   ancient
                   and
                   
                     modern
                     Theologues
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   their
                   approved
                   
                     Orthodox
                     writings
                  
                   ,
                   occasionally
                   treating
                   hereabouts
                   .
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Old
                   Tertullian
                   ,
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   
                     most
                     learned
                     Latine
                     Fathers
                  
                   ,
                   (
                   in
                   whose
                   
                     writings
                     ,
                     Cyprian
                  
                   the
                   Father
                   ,
                   and
                   Martyr
                   delighted
                   to
                   exercise
                   himself
                   every
                   day
                   )
                   
                     Lib.
                     2.
                     ad
                     uxor
                     .
                     cap.
                  
                   3.
                   
                   He
                   asserteth
                   ,
                   
                     That
                     beleevers
                     marrying
                     with
                     Gentiles
                     or
                     Pagans
                     ,
                     are
                     guilty
                     of
                     whoredom
                     ,
                     and
                     that
                     they
                     ought
                     not
                     to
                     be
                     communicated
                     withal
                     .
                  
                   This
                   Book
                   of
                   his
                   is
                   approved
                   by
                   
                     Abr.
                     Scultetus
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   was
                   an
                   eminent
                   professor
                   at
                   Heydelburg
                   ,
                   in
                   his
                   
                     Medul
                     .
                     Patr.
                  
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   
                     Peter
                     Martyr
                  
                   ,
                   a
                   
                     most
                     pious
                     ,
                     learned
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     much
                     renowned
                     professor
                  
                   ,
                   heretofore
                   at
                   Oxford
                   ,
                   and
                   elsewhere
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   reign
                   of
                   King
                   Edward
                   the
                   sixth
                   ,
                   and
                   very
                   much
                   endeared
                   to
                   most
                   
                     Orthodox
                     Protestants
                  
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Reformed
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   his
                   
                     Commentar
                     .
                     on
                     1
                     King.
                  
                   3.
                   1.
                   disputing
                   
                     De
                     dispari
                     conjugio
                  
                   ,
                   propoundeth
                   sundry
                   Arguments
                   against
                   
                     mixt
                     marriages
                  
                   ,
                   quoteth
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   Fathers
                   ,
                   as
                   being
                   of
                   his
                   minde
                   ,
                   even
                   
                     Ierome
                     ,
                     Augustine
                     ,
                     &c.
                  
                   and
                   answereth
                   sundry
                   Objections
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   and
                   albeit
                   he
                   hath
                   somewhat
                   in
                   the
                   close
                   of
                   his
                   discourse
                   to
                   allay
                   extream
                   severity
                   ,
                   yet
                   it
                   may
                   appear
                   ,
                   (
                   the
                   Question
                   being
                   rightly
                   stated
                   )
                   that
                   none
                   of
                   his
                   allayes
                   do
                   infringe
                   the
                   Arguments
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   That
                   famous
                   and
                   
                     worthy
                     Minister
                  
                   of
                   Christ
                   in
                   the
                   University
                   of
                   Cambridg
                   ,
                   Master
                   
                     William
                     Perkins
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   his
                   
                     Warning
                     against
                     the
                     Idolatry
                     of
                     the
                     last
                     times
                     ,
                  
                   asserteth
                   ,
                   That
                   the
                   marriages
                   of
                   the
                   Israelites
                   ,
                   with
                   Idolaters
                   ,
                   mentioned
                   Ezra
                   10.
                   3.
                   were
                   indeed
                   voyd
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   marriages
                   .
                   He
                   alleageth
                   two
                   Reasons
                   thereof
                   ,
                   the
                   latter
                   whereof
                   is
                   ,
                   
                     In
                     that
                     they
                     were
                     not
                     onely
                     idolaters
                     ,
                     but
                     also
                     inticers
                     to
                     idolatry
                     .
                     God
                     by
                     express
                     Commandment
                     ,
                     
                     did
                     simply
                     forbid
                     the
                     Jews
                     to
                     marry
                     with
                     them
                     ,
                     unless
                     they
                     did
                     repent
                     and
                     change
                     their
                     Religion
                     .
                     And
                     in
                     regard
                     of
                     this
                     Commandment
                     ,
                     the
                     foresaid
                     marriages
                     were
                     nullities
                     ,
                     as
                     incestuous
                     marriages
                     are
                     no
                     marriages
                     ,
                     by
                     reason
                     of
                     the
                     absolute
                     ,
                     prohibition
                     of
                     God.
                  
                   Thus
                   Master
                   Perkins
                   in
                   his
                   
                     Warning
                     against
                     the
                     Idolatry
                     of
                     these
                     last
                     times
                     ,
                  
                   meaning
                   the
                   idolatry
                   of
                   Popery
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   scope
                   of
                   his
                   Treatise
                   importeth
                   ,
                   
                     vide
                     Vol.
                     1.
                     pag.
                  
                   677
                   ,
                   678.
                   
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   The
                   judgment
                   of
                   some
                   sound
                   and
                   
                     much
                     honored
                     English
                     Ministers
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   (
                   most
                   of
                   which
                   ,
                   are
                   now
                   asleep
                   in
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   yet
                   a
                   few
                   still
                   alive
                   )
                   who
                   conferring
                   and
                   
                     humbling
                     themselves
                  
                   frequently
                   in
                   private
                   ,
                   at
                   such
                   times
                   as
                   overtures
                   were
                   with
                   Spain
                   ,
                   and
                   shortly
                   after
                   with
                   France
                   ,
                   about
                   King
                   Charls
                   his
                   
                     mixt
                     marriage
                  
                   .
                   The
                   Questionist
                   demanded
                   the
                   same
                   he
                   now
                   represents
                   to
                   Disquisition
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   most
                   and
                   
                     best
                     approved
                  
                   for
                   their
                   learning
                   and
                   piety
                   ,
                   inclined
                   to
                   the
                   affirmative
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   The
                   
                     Solemn
                     League
                  
                   and
                   
                     Covenant
                     ,
                     1643.
                     engaging
                  
                   unto
                   an
                   extirpation
                   of
                   Popery
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   second
                   Article
                   :
                   For
                   the
                   course
                   insisted
                   on
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   Qnestion
                   ,
                   seemeth
                   to
                   have
                   an
                   
                     effectual
                     tendency
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   keeping
                   of
                   the
                   said
                   Covenant
                   in
                   that
                   Article
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   The
                   Commissioners
                   of
                   the
                   
                     General
                     Assembly
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Kirk
                   in
                   Scotland
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   Necessary
                   and
                   
                     Seasonable
                     Testimony
                  
                   against
                   Toleration
                   ,
                   approved
                   by
                   the
                   Estates
                   of
                   present
                   Parliament
                   ;
                   who
                   amongst
                   other
                   Texts
                   of
                   Scripture
                   ,
                   alleaged
                   by
                   them
                   ,
                   against
                   Toleration
                   have
                   these
                   words
                   ,
                   
                     Pag.
                     5.
                     
                     The
                     children
                     of
                     Israel
                     after
                     their
                     return
                     from
                     Babylon
                     ,
                     made
                     a
                     Covenant
                     ,
                     and
                     entered
                     into
                     a
                     Curse
                     ,
                     and
                     into
                     an
                     Oath
                     ,
                     to
                     walk
                     in
                     Gods
                     Law
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     observe
                     ,
                     and
                     do
                     all
                     the
                     Commandments
                     of
                     the
                     Lord
                     their
                     God
                     ,
                     Nehem.
                  
                   10.
                   28
                   ,
                   29
                   ,
                   30.
                   
                   Let
                   this
                   Text
                   alleaged
                   ,
                   be
                   compared
                   with
                   Ezra
                   10.
                   2
                   ,
                   3
                   ,
                   5.
                   
                   And
                   the
                   Reader
                   is
                   desired
                   to
                   take
                   the
                   Bible
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   turn
                   to
                   ,
                   and
                   observe
                   the
                   Texts
                   cited
                   ,
                   which
                   undoubtedly
                   must
                   needs
                   affect
                   greatly
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   rather
                   ,
                   sith
                   cited
                   by
                   such
                   
                     interested
                     persons
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   such
                   purpose
                   .
                
                 
                   IV.
                   The
                   same
                   Texts
                   of
                   Scripture
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Scriptural
                     Reasons
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   do
                   make
                   against
                   the
                   marriages
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   daughters
                   of
                   a
                   strange
                   god
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   that
                   are
                   born
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   do
                   
                   seem
                   also
                   by
                   necessary
                   consequence
                   ,
                   to
                   conclude
                   against
                   the
                   marriages
                   of
                   Protestants
                   with
                   Papists
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   that
                   are
                   born
                   of
                   them
                   .
                   viz.
                   Because
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Popery
                   is
                   the
                   Religion
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Roman
                     Antichrist
                  
                   ;
                   who
                   is
                   the
                   
                     man
                     of
                     sin
                     ,
                     the
                     son
                     of
                     perdition
                     ;
                     who
                     opposeth
                     and
                     exalteth
                     himself
                     ,
                     above
                     all
                     that
                     is
                     called
                     God
                     ,
                     or
                     that
                     is
                     worshipped
                     :
                     So
                     that
                     〈◊〉
                     as
                     God
                     ,
                     sitteth
                     in
                     the
                     Temple
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     shewing
                     himself
                     that
                     he
                     is
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   see
                   2
                   
                     Thes.
                     2.
                     3
                     ,
                     4.
                     
                     And
                     who
                     is
                     the
                     king
                     of
                     the
                     Locusts
                     ,
                  
                   as
                   singularly
                   described
                   ,
                   Apocal.
                   9.
                   3
                   ,
                   5
                   ,
                   7
                   ,
                   8
                   ,
                   9
                   ,
                   10
                   ,
                   11.
                   
                   Yea
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   the
                   whore
                   of
                   Babylon
                   ,
                   on
                   whose
                   forehead
                   was
                   a
                   name
                   written
                   ,
                   
                     Mystery
                     ,
                     Babylon
                     ,
                     The
                     Great
                     ,
                     The
                     Mother
                     of
                     Harlots
                     ,
                     And
                     Abominations
                     of
                     the
                     Earth
                     ,
                  
                   see
                   Apocal.
                   17.
                   5.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   
                     Antichristian
                     Religion
                  
                   was
                   inspired
                   and
                   promoted
                   by
                   
                     Satan
                     ,
                     with
                     all
                     power
                     ,
                     and
                     signes
                     ,
                     and
                     lying
                     wonders
                     ;
                     and
                     with
                     all
                     deceiveableness
                     of
                     unrighteousness
                     ,
                     in
                     them
                     that
                     perish
                     ,
                  
                   through
                   divine
                   effectual
                   permission
                   ,
                   see
                   2
                   Thes.
                   2.
                   9
                   ,
                   10
                   ,
                   11
                   ,
                   12.
                   
                   Even
                   as
                   the
                   
                     Heathenish
                     idolatry
                  
                   is
                   devilish
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   therefore
                   in
                   no
                   wise
                   to
                   be
                   communicated
                   with
                   ,
                   see
                   
                     Deut.
                     32.
                     17.
                     2
                     
                     Chro.
                  
                   11.
                   15.
                   compared
                   with
                   1
                   Cor.
                   10.
                   20
                   ,
                   21.
                   
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   There
                   are
                   the
                   same
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   like
                   
                     sacred
                     precepts
                  
                   ,
                   requiring
                   to
                   come
                   out
                   ,
                   and
                   separate
                   from
                   the
                   
                     Antichristian
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   have
                   no
                   communion
                   therewith
                   ,
                   lest
                   
                     uttermost
                     peril
                  
                   do
                   overtake
                   ,
                   see
                   Apocal.
                   18.
                   4.
                   as
                   are
                   for
                   the
                   relinquishing
                   of
                   
                     Pagan
                     Idolatry
                  
                   ,
                   see
                   2
                   
                     Cor.
                     6.
                     17.
                     
                     Isaiah
                  
                   52.
                   11.
                   
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   The
                   idolatries
                   of
                   the
                   Papists
                   ,
                   being
                   compared
                   with
                   the
                   idolatries
                   of
                   the
                   Heathen
                   ;
                   they
                   are
                   every
                   jot
                   as
                   gross
                   and
                   vile
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   more
                   ,
                   as
                   are
                   the
                   Heathenish
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   indeed
                   so
                   odious
                   ,
                   as
                   is
                   not
                   meet
                   to
                   be
                   once
                   named
                   amongst
                   Saints
                   ,
                   further
                   then
                   just
                   cause
                   requireth
                   .
                   See
                   by
                   way
                   of
                   allusion
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     Psalmists
                     expression
                     .
                     Psal.
                  
                   16.
                   4.
                   
                
                 
                   V.
                   Magistrates
                   in
                   
                     new
                     Testament
                  
                   times
                   ,
                   ought
                   to
                   hold
                   course
                   against
                   
                     sinful
                     evil
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   any
                   kinde
                   committed
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   they
                   did
                   in
                   
                     old
                     Testament
                  
                   times
                   ,
                   see
                   Rom.
                   13.
                   3
                   ,
                   4.
                   
                   To
                   this
                   end
                   ,
                   let
                   it
                   be
                   well
                   weighed
                   (
                   and
                   application
                   be
                   made
                   accordingly
                   )
                   what
                   is
                   asserted
                   by
                   the
                   Commissioners
                   of
                   the
                   
                     General
                     Assembly
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   Testimony
                   against
                   
                     Toleration
                     ,
                     pag.
                  
                   6
                   ,
                   7.
                   in
                   these
                   words
                   ,
                   
                     For
                     it
                     cannot
                     be
                     shewn
                     ,
                     that
                     any
                     part
                     of
                     that
                     power
                     ,
                     which
                     Magistrates
                     
                     had
                     under
                     the
                     old
                     Testament
                     ,
                     is
                     repealed
                     under
                     the
                     new
                     :
                     Neither
                     can
                     any
                     convincing
                     Reason
                     be
                     brought
                     ,
                     why
                     it
                     should
                     be
                     of
                     narrower
                     extent
                     now
                     ,
                     nor
                     then
                     .
                  
                   May
                   it
                   not
                   seem
                   hence
                   ,
                   That
                   the
                   Estates
                   ,
                   and
                   Ministers
                   ,
                   and
                   Elders
                   of
                   Scotland
                   are
                   of
                   one
                   minde
                   ,
                   That
                   
                     Popish
                     wives
                  
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   separated
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   children
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   removed
                   from
                   
                     patrimonial
                     inheriting
                  
                   in
                   a
                   
                     Christian
                     reformed
                     Nation
                  
                   ?
                
                 
                   VI.
                   And
                   who
                   knoweth
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   as
                   the
                   Question
                   agitated
                   ,
                   and
                   resolved
                   in
                   King
                   Henry
                   the
                   eighth
                   his
                   case
                   ,
                   touching
                   the
                   unlawfulness
                   of
                   his
                   
                     incestuous
                     marriage
                  
                   with
                   Queen
                   Katherine
                   ,
                   portending
                   extream
                   prejudice
                   to
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   ,
                   in
                   such
                   
                     spurious
                     succession
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   might
                   be
                   by
                   the
                   Lady
                   Mary
                   ;
                   as
                   appeareth
                   in
                   the
                   History
                   above
                   cited
                   ,
                   
                     Acts
                     &
                     Mon.
                     Tom.
                     2.
                     p.
                     326
                     ,
                     327
                     ,
                     &c.
                  
                   (
                   and
                   as
                   indeed
                   most
                   wofully
                   ensued
                   afterwards
                   in
                   the
                   
                     Marian
                     days
                  
                   )
                   yet
                   tended
                   through
                   
                     divine
                     providence
                  
                   ,
                   unto
                   a
                   making
                   way
                   for
                   true
                   
                     Reformed
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   some
                   degree
                   ,
                   by
                   his
                   marrying
                   with
                   
                     Anne
                     Bullen
                  
                   ,
                   mother
                   to
                   Queen
                   Elizabeth
                   .
                   So
                   it
                   may
                   please
                   God
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Question
                   represented
                   ,
                   touching
                   the
                   marriages
                   of
                   Protestants
                   with
                   Papists
                   ,
                   and
                   touching
                   their
                   children
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   shall
                   be
                   duely
                   discussed
                   ,
                   it
                   may
                   become
                   remarkably
                   occasional
                   unto
                   a
                   safe
                   and
                   
                     wel-grounded
                     establishment
                  
                   of
                   Peace
                   ,
                   with
                   Holiness
                   ,
                   even
                   throughout
                   
                     England
                     ,
                     Ireland
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Scotland
                   too
                   .
                   The
                   premises
                   being
                   
                     rightly
                     observed
                  
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   Question
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   hath
                   been
                   stated
                   and
                   grounded
                   ,
                   seeming
                   to
                   be
                   for
                   the
                   affirmative
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Epilogue
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     NOw
                     then
                     ,
                     forasmuch
                     as
                     the
                  
                   Question
                   
                     hath
                     been
                     fairly
                     ,
                     plainly
                     ,
                     submisly
                     ,
                     and
                     Christianly
                     represented
                     to
                     the
                  
                   General
                   Assembly
                   ,
                   
                     conveening
                     to
                     discuss
                     and
                     determine
                     arising
                  
                   Questions
                   
                     that
                     are
                     of
                     notable
                     and
                     high
                     concernment
                     :
                     Their
                  
                   grave
                   wisdoms
                   
                     are
                     once
                     again
                     beseeched
                     to
                     confider
                     of
                     it
                     ,
                     To
                     speak
                     their
                     mindes
                     to
                     take
                     advice
                     ,
                     and
                     give
                     counsel
                     .
                     They
                     shall
                     have
                     joy
                     by
                     the
                  
                   Answer
                   
                     of
                     their
                  
                   mouths
                   ,
                   
                     soundly
                     and
                     impartially
                     uttered
                     ;
                     And
                     a
                     word
                     spoken
                     in
                     its
                     season
                     how
                     good
                     is
                     it
                     !
                     And
                     let
                     the
                  
                   Lord
                   
                     (
                     whose
                     the
                     preparations
                     of
                     the
                     heart
                     ,
                     and
                     answer
                     of
                     the
                     tongue
                     are
                     ,
                  
                   Prov.
                   16.
                   1.
                   
                   )
                   
                     be
                     graciously
                     present
                     ,
                     and
                     propitious
                     in
                     giving
                  
                   understanding
                   
                     in
                     all
                     things
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   Amen
                   ,
                   Amen
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
               
                 A
                 Postscript
                 .
              
               
                 
                   To
                   the
                   most
                   able
                   and
                   Religiously
                   affectionate
                   Commissioners
                   of
                   the
                   
                     General
                     Assembly
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Kirk
                   of
                   Scotland
                   ,
                   Tending
                   to
                   Pacification
                   betwixt
                   the
                   two
                   Nations
                   ,
                   concerning
                   the
                   present
                   State
                   proceedings
                   .
                
