A healing question propounded and resolved upon occasion of the late publique and seasonable call to humiliation in order to love and union amongst the honest party, and with a desire to apply balsome to the wound, before it become incurable.
         Vane, Henry, Sir, 1612?-1662.
      
       
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             A healing question propounded and resolved upon occasion of the late publique and seasonable call to humiliation in order to love and union amongst the honest party, and with a desire to apply balsome to the wound, before it become incurable.
             Vane, Henry, Sir, 1612?-1662.
          
           24, [3] p.
           
             Printed for T. Brewster ...,
             London :
             1656.
          
           
             Caption title.
             Other editions have the author's name on t.p.
             Imprint from colophon.
             "Recommends the adoption of a new constitution in place of the one which the army had imposed on the nation"--NUC pre-1956 imprints.
             Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Great Britain -- History -- Commonwealth and Protectorate, 1649-1660.
        
      
    
       A65154  R38388  (Wing V69).  civilwar no A healing question propounded and resolved, upon occasion of the late publique and seasonable call to humiliation, in order to love and unio Vane, Henry, Sir 1656    9001 11 0 0 0 0 0 12 C  The  rate of 12 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           A
           Healing
           Question
           propounded
           and
           resolved
           upon
           occasion
           of
           the
           late
           publique
           and
           seasonable
           Call
           to
           Humiliation
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           love
           and
           union
           amongst
           the
           honest
           party
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           desire
           to
           apply
           Balsome
           to
           the
           wound
           ,
           before
           it
           become
           incurable
           .
        
         
           THE
           Question
           propounded
           is
           ,
           What
           possibility
           doth
           yet
           remain
           (
           all
           things
           considered
           )
           of
           reconciling
           and
           uniting
           the
           dissenting
           judgments
           of
           honest
           men
           within
           the
           three
           Nations
           ,
           who
           still
           pretend
           to
           agree
           in
           the
           spirit
           ,
           justice
           ,
           and
           reason
           of
           the
           same
           good
           cause
           ;
           and
           what
           are
           the
           means
           to
           effect
           this
           ?
        
         
           
             Answ.
          
           If
           it
           be
           taken
           for
           granted
           (
           as
           on
           the
           Magistrates
           part
           ,
           from
           the
           ground
           inviting
           the
           people
           of
           
             England
          
           and
           
             Wales
          
           to
           a
           solemn
           day
           of
           Fasting
           and
           Humiliation
           ,
           may
           not
           be
           dispaired
           of
           )
           that
           all
           the
           dissenting
           parties
           agree
           still
           in
           the
           spirit
           and
           reason
           of
           the
           same
           righteous
           cause
           ,
           the
           resolution
           seems
           very
           cleer
           in
           the
           affirmative
           ;
           arguing
           not
           onely
           for
           a
           possibility
           ,
           but
           a
           great
           probability
           hereof
           ,
           nay
           a
           necessity
           daily
           approaching
           neerer
           and
           neerer
           to
           compell
           it
           ,
           if
           any
           or
           all
           of
           the
           dissenting
           parties
           intend
           or
           desire
           to
           be
           safe
           from
           the
           danger
           of
           the
           common
           enemy
           ,
           who
           is
           not
           out
           of
           work
           ,
           though
           at
           present
           much
           out
           of
           sight
           and
           observation
           .
        
         
           The
           grounds
           of
           this
           are
           briefly
           these
           .
           First
           the
           cause
           hath
           still
           the
           same
           goodness
           in
           it
           as
           ever
           ;
           and
           is
           or
           ought
           to
           be
           as
           much
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           al
           good
           people
           that
           have
           adhered
           to
           it
           .
           It
           is
           not
           lesse
           to
           be
           valued
           now
           ,
           then
           when
           neither
           blood
           nor
           treasure
           were
           thought
           too
           dear
           