                 Mercy
                 unto
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 Peace
                 ,
                 and
                 Love
                 ,
                 and
                 Truth
                 be
                 multiplyed
                 from
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Saints
                 ,
                 and
                 Prince
                 of
                 Salvation
                 ;
                 who
                 worketh
                 all
                 things
                 after
                 the
                 counsel
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 Will
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 all
                 things
                 well
                 ,
                 expecting
                 that
                 Wisdom
                 be
                 justified
                 of
                 her
                 children
                 .
              
               
                 REverend
                 Sirs
                 ,
                 behold
                 now
                 ,
                 the
                 proposer
                 of
                 this
                 Question
                 hath
                 taken
                 upon
                 him
                 to
                 interrogate
                 your
                 
                   General
                   Assembly
                
                 a
                 word
                 in
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 cause
                 hath
                 seemed
                 to
                 require
                 ;
                 knowing
                 well
                 how
                 much
                 it
                 behoveth
                 ,
                 and
                 becometh
                 all
                 those
                 that
                 make
                 mention
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 keep
                 silence
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Jacobs
                 trouble
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 necessary
                 word
                 seasonably
                 spoken
                 ,
                 may
                 become
                 any
                 way
                 instrumental
                 ,
                 unto
                 the
                 
                   breaking
                   forth
                
                 of
                 light
                 in
                 these
                 days
                 of
                 darkness
                 and
                 gloominess
                 ;
                 days
                 of
                 clouds
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   thick
                   darkness
                
                 :
                 And
                 seeing
                 God
                 doth
                 not
                 altogether
                 hide
                 from
                 
                   seeing
                   eyes
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   hearing
                   ears
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   understanding
                   hearts
                
                 ,
                 what
                 he
                 is
                 about
                 to
                 do
                 :
                 
                 The
                 wonderful
                 and
                 unwonted
                 daily
                 occurrences
                 ,
                 do
                 seemingly
                 declare
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 hosts
                 is
                 doing
                 his
                 work
                 ,
                 his
                 strange
                 work
                 ;
                 and
                 bringing
                 to
                 pass
                 his
                 act
                 ,
                 his
                 strange
                 act
                 of
                 removing
                 the
                 Diadem
                 ,
                 and
                 taking
                 off
                 the
                 Crown
                 ,
                 overturning
                 ,
                 overturning
                 ,
                 overturning
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 no
                 more
                 ,
                 in
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 the
                 horrid
                 and
                 
                   grievous
                   sin
                
                 of
                 Tyranny
                 hath
                 found
                 out
                 the
                 
                   guilty
                   ,
                   capital
                   Delinquents
                
                 ;
                 to
                 allude
                 to
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 prophetically
                 denounced
                 ,
                 see
                 
                   Ezek.
                   21.
                   25
                   ,
                   26
                   ,
                   27.
                   
                   God
                
                 thus
                 thundering
                 and
                 speaking
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 from
                 Heaven
                 ;
                 who
                 can
                 but
                 tremblingly
                 speak
                 ?
                 If
                 children
                 should
                 hold
                 their
                 peace
                 ,
                 the
                 stones
                 would
                 immediately
                 cry
                 out
                 ?
              
               
                 Hence
                 the
                 said
                 proposer
                 hath
                 taken
                 upon
                 him
                 also
                 ,
                 to
                 propound
                 a
                 few
                 words
                 unto
                 your
                 learned
                 and
                 solid
                 wisdoms
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 the
                 choice
                 and
                 
                   eminent
                   Commissioners
                
                 of
                 your
                 
                   General
                   Assembly
                
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 pray
                 you
                 of
                 your
                 gentleness
                 ,
                 to
                 hear
                 with
                 patience
                 ,
                 some
                 advertisement
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 stirring
                 you
                 up
                 to
                 contribute
                 your
                 best
                 assistance
                 in
                 this
                 
                   perplexed
                   ,
                   conjuncture
                
                 of
                 Affairs
                 in
                 our
                 three
                 Nations
                 ,
                 in
                 helping
                 the
                 Lord
                 against
                 his
                 opposites
                 .
              
               
                 Right
                 worthy
                 Sirs
                 ,
                 It
                 manifestly
                 appeareth
                 by
                 the
                 return
                 of
                 the
                 
                   hearty
                   thanks
                
                 of
                 the
                 Estates
                 of
                 your
                 Parliament
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 Testimony
                 against
                 Toleration
                 ;
                 and
                 likewise
                 their
                 concurrence
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 that
                 ye
                 have
                 
                   singular
                   interest
                
                 in
                 the
                 Estates
                 of
                 Parliament
                 .
                 May
                 it
                 please
                 you
                 therefore
                 ,
                 to
                 improve
                 your
                 interest
                 ,
                 by
                 suggesting
                 and
                 perswading
                 them
                 (
                 that
                 whereas
                 this
                 your
                 Parliament
                 was
                 extraordinarily
                 summoned
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 form
                 and
                 frame
                 ,
                 or
                 materials
                 in
                 
                   great
                   part
                
                 ,
                 regulated
                 by
                 such
                 of
                 the
                 Estates
                 and
                 Souldieries
                 ,
                 who
                 sought
                 the
                 
                   real
                   welfare
                
                 of
                 your
                 Church
                 and
                 Nation
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 extream
                 exigencies
                 thereof
                 ,
                 without
                 the
                 command
                 or
                 direction
                 of
                 any
                 legal
                 Monarch
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 order
                 thereabouts
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 indeed
                 your
                 case
                 seemed
                 absolutely
                 to
                 require
                 )
                 they
                 would
                 now
                 deeply
                 ponder
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   bethink
                   themselves
                
                 of
                 the
                 
                   best
                   expedient
                
                 for
                 the
                 settlement
                 of
                 Truth
                 and
                 Peace
                 ,
                 as
                 may
                 tend
                 to
                 the
                 lengthening
                 of
                 your
                 tranquillity
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 liberty
                 of
                 
                   true
                   Religion
                
                 ,
                 and
                 also
                 Ecclesiastical
                 and
                 
                   Civil
                   Government
                
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 suppressing
                 of
                 
                   Popery
                   ,
                   Prelacy
                   ,
                   .
                   Heresie
                   ,
                   Schism
                   ,
                
                 and
                 Prophaneness
                 ;
                 which
                 otherwise
                 will
                 infest
                 your
                 Nation
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 whether
                 neighbors
                 ,
                 or
                 more
                 remote
                 .
                 If
                 ye
                 )
                 as
                 Mordecai
                 sent
                 Queen
                 Esther
                 word
                 )
                 do
                 altogether
                 hold
                 your
                 peace
                 at
                 this
                 time
                 ,
                 Deliverance
                 and
                 Enlargement
                 may
                 come
                 some
                 otherway
                 ,
                 but
                 ye
                 may
                 not
                 expect
                 the
                 comfort
                 thereof
                 .
                 And
                 who
                 knoweth
                 ,
                 whether
                 your
                 favor
                 in
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 the
                 Estates
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 this
                 ?
                 Now
                 howbeit
                 ,
                 the
                 generality
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Reformed
                   Christian
                   World
                
                 ,
                 studious
                 of
                 
                   Zions
                   peace
                
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 ignorant
                 of
                 your
                 abundant
                 and
                 excellent
                 sufficiencies
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 managing
                 of
                 the
                 weighty
                 concernments
                 of
                 your
                 own
                 Countrey
                 :
                 Yet
                 your
                 
                   humble
                   advertiser
                   ,
                   inquisitive
                
                 ,
                 and
                 solicitous
                 of
                 your
                 
                   entire
                   ,
                   faithful
                   deportment
                
                 ,
                 presumeth
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 vexatious
                 unto
                 you
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 put
                 in
                 remembrance
                 of
                 such
                 truth
                 ,
                 as
                 ye
                 well
                 know
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 established
                 in
                 :
                 Which
                 remembred
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 use
                 of
                 ,
                 may
                 become
                 serviceable
                 in
                 this
                 time
                 of
                 need
                 .
                 Be
                 pleased
                 therefore
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 notice
                 and
                 observe
                 these
                 few
                 hints
                 .
              
               
                 Government
                 being
                 a
                 goodly
                 and
                 honorable
                 Ordinance
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 instituted
                 for
                 the
                 Weal
                 of
                 all
                 Nations
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   humane
                   Societies
                
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 latitude
                 of
                 the
                 
                   fifth
                   Commandment
                
                 ,
                 and
                 first
                 of
                 the
                 
                   second
                   Table
                
                 of
                 the
                 Decalogue
                 ;
                 yet
                 the
                 constituting
                 ,
                 and
                 exercising
                 of
                 it
                 for
                 its
                 kinde
                 ,
                 whether
                 supream
                 or
                 subordinate
                 ,
                 seemeth
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Scripture
                   language
                
                 to
                 be
                 an
                 
                   humane
                   Ordinance
                
                 or
                 Creature
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 
                   right
                   reason
                
                 may
                 dictate
                 ,
                 and
                 sway
                 any
                 society
                 ,
                 to
                 choose
                 and
                 comply
                 withal
                 ,
                 according
                 as
                 
                   divine
                   providence
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   effectual
                   ordering
                
                 ,
                 and
                 permission
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 discerned
                 ;
                 when
                 the
                 state
                 and
                 condition
                 of
                 occurrences
                 requireth
                 a
                 new
                 moulding
                 and
                 fashioning
                 ,
                 as
                 sometimes
                 it
                 doth
                 ,
                 see
                 1
                 Pet.
                 2.
                 13
                 ,
                 14.
                 compared
                 with
                 2
                 
                   Sam.
                   5.
                   1
                   ,
                   2
                   ,
                   3.
                   1
                   
                   Kings
                   12.
                   1
                   ,
                   15
                   ,
                   20
                   ,
                   24.
                   
                   Hushai
                
                 his
                 speech
                 (
                 who
                 was
                 a
                 great
                 Counsellor
                 of
                 State
                 )
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 reasonable
                 and
                 just
                 political
                 
                   Maxime
                   ;
                   viz.
                   Whom
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   people
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   men
                   of
                
                 Israel
                 chuse
                 (
                 to
                 be
                 supream
                 )
                 
                   his
                   will
                   I
                   be
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   him
                   will
                   I
                   abide
                   ,
                
                 see
                 2
                 Sam.
                 16.
                 18.
                 
                 And
                 to
                 say
                 nothing
                 what
                 
                   humane
                   writings
                
                 tell
                 us
                 ,
                 touching
                 
                   political
                   Government
                
                 in
                 its
                 kindes
                 or
                 species
                 ;
                 as
                 likewise
                 ,
                 touching
                 their
                 rules
                 given
                 in
                 the
                 main
                 of
                 them
                 practicable
                 in
                 any
                 kinde
                 of
                 
                   lawful
                   policy
                
                 ;
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 
                   Monarchical
                   ,
                   Aristocratical
                   ,
                   Democratical
                
                 ,
                 or
                 mixt
                 of
                 these
                 .
                 
                 Nor
                 yet
                 to
                 say
                 nothing
                 of
                 
                   Church
                   Government
                
                 ,
                 by
                 Presbyteries
                 and
                 Synods
                 ,
                 in
                 any
                 Common-wealth
                 ,
                 as
                 being
                 directed
                 unto
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 therefore
                 unchangeable
                 
                   (
                   de
                   jure
                
                 )
                 in
                 the
                 substantials
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 ages
                 and
                 times
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 .
                 That
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 remembred
                 and
                 taken
                 notice
                 of
                 ,
                 is
                 touching
                 
                   Political
                   Government
                
                 of
                 Common-wealths
                 ;
                 which
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 
                   divine
                   story
                
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 written
                 for
                 our
                 learning
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 15.
                 4.
                 hath
                 been
                 variously
                 changeable
                 ,
                 in
                 various
                 ages
                 and
                 periods
                 of
                 
                   times
                   .
                   viz.
                
                 From
                 Adam
                 to
                 Moses
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 in
                 one
                 kinde
                 ,
                 even
                 by
                 Patriarks
                 ;
                 from
                 Moses
                 to
                 Samuel
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 in
                 other
                 kindes
                 ,
                 even
                 by
                 
                   Moses
                   ,
                   Joshua
                   ,
                   Elders
                   ,
                   Heads
                
                 of
                 Tribes
                 ,
                 and
                 Judges
                 ;
                 from
                 Samuel
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 Captivities
                 of
                 Israel
                 and
                 Iudah
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 again
                 in
                 other
                 kindes
                 ,
                 even
                 by
                 Kings
                 ,
                 variously
                 promoted
                 unto
                 the
                 Government
                 by
                 Gods
                 designe
                 ,
                 viz.
                 Either
                 elected
                 by
                 the
                 people
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 descent
                 approved
                 amongst
                 the
                 people
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 conquests
                 ;
                 from
                 the
                 return
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Jewish
                   captivity
                
                 ,
                 until
                 
                   new
                   Testament
                
                 times
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 yet
                 in
                 other
                 kindes
                 ,
                 even
                 by
                 
                   Princes
                   ,
                   Governors
                   ,
                   Captains
                
                 ,
                 or
                 
                   Roman
                   Deputies
                
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 same
                 
                   judicial
                   ,
                   penal
                   Laws
                
                 ,
                 of
                 
                   divine
                   institution
                
                 and
                 enacting
                 ,
                 did
                 equally
                 and
                 respectively
                 serve
                 in
                 one
                 kinde
                 of
                 Government
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 another
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 preservation
                 of
                 
                   life
                   ,
                   livelihood
                
                 ,
                 and
                 liberty
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 due
                 way
                 of
                 administration
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 such
                 passages
                 of
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 well
                 observed
                 and
                 remembred
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 seem
                 ,
                 That
                 our
                 
                   Lord
                   Christ
                
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 a
                 friend
                 to
                 
                   Monarchical
                   Government
                
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 Aristocratical
                 ,
                 or
                 Democratical
                 ,
                 or
                 mixt
                 of
                 any
                 of
                 these
                 .
                 Moreover
                 ,
                 let
                 it
                 also
                 be
                 remembred
                 ,
                 That
                 after
                 the
                 return
                 from
                 the
                 captivity
                 ,
                 when
                 preceding
                 Monarchy
                 had
                 ceased
                 (
                 and
                 yet
                 
                   Jacobs
                   Prophetical
                   prediction
                
                 failed
                 not
                 ,
                 Gen.
                 49.
                 10.
                 
                 )
                 and
                 the
                 Government
                 was
                 changed
                 through
                 
                   divine
                   dispensation
                
                 of
                 times
                 and
                 seasons
                 which
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 put
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 power
                 ;
                 yet
                 such
                 after
                 -
                 Government
                 ,
                 did
                 flourish
                 and
                 prosper
                 greatly
                 :
                 And
                 although
                 the
                 
                   external
                   pomp
                
                 and
                 splendor
                 of
                 the
                 Common-wealth
                 was
                 not
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 so
                 illustrious
                 ,
                 as
                 formerly
                 at
                 some
                 times
                 ;
                 by
                 how
                 much
                 a
                 deficiency
                 was
                 of
                 some
                 
                   special
                   means
                
                 and
                 accommodations
                 ,
                 as
                 had
                 been
                 for
                 the
                 structure
                 of
                 
                   Solomons
                   Temple
                
                 ,
                 and
                 magnificent
                 
                   Kingly
                   Palaces
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 
                 Yet
                 the
                 latter
                 condition
                 ,
                 both
                 of
                 the
                 Temple
                 re-edified
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 Common-wealths
                 posture
                 ,
                 wanted
                 not
                 altogether
                 their
                 glory
                 and
                 encouragements
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 most
                 considerable
                 ,
                 even
                 
                   spiritual
                   dignity
                
                 ,
                 and
                 welfare
                 ;
                 it
                 had
                 the
                 preference
                 and
                 preeminence
                 ,
                 see
                 Hag.
                 2.
                 7
                 ,
                 8
                 ,
                 9.
                 
                 True
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 when
                 strange
                 and
                 
                   sudden
                   changes
                
                 do
                 happen
                 in
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 Nations
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 great
                 marvel
                 ,
                 if
                 mens
                 spirits
                 be
                 much
                 moved
                 ,
                 and
                 greatly
                 troubled
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 good
                 and
                 grave
                 Prophet
                 Samuel
                 ,
                 did
                 mourn
                 for
                 King
                 Saul
                 in
                 such
                 sort
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 (
                 and
                 yet
                 God
                 himself
                 did
                 therefore
                 reprove
                 him
                 ,
                 see
                 1
                 Sam.
                 16.
                 1.
                 
                 )
                 yea
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 rejected
                 from
                 being
                 King
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 disobeying
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 governing
                 the
                 people
                 unworthily
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 less
                 to
                 be
                 wondred
                 at
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Scots
                 ,
                 after
                 a
                 succession
                 of
                 107
                 Kings
                 ,
                 a
                 
                   total
                   eclipse
                
                 ensuing
                 ,
                 or
                 like
                 to
                 ensue
                 ,
                 should
                 be
                 exceedingly
                 moved
                 in
                 their
                 mindes
                 .
                 But
                 however
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 may
                 not
                 the
                 
                   same
                   reproof
                
                 and
                 complaint
                 be
                 applyed
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 was
                 to
                 Samuel
                 for
                 his
                 mourning
                 for
                 Saul
                 ?
                 when
                 now
                 a
                 door
                 of
                 hope
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 in
                 the
                 valley
                 of
                 Achor
                 ,
                 is
                 opened
                 for
                 the
                 taking
                 away
                 of
                 the
                 offender
                 and
                 troubler
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 better
                 fruition
                 of
                 
                   just
                   freedom
                   .
                   Sirs
                
                 ,
                 ye
                 are
                 not
                 ignorant
                 what
                 pressures
                 and
                 oppressions
                 have
                 been
                 on
                 your
                 Nation
                 ,
                 from
                 sundry
                 
                   tyrannical
                   persons
                
                 ,
                 from
                 generation
                 to
                 generation
                 ,
                 whatever
                 garnishing
                 is
                 now
                 adays
                 of
                 
                   pretended
                   ,
                   glorious
                   ,
                   Kingly
                   remembrances
                
                 among
                 you
                 .
                 But
                 for
                 brevity
                 sake
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 concernments
                 have
                 been
                 latest
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 more
                 sensibly
                 affecting
                 ,
                 mention
                 shall
                 be
                 onely
                 made
                 of
                 King
                 Iames
                 ,
                 and
                 King
                 Charls
                 his
                 son
                 ,
                 principled
                 by
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 treading
                 in
                 his
                 steps
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 some
                 things
                 ,
                 doing
                 worse
                 then
                 all
                 that
                 were
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 was
                 said
                 of
                 King
                 Ahab
                 ,
                 see
                 1
                 Kings
                 16.
                 30
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 It
                 seemeth
                 therefore
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 now
                 high
                 time
                 for
                 you
                 to
                 call
                 to
                 remembrance
                 those
                 former
                 days
                 ,
                 in
                 which
                 ye
                 endured
                 a
                 great
                 fight
                 of
                 afflictions
                 .
                 First
                 through
                 King
                 Iames
                 his
                 
                   tyrannical
                   oppressions
                
                 ,
                 who
                 was
                 the
                 
                   notorious
                   Covenant
                   breaker
                
                 ,
                 as
                 your
                 frequent
                 sighing
                 and
                 
                   groaning
                   complaints
                
                 ,
                 both
                 in
                 publiks
                 and
                 private
                 ,
                 have
                 spoken
                 in
                 the
                 ears
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 who
                 did
                 rend
                 in
                 sunder
                 the
                 Kirk
                 of
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 his
                 nonage
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 sullen
                 and
                 
                   peevish
                   fume
                
                 ,
                 he
                 rent
                 of
                 his
                 Hanks
                 head
                 ;
                 even
                 as
                 his
                 Tutor
                 
                   G.
                   Buckanan
                
                 on
                 that
                 occasion
                 ,
                 and
                 throughly
                 acquainted
                 with
                 his
                 untoward
                 
                   disposition
                   ,
                   sagaciously
                
                 
                 presaged
                 .
                 
                   So
                   wilt
                   thou
                   rend
                   the
                   Kirk
                   of
                   Scotland
                   .
                
                 The
                 precious
                 names
                 of
                 Master
                 
                   Andrew
                   Melvin
                
                 ,
                 Master
                 
                   David
                   Chalderwood
                
                 ,
                 Mr.
                 
                   John
                   Sharp
                
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 ,
                 many
                 other
                 glorious
                 Confessors
                 ;
                 together
                 with
                 the
                 infamous
                 Articles
                 enacted
                 at
                 the
                 pretended
                 Assembly
                 at
                 Perth
                 ,
                 1618.
                 do
                 give
                 full
                 and
                 
                   pregnant
                   evidence
                
                 hereunto
                 :
                 Besides
                 ,
                 the
                 havock
                 made
                 of
                 the
                 Ministry
                 of
                 many
                 ,
                 many
                 hundred
                 Worthies
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 England
                 .
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 through
                 King
                 Charls
                 his
                 oppressing
                 and
                 
                   vexing
                   tyranny
                
                 ,
                 who
                 fiercely
                 assayed
                 at
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 his
                 Coronation
                 in
                 Edinburg
                 ,
                 1633.
                 the
                 introducing
                 of
                 
                   spiritually
                   poysonous
                
                 means
                 ,
                 for
                 prevailing
                 of
                 Hierarchy
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   superstitious
                   Conformity
                
                 ,
                 not
                 so
                 fully
                 taking
                 place
                 there
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 England
                 ;
                 howbeit
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 repulsed
                 therein
                 ;
                 the
                 Parliament
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 suffering
                 aborsion
                 .
                 But
                 his
                 expectation
                 being
                 disappointed
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 Common-prayer
                 Books
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 
                   English
                   superstitious
                
                 utensils
                 drowned
                 ,
                 and
                 himself
                 in
                 greater
                 danger
                 of
                 drowning
                 also
                 ;
                 he
                 returned
                 into
                 England
                 full
                 of
                 rage
                 and
                 fury
                 ,
                 posting
                 with
                 great
                 hast
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 four
                 hours
                 space
                 from
                 Berwick
                 to
                 Newcastle
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 fifty
                 long
                 miles
                 ;
                 where
                 assoon
                 as
                 he
                 came
                 ,
                 his
                 breathing
                 himself
                 was
                 ,
                 in
                 breathing
                 out
                 in
                 a
                 
                   cursing
                   way
                   ,
                   threatning
                
                 ,
                 and
                 persecution
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 
                   true
                   religious
                   Ministery
                
                 ;
                 not
                 onely
                 not
                 conforming
                 to
                 Hierarchy
                 ,
                 but
                 conforming
                 also
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 whit
                 
                   zealous
                   Preachers
                
                 ,
                 both
                 in
                 England
                 and
                 Scotland
                 ;
                 as
                 some
                 of
                 Newcastle
                 being
                 present
                 ,
                 did
                 with
                 grief
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 report
                 unto
                 their
                 friends
                 .
                 Ever
                 after
                 which
                 time
                 ,
                 he
                 either
                 by
                 open
                 hostility
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 subtil
                 undermining
                 imposture
                 pursued
                 that
                 his
                 
                   malicious
                   designe
                
                 (
                 as
                 many
                 woful
                 instances
                 might
                 be
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 if
                 need
                 required
                 )
                 until
                 when
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 remedy
                 ,
                 the
                 sword
                 of
                 justice
                 drawn
                 out
                 in
                 England
                 for
                 his
                 blood-gueltiness
                 ,
                 gave
                 a
                 stop
                 to
                 the
                 swift
                 and
                 
                   violent
                   torrent
                
                 of
                 blood
                 ,
                 issuing
                 from
                 many
                 many
                 thousands
                 of
                 
                   English
                   ,
                   Irish
                
                 ,
                 and
                 Scots
                 ,
                 which
                 had
                 cryed
                 in
                 the
                 ears
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 hosts
                 for
                 vengeance
                 .
                 And
                 O
                 that
                 your
                 remembring
                 hereof
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 effectual
                 unto
                 you
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 hearing
                 the
                 rod
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 hath
                 appointed
                 it
                 for
                 giving
                 instruction
                 ;
                 if
                 probably
                 ,
                 ye
                 may
                 escape
                 the
                 danger
                 of
                 a
                 
                   giantly
                   generation
                
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 after
                 such
                 threatning
                 storms
                 ,
                 ye
                 may
                 safely
                 arrive
                 in
                 the
                 Harbor
                 of
                 
                   wel-grounded
                   Peace
                
                 .
                 To
                 this
                 end
                 ,
                 
                 observing
                 the
                 Lords
                 proceedings
                 ,
                 alluded
                 unto
                 Ezek
                 21.
                 25
                 ,
                 26.
                 above
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 compared
                 with
                 Mal.
                 2.
                 12.
                 
                 Ye
                 may
                 do
                 well
                 to
                 serve
                 
                   Gods
                   providence
                
                 in
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 means
                 ,
                 in
                 becoming
                 followers
                 of
                 our
                 
                   English
                   Parliament
                
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 walking
                 so
                 ,
                 as
                 ye
                 have
                 them
                 for
                 an
                 ensample
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 also
                 had
                 the
                 
                   united
                   Netherlands
                
                 ,
                 in
                 casting
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Spanish
                   tyrannical
                   yoke
                
                 ,
                 for
                 their
                 example
                 in
                 obtaining
                 freedom
                 :
                 A
                 course
                 approved
                 and
                 justified
                 throughout
                 all
                 the
                 
                   Reformed
                   Churches
                
                 in
                 Europe
                 ,
                 contributed
                 unto
                 from
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 all
                 along
                 by
                 the
                 English
                 ,
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 in
                 a
                 special
                 maner
                 .
                 And
                 as
                 touching
                 the
                 
                   sound
                   mindes
                
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Orthodox
                   Theologues
                
                 ,
                 expressing
                 their
                 sense
                 of
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 Scripture
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 presumed
                 ,
                 that
                 ye
                 do
                 certainly
                 like
                 well
                 what
                 venerable
                 Master
                 Knox
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 heretofore
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 late
                 of
                 your
                 
                   own
                   Countrey
                
                 ,
                 have
                 suggested
                 and
                 published
                 ,
                 touching
                 the
                 
                   lawful
                   warrantableness
                
                 of
                 present
                 
                   necessary
                   undertakings
                
                 ;
                 besides
                 ,
                 what
                 forraign
                 Professors
                 of
                 Divlnity
                 have
                 written
                 ,
                 and
                 commended
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Christian
                   world
                
                 .
                 Let
                 the
                 judgment
                 of
                 judicious
                 and
                 faithful
                 D.
                 Paraeus
                 ,
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 many
                 ,
                 suffice
                 for
                 instance
                 ,
                 who
                 was
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 highly
                 reverenced
                 and
                 accepted
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Reformed
                   Churches
                
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 was
                 evidenced
                 ,
                 as
                 otherwise
                 by
                 his
                 learned
                 and
                 
                   pious
                   Commentaries
                
                 ;
                 so
                 by
                 his
                 Letters
                 ,
                 and
                 advice
                 ,
                 inserted
                 in
                 the
                 Acts
                 of
                 the
                 Synod
                 of
                 Dort
                 ,
                 1618.
                 touching
                 the
                 five
                 controverted
                 Articles
                 ,
                 debated
                 and
                 determined
                 there
                 ;
                 however
                 ,
                 his
                 most
                 approved
                 and
                 
                   learned
                   Exposition
                
                 on
                 the
                 Epist.
                 to
                 Rom.
                 suffered
                 Martyrdom
                 in
                 England
                 ,
                 being
                 burnt
                 at
                 London
                 ,
                 and
                 elsewhere
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 
                   tyrannical
                   persecution
                
                 of
                 King
                 Iames
                 ,
                 for
                 its
                 opposing
                 tyranny
                 .
                 This
                 
                   worthy
                   man
                
                 in
                 his
                 way
                 of
                 
                   resolving
                   doubts
                
                 on
                 Rom.
                 13.
                 touching
                 
                   civil
                   Anthority
                
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 second
                 Proposition
                 there
                 ,
                 hath
                 five
                 Reasons
                 ;
                 the
                 last
                 whereof
                 in
                 special
                 ,
                 from
                 
                   sacred
                   examples
                
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 speaks
                 fully
                 in
                 vindication
                 of
                 our
                 matter
                 in
                 hand
                 ,
                 whether
                 the
                 Reader
                 is
                 referred
                 to
                 see
                 further
                 .
              
               
                 Object
                 .
                 
                   Buy
                   whereas
                   it
                   is
                   vehemently
                   objected
                   by
                   your
                   Nations
                   Commissioners
                   ,
                   in
                   their
                   Papers
                   ,
                   and
                   otherwise
                   represented
                   to
                   our
                   Parliament
                   ;
                   and
                   likewise
                   it
                   is
                   suggested
                   by
                   your
                   Correspondents
                   of
                
                 London
                 
                   Province
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   little
                   Pamphlet
                   stiled
                   ,
                
                 A
                 Vindication
                 of
                 the
                 Ministers
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 about
                 
                   London
                   ,
                   
                   subscribed
                   with
                   divers
                   names
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   had
                   promoted
                   the
                   bringing
                   of
                   the
                   King
                   to
                   justice
                   ,
                   (
                   do
                   they
                   not
                   blush
                   in
                   so
                   speaking
                   ?
                   )
                   The
                   purport
                   whereof
                   is
                   ,
                   As
                   if
                   an
                   unlawful
                   and
                   unjust
                   course
                   was
                   used
                   for
                   the
                   doing
                   of
                   justice
                   ,
                   and
                   judgment
                   on
                   the
                   King
                   (
                   notwithstanding
                   all
                   the
                   blood
                   guiltiness
                   ,
                   which
                   by
                   you
                   and
                   them
                   ,
                   was
                   charged
                   on
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   substantially
                   by
                   witnesses
                   evidenced
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   more
                   compleat
                   satisfaction
                   of
                   his
                   Judges
                   ;
                   which
                   proof
                   also
                   ,
                   had
                   been
                   publikely
                   managed
                   ,
                   had
                   he
                   pleased
                   to
                   answer
                   to
                   the
                   Charge
                   .
                   )
                   And
                   as
                   if
                   thereby
                   likewise
                   there
                   were
                   a
                   notorious
                   breach
                   of
                   the
                   Solemn
                   League
                   and
                   Covenant
                   .
                   Will
                   ye
                   be
                   pleased
                   to
                   weigh
                   and
                   consider
                   ,
                   what
                   is
                   offered
                   to
                   your
                   view
                   in
                   the
                   short
                   ensuing
                   Answer
                   ,
                   tending
                   to
                   satisfaction
                   and
                   resolution
                   .
                
              
               
                 Answ.
                 1.
                 
                 Be
                 it
                 known
                 unto
                 the
                 Objecters
                 ,
                 whether
                 Scots
                 ,
                 or
                 English
                 ,
                 that
                 at
                 least
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 prime
                 
                   promoters
                   ,
                   endevorers
                
                 ,
                 and
                 contributers
                 unto
                 the
                 doing
                 of
                 justice
                 and
                 judgment
                 on
                 the
                 
                   capital
                   Delinquent
                
                 ,
                 and
                 Delinquents
                 ;
                 are
                 persons
                 truely
                 fearing
                 God
                 ,
                 exercising
                 themselves
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 always
                 consciences
                 voyd
                 of
                 offence
                 ,
                 towards
                 God
                 and
                 men
                 ;
                 partaking
                 in
                 their
                 measure
                 ,
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 properties
                 and
                 marks
                 of
                 true
                 
                   Church
                   members
                
                 ,
                 asserted
                 in
                 Psal.
                 15.
                 
                 And
                 who
                 have
                 not
                 forgotten
                 God
                 ,
                 nor
                 delt
                 falsly
                 in
                 his
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 whatever
                 cometh
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 not
                 suffer
                 their
                 integrity
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Let
                 all
                 men
                 know
                 whoever
                 they
                 are
                 ,
                 That
                 Ministers
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 and
                 people
                 professing
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 fearing
                 God
                 ,
                 have
                 not
                 been
                 wont
                 to
                 esteem
                 it
                 ,
                 nor
                 yet
                 do
                 think
                 it
                 any
                 disparagement
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 zealous
                 with
                 a
                 
                   perfect
                   zeal
                
                 ,
                 against
                 the
                 
                   crying
                   sin
                
                 of
                 blood-guiltiness
                 .
                 Doth
                 not
                 the
                 
                   Moral
                   Law
                
                 expresly
                 prohibit
                 murther
                 ?
                 And
                 doth
                 not
                 the
                 
                   Iudicial
                   Law
                
                 expresly
                 direct
                 unto
                 the
                 
                   satisfactory
                   expiation
                
                 thereof
                 ,
                 by
                 putting
                 to
                 death
                 the
                 blood-guilty
                 ?
                 And
                 is
                 not
                 
                   Gods
                   controversie
                
                 with
                 a
                 Land
                 ,
                 defiled
                 with
                 
                   blood
                   ,
                   〈◊〉
                   judgment
                
                 be
                 executed
                 ?
                 Blood-guilty
                 King
                 Saul
                 left
                 unto
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 doing
                 execution
                 on
                 himself
                 ,
                 1
                 Sam.
                 31.
                 4.
                 
                 Had
                 he
                 been
                 alive
                 when
                 inquisition
                 was
                 made
                 for
                 blood
                 ,
                 by
                 occasion
                 of
                 a
                 three
                 yeers
                 famine
                 ;
                 he
                 ought
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 put
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 those
                 of
                 his
                 
                   bloody
                   house
                
                 were
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 his
                 
                   sinister
                   zeal
                
                 in
                 slaying
                 his
                 
                   servile
                   subjects
                
                 
                 the
                 Gibconites
                 ,
                 see
                 2
                 
                   Sam.
                   21.
                   1
                   ,
                   2
                   ,
                   6.
                   
                   David
                
                 for
                 his
                 blood-guiltiness
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 exposing
                 Uriah
                 to
                 the
                 sword
                 of
                 the
                 Ammonites
                 ,
                 deserved
                 death
                 ;
                 his
                 own
                 mouth
                 conscientiously
                 passing
                 sentence
                 :
                 however
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   One
                   absolute
                   Lawgiver
                
                 ,
                 who
                 might
                 do
                 what
                 he
                 pleased
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 full
                 Soveraignty
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 Will
                 ,
                 exchanged
                 his
                 death
                 for
                 his
                 childe
                 's
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 ,
                 see
                 2
                 Sam.
                 12.
                 5
                 ,
                 12
                 ,
                 13.
                 
                 All
                 this
                 the
                 Objectors
                 do
                 know
                 well
                 enough
                 ,
                 howbeit
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 someway
                 transported
                 to
                 elude
                 herein
                 .
                 
                   Non
                   tutum
                   est
                   ludere
                   sacris
                   .
                   Cavete
                   .
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 taken
                 for
                 granted
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 
                   contrivers
                   ,
                   urgers
                
                 ,
                 and
                 takers
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Solemn
                   League
                
                 and
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 did
                 
                   mean
                   ,
                   endevor
                
                 ,
                 and
                 act
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 
                   sacred
                   conditions
                
                 of
                 an
                 Oath
                 ,
                 prescribed
                 in
                 
                   Jerem.
                   4
                   2.
                   
                   Thou
                   shalt
                   swear
                   ,
                   The
                   Lord
                   liveth
                   in
                   Truth
                   ,
                   in
                   Iudgment
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   Righteousness
                   .
                