           to
           carry
           it
           on
           ,
           and
           hold
           it
           up
           from
           sinking
           ;
           and
           hath
           the
           same
           Omnipotent
           God
           ,
           whose
           great
           Name
           is
           concerned
           in
           it
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           his
           peoples
           outward
           safety
           and
           wellfare
           ;
           Who
           knows
           also
           how
           to
           give
           a
           revival
           to
           it
           ,
           when
           secondary
           instruments
           and
           visible
           means
           fail
           ,
           or
           prove
           deceitful
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           Persons
           concerned
           and
           engaged
           in
           this
           Cause
           ,
           are
           still
           the
           same
           as
           before
           ;
           with
           the
           advantage
           of
           being
           more
           tried
           ,
           more
           enured
           to
           danger
           and
           hardship
           ,
           and
           more
           endeared
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           by
           their
           various
           and
           great
           experiences
           ,
           as
           well
           of
           their
           own
           hearts
           as
           their
           fellow-Brethrens
           .
           These
           are
           the
           same
           still
           in
           heart
           and
           desire
           after
           the
           same
           thing
           ,
           which
           is
           ,
           that
           being
           freed
           out
           of
           the
           hands
           of
           their
           enemies
           ,
           they
           may
           serve
           the
           Lord
           without
           feare
           ,
           in
           holinesse
           and
           righteousnesse
           all
           the
           daies
           of
           their
           life
           .
        
         
           As
           they
           have
           had
           this
           great
           good
           finally
           in
           their
           aims
           (
           if
           Declarations
           to
           men
           ,
           and
           Appeals
           to
           God
           signifie
           any
           thing
           )
           so
           ▪
           as
           a
           requisite
           to
           attain
           this
           ,
           they
           did
           with
           great
           cheerfulnes
           &
           unanimity
           draw
           out
           themselves
           to
           the
           utmost
           ,
           in
           the
           maintenance
           of
           a
           war
           ,
           when
           all
           other
           meanes
           ,
           first
           essayed
           proved
           ineffectual
           .
           In
           the
           management
           of
           this
           war
           ,
           it
           pleased
           God
           (
           the
           righteous
           Judge
           ,
           who
           was
           appealed
           to
           in
           the
           controversie
           )
           so
           to
           bless
           the
           Council
           ,
           and
           Forces
           of
           the
           persons
           concerned
           and
           engaged
           in
           this
           cause
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           end
           to
           make
           them
           absolute
           and
           compleat
           Conquerors
           over
           their
           common
           Enemy
           .
           And
           by
           this
           meanes
           they
           had
           added
           unto
           the
           naturall
           right
           which
           was
           in
           them
           before
           (
           and
           so
           declared
           by
           their
           Representatives
           in
           Parliament
           assembled
           )
           the
           right
           of
           Conquest
           for
           the
           strengthening
           of
           their
           just
           claim
           to
           be
           governed
           by
           National
           Councils
           ,
           and
           successive
           Representatives
           of
           their
           own
           election
           and
           setting
           up
           .
           This
           they
           once
           thought
           they
           had
           been
           in
           possession
           of
           ,
           when
           it
           was
           ratified
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           the
           last
           King
           :
           But
           of
           late
           a
           great
           interruption
           having
           happened
           unto
           them
           in
           their
           former
           expectations
           ,
           and
           instead
           thereof
           ,
           
           something
           rising
           up
           that
           seems
           rather
           accommodated
           to
           the
           private
           and
           selfish
           interest
           of
           a
           particular
           part
           (
           in
           comparison
           )
           then
           truly
           adequate
           to
           the
           common
           good
           and
           concern
           of
           the
           whole
           Body
           engaged
           in
           this
           Cause
           :
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           this
           compacted
           body
           is
           now
           falling
           assunder
           into
           many
           dissenting
           parts
           (
           a
           thing
           unforeseen
           ,
           nor
           unhoped
           for
           by
           the
           common
           Enemy
           all
           along
           as
           their
           last
           relief
           )
           and
           if
           these
           breaches
           be
           not
           timely
           healed
           ,
           and
           the
           offences
           (
           before
           they
           take
           too
           deep
           root
           )
           removed
           ,
           they
           will
           certainly
           work
           more
           to
           the
           advantage
           of
           our
           common
           Enemy
           ,
           then
           any
           of
           their
           own
           unwearied
           endeavours
           ,
           &
           dangerous
           contrivances
           in
           forreign
           parts
           put
           altogether
           .
        