                 If
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 taking
                 of
                 
                   Gods
                   Name
                
                 in
                 vain
                 .
                 An
                 Oath
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 
                   [
                   vinculum
                   iniquitatis
                
                 ]
                 an
                 obligation
                 to
                 sin
                 .
                 This
                 plea
                 the
                 defendants
                 have
                 against
                 the
                 plaintiffs
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 In
                 the
                 preamble
                 unto
                 the
                 taking
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 expressed
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 (
                 as
                 a
                 last
                 refuge
                 )
                 was
                 the
                 preservation
                 of
                 the
                 takers
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 Religion
                 from
                 
                   utter
                   ruine
                
                 and
                 destruction
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 the
                 six
                 particular
                 Articles
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 were
                 intended
                 and
                 pretended
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 tendency
                 to
                 such
                 an
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 otherwise
                 .
                 Now
                 such
                 hath
                 been
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 hereunto
                 have
                 served
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 the
                 defendants
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 .
                 Let
                 the
                 adversaries
                 judg
                 ,
                 if
                 otherwise
                 apparent
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 In
                 the
                 Parliaments
                 Order
                 of
                 Septemb.
                 25.
                 1643.
                 about
                 the
                 taking
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 required
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 Ministers
                 who
                 were
                 appointed
                 to
                 tender
                 it
                 ,
                 should
                 read
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 explain
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 perswade
                 to
                 the
                 taking
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 This
                 Order
                 seemeth
                 to
                 imply
                 ,
                 not
                 onely
                 a
                 necessity
                 of
                 the
                 explaining
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 a
                 requisitness
                 in
                 so
                 taking
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 explained
                 in
                 its
                 
                   just
                   sense
                
                 ,
                 and
                 latitude
                 ,
                 and
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 otherwise
                 And
                 this
                 also
                 is
                 the
                 plea
                 of
                 the
                 Covenanters
                 ,
                 honestly
                 and
                 uprightly
                 disposed
                 ;
                 as
                 all
                 must
                 needs
                 acknowledg
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Whereas
                 the
                 title
                 prefixed
                 unto
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   A
                   Solemn
                   League
                   and
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   for
                   Reformation
                   and
                   defence
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   the
                   honor
                   and
                   happiness
                   of
                   the
                   King
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   
                   Safety
                   of
                   the
                   three
                   Kingdoms
                   of
                
                 England
                 ,
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 and
                 Ireland
                 .
                 The
                 explanation
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 ,
                 That
                 such
                 Reformation
                 and
                 defence
                 ,
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 prosecuted
                 ,
                 in
                 lawful
                 and
                 
                   just
                   ways
                
                 ,
                 and
                 means
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 accomplishment
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 otherwise
                 .
                 And
                 in
                 this
                 sense
                 ,
                 no
                 doubt
                 the
                 faithful
                 Covenanters
                 have
                 taken
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 It
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 understood
                 rationally
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 course
                 for
                 the
                 due
                 accomplishing
                 of
                 what
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 title
                 ,
                 or
                 more
                 full
                 expression
                 of
                 the
                 six
                 Articles
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 ought
                 to
                 have
                 their
                 
                   mutual
                   consistency
                
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 prejudice
                 to
                 any
                 of
                 the
                 particulars
                 ;
                 whether
                 they
                 be
                 absolute
                 ,
                 or
                 conditional
                 onely
                 ;
                 whether
                 they
                 be
                 primary
                 ,
                 or
                 subservient
                 onely
                 .
                 Our
                 
                   Lord
                   Christs
                
                 vindicating
                 of
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 touching
                 the
                 keeping
                 of
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 ,
                 against
                 the
                 calumnies
                 and
                 exceptions
                 of
                 the
                 Pharisees
                 ,
                 see
                 Matth.
                 12.
                 1
                 ,
                 2
                 ,
                 9.
                 may
                 vindicate
                 the
                 objected
                 against
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 in
                 hand
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Touching
                 the
                 
                   endevor
                   Covenanted
                
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 and
                 second
                 Articles
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 charitably
                 hoped
                 ,
                 That
                 all
                 the
                 takers
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 have
                 complied
                 therein
                 ,
                 more
                 or
                 less
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 
                   calling
                   ,
                   capacity
                
                 ,
                 and
                 opportunity
                 thereunto
                 .
                 Every
                 one
                 standeth
                 or
                 falleth
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 master
                 ;
                 howbeit
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 most
                 probably
                 conjectured
                 ,
                 That
                 such
                 Parliamenteers
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 adherents
                 ,
                 who
                 voted
                 against
                 the
                 Concessions
                 of
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 treaty
                 at
                 Newport
                 ,
                 in
                 reference
                 to
                 Religion
                 and
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 as
                 no
                 
                   just
                   ground
                
                 and
                 foundation
                 for
                 a
                 good
                 Peace
                 ;
                 argued
                 thereby
                 much
                 faithfulness
                 to
                 the
                 Covenant
                 .
                 Ye
                 your selves
                 acknowledg
                 ,
                 
                   Testim
                   .
                   against
                   Tol.
                   pag.
                
                 12
                 ,
                 That
                 those
                 Concessions
                 ,
                 if
                 acquiesced
                 in
                 ,
                 were
                 dangerous
                 ,
                 and
                 destructive
                 ,
                 both
                 to
                 Religion
                 and
                 Covenant
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 The
                 third
                 Article
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 branch
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 touching
                 ,
                 
                   Endevor
                   mutually
                   to
                   preserve
                   the
                   Rights
                   and
                   Priviledges
                   of
                   the
                   Parliaments
                   ,
                   and
                   Liberties
                   of
                   the
                   Kingdoms
                   ,
                
                 must
                 be
                 understood
                 of
                 known
                 and
                 
                   just
                   Rights
                
                 ,
                 and
                 Priviledges
                 ,
                 and
                 Liberties
                 ;
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 a
                 transgression
                 of
                 the
                 Rules
                 prescribed
                 above
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 see
                 
                   Iere.
                   4.
                   2.
                   
                   Answ.
                
                 3.
                 
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 Touching
                 the
                 second
                 branch
                 of
                 the
                 third
                 
                   Article
                   ,
                   viz.
                   To
                   defend
                   and
                   preserve
                   the
                   Kings
                   person
                   ,
                   and
                   authority
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   preservation
                   ,
                   and
                   defence
                   of
                   the
                   true
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   Liberties
                   of
                   the
                   Kingdoms
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 notice
                 of
                 ,
                 That
                 this
                 branch
                 is
                 
                 propounded
                 and
                 taken
                 conditionally
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 limitation
                 ,
                 viz.
                 With
                 respects
                 unto
                 the
                 ends
                 specified
                 .
                 Supream
                 or
                 
                   subordinate
                   Authority
                
                 is
                 
                   (
                   custos
                   utriusque
                   tabutae
                
                 )
                 the
                 Keeper
                 of
                 both
                 Tables
                 .
                 Now
                 as
                 the
                 Governors
                 do
                 act
                 answerably
                 to
                 the
                 
                   just
                   nature
                
                 of
                 their
                 Offices
                 ,
                 they
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 honorably
                 assisted
                 and
                 defended
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 they
                 shall
                 act
                 contrarily
                 ,
                 even
                 tyrannically
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 may
                 ,
                 and
                 ought
                 ,
                 be
                 said
                 ,
                 and
                 done
                 ,
                 unto
                 them
                 (
                 as
                 
                   just
                   means
                
                 ,
                 and
                 opportunity
                 do
                 serve
                 thereunto
                 )
                 as
                 Iehu
                 said
                 to
                 Ioram
                 ,
                 see
                 2
                 
                   Kings
                   9.
                   22.
                   24.
                   
                   What
                   peace
                   ,
                   so
                   long
                   as
                   the
                   whoredoms
                   of
                   thy
                   mother
                
                 Jezebel
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   her
                   witchcrafts
                   are
                   so
                   many
                   ?
                   And
                
                 Jehu
                 
                   drew
                   a
                   bowe
                   ,
                   with
                   his
                   full
                   strength
                   ,
                   and
                   smote
                
                 Jchoram
                 
                   between
                   his
                   arms
                   and
                   the
                   arrow
                   went
                   out
                   at
                   his
                   heart
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   sunk
                   down
                   in
                   his
                   chair
                   .
                
              
               
                 11.
                 
                 Whether
                 the
                 fourth
                 Article
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 hath
                 not
                 been
                 endevored
                 by
                 our
                 
                   Covenanting
                   Parliament
                
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 adherents
                 ,
                 for
                 discovering
                 
                   Incendiaries
                   ,
                   Malignants
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   evil
                   Instruments
                
                 ,
                 whoever
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   the
                   hindering
                   Reformation
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   &c.
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   League
                   and
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   the
                   bringing
                   them
                   to
                   publike
                   tryal
                   ,
                
                 and
                 to
                 
                   receive
                   condign
                   punishment
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 degree
                 of
                 the
                 offence
                 deserveth
                 .
                 Let
                 the
                 lookers
                 on
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 own
                 consciences
                 judg
                 .
              
               
                 12.
                 
                 Whether
                 the
                 fifth
                 and
                 sixth
                 Articles
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 likest
                 to
                 be
                 fulfilled
                 ,
                 if
                 ye
                 shall
                 do
                 and
                 approve
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 Parliament
                 hath
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 :
                 Let
                 the
                 Reader
                 understand
                 .
              
               
                 13.
                 
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 Let
                 the
                 
                   Apostolical
                   retorsion
                
                 be
                 reverently
                 observed
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 use
                 of
                 ,
                 viz.
                 see
                 
                   Rom.
                   2.
                   13.
                   
                   Thou
                   that
                   makest
                   thy
                   boast
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   through
                   breaking
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   dishonorest
                   thou
                   God
                   ?
                
                 And
                 likewise
                 ,
                 the
                 expostulation
                 and
                 conviction
                 ,
                 used
                 by
                 Samuel
                 against
                 King
                 Saul
                 ;
                 who
                 boasted
                 of
                 his
                 performing
                 
                   Gods
                   Commandment
                
                 ,
                 in
                 bringing
                 the
                 
                   Delinquent
                   Amalekites
                
                 to
                 condign
                 punishment
                 ,
                 when
                 yet
                 he
                 had
                 spared
                 King
                 Agag
                 alive
                 ;
                 so
                 as
                 he
                 himself
                 was
                 necessitated
                 to
                 put
                 him
                 to
                 death
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 that
                 the
                 mouths
                 of
                 unworthy
                 complainants
                 against
                 
                   miscensured
                   Covenant
                   breakers
                
                 ,
                 who
                 yet
                 have
                 not
                 deit
                 falsly
                 in
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 however
                 calumniated
                 ,
                 might
                 hereby
                 be
                 stopped
                 ;
                 and
                 whereas
                 in
                 truth
                 ,
                 such
                 bitter
                 complainants
                 themselves
                 ,
                 taking
                 the
                 Covenant
                 in
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 are
                 deep
                 in
                 the
                 breach
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
               
                 The
                 premisses
                 duly
                 weighed
                 and
                 considered
                 ,
                 your
                 
                   faithful
                   Remembrancer
                
                 (
                 observing
                 your
                 worthy
                 and
                 
                   effectual
                   Admonition
                
                 ,
                 in
                 your
                 
                   Seasonable
                   Testimony
                   against
                   Toleration
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   secluded
                   Members
                   of
                   Parliament
                   ,
                   pag.
                
                 12
                 13.
                 
                 And
                 he
                 taking
                 noticae
                 ,
                 how
                 gracious
                 ye
                 are
                 ,
                 not
                 onely
                 in
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 your
                 Estates
                 ,
                 and
                 Ministers
                 ;
                 but
                 also
                 in
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 very
                 many
                 in
                 our
                 Land
                 )
                 taketh
                 encouragement
                 and
                 confidence
                 ,
                 to
                 stir
                 you
                 up
                 ,
                 to
                 exhort
                 all
                 those
                 ,
                 in
                 whose
                 hearts
                 ye
                 are
                 ingratiated
                 ,
                 both
                 in
                 Scotland
                 and
                 England
                 ,
                 to
                 repent
                 of
                 miscarriage
                 in
                 any
                 kinde
                 ,
                 and
                 degree
                 ,
                 hitherto
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 set
                 and
                 prepare
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 fully
                 to
                 seek
                 God
                 ,
                 if
                 yet
                 every
                 thing
                 that
                 doth
                 offend
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 taken
                 away
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 so
                 the
                 
                   grand
                   work
                
                 of
                 Reformation
                 ,
                 both
                 in
                 Doctrine
                 and
                 Discipline
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 no
                 longer
                 obstructed
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 a
                 
                   great
                   door
                
                 and
                 effectual
                 may
                 be
                 opened
                 ,
                 there
                 being
                 so
                 many
                 adversaries
                 .
              
               
                 This
                 is
                 moved
                 the
                 rather
                 ,
                 because
                 friends
                 do
                 at
                 least
                 a
                 little
                 suspect
                 ;
                 but
                 enemies
                 do
                 strongly
                 charge
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   sometimes
                   subscribing
                
                 and
                 
                   conforming
                   Hierarchical
                   Ministers
                
                 ,
                 in
                 both
                 Nations
                 ,
                 in
                 too
                 great
                 a
                 generality
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 whatsoever
                 pretence
                 may
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 of
                 their
                 being
                 Covenanters
                 ;
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 hankered
                 still
                 after
                 
                   Egypts
                   garlick
                
                 and
                 
                   flesh
                   pots
                
                 ,
                 under
                 the
                 deceiving
                 and
                 
                   deluding
                   notion
                
                 of
                 
                   moderate
                   Episcopacy
                
                 :
                 Sith
                 there
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 tumultuous
                 stir
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 Kings
                 destructive
                 Concessions
                 were
                 not
                 accepted
                 ,
                 nor
                 he
                 spared
                 ;
                 whose
                 expressions
                 sounded
                 to
                 the
                 last
                 breath
                 ,
                 
                   Episcopacy
                   ,
                   Episcopacy
                
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 to
                 draw
                 to
                 a
                 conclusion
                 ,
                 Give
                 your
                 
                   zealous
                   Remembrancor
                
                 leave
                 ,
                 to
                 represent
                 in
                 a
                 word
                 unto
                 your
                 
                   affectionate
                   ,
                   compassionate
                   bowels
                
                 of
                 love
                 to
                 the
                 brotherhood
                 .
                 What
                 if
                 your
                 selves
                 and
                 brethren
                 in
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 your
                 advice
                 ,
                 the
                 Ministers
                 of
                 
                   London
                   Province
                
                 (
                 together
                 with
                 others
                 in
                 some
                 Counties
                 of
                 this
                 
                   Nation
                   ,
                   ambitious
                
                 to
                 tread
                 in
                 your
                 and
                 their
                 steps
                 )
                 shall
                 set
                 all
                 your
                 hearts
                 and
                 hands
                 ,
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 to
                 understand
                 and
                 pursue
                 ,
                 an
                 holy
                 and
                 
                   just
                   way
                
                 of
                 
                   brotherly
                   peace
                
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 walked
                 in
                 ,
                 with
                 those
                 
                   godly
                   brethren
                
                 that
                 are
                 otherwise
                 minded
                 ,
                 then
                 your selves
                 ,
                 in
                 some
                 lesser
                 points
                 of
                 the
                 Discipline
                 ,
                 till
                 God
                 shall
                 further
                 reveal
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 whilst
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 perfect
                 ,
                 do
                 minde
                 the
                 same
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 endevor
                 to
                 walk
                 by
                 the
                 same
                 rule
                 
                 of
                 Church-government
                 ,
                 held
                 forth
                 in
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 
                   Reformed
                   Churches
                
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 our
                 own
                 Church
                 now
                 also
                 ?
                 
                   Behold
                   how
                   good
                   ,
                   and
                   how
                   pleasant
                   it
                   is
                   ,
                   for
                   Brethren
                   to
                   dwell
                   together
                   in
                   unity
                   ,
                
                 see
                 Psal.
                 133.
                 1.
                 
              
               
                 Beloved
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 ye
                 cannot
                 be
                 ignorant
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 Canaanite
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Perizzite
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 
                   Antichristian
                   Papists
                   ,
                   Prelatical
                   Royalists
                   ,
                   Malignant
                   Hyppocrites
                   ,
                   Blasphemous
                   Hereticks
                   ,
                   Pernicious
                   Sectaries
                   ,
                
                 and
                 
                   Prophane
                   Atheists
                
                 ,
                 are
                 in
                 these
                 
                   Lands
                   ,
                   observing
                
                 and
                 
                   making
                   advantage
                
                 of
                 the
                 strife
                 betwixt
                 
                   holy
                   Brethren
                
                 ;
                 to
                 harden
                 themselves
                 in
                 sinful
                 folly
                 against
                 
                   Gods
                   ways
                
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 consult
                 and
                 take
                 crafty
                 counsel
                 against
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 his
                 
                   hidden
                   ones
                
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 cut
                 them
                 off
                 from
                 being
                 a
                 people
                 ,
                 that
                 their
                 name
                 may
                 be
                 no
                 more
                 in
                 remembrance
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 
                   faithful
                   Abraham
                
                 ,
                 would
                 say
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 to
                 his
                 
                   nephew
                   Lot
                   !
                   We
                   are
                   Brethren
                   ;
                   Let
                   there
                   be
                   no
                   strife
                   between
                   us
                   nor
                   between
                   our
                   Pastors
                   .
                
                 Our
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 the
                 head
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 pattern
                 ;
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 in
                 the
                 days
                 of
                 his
                 flesh
                 ,
                 did
                 suffer
                 long
                 and
                 much
                 those
                 his
                 Disciples
                 that
                 followed
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 regeneration
                 ;
                 albeit
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 indulge
                 them
                 in
                 their
                 infirmities
                 ,
                 but
                 reproved
                 them
                 sharply
                 on
                 occasion
                 ,
                 for
                 their
                 dulness
                 in
                 understanding
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 their
                 
                   perversness
                   ,
                   folly
                
                 ,
                 and
                 slowness
                 of
                 heart
                 in
                 beleeving
                 ;
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 therefore
                 reject
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 exercised
                 
                   wonderful
                   patience
                
                 towards
                 them
                 ,
                 instructing
                 them
                 with
                 meekness
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 long-suffering
                 ,
                 and
                 doctrine
                 :
                 Yea
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 tells
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 gave
                 them
                 example
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 should
                 do
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 .
              
               
                 My
                 good
                 Brethren
                 of
                 England
                 and
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 do
                 not
                 count
                 it
                 grievous
                 to
                 be
                 called
                 on
                 to
                 remember
                 your
                 guides
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 spoken
                 to
                 you
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 even
                 those
                 good
                 old
                 Non-Conformists
                 to
                 Hierarchy
                 and
                 Superstition
                 ,
                 who
                 ruled
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 faithful
                 with
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 when
                 Prelacy
                 and
                 the
                 generality
                 of
                 the
                 reputed
                 Clergy
                 compassed
                 God
                 with
                 deceit
                 ,
                 if
                 ye
                 may
                 follow
                 their
                 faith
                 ;
                 and
                 being
                 compassed
                 about
                 with
                 so
                 great
                 a
                 cloud
                 of
                 witnesses
                 ,
                 ye
                 may
                 follow
                 peace
                 with
                 holiness
                 ;
                 without
                 which
                 ,
                 no
                 man
                 shall
                 see
                 the
                 Lord.
                 I
                 shall
                 produce
                 for
                 instance
                 ,
                 two
                 witnesses
                 onely
                 ,
                 whom
                 for
                 their
                 honors
                 sake
                 ,
                 I
                 do
                 make
                 mention
                 of
                 ,
                 viz.
                 Mr.
                 
                   Arthur
                   Hildersam
                
                 of
                 England
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 Mr.
                 
                   Alexander
                   Henderson
                
                 of
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 both
                 of
                 them
                 of
                 blessed
                 memory
                 .
                 The
                 one
                 ,
                 namely
                 Mr.
                 
                   Alexander
                   Henderson
                
                 of
                 your
                 own
                 Nation
                 ,
                 whose
                 praise
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 hath
                 been
                 so
                 great
                 in
                 the
                 Churches
                 abroad
                 ,
                 and
                 whose
                 love
                 so
                 abounded
                 at
                 home
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 knowledg
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 all
                 judgment
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 worst
                 of
                 times
                 with
                 you
                 ;
                 and
                 in
                 special
                 ,
                 his
                 most
                 prudent
                 and
                 unwearied
                 acting
                 in
                 the
                 Assembly
                 of
                 Divines
                 at
                 Westminster
                 ,
                 in
                 England
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 need
                 ,
                 till
                 preproperous
                 death
                 put
                 a
                 period
                 to
                 his
                 days
                 :
                 I
                 refer
                 the
                 reflecting
                 of
                 thoughts
                 on
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 your selves
                 ,
                 who
                 abundantly
                 knew
                 the
                 proof
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 with
                 what
                 
                   natural
                   love
                
                 he
                 served
                 you
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 .
                 He
                 was
                 a
                 burning
                 and
                 a
                 
                   shining
                   light
                
                 to
                 walk
                 by
                 .
                 Be
                 ye
                 followers
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 followed
                 Christ
                 ,
                 in
                 walking
                 in
                 love
                 .
                 The
                 other
                 ,
                 namely
                 Mr.
                 
                   Arthur
                   Hildersam
                
                 ,
                 of
                 our
                 
                   English
                   Nation
                
                 ;
                 of
                 him
                 I
                 chuse
                 to
                 speak
                 in
                 Mr.
                 
                   John
                   Cotton
                
                 of
                 Boston
                 his
                 expression
                 ,
                 in
                 giving
                 testimony
                 ,
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 for
                 his
                 singular
                 worth
                 ,
                 see
                 Epist.
                 prefixed
                 to
                 
                   Lect.
                   on
                   John
                   4.
                   
                   He
                   was
                   like
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   chief
                   of
                   Davids
                   Worthies
                   ;
                   not
                   amongst
                   the
                   thirty
                   ,
                   but
                   amongst
                   the
                   first
                   three
                   .
                
                 This
                 
                   blessed
                   man
                
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 and
                 otherwhere
                 ,
                 so
                 in
                 special
                 in
                 his
                 
                   Lect.
                   98.
                   on
                   John
                   4.
                   
                   August
                
                 27.
                 1611.
                 handleth
                 at
                 large
                 ,
                 and
                 very
                 effectually
                 ,
                 (
                 not
                 with
                 
                   inticing
                   words
                
                 of
                 
                   mans
                   wisdom
                
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 demonstration
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 power
                 )
                 the
                 
                   useful
                   lesson
                
                 for
                 
                   Gods
                   people
                   ,
                   viz.
                
                 Not
                 to
                 reject
                 or
                 despise
                 any
                 childe
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 weaknesses
                 ,
                 whether
                 the
                 infirmities
                 be
                 error
                 of
                 
                   judgment
                   ,
                   frowardness
                   ,
                   pride
                   ,
                   unthankfulness
                   ,
                   slips
                
                 in
                 
                   conversation
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 
                 Where
                 he
                 directeth
                 likewise
                 ,
                 unto
                 the
                 duties
                 that
                 are
                 owing
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 there
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 judging
                 for
                 difference
                 in
                 judgment
                 in
                 
                   Church
                   Controversies
                
                 ,
                 nor
                 an
                 estranging
                 in
                 affection
                 ,
                 nor
                 a
                 
                   neglecting
                   means
                
                 of
                 
                   reclaiming
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 and
                 there
                 prescribing
                 also
                 
                   requisite
                   remedies
                
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 
                   Vid.
                   ibid.
                
                 O
                 therefore
                 ,
                 that
                 such
                 
                   stirring
                   ,
                   useful
                   inferences
                
                 ,
                 from
                 
                   heavenly
                   doctrine
                
                 (
                 by
                 an
                 Interpreter
                 ,
                 one
                 of
                 a
                 thousand
                 )
                 might
                 cause
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 burn
                 within
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 sway
                 us
                 to
                 vow
                 unto
                 the
                 mighty
                 God
                 of
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 Tabernacle
                 of
                 our
                 house
                 ,
                 nor
                 go
                 up
                 unto
                 our
                 beds
                 ,
                 nor
                 give
                 sleep
                 unto
                 our
                 eyes
                 ,
                 nor
                 slumber
                 to
                 our
                 eye-lids
                 ,
                 until
                 such
                 time
                 as
                 some
                 
                   blessed
                   
                   expedient
                
                 may
                 be
                 found
                 ,
                 and
                 observed
                 ,
                 for
                 establishing
                 truth
                 and
                 peace
                 amongst
                 Brethren
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 peace
                 himself
                 ,
                 give
                 England
                 and
                 
                   Scotland
                   peace
                
                 always
                 ,
                 by
                 all
                 means
                 .
                 Grace
                 be
                 with
                 you
                 all
                 ,
              
               
                 Amen
                 .
              
               
                 
                   
                     Matth.
                     5.
                     9.
                     
                  
                   Blessed
                   are
                   the
                   peace-makers
                   ,
                   for
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   called
                   the
                   children
                   of
                   God.
                   
                
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
           
             
             
               AN
               APPENDIX
               Humbly
               offered
               and
               submitted
               to
               the
               most
               faithful
               ,
               prudent
               ,
               and
               godly-zealous
               Patriots
               of
               the
               Honorable
               House
               of
               COMMONS
               ,
               And
               of
               the
               English
               Nation
               ,
               Tending
               to
               vindicate
               Some
               late
               actings
               and
               proceedings
               of
               the
               High
               Court
               of
               PARLIAMENT
               ,
               and
               their
               puissant
               Army
               ,
               for
               the
               promoting
               of
               blessed
               Iustice
               and
               lawful
               Liberty
               .
            
             
               As
               also
               the
               alteration
               of
               set
               days
               of
               Humiliation
               ,
               and
               appointing
               of
               occasional
               .
            
             
               In
               certain
               short
               exemplary
               Observations
               ,
               and
               present
               parallel
               applicatory
               Inferences
               grounded
               on
               some
               select
               Texts
               of
               Scripture
               .
            
             
               1
               Sam.
               14.
               36
               ,
               38
               ,
               39
               ,
               40
               ,
               43
               ,
               44
               ,
               45
               ,
               46
               ,
               47
               ,
               48.
               
            
             
               1
               Sam.
               15.
               2
               ,
               3
               ,
               7
               ,
               8
               ,
               9
               ,
               13
               ,
               14
               ,
               15
               ,
               20
               ,
               21
               ,
               24
               ,
               32
               ,
               33.
               
            
             
               2
               Sam.
               12.
               1
               ,
               2
               ,
               3
               ,
               4
               ,
               5
               ,
               7
               ,
               8
               ,
               9
               ,
               13
               ,
               14.
               
            
             
               Zech.
               7.
               3
               ,
               5.
               and
               8.
               19.
               
            
             
               
                 
                   Rom.
                   25.
                   4.
                   
                
                 
                   For
                   whatsoever
                   things
                   were
                   written
                   aforetime
                   ,
                   were
                   written
                   for
                   our
                   learning
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   through
                   patience
                   and
                   comfort
                   of
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   might
                   have
                   hope
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Psal.
                   119.
                   133.
                   
                
                 
                   Order
                   my
                   steps
                   in
                   thy
                   word
                   ,
                   and
                   let
                   not
                   any
                   iniquity
                   have
                   dominion
                   over
                   me
                   .
                
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
             
             
               
                 1
                 Sam.
                 14.
                 36
                 ,
                 38
                 ,
                 39
                 ,
                 40
                 ,
                 43
                 ,
                 44
                 ,
                 45
                 ,
                 46
                 ,
                 47
                 ,
                 48.
                 
              
               
                 
                   
                     
                       Observation
                       ,
                       I.
                       
                    
                     
                       1.
                       
                       Paralel
                       inference
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       KIng
                       Saul
                       
                         had
                         a
                         due
                         Soveraign
                         Power
                         ,
                         and
                         Supream
                         Authority
                         over
                         the
                      
                       Israelites
                       ,
                       
                         yea
                         ,
                         over
                         the
                         chief
                         of
                         them
                         that
                         were
                         of
                         the
                         Army
                         or
                         Souldiery
                         ,
                         and
                         accordingly
                         did
                         exercise
                         the
                         same
                         ,
                         even
                         as
                         cause
                         and
                         occasion
                         required
                         ,
                      
                       see
                       Vers.
                       36
                       ,
                       38.
                       
                    
                     
                       THe
                       Parliament
                       of
                       England
                       hath
                       a
                       due
                       Soveraign
                       Power
                       ,
                       and
                       Supream
                       Authority
                       over
                       the
                       Nation
                       ,
                       yea
                       ,
                       over
                       the
                       chief
                       Officers
                       of
                       their
                       army
                       ,
                       and
                       accordingly
                       doth
                       exercise
                       the
                       same
                       ,
                       in
                       giving
                       the
                       Army
                       their
                       Commission
                       ,
                       and
                       Direction
                       ,
                       &c.
                       
                       This
                       is
                       taken
                       for
                       granted
                       ,
                       as
                       being
                       many
                       ways
                       sufficiently
                       cleered
                       ,
                       see
                       Master
                       
                         Prynnes
                         Soverain
                         Power
                         of
                         Parliaments
                      
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       II.
                       
                         The
                         people
                         of
                      
                       Israel
                       ,
                       
                         yea
                         ,
                         the
                         chief
                         of
                         the
                         Souldiery
                         acknowledged
                         King
                      
                       Sauls
                       
                         due
                         soveveraignty
                         over
                         them
                         ,
                         and
                         loyally
                         submitted
                         thereunto
                         ,
                         as
                         indeed
                         it
                         became
                         them
                         so
                         to
                         do
                         ,
                      
                       see
                       Vers.
                       36
                       ,
                       40.
                       
                       They
                       said
                       
                         (
                         once
                         and
                         again
                      
                       )
                       unto
                       Saul
                       ,
                       Do
                       whatsoever
                       seemeth
                       good
                       unto
                       thee
                       .
                    
                     
                       2.
                       
                       The
                       People
                       of
                       the
                       English
                       Nation
                       ,
                       yea
                       ,
                       even
                       the
                       chief
                       of
                       the
                       Army
                       ,
                       and
                       Counsel
                       of
                       War
                       ,
                       do
                       acknowledg
                       the
                       due
                       Soveraignty
                       of
                       the
                       Parliament
                       ;
                       and
                       also
                       do
                       submit
                       thereunto
                       ,
                       as
                       doth
                       become
                       them
                       ,
                       and
                       as
                       indeed
                       they
                       ought
                       to
                       do
                       .
                       Thus
                       much
                       may
                       appear
                       to
                       any
                       ingenuous
                       lookers
                       on
                       ,
                       both
                       by
                       the
                       Armies
                       Declarations
                       ,
                       and
                       also
                       by
                       their
                       answerable
                       conformity
                       ,
                       in
                       the
                       variety
                       of
                       incident
                       occasions
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       III.
                       
                         It
                         is
                         to
                         be
                         understood
                         ,
                         that
                         the
                         dueness
                         of
                      
                       Sauls
                       
                         Soveraign
                         power
                         ,
                         and
                         the
                         dueness
                         of
                         the
                         submission
                         of
                         the
                         people
                         and
                      
                    
                     
                       3.
                       
                       The
                       due
                       Soveraign
                       power
                       of
                       the
                       Parliament
                       ,
                       and
                       the
                       due
                       submission
                       of
                       the
                       people
                       ,
                       or
                       chief
                       of
                       the
                       Army
                       ,
                       have
                       their
                       Consistency
                       in
                       the
                       Rules
                       and
                       Directions
                       contained
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       
                         chief
                         of
                         the
                         Army
                         was
                         onely
                      
                       In
                       the
                       Lord
                       and
                       according
                       to
                       the
                       Oath
                       of
                       God
                       ,
                       
                         and
                         his
                         direction
                      
                       ,
                       In
                       giving
                       to
                       Caesar
                       ,
                       the
                       things
                       that
                       are
                       Caesars
                       ;
                       and
                       to
                       God
                       ,
                       the
                       things
                       that
                       are
                       Gods
                       ,
                       see
                       V.
                       45.
                       
                       Eccles.
                       8.
                       2.
                       
                       Matth.
                       22.
                       21.
                       
                    
                     
                       in
                       the
                       sacred
                       Scriptures
                       ,
                       under
                       this
                       limitation
                       ,
                       
                         According
                         to
                         the
                         Oath
                         of
                         God
                         ,
                      
                       and
                       
                         In
                         the
                         Lord.
                      
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       Note
                       .
                       Lex
                       inferioris
                       non
                       praejudicat
                       ,
                       nec
                       derogat
                       legi
                       superioris
                       :
                       
                         that
                         is
                         ,
                         The
                         Law
                         of
                         the
                         inferior
                         is
                         not
                         prejudicial
                         to
                         ,
                         neither
                         diminisheth
                         any
                         thing
                         from
                         the
                         Law
                         of
                         the
                         Superior
                         .
                      
                    
                     
                       Note
                       .
                       Reforming
                       ,
                       and
                       Reformed
                       Christians
                       do
                       not
                       ,
                       they
                       dare
                       not
                       pretend
                       or
                       claim
                       otherwise
                       .
                       Sith
                       they
                       have
                       learned
                       to
                       search
                       the
                       Scriptures
                       ,
                       and
                       to
                       prove
                       all
                       things
                       ,
                       and
                       to
                       observe
                       and
                       hold
                       fast
                       onely
                       that
                       which
                       is
                       good
                       ,
                       see
                       
                         John
                         5.
                         39.
                         1
                         
                         Thes.
                         5.
                         21.
                         
                         Sauls
                      
                       guard
                       did
                       justly
                       refuse
                       to
                       obey
                       his
                       unlawful
                       command
                       ,
                       see
                       1
                       Sam.
                       22.
                       17.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       IV.
                       King
                       Saul
                       
                         transgressed
                         very
                         hainously
                         and
                         odiously
                         ,
                         in
                         his
                         devoting
                         and
                         sentencing
                         his
                         son
                      
                       Jonathan
                       ,
                       
                         most
                         unwarrantably
                         and
                         unjustly
                         to
                         capital
                         punishment
                         ,
                         even
                         to
                         be
                         put
                         to
                         death
                         .
                         Sith
                         such
                         sentence
                         tended
                         not
                         onely
                         to
                         the
                         extream
                         damage
                         ,
                         and
                         prejudice
                         of
                         his
                         son
                      
                       Jonathan
                       ,
                       
                         and
                         subjects
                         ,
                         but
                         also
                         the
                         main
                         violation
                         of
                         Gods
                         Law
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Vers.
                       39.
                       43
                       ,
                       44
                       ,
                       45.
                       
                    
                     
                       4.
                       
                       The
                       majority
                       of
                       the
                       Soveraign
                       Parliament
                       in
                       those
                       their
                       Votes
                       ,
                       asserting
                       the
                       Kings
                       last
                       Concessions
                       ,
                       to
                       be
                       a
                       ground
                       and
                       foundation
                       of
                       a
                       good
                       safe
                       peace
                       ;
                       swerved
                       both
                       highly
                       and
                       hainously
                       .
                       Sith
                       such
                       his
                       Concessions
                       ,
                       if
                       rested
                       in
                       ,
                       were
                       evidently
                       dangerous
                       and
                       destructive
                       ,
                       as
                       being
                       contrary
                       to
                       the
                       Scripture
                       ,
                       and
                       to
                       the
                       Solemn
                       Covenant
                       ;
                       yea
                       ,
                       and
                       thus
                       deemed
                       ,
                       not
                       onely
                       by
                       the
                       Scots
                       ,
                       as
                       hath
                       been
                       formerly
                       declared
                       ,
                       but
                       also
                       by
                       a
                       great
                       part
                       of
                       prudent
                       ,
                       and
                       pious
                       Members
                       of
                       the
                       Parliament
                       ,
                       and
                       the
                       generality
                       of
                       the
                       truly
                       Religious
                       in
                       the
                       whole
                       Nation
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       V.
                       
                         The
                         people
                         or
                         chief
                      
                    
                     
                       5.
                       
                       Some
                       of
                       the
                       people
                       of
                       chief
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       of
                       Sauls
                       
                         Army
                         ,
                         having
                         means
                         and
                         opportunity
                         thereunto
                         (
                         other
                         meet
                         means
                         being
                         at
                         that
                         time
                         and
                         on
                         that
                         occasion
                         wanting
                         )
                         did
                         worthily
                         hinder
                         ,
                         and
                         restrain
                      
                       Saul
                       
                         on
                         very
                         just
                         grounds
                         (
                         though
                         not
                         altogether
                         regularly
                         )
                         from
                         such
                         procedure
                         against
                      
                       Jonathan
                       ,
                       
                         in
                         his
                         resolved
                         way
                         of
                         acting
                         unwarrantably
                         ,
                         what
                         ever
                         might
                         have
                         been
                         alledged
                         by
                         him
                         against
                         the
                         people
                         speciously
                         ,
                         or
                         pretended
                         in
                         case
                         of
                         Soveraign
                         Perogative
                         or
                         Priviledg
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Vers
                       45.
                       
                       
                         This
                         course
                         held
                         by
                      
                       Azariah
                       
                         the
                         Priest
                         ,
                         and
                         eighty
                         Priests
                         ,
                         (
                         being
                         valiant
                         men
                         )
                         in
                         their
                         forceable
                         withstanding
                         of
                         King
                      
                       Uzziah
                       ,
                       
                         in
                         a
                         case
                         of
                         emergent
                         exigency
                         ,
                         was
                         approved
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       2
                       Chron.
                       26.
                       16
                       ,
                       17
                       ,
                       18.
                       
                    
                     
                       of
                       the
                       Parliament
                       Army
                       ,
                       having
                       probable
                       power
                       and
                       opportunity
                       thereunto
                       (
                       other
                       punctual
                       regular
                       means
                       ,
                       being
                       then
                       wanting
                       on
                       that
                       occasion
                       )
                       did
                       prudently
                       and
                       worthily
                       hinder
                       and
                       restrain
                       some
                       Parliament
                       Members
                       from
                       entring
                       into
                       the
                       House
                       in
                       that
                       juncture
                       ,
                       when
                       destructive
                       overtures
                       in
                       agitation
                       ,
                       were
                       in
                       extream
                       danger
                       of
                       too
                       great
                       concurrence
                       thereunto
                       by
                       the
                       plurality
                       of
                       Votes
                       ,
                       had
                       not
                       such
                       seasonable
                       anticipation
                       given
                       a
                       stop
                       .
                       Doth
                       not
                       extream
                       necessity
                       disregard
                       and
                       pass
                       by
                       lesser
                       Priviledges
                       ,
                       and
                       subservient
                       Rules
                       ,
                       which
                       otherwise
                       might
                       deservedly
                       claim
                       a
                       sacred
                       inviolableness
                       ?
                       Let
                       the
                       instance
                       in
                       the
                       Text
                       ,
                       Ver.
                       45.
                       be
                       well
                       weighed
                       ,
                       besides
                       what
                       is
                       cleered
                       by
                       ,
                       Christ
                       himself
                       ,
                       
                         Matth.
                         12.
                         3
                         ,
                         4
                         ,
                         5
                         ,
                         &c.
                         
                      
                       Like
                       as
                       the
                       Souldiers
                       did
                       well
                       to
                       cut
                       off
                       the
                       Ropes
                       of
                       the
                       Boat
                       ,
                       and
                       let
                       her
                       fall
                       off
                       ,
                       when
                       the
                       Ship
                       men
                       (
                       who
                       were
                       the
                       supream
                       Governors
                       of
                       the
                       Ship
                       )
                       were
                       about
                       to
                       flee
                       out
                       of
                       the
                       Ship
                       ,
                       to
                       the
                       utter
                       endangering
                       of
                       the
                       lives
                       of
                       all
                       the
                       Passengers
                       ,
                       as
                       the
                       Apostle
                       Paul
                       did
                       confidently
                       advertise
                       ,
                       see
                       
                       Acts
                       ●7
                       .
                       30
                       ,
                       31
                       ,
                       32.
                       
                       So
                       it
                       may
                       seem
                       the
                       chief
                       of
                       the
                       Parliament
                       Souldiers
                       did
                       well
                       to
                       hinder
                       ,
                       and
                       restrain
                       at
                       present
                       from
                       entring
                       into
                       the
                       House
                       ,
                       some
                       of
                       the
                       Members
                       (
                       who
                       had
                       they
                       been
                       in
                       the
                       House
                       were
                       of
                       equal
                       Authority
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       Note
                       .
                       
                         Events
                         do
                         usually
                         make
                         very
                         cleer
                         and
                         sure
                         discoveries
                         and
                         manifestations
                         of
                         the
                         prudential
                         and
                         faithful
                         manage
                         of
                         important
                         expedient
                         undertakings
                         ;
                         which
                         in
                         their
                         present
                         enterprisings
                         ,
                         have
                         seemed
                         very
                         dark
                         to
                         some
                         .
                         As
                         it
                         may
                         easily
                         be
                      
                    
                     
                        
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       
                         discerned
                         ,
                         by
                         diligent
                         observers
                         of
                         Heroical
                         Actions
                         ,
                         and
                         of
                         the
                         generally
                         received
                         principle
                         ,
                      
                       Salus
                       populi
                       suprema
                       Lex
                       .
                    
                     
                       in
                       Voting
                       with
                       the
                       rest
                       )
                       whereas
                       ,
                       if
                       they
                       had
                       not
                       been
                       so
                       restrained
                       ,
                       or
                       secluded
                       ,
                       it
                       was
                       with
                       most
                       likely
                       probability
                       apprehended
                       ,
                       that
                       the
                       majority
                       might
                       have
                       swayed
                       by
                       Votes
                       ,
                       to
                       the
                       extream
                       prejudice
                       ,
                       both
                       of
                       the
                       Civil
                       State
                       ,
                       and
                       Church
                       Affairs
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       VI.
                       K.
                       Saul
                       
                         having
                         been
                         justly
                         hindered
                         ,
                         and
                         restrained
                         in
                         his
                         unworthy
                         and
                         pernicious
                         designe
                         against
                      
                       Jonathan
                       ,
                       
                         even
                         by
                         the
                         chief
                         of
                         the
                         Souldiers
                         ;
                         He
                         doth
                         notwithstanding
                         ,
                         afterwards
                         apply
                         himself
                         to
                         act
                         as
                         became
                         him
                         according
                         to
                         his
                         office
                         ,
                         in
                         the
                         behalf
                         of
                         the
                         Kingdom
                         ,
                         and
                         against
                         the
                         enemies
                         of
                         the
                         peace
                         of
                         it
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       vers
                       .
                       47
                       ,
                       48.
                       
                       
                         And
                         such
                         his
                         approved
                         course
                         ,
                         tended
                         very
                         much
                         to
                         the
                         vexing
                         of
                         the
                         common
                         enemies
                         ,
                         and
                         the
                         delivery
                         of
                      
                       Israel
                       
                         out
                         of
                         the
                         hands
                         of
                         spoilers
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       vers
                       .
                       47
                       ,
                       48.
                       
                    
                     
                       6.
                       
                       May
                       it
                       not
                       be
                       inferred
                       hence
                       ,
                       That
                       such
                       Members
                       of
                       the
                       Parliament
                       ,
                       as
                       were
                       restrained
                       in
                       that
                       nick
                       of
                       time
                       ,
                       from
                       the
                       opportunity
                       of
                       acting
                       unworthily
                       then
                       onely
                       ;
                       ought
                       notwithstanding
                       to
                       have
                       applyed
                       themselves
                       to
                       have
                       returned
                       seasonably
                       ,
                       and
                       gone
                       on
                       as
                       formerly
                       in
                       the
                       discharge
                       of
                       Parliamentary
                       Authoritative
                       power
                       ,
                       and
                       weighty
                       employment
                       committed
                       unto
                       them
                       by
                       the
                       Countries
                       ,
                       and
                       Corporations
                       ,
                       for
                       which
                       they
                       were
                       the
                       Representatives
                       ?
                       Verily
                       had
                       they
                       so
                       approved
                       themselves
                       (
                       or
                       shall
                       any
                       yet
                       do
                       so
                       in
                       a
                       due
                       way
                       )
                       it
                       might
                       much
                       have
                       conduced
                       to
                       the
                       publike
                       good
                       ;
                       to
                       the
                       peace
                       of
                       their
                       own
                       consciences
                       ,
                       and
                       obtaining
                       the
                       Spirit
                       of
                       Glory
                       to
                       rest
                       upon
                       them
                       .
                    
                  
                
              
            
             
               
               
                 1
                 Sam.
                 15.
                 2
                 ,
                 3
                 ,
                 7
                 ,
                 8
                 ,
                 9
                 ,
                 13
                 ,
                 14
                 ,
                 15
                 ,
                 20
                 ,
                 21
                 ,
                 24
                 ,
                 32
                 ,
                 33.
                 
              
               
                 
                   
                     
                       Observation
                       .
                       I.
                       
                    
                     
                       1.
                       
                       
                         Parallel
                         inference
                      
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       SAul
                       
                         in
                         his
                         reign
                         over
                      
                       Israel
                       
                         (
                         the
                      
                       Israelites
                       
                         having
                         earnestly
                         desired
                         a
                         Kingly
                         Government
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       1
                       Sam.
                       8.
                       19.
                       
                       
                         And
                         having
                         approved
                      
                       Sauls
                       
                         designment
                         unto
                         it
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       1
                       Sam.
                       10
                       ●4
                       .
                       )
                       
                         He
                         in
                         process
                         of
                         time
                         had
                         a
                         special
                         Commission
                         ,
                         and
                         imployment
                         put
                         upon
                         him
                         ,
                         even
                         to
                         execute
                         Iustice
                         on
                         certain
                         enemies
                         ,
                         whose
                         Ancestors
                         had
                         raised
                         an
                         unjust
                         and
                         unnatural
                         war
                         against
                         the
                      
                       Israelites
                       
                         about
                         four
                         hundred
                         yeers
                         before
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Vers.
                       2
                       ,
                       3.
                       
                         compared
                         with
                      
                       Exod.
                       17.
                       8.
                       
                    
                     
                       THe
                       English
                       Parliament
                       (
                       long
                       ,
                       long
                       desired
                       ,
                       and
                       longed
                       for
                       ;
                       and
                       now
                       by
                       the
                       good
                       hand
                       of
                       God
                       providentially
                       over-ruling
                       ,
                       and
                       it
                       happily
                       continuing
                       to
                       sit
                       unto
                       this
                       day
                       )
                       did
                       in
                       due
                       time
                       effectually
                       and
                       seasonably
                       engage
                       it self
                       unto
                       a
                       faithful
                       endevor
                       (
                       as
                       the
                       cause
                       of
                       God
                       ,
                       and
                       his
                       people
                       required
                       )
                       to
                       restore
                       the
                       Nation
                       to
                       their
                       Just
                       Liberties
                       ,
                       and
                       to
                       reform
                       Religion
                       ,
                       which
                       had
                       been
                       withheld
                       and
                       depraved
                       by
                       Tyranny
                       and
                       Antichristian
                       Hierarchy
                       (
                       as
                       is
                       to
                       be
                       seen
                       in
                       the
                       English
                       Histories
                       of
                       Civil
                       and
                       Ecclesiastical
                       Occurrences
                       ,
                       )
                       yea
                       ,
                       and
                       bring
                       notorious
                       Delinquents
                       to
                       Justice
                       ,
                       as
                       the
                       Parliament
                       Remonstrances
                       do
                       testifie
                       .
                       And
                       blessed
                       be
                       the
                       God
                       of
                       England
                       ,
                       who
                       with
                       such
                       unspeakable
                       ,
                       merciful
                       goodness
                       ,
                       hath
                       visited
                       the
                       languishing
                       Nation
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       II.
                       Saul
                       
                         and
                         the
                         people
                         ,
                         did
                         in
                         good
                         part
                         very
                         vigorously
                         pursue
                         their
                         Commission
                         ,
                         in
                         engaging
                         and
                         fighting
                         those
                         Amalekitish
                         enemies
                         ,
                         who
                         had
                         been
                         such
                         grand
                         Delinquents
                         against
                         the
                      
                       Israelites
                       :
                    
                     
                       2.
                       
                       The
                       majority
                       of
                       the
                       English
                       Parliament
                       ,
                       for
                       some
                       time
                       after
                       their
                       first
                       convening
                       ,
                       did
                       act
                       strenuously
                       unto
                       the
                       reforming
                       of
                       sundry
                       grieoppressions
                       ,
                       both
                       in
                       Common-wealth
                       ,
                       and
                       Church
                       Affairs
                       ,
                       engaging
                       themselves
                       many
                       ways
                       therunto
                       ;
                       yet
                       nevertheless
                       ,
                       afterwards
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       
                         But
                         yet
                         notwithstanding
                         they
                         failed
                         greatly
                         in
                         their
                         not
                         executing
                         impartially
                         ,
                         according
                         to
                         the
                         commission
                         and
                         trust
                         assigned
                         unto
                         them
                         ;
                         in
                         that
                         they
                         spared
                         King
                      
                       Agag
                       ,
                       
                         and
                         the
                         best
                         things
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Vers.
                       7
                       ,
                       8
                       ,
                       9.
                       
                    
                     
                       they
                       fail'd
                       greatly
                       in
                       unvoting
                       their
                       votings
                       against
                       future
                       addresses
                       ,
                       when
                       clear
                       and
                       evident
                       discoveries
                       were
                       of
                       unsufferable
                       ,
                       desperate
                       tyranny
                       ;
                       yea
                       ,
                       and
                       at
                       last
                       in
                       voting
                       unworthy
                       Concessions
                       to
                       be
                       a
                       just
                       Foundation
                       of
                       safe
                       Peace
                       ,
                       which
                       were
                       indeed
                       most
                       dangerous
                       and
                       destructive
                       ,
                       tending
                       to
                       spare
                       the
                       capital
                       Delinquents
                       ,
                       and
                       such
                       seeming
                       best
                       things
                       ,
                       of
                       a
                       flourishing
                       ,
                       vain
                       condition
                       ,
                       as
                       in
                       greatest
                       likelihood
                       would
                       in
                       short
                       time
                       ,
                       have
                       involved
                       into
                       the
                       former
                       deep
                       gulf
                       of
                       misery
                       and
                       ruine
                       ,
                       and
                       worse
                       then
                       before
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       III.
                       Saul
                       
                         notwithstanding
                         such
                         his
                         rebellious
                         miscarriage
                         against
                         God
                         ,
                         yet
                         he
                         professeth
                         ,
                         and
                         protesteth
                         the
                         contrary
                         ;
                         either
                         justifying
                         ,
                         or
                         denying
                         ,
                         or
                         disguising
                         ,
                         or
                         exousing
                         ,
                         or
                         extenuating
                         his
                         sinister
                         prevarication
                         ;
                         howbeit
                         ,
                         he
                         was
                         again
                         and
                         again
                         ,
                         effectually
                         convinced
                         thereof
                         by
                         the
                         Prophet
                      
                       Samuel
                       ,
                       see
                       Vers.
                       13
                       ,
                       14
                       ,
                       15
                       ,
                       20
                       ,
                       21
                       ,
                       24.
                       
                    
                     
                       3.
                       
                       It
                       is
                       very
                       much
                       to
                       be
                       lamented
                       and
                       deplored
                       ,
                       that
                       many
                       of
                       the
                       Parliament
                       Members
                       after
                       their
                       votings
                       for
                       the
                       Concessions
                       as
                       a
                       Foundation
                       of
                       good
                       Peace
                       ;
                       and
                       after
                       the
                       remarkable
                       Occurrences
                       which
                       have
                       ensued
                       thereupon
                       ,
                       even
                       hitherto
                       :
                       they
                       do
                       yet
                       notwithstanding
                       justifie
                       ,
                       disguise
                       ,
                       excuse
                       ,
                       or
                       extenuate
                       such
                       their
                       votings
                       ,
                       whatever
                       conviction
                       is
                       ,
                       or
                       hath
                       been
                       since
                       that
                       time
                       ;
                       yea
                       ,
                       and
                       do
                       hitherto
                       seem
                       to
                       be
                       well
                       pleased
                       in
                       their
                       pretended
                       whole
                       seclusion
                       ,
                       which
                       was
                       onely
                       
                         pro
                         tempore
                      
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       IV.
                       When
                       Saul
                       
                         the
                         supream
                         Magistrate
                         ,
                         had
                         bewrayed
                         a
                         very
                         great
                         degree
                         of
                         unfaithfulness
                         in
                         his
                         sparing
                         King
                      
                       Agag
                       
                         from
                         death
                         ;
                         yet
                         the
                         uprightness
                         ,
                         justice
                         ,
                         and
                      
                    
                     
                       4.
                       
                       When
                       the
                       Majority
                       of
                       the
                       Parliament
                       failed
                       in
                       great
                       degree
                       ,
                       as
                       hath
                       been
                       hinted
                       already
                       ;
                       then
                       the
                       faithfulness
                       ,
                       justice
                       ,
                       and
                       zeal
                       of
                       the
                       lesser
                       number
                       ,
                       remaining
                       ,
                       and
                       sitting
                       in
                       Parliament
                       (
                       who
                       yet
                       were
                       a
                       full
                       number
                       of
                       constituting
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       
                         zeal
                         of
                      
                       Samuel
                       
                         the
                         Prophet
                         ,
                         and
                         Iudg
                         ,
                         (
                         though
                         of
                         inferior
                         Authority
                         then
                      
                       Saul
                       )
                       
                         is
                         singularly
                         approved
                         in
                         his
                         bringing
                         King
                      
                       Agag
                       
                         to
                         justice
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Vers.
                       32
                       ,
                       33.
                       
                    
                     
                       Members
                       of
                       an
                       undeniable
                       Parliamentary
                       power
                       )
                       is
                       highly
                       praise-worthy
                       in
                       their
                       appointing
                       an
                       high
                       Court
                       of
                       Justice
                       ,
                       for
                       the
                       due
                       bringing
                       of
                       capital
                       Delinquents
                       to
                       just
                       Tryal
                       and
                       Sentence
                       ,
                       for
                       the
                       executing
                       of
                       condign
                       punishment
                       upon
                       them
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       V.
                       
                         Notwithstanding
                         that
                      
                       Agag
                       
                         was
                         a
                         King
                         yet
                         his
                         Kingship
                         did
                         not
                         priviledg
                         him
                         to
                         be
                         above
                         Law
                         ,
                         neither
                         did
                         his
                         prerogative
                         exempt
                         him
                         from
                         legal
                         proceeding
                         against
                         him
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Vers.
                       32
                       ,
                       33.
                       
                       Joshua
                       ,
                       Gideon
                       ,
                       and
                       Jehu
                       ,
                       
                         were
                         approved
                         in
                         their
                         due
                         executing
                         of
                         Delinquent
                         Kings
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Rogers
                       53.
                       
                       Serm.
                       on
                       Judges
                       .
                    
                     
                       5.
                       
                       It
                       is
                       a
                       weak
                       and
                       unwarrantable
                       plea
                       for
                       Kings
                       (
                       if
                       their
                       Might
                       do
                       not
                       overcome
                       Right
                       )
                       that
                       their
                       Kingship
                       taketh
                       them
                       off
                       from
                       being
                       subject
                       to
                       Law.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       Note
                       .
                       
                         There
                         is
                         one
                         onely
                         ,
                         absolute
                         ,
                         and
                         independent
                         Lawgiver
                         ,
                         who
                         is
                         the
                         King
                         of
                         Kings
                         and
                         Lord
                         of
                         Lords
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Isai.
                       33.
                       22.
                       
                       Jam.
                       4.
                       12.
                       1
                       
                       Tim.
                       6.
                       15.
                       
                    
                     
                       Note
                       .
                       All
                       grant
                       that
                       subjects
                       may
                       have
                       the
                       benefit
                       of
                       the
                       Law
                       against
                       the
                       King
                       in
                       case
                       of
                       Goods
                       ,
                       and
                       Lands
                       ,
                       by
                       vertue
                       of
                       the
                       legality
                       of
                       the
                       eighth
                       Commandment
                       of
                       the
                       Decalogue
                       .
                       And
                       tryals
                       in
                       such
                       case
                       have
                       been
                       very
                       usual
                       in
                       England
                       .
                       Why
                       not
                       much
                       more
                       therefore
                       in
                       the
                       case
                       of
                       notorious
                       blood-guiltiness
                       ,
                       by
                       vertue
                       of
                       the
                       sixth
                       Commandment
                       of
                       the
                       Decalogue
                       ?
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       VI.
                       Samuel
                       
                         did
                         justice
                         on
                         King
                      
                       Agag
                       
                         being
                         Iudg
                         of
                      
                       Israel
                       ,
                       
                         to
                         execute
                         the
                         sentence
                         of
                         God
                         pronounced
                      
                    
                     
                       6.
                       
                       The
                       High
                       Court
                       of
                       Justice
                       erected
                       by
                       the
                       Parliament
                       ,
                       have
                       justly
                       sentenced
                       the
                       great
                       and
                       hainous
                       Delinquents
                       unto
                       just
                       punishment
                       ,
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       against
                       Amalek
                       ,
                       
                         which
                         was
                         neglected
                         by
                      
                       Saul
                       :
                       
                         That
                         it
                         might
                         be
                         also
                         a
                         terror
                         to
                         other
                         Kings
                         ,
                         that
                         they
                         persecute
                         not
                         the
                         people
                         of
                         God
                         ,
                         see
                         Doctor
                      
                       Willet
                       on
                       1
                       Sam.
                       15.
                       33.
                       
                    
                     
                       however
                       such
                       proceeding
                       hath
                       not
                       been
                       ordinarily
                       (
                       means
                       having
                       been
                       wanting
                       )
                       used
                       .
                       That
                       this
                       course
                       also
                       may
                       be
                       a
                       terror
                       to
                       the
                       greatest
                       personages
                       ,
                       that
                       they
                       may
                       not
                       oppress
                       ,
                       nor
                       raise
                       unjust
                       and
                       unatural
                       war
                       in
                       the
                       Nation
                       .
                    
                  
                
              
            
             
               
                 2
                 Sam.
                 12.
                 1
                 ,
                 2
                 ,
                 3
                 ,
                 4
                 ,
                 5
                 ,
                 7
                 ,
                 8
                 ,
                 9
                 ,
                 13
                 ,
                 14.
                 
              
               
                 
                   
                     
                       Observation
                       .
                       I.
                       
                    
                     
                       1.
                       
                       
                         Parallel
                         Inference
                      
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       DAvid
                       
                         the
                         King
                         of
                      
                       Israel
                       
                         having
                         highly
                         and
                         hainously
                         transgressed
                         in
                         the
                         matter
                         of
                      
                       Uriah
                       ,
                       the
                       Hittite
                       ,
                       see
                       1
                       Kings
                       15.
                       5.
                       
                         compared
                         with
                      
                       2
                       Sam.
                       11.
                       2.
                       
                       
                         He
                         was
                         therefore
                         ,
                         according
                         to
                         Gods
                         direction
                         ,
                         to
                         be
                         convinced
                         and
                         reproved
                         of
                         such
                         his
                         capital
                         sin
                         by
                      
                       Nathan
                       
                         the
                         Prophet
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Vers.
                       1.
                       2
                       ,
                       7
                       ,
                       8
                       ,
                       9.
                       
                    
                     
                       KIngs
                       in
                       all
                       ages
                       and
                       times
                       (
                       as
                       well
                       as
                       others
                       )
                       falling
                       by
                       occasion
                       into
                       scandalous
                       and
                       capital
                       offences
                       ;
                       a
                       faithful
                       and
                       impartial
                       course
                       of
                       conviction
                       and
                       reproof
                       ,
                       ought
                       to
                       be
                       held
                       with
                       them
                       by
                       meet
                       persons
                       ,
                       as
                       just
                       opportunity
                       may
                       serve
                       thereunto
                       .
                       The
                       Law
                       is
                       given
                       to
                       Kings
                       as
                       well
                       as
                       to
                       others
                       ;
                       and
                       therefore
                       they
                       ought
                       to
                       know
                       it
                       ,
                       and
                       be
                       convinced
                       by
                       it
                       ,
                       that
                       their
                       hearts
                       may
                       not
                       be
                       lifted
                       up
                       ,
                       see
                       Deut.
                       17.
                       18
                       ,
                       19
                       ,
                       20.
                       
                       Hos.
                       5.
                       1.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       II.
                       
                         For
                         the
                         better
                         and
                         more
                         effectual
                         convincing
                      
                       David
                       ,
                       
                         the
                         King
                         ,
                         of
                         his
                         odious
                         sin
                         of
                         oppression
                         ,
                         adultery
                         ,
                         and
                         murder
                         ,
                         God
                         directed
                      
                       Nathan
                       
                         to
                         take
                         up
                         a
                         parable
                         in
                         his
                         mouth
                         .
                         Sith
                         in
                         such
                         way
                         of
                         expression
                         ,
                         there
                         was
                         a
                         special
                      
                    
                     
                       2.
                       
                       It
                       is
                       Gods
                       will
                       that
                       such
                       persons
                       ,
                       whom
                       it
                       may
                       more
                       specially
                       concern
                       ,
                       do
                       hold
                       the
                       most
                       effectual
                       course
                       ,
                       for
                       the
                       detecting
                       and
                       convincing
                       grosse
                       offenders
                       of
                       the
                       vile
                       and
                       odious
                       sins
                       ,
                       they
                       are
                       tainted
                       with
                       ;
                       whether
                       oppression
                       ,
                       tyranny
                       ,
                       adultery
                       ,
                       murder
                       ,
                       &c.
                       
                       And
                       in
                       case
                       of
                       effectual
                       course
                       held
                       ,
                       (
                       and
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       
                         efficacious
                         vertue
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Ver.
                       1
                       ,
                       2
                       ,
                       3
                       ,
                       4.
                       
                         see
                         also
                      
                       Jothams
                       
                         Parable
                         in
                         such
                         case
                      
                       ,
                       Judg.
                       9.
                       7.
                       
                       
                         Yea
                         and
                         our
                         Saviours
                         most
                         authoritative
                         course
                         therein
                         ,
                      
                       Mat.
                       21.
                       45.
                       
                    
                     
                       not
                       prevailing
                       ;
                       whether
                       by
                       similitudes
                       or
                       otherwise
                       )
                       the
                       Delinquents
                       shall
                       remain
                       untractable
                       ,
                       and
                       obstinate
                       ,
                       they
                       may
                       certainly
                       be
                       left
                       without
                       excuse
                       ,
                       see
                       Hosea
                       12.
                       10.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       III.
                       King
                       David
                       
                         who
                         had
                         more
                         understanding
                         then
                         all
                         his
                         Teachers
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Psal.
                       119.
                       99.
                       
                       
                         And
                         who
                         was
                         also
                         a
                         man
                         singularly
                         zealous
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Psal.
                       119.
                       139.
                       
                       
                         He
                         having
                         now
                         heard
                         and
                         observed
                         a
                         cleer
                         eviction
                         in
                         the
                         case
                         represented
                         in
                         the
                         parable
                         of
                         the
                         implied
                         Delinquent
                         ;
                         he
                         even
                         as
                         right
                         reason
                         guided
                         ,
                         gave
                         this
                         just
                         sentence
                         ,
                      
                       That
                       he
                       was
                       worthy
                       to
                       die
                       ,
                       see
                       Vers.
                       5.
                       
                    
                     
                       3.
                       
                       Hainous
                       capital
                       Transgressors
                       ,
                       whoever
                       they
                       are
                       ,
                       whether
                       high
                       or
                       low
                       ;
                       ought
                       without
                       any
                       respect
                       of
                       persons
                       ,
                       to
                       be
                       adjudged
                       by
                       the
                       Magistrate
                       (
                       sitting
                       on
                       the
                       seat
                       of
                       Justice
                       ,
                       and
                       bearing
                       the
                       Sword
                       )
                       to
                       such
                       corporal
                       punishment
                       ,
                       as
                       the
                       nature
                       of
                       the
                       offence
                       calleth
                       for
                       in
                       its
                       desert
                       ,
                       whether
                       death
                       ,
                       or
                       any
                       other
                       ,
                       see
                       Rom.
                       13.
                       4.
                       
                    
                     
                       Note
                       .
                       There
                       ought
                       to
                       be
                       an
                       unresistable
                       force
                       in
                       Right
                       Reason
                       ,
                       to
                       sway
                       Judges
                       to
                       act
                       according
                       to
                       it
                       ,
                       see
                       Acts
                       4.
                       20.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       IV.
                       
                         The
                         general
                         and
                         indefinite
                         expression
                         in
                         the
                         parable
                         uttered
                         by
                      
                       Nathan
                       ,
                       Vers.
                       1
                       ,
                       2
                       ,
                       3
                       ,
                       4.
                       
                       Moving
                       David
                       
                         on
                         just
                         ground
                         ,
                         unto
                         such
                         his
                         sentence
                         ,
                      
                       Vers.
                       5.
                       
                         is
                         particularly
                         applyed
                         by
                      
                       Nathan
                       to
                       David
                       himself
                       ,
                       vers
                       .
                       7.
                       
                       
                         So
                         as
                      
                       David
                       
                         saw
                         it
                         did
                         belong
                         unto
                         himself
                         ,
                         although
                         a
                         King
                         as
                         well
                         as
                         to
                         any
                         other
                         faulty
                         in
                         such
                         kinde
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       vers
                       .
                       13.
                       
                    
                     
                       4.
                       
                       The
                       Law
                       and
                       Minde
                       of
                       God
                       ,
                       touching
                       the
                       capital
                       punishment
                       of
                       the
                       polluting
                       ,
                       and
                       crying
                       sin
                       of
                       wilful
                       murder
                       ,
                       whosoever
                       is
                       the
                       committer
                       of
                       it
                       ,
                       yea
                       ,
                       though
                       he
                       be
                       a
                       blood-guilty
                       King
                       ,
                       may
                       not
                       be
                       by
                       the
                       Magistrate
                       looked
                       upon
                       as
                       one
                       to
                       be
                       dispensed
                       withal
                       ,
                       see
                       
                         Gen.
                         9.
                         6.
                         
                         Numb
                         .
                         35.
                         30
                         ,
                         33.
                         
                         Matth.
                      
                       26.
                       52.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       V.
                       
                         Gods
                         sparing
                      
                       David
                    
                     
                       5.
                       
                       The
                       unsearchable
                       ways
                       of
                       the
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       
                         from
                         death
                         ,
                         and
                         yet
                         appointing
                         the
                         childe
                         to
                         death
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       vers
                       .
                       13
                       ,
                       14.
                       
                         as
                         it
                         argued
                         Gods
                         absolute
                         soveraignty
                         ,
                         and
                         indepency
                         in
                         doing
                         what
                         he
                         will
                         ,
                         yea
                         ,
                         touching
                         his
                         Laws
                         ;
                         so
                         it
                         sheweth
                         his
                         just
                         severity
                         against
                         murder
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Ibid.
                       13
                       ,
                       14.
                       
                    
                     
                       one
                       onely
                       absolute
                       Lawgiver
                       ,
                       even
                       the
                       infinite
                       ,
                       most
                       wise
                       ,
                       holy
                       ,
                       and
                       just
                       God
                       ,
                       ought
                       to
                       be
                       admired
                       and
                       adored
                       ,
                       see
                       Rom.
                       11.
                       33
                       ,
                       34.
                       
                       But
                       the
                       people
                       of
                       God
                       ought
                       to
                       walk
                       ,
                       and
                       act
                       ,
                       according
                       to
                       his
                       revealed
                       Will
                       in
                       his
                       Word
                       ,
                       see
                       Deuter.
                       29.
                       29.
                       
                    
                  
                
              
            
             
               
                 Zechar.
                 7.
                 1
                 ,
                 2
                 ,
                 3
                 ,
                 4
                 ,
                 5.
                 
                 &
                 8.
                 19.
                 
              
               
                 
                   
                     
                       Observation
                       I.
                       
                    
                     
                       
                         Parallel
                         Inference
                      
                       .
                       1.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       
                         IT
                         was
                         well
                         understood
                         by
                         the
                         people
                         of
                         God
                         ,
                         the
                         Jews
                         (
                         unto
                         whom
                         one
                         ly
                         in
                         the
                         Old
                         Testament
                         times
                         were
                         committed
                         the
                         Oracles
                         and
                         Ordinances
                         of
                         God
                         ,
                         as
                         their
                         singular
                         advantage
                         ,
                         and
                         preferment
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Psal.
                       147.
                       19
                       ,
                       20.
                       
                       
                         Rom.
                         3.
                         1
                         ,
                         2.
                         )
                         yea
                         ,
                         even
                         by
                         those
                         Jews
                         ,
                         who
                         lived
                         in
                         the
                         time
                         of
                         the
                         Babylonish
                         captivity
                         ,
                         and
                         newly
                         after
                         the
                         return
                         thence
                         ,
                         that
                         the
                         divine
                         Ordinance
                         of
                         Religious
                         and
                         Solemn
                         Humiliation
                         in
                         Fasting
                         and
                         Prayer
                         ,
                         on
                         just
                         cause
                         and
                         occasion
                         thereunto
                         ,
                         was
                         very
                         requisite
                         ;
                         and
                      
                    
                     
                       IT
                       hath
                       been
                       well
                       understood
                       by
                       the
                       Reformed
                       Churches
                       in
                       Europe
                       ,
                       and
                       particularly
                       by
                       the
                       people
                       of
                       God
                       in
                       England
                       ,
                       who
                       heretofore
                       lived
                       under
                       the
                       spiritual
                       Babylonish
                       captivity
                       ;
                       that
                       the
                       sacred
                       Ordinance
                       of
                       Religious
                       Humiliation
                       on
                       just
                       cause
                       and
                       occasion
                       ,
                       is
                       very
                       requisite
                       in
                       New
                       Testament
                       times
                       ,
                       as
                       well
                       as
                       it
                       was
                       of
                       old
                       ,
                       even
                       according
                       to
                       the
                       New
                       Testament
                       doctrine
                       of
                       Christ
                       ,
                       and
                       his
                       Apostles
                       ;
                       and
                       accordingly
                       they
                       do
                       exercise
                       themselves
                       therein
                       .
                       This
                       may
                       evidently
                       appear
                       to
                       any
                       that
                       observeth
                       the
                       doctrine
                       and
                       practice
                       of
                       the
                       Reformed
                       Churches
                       ,
                       and
                       particularly
                       ,
                       and
                       in
                       a
                       special
                       ,
                       and
                       effectual
                       maner
                       in
                       the
                       English
                       Nation
                       ,
                       even
                       unto
                       this
                       day
                       ;
                       as
                       the
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       
                         accordingly
                         did
                         exercise
                         themselves
                         therein
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Vers.
                       3.
                       5.
                       
                       Dan.
                       9.
                       3.
                       
                       Ezr.
                       8.
                       21.
                       
                       Nehe.
                       1.
                       4.
                       
                    
                     
                       Acts
                       of
                       Parliament
                       ,
                       for
                       Fasting
                       ,
                       and
                       Prayer
                       ,
                       in
                       April
                       19.
                       and
                       May
                       17.
                       do
                       bear
                       witness
                       ,
                       1649.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       II.
                       
                         The
                         Jews
                         of
                         those
                         times
                         also
                         knew
                         well
                         what
                         were
                         the
                         kindes
                         and
                         ways
                         of
                         such
                         religious
                         Humiliation
                         ,
                         in
                         Fasting
                         and
                         Prayer
                         ,
                         and
                         answerably
                         as
                         the
                         emergency
                         of
                         the
                         cause
                         ,
                         and
                         opportunity
                         served
                         thereunto
                         ,
                         they
                         exercised
                         themselves
                         .
                      
                    
                     
                       2.
                       
                       The
                       people
                       of
                       God
                       in
                       England
                       ,
                       do
                       likewise
                       by
                       the
                       patterns
                       in
                       Scripture
                       ,
                       know
                       well
                       the
                       approved
                       kindes
                       and
                       ways
                       of
                       religious
                       Humiliation
                       in
                       Fasting
                       and
                       Prayer
                       ,
                       and
                       answerably
                       as
                       any
                       just
                       occasion
                       and
                       opportunity
                       requireth
                       ,
                       and
                       serveth
                       ,
                       they
                       are
                       wont
                       to
                       set
                       themselves
                       thereunto
                       ,
                       viz.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       1.
                       
                       
                         Publikely
                         ,
                         as
                         publike
                         Authorised
                         Persons
                         ordered
                         ,
                      
                       Ezra
                       8.
                       21.
                       
                    
                     
                       1.
                       
                       Publikely
                       ,
                       as
                       Parliament
                       and
                       Rulers
                       do
                       appoint
                       and
                       require
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       2.
                       
                       
                         Privately
                         ,
                         as
                         the
                         Governors
                         of
                         Families
                         saw
                         it
                         meet
                         ,
                      
                       Esth.
                       4.
                       16.
                       
                    
                     
                       2.
                       
                       Privately
                       ,
                       as
                       Families
                       approve
                       themselves
                       in
                       England
                       ,
                       above
                       other
                       Nations
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       3.
                       
                       
                         Secretly
                         and
                         alone
                         ,
                         as
                         any
                         singular
                         person
                         saw
                         fit
                         ,
                      
                       Dan.
                       9.
                       3.
                       
                       Nehe.
                       1.
                       4.
                       
                    
                     
                       3.
                       
                       Secretly
                       ,
                       as
                       conscientious
                       persons
                       having
                       ability
                       and
                       opportunity
                       ,
                       approve
                       themselves
                       to
                       him
                       that
                       seeth
                       in
                       secret
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       III.
                       
                         The
                         Jews
                         had
                         likewise
                         the
                         prudence
                         to
                         discern
                         what
                         were
                         special
                         causes
                         and
                         occasions
                         ,
                         that
                         gave
                         calling
                         to
                         such
                         religious
                         Humiliation
                         .
                      
                       viz.
                       
                         Greater
                         and
                         more
                         notorious
                         sins
                         ,
                         and
                         evils
                         to
                         be
                         deprecated
                         ,
                         and
                         more
                         choice
                         ,
                         and
                         affecting
                         blessings
                         to
                         be
                         obtained
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Vers.
                       3.
                       
                         and
                         the
                         other
                         Texes
                         already
                         quoted
                         in
                      
                       Daniel
                       ,
                       Ezra
                       ,
                       and
                       Esther
                       .
                    
                     
                       3.
                       
                       The
                       Reformed
                       Churches
                       in
                       their
                       doctrine
                       and
                       practice
                       of
                       Fasting
                       ,
                       are
                       wont
                       also
                       to
                       insist
                       prudentially
                       on
                       the
                       occasions
                       and
                       causes
                       noted
                       in
                       Scripture
                       ,
                       to
                       be
                       observed
                       in
                       these
                       New
                       Testament-times
                       ,
                       as
                       way
                       is
                       thereunto
                       ;
                       and
                       particularly
                       it
                       is
                       thus
                       in
                       England
                       .
                       Many
                       yet
                       alive
                       may
                       remember
                       ,
                       how
                       since
                       the
                       time
                       of
                       Reformation
                       in
                       Queen
                       Elizabeths
                       days
                       ,
                       Religious
                       Humiliations
                       have
                       been
                       observed
                       on
                       occasion
                       of
                       War
                       ,
                       Famine
                       ,
                       and
                       Pestilence
                       ,
                       invading
                       more
                       or
                       less
                       .
                       Since
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       Note
                       .
                       
                         The
                         current
                         stream
                         of
                         Orthodox
                         Interpreters
                         ,
                         comparing
                      
                       Vers.
                       3.
                       5.
                       chap
                       8.
                       19.
                       with
                       Jere.
                       5.
                       2.
                       and
                       41.
                       
                         do
                         conceive
                         ,
                         that
                         the
                         special
                         occasions
                         of
                         these
                         four
                         Fasts
                         were
                         .
                         1.
                         
                         The
                         siege
                         laid
                         before
                      
                       Jerusalem
                       ,
                       
                         in
                         the
                         tenth
                         moneth
                         .
                         2.
                         
                         The
                         taking
                         of
                      
                       Jerusalem
                       
                         in
                         the
                         fourth
                         moneth
                         .
                         3.
                         
                         The
                         burning
                         of
                         the
                         Temple
                         in
                         the
                         fift
                         moneth
                         .
                         4.
                         
                         The
                         murder
                         of
                      
                       Gedaliah
                       
                         in
                         the
                         seventh
                         moneth
                         .
                         Now
                         touching
                         these
                         conceits
                         of
                         the
                         godly
                         learned
                         ,
                         The
                         Observator
                         acknowledgeth
                         that
                         those
                         occurrences
                         were
                         very
                         sad
                         ,
                         and
                         might
                         well
                         cause
                         deep
                         Humiliation
                         to
                         the
                         Jews
                         ;
                         yet
                         observeth
                         ,
                         that
                         there
                         is
                         not
                         the
                         least
                         hint
                         in
                         any
                         Texts
                         of
                      
                       Zechariah
                       or
                       Jeremiah
                       ,
                       
                         or
                         elsewhere
                         in
                         Bible
                         ,
                         to
                         fasten
                         such
                         assertion
                         of
                         the
                         mentioned
                         occasions
                         ,
                         as
                         the
                         cause
                         of
                         such
                         their
                         anniversary
                         monethly
                         Fasting
                         .
                         The
                         slaughter
                         of
                         King
                      
                       Josias
                       ,
                       
                         and
                         captivity
                         ,
                         in
                         the
                         third
                         yeer
                         of
                      
                       Jehoiakim
                       ,
                       
                         not
                         long
                         before
                         ,
                         were
                         most
                         sad
                         occurrences
                         ,
                         and
                         might
                         justly
                         also
                         (
                         as
                         they
                         did
                         )
                         occasion
                         great
                         mourning
                         ,
                         as
                         well
                         as
                         these
                         four
                         in
                         hand
                         :
                         So
                         that
                         it
                         is
                         wished
                         ,
                         that
                         Interpreters
                         would
                         be
                         cautious
                         in
                         their
                         Expressions
                         ,
                         and
                         not
                         be
                         too
                         bold
                         in
                         their
                         Breachings
                         and
                         Printings
                         ,
                         in
                         asserting
                         and
                         publishing
                         for
                         current
                         ,
                         that
                         which
                         the
                         Scripture
                         is
                         wholly
                         silent
                         in
                         .
                         Who
                         knoweth
                         not
                         ,
                         what
                         mischief
                         hath
                         ensued
                         by
                         an
                         easie
                         receiving
                         of
                         Traditions
                         ?
                      
                    
                     
                       the
                       sitting
                       of
                       the
                       present
                       Parliament
                       there
                       hath
                       been
                       very
                       much
                       occasional
                       Fasting
                       required
                       ,
                       even
                       as
                       floods
                       of
                       evils
                       have
                       invaded
                       ,
                       viz.
                       In
                       the
                       behalf
                       of
                       Ireland
                       frequently
                       ;
                       in
                       regard
                       of
                       unseasonable
                       weather
                       ;
                       in
                       regard
                       of
                       pernicious
                       Errors
                       ,
                       and
                       Heresies
                       ,
                       
                         March
                         10.
                         1646
                         &c.
                      
                       
                       Yea
                       ,
                       the
                       Parliament
                       in
                       their
                       late
                       Act
                       for
                       the
                       Fast
                       that
                       was
                       on
                       April
                       19.
                       1649.
                       do
                       acknowledg
                       ,
                       They
                       have
                       learned
                       from
                       the
                       Word
                       of
                       God
                       ;
                       and
                       the
                       example
                       of
                       his
                       people
                       in
                       all
                       ages
                       ;
                       and
                       likewise
                       their
                       own
                       experience
                       ,
                       the
                       singular
                       advantage
                       of
                       due
                       occasional
                       Fasting
                       .
                       And
                       albeit
                       ,
                       for
                       just
                       cause
                       they
                       have
                       annulled
                       the
                       monethly
                       Fast
                       ,
                       yet
                       at
                       the
                       same
                       time
                       they
                       enacted
                       a
                       Fast
                       in
                       the
                       behalf
                       of
                       Irish
                       Affairs
                       ,
                       to
                       be
                       observed
                       on
                       May
                       17.
                       1649.
                       next
                       ensuing
                       .
                       And
                       blessed
                       be
                       God
                       ,
                       that
                       hath
                       hither
                       ,
                       so
                       ordered
                       their
                       hearts
                       ,
                       and
                       ways
                       ,
                       for
                       the
                       promoting
                       of
                       the
                       true
                       welfare
                       not
                       onely
                       of
                       England
                       ,
                       but
                       Ireland
                       also
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       
                         As
                         for
                         the
                         Mourning
                         and
                         Fasting
                         of
                         the
                         Jews
                         ,
                         frequently
                         in
                         the
                         time
                         of
                         seventy
                         yeers
                         captivity
                         ,
                         which
                         was
                         so
                         grievous
                         ,
                         every
                         one
                         that
                         observeth
                         ,
                         may
                         see
                         there
                         was
                         cause
                         enough
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Lamentations
                       ,
                       Psal.
                       137.
                       1.
                       
                    
                     
                        
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       IV.
                       
                         Howbeit
                         ,
                         God
                         might
                         approve
                         and
                         accept
                         the
                         Jews
                         in
                         their
                         occasional
                         Humiliation
                         and
                         Fasting
                         ,
                         so
                         far
                         as
                         the
                         exigencies
                         of
                         the
                         seventy
                         yeers
                         captivity
                         did
                         call
                         thereunto
                         ,
                         and
                         as
                         sincerity
                         swayed
                         in
                         the
                         manage
                         thereof
                         ,
                         unto
                         just
                         ends
                         ;
                         yet
                         nevertheless
                         ,
                         he
                         seemeth
                         to
                         dislike
                         and
                         reprove
                         the
                         anniversariness
                         ,
                         or
                         monethliness
                         of
                         their
                         four
                         Fasts
                         ,
                         as
                         not
                         being
                         commanded
                         nor
                         directed
                         unto
                         by
                         him
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       vers
                       .
                       5.
                       
                       
                         Sith
                         God
                         required
                         one
                         onely
                         anniversary
                         Fasting
                         and
                         Humiliation
                         ,
                         on
                         the
                         tenth
                         day
                         of
                         the
                         seventh
                         moneth
                         ,
                      
                       Levit.
                       23.
                       27.
                       
                         and
                         it
                         onely
                         peculiar
                         to
                         old
                         Testament
                         times
                         :
                         So
                         that
                         these
                         such
                         their
                         set
                         ,
                         monethly
                         ,
                         anniversary
                         Fasts
                         ,
                         seemed
                         in
                         point
                         of
                         set-time
                         to
                         be
                         a
                         Will-worship
                         ,
                         and
                         humane
                         Invention
                         reproved
                         in
                         Scripture
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Isai.
                       29.
                       13.
                       
                       Col.
                       2.
                       22
                       ,
                       23.
                       
                       
                         And
                         even
                         thus
                         Interpreters
                         do
                         gloss
                         ,
                         on
                      
                    
                     
                       4.
                       
                       Howbeit
                       ,
                       God
                       may
                       have
                       been
                       pleased
                       to
                       accept
                       a
                       course
                       of
                       Fasting
                       and
                       Humiliation
                       in
                       the
                       Reformed
                       Churches
                       ,
                       and
                       more
                       specially
                       in
                       England
                       ,
                       in
                       some
                       set
                       times
                       of
                       moneths
                       together
                       ,
                       and
                       of
                       late
                       ,
                       for
                       divers
                       yeers
                       together
                       ,
                       monethly
                       in
                       the
                       behalf
                       of
                       Ireland
                       ;
                       in
                       as
                       much
                       as
                       much
                       sincerity
                       might
                       be
                       in
                       the
                       ends
                       and
                       manage
                       thereof
                       in
                       great
                       part
                       ,
                       whatever
                       formality
                       and
                       undue
                       carriage
                       might
                       creep
                       in
                       ,
                       &c.
                       
                       Yet
                       nevertheless
                       ,
                       the
                       set-time
                       of
                       moneths
                       and
                       yeers
                       ,
                       may
                       seem
                       to
                       have
                       wanted
                       good
                       ground
                       .
                       Orthodox
                       Divines
                       do
                       condemn
                       ,
                       as
                       otherwise
                       ;
                       so
                       in
                       a
                       special
                       maner
                       in
                       point
                       of
                       set-time
                       ,
                       The
                       Lent
                       Fast
                       ,
                       albeit
                       of
                       great
                       Antiquity
                       ,
                       and
                       of
                       long
                       use
                       ;
                       the
                       Ember
                       week
                       Fasts
                       pretended
                       in
                       imitation
                       of
                       these
                       four
                       monethly
                       Fasts
                       of
                       Jews
                       ,
                       Friday
                       Fasts
                       ,
                       and
                       Eves
                       of
                       Festivities
                       ,
                       &c.
                       which
                       Reformed
                       Churches
                       have
                       therefore
                       abrogated
                       ;
                       and
                       in
                       these
                       our
                       Reforming
                       times
                       ,
                       are
                       totally
                       abrogated
                       in
                       England
                       ,
                       by
                       Parliamentary
                       Authority
                       .
                       The
                       Scots
                       to
                       their
                       high
                       praise
                       (
                       above
                       other
                       Churches
                       )
                       in
                       the
                       yeer
                       1560.
                       the
                       first
                       yeer
                       of
                       their
                       Universal
                       Reformation
                       ,
                       abrogated
                       all
                       anniversary
                       set-times
                       for
                       divine
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       on
                       Zech.
                       7.
                       5.
                       
                       The
                       Geneva
                       
                         Note
                         on
                         Text
                         there
                         ,
                         is
                         ,
                         That
                         as
                         the
                         Jews
                         were
                         diversly
                         reproved
                         ,
                         so
                         that
                         such
                         their
                         Fasts
                         (
                         for
                         the
                         set-time
                         of
                         them
                         )
                         were
                         invented
                         by
                         themselves
                         .
                         Learned
                      
                       Junius
                       and
                       Tremellius
                       Annot.
                       Summa
                       redargutionis
                       est
                       ;
                       Jejunia
                       haec
                       (
                       anniversaria
                       )
                       vobis
                       non
                       imperavit
                       Deus
                       .
                       1.
                       
                       
                         The
                         sum
                         of
                         the
                         Reproof
                         is
                         ,
                         God
                         did
                         not
                         com
                         mand
                         you
                         to
                         observe
                         such
                         your
                         (
                         yeerly
                         moneth
                         )
                         Fasts
                         .
                      
                       W.
                       Pemble
                       in
                       his
                       Exposit.
                       on
                       Zechary
                       ,
                       
                         sets
                         out
                         at
                         large
                         such
                         their
                         Reproof
                         for
                         their
                         set-time
                         of
                         those
                         Fasts
                         ,
                      
                       Chap.
                       7.
                       5.
                       
                       Unto
                       me
                       ,
                       even
                       to
                       me
                       .
                       
                         Such
                         interrogation
                         hath
                         a
                         vehement
                         denial
                         ,
                         That
                         (
                         as
                         otherwise
                         failing
                         was
                         ,
                         so
                         )
                         the
                         time
                         was
                         not
                         com
                         manded
                         by
                         God.
                         That
                         which
                         is
                         pretended
                         from
                         these
                         words
                         of
                      
                       Calvin
                       on
                       Zech.
                       8.
                       19.
                       
                       —
                       Non
                       dicemus
                       haec
                       jejunia
                       temerè
                       aut
                       perperam
                       fuisse
                       ab
                       illis
                       suscepta
                       ,
                       &c.
                       
                         We
                         shall
                         not
                         say
                         ,
                         That
                         those
                         their
                         Fasts
                         were
                         rashly
                         or
                         vainly
                         undertaken
                         ,
                         &c.
                         
                         If
                         the
                         scope
                         and
                         sense
                         be
                         candidly
                         and
                         ingenuously
                         weighed
                         ,
                         he
                         pleadeth
                         not
                         in
                         approbation
                         of
                         the
                         set
                         anniversariness
                         of
                         four
                         moneth
                         Fasts
                         ,
                         in
                         point
                         of
                         set
                         ,
                         fixt
                         ,
                         and
                         unmoveable
                         times
                         :
                         but
                         of
                         their
                         being
                         duly
                         affected
                         in
                         a
                         mournful
                         deportment
                         ,
                         expressed
                         by
                         Fasting
                         ,
                         at
                         the
                         beginning
                         of
                         the
                         captivity
                         .
                         It
                         is
                         well
                         known
                         ,
                         that
                      
                       Calvin
                       
                         was
                         no
                         friend
                         to
                         superstitious
                         set-times
                         for
                         will
                         worship
                         .
                      
                    
                     
                       worship
                       ,
                       save
                       the
                       Lords
                       day
                       ,
                       which
                       is
                       of
                       divine
                       Institution
                       .
                       
                         See
                         Re-examination
                         of
                         Articles
                         enacted
                         at
                         Perth
                         .
                         1618.
                         sundry
                         strong
                         Reasons
                         against
                         observing
                         set-times
                         ,
                         &c.
                         
                      
                       True
                       it
                       is
                       ,
                       The
                       pretence
                       of
                       the
                       observing
                       a
                       monethly
                       Fast
                       in
                       England
                       ,
                       onely
                       whilest
                       the
                       Irish
                       troubles
                       should
                       remain
                       ,
                       is
                       more
                       specious
                       then
                       the
                       superstitious
                       course
                       of
                       Papists
                       and
                       Hierarchical
                       Conformists
                       (
                       whose
                       old
                       Leven
                       is
                       not
                       hitherto
                       wholly
                       purged
                       out
                       )
                       who
                       set
                       no
                       such
                       bounds
                       ;
                       but
                       yet
                       the
                       pretence
                       at
                       best
                       can
                       be
                       no
                       other
                       then
                       what
                       the
                       Jews
                       pretended
                       for
                       their
                       set
                       Fasts
                       ,
                       during
                       the
                       seventy
                       yeers
                       captivity
                       ,
                       see
                       Zech.
                       7.
                       3
                       ,
                       5.
                       
                       The
                       Parliament
                       therefore
                       approving
                       ,
                       and
                       requiring
                       occasional
                       Humiliation
                       in
                       Fasting
                       and
                       Prayer
                       ,
                       hath
                       done
                       well
                       to
                       enact
                       the
                       annuling
                       of
                       that
                       monethly
                       Fast
                       ,
                       and
                       in
                       a
                       prudential
                       way
                       to
                       enact
                       occasional
                       Fasting
                       ,
                       both
                       in
                       the
                       behalf
                       of
                       Ireland
                       ,
                       and
                       otherwise
                       ,
                       as
                       in
                       their
                       Religious
                       and
                       Consciencious
                       Wisdoms
                       do
                       judg
                       the
                       meetest
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       V.
                       
                         The
                         Jews
                         sometime
                         after
                         the
                         first
                         return
                         of
                         some
                         of
                         them
                         from
                         the
                         captivity
                         ,
                         enquire
                         what
                         was
                         meetest
                         to
                         be
                         done
                         in
                         point
                         of
                         their
                         set
                         Humiliation
                         ,
                      
                       vers
                       .
                       1
                       ,
                       2
                       ,
                       3.
                       
                       
                         And
                         a
                         satisfying
                         answer
                         is
                         given
                         to
                         them
                         ,
                      
                       vers
                       .
                       4
                       ,
                       5.
                       
                    
                     
                       5.
                       
                       Many
                       godly
                       zealots
                       returned
                       from
                       spiritual
                       Babylonish
                       captivity
                       ,
                       having
                       had
                       scruples
                       ,
                       and
                       made
                       inquiries
                       ,
                       touching
                       late
                       monethly
                       Fasts
                       (
                       who
                       yet
                       have
                       been
                       consciencious
                       in
                       observing
                       occasional
                       Fasts
                       )
                       have
                       now
                       good
                       satisfaction
                       by
                       the
                       late
                       Act
                       of
                       Parliament
                       ,
                       annulling
                       the
                       monethly
                       fasting
                       ,
                       and
                       yet
                       enacting
                       occasional
                       fasting
                       ,
                       even
                       as
                       occasion
                       requireth
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       VI.
                       
                         The
                         words
                         of
                         the
                         Text
                         in
                      
                       Zech.
                       8.
                       19.
                       
                         prophesying
                         or
                         promising
                         joy
                         and
                         gladness
                         ,
                         &c.
                         instead
                         of
                         monethly
                         fasting
                         ,
                         do
                         not
                         infer
                         an
                         approbation
                         of
                         the
                         four
                         set
                         monethly
                         fast
                         ing
                         yeers
                         after
                         yeers
                         ;
                         Sith
                         such
                         just
                         reproof
                         was
                         thereunto
                         ,
                      
                       chap.
                       7.
                       5.
                       
                       
                         But
                         they
                         seem
                         to
                         infer
                         that
                         there
                         should
                         be
                         a
                         change
                         of
                         the
                         state
                         of
                         future
                         times
                         ,
                         and
                         that
                         such
                         as
                         had
                         mourned
                         unfeignedly
                         in
                         a
                         godly
                         maner
                         ,
                         that
                         they
                         should
                         be
                         comforted
                         ,
                         see
                      
                       Psal.
                       126.
                       5
                       ,
                       6.
                       
                    
                     
                       6.
                       
                       The
                       people
                       of
                       God
                       of
                       the
                       English
                       Nation
                       ,
                       having
                       sown
                       in
                       tears
                       divers
                       moneths
                       and
                       yeers
                       ,
                       walking
                       mournfully
                       before
                       the
                       Lord
                       ,
                       and
                       exercising
                       Humiliation
                       in
                       their
                       measure
                       ,
                       as
                       cause
                       and
                       occasion
                       hath
                       required
                       ,
                       and
                       are
                       still
                       in
                       such
                       wise
                       affected
                       ,
                       shall
                       finde
                       to
                       their
                       comfort
                       ,
                       That
                       their
                       course
                       shall
                       not
                       be
                       in
                       vain
                       in
                       the
                       Lord.
                       
                         The
                         valley
                         of
                      
                       Achor
                       
                         is
                         given
                         for
                         a
                         door
                         of
                         hope
                         .
                      
                    
                  
                
              
               
                 FINIS
                 .
              
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A54505-e2950
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Note
             .