         
           A
           serious
           discussion
           ,
           and
           sober
           enlarging
           upon
           these
           grounds
           ,
           will
           quickly
           give
           an
           insight
           into
           the
           state
           of
           the
           Question
           ,
           and
           naturally
           tend
           to
           a
           plain
           and
           familiar
           resolution
           thereof
           .
        
         
           That
           which
           is
           first
           to
           be
           opened
           ,
           is
           the
           nature
           and
           goodnes
           of
           the
           Cause
           ;
           which
           had
           it
           not
           carried
           in
           it
           its
           own
           evidence
           ,
           would
           scarce
           have
           found
           so
           many
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           adherers
           to
           it
           ,
           within
           the
           Three
           Nations
           ,
           contributing
           either
           their
           counsels
           ,
           their
           purses
           ,
           their
           bodily
           pains
           ,
           or
           their
           affections
           and
           prayers
           ,
           as
           a
           combined
           strength
           ;
           without
           which
           ,
           the
           military
           force
           alone
           would
           have
           been
           little
           available
           to
           subdue
           the
           common
           Enemy
           ,
           and
           restore
           to
           this
           whole
           body
           their
           just
           naturall
           Rights
           in
           civil
           things
           ,
           and
           true
           freedome
           in
           matters
           of
           conscience
           .
        
         
           The
           two
           last
           mentioned
           particulars
           ,
           rightly
           stated
           ,
           will
           evidence
           sufficiently
           the
           nature
           and
           goodnesse
           of
           this
           Cause
        
         
           For
           the
           first
           of
           these
           ,
           that
           is
           to
           say
           ,
           the
           Natural
           right
           ,
           which
           the
           whole
           party
           of
           Honest
           men
           adhering
           to
           this
           Cause
           ,
           are
           by
           successe
           of
           their
           Arms
           restored
           unto
           ,
           fortified
           in
           ,
           and
           may
           claime
           as
           their
           undeniable
           priviledge
           ,
           that
           righteously
           cannot
           be
           taken
           from
           them
           ,
           nor
           
           they
           debarred
           from
           bringing
           into
           exercise
           ,
           It
           lies
           in
           this
           .
        
         
           They
           are
           to
           have
           and
           enjoy
           the
           freedome
           (
           by
           way
           of
           dutifull
           compliance
           and
           condiscention
           from
           all
           the
           parts
           and
           members
           of
           this
           society
           )
           to
           set
           up
           meet
           persons
           in
           the
           place
           of
           Supreme
           Judicature
           and
           Authority
           amongst
           them
           ;
           whereby
           they
           may
           have
           the
           use
           and
           benefit
           of
           the
           choicest
           light
           and
           wisedome
           of
           the
           Nation
           that
           they
           are
           capable
           to
           call
           forth
           ,
           for
           the
           Rule
           and
           Government
           under
           which
           they
           will
           live
           ;
           and
           through
           the
           orderly
           exercise
           of
           such
           measure
           of
           wisedome
           and
           counsel
           as
           the
           Lord
           in
           this
           way
           shall
           please
           to
           give
           unto
           them
           ,
           to
           shape
           and
           forme
           all
           subordinate
           actings
           and
           administrations
           of
           Rule
           and
           Government
           ,
           so
           as
           shall
           best
           answer
           the
           publique
           welfare
           and
           safety
           of
           the
           whole
           .
        
         
           This
           ,
           in
           substance
           ,
           is
           the
           right
           and
           freedome
           contained
           in
           the
           nature
           and
           goodnesse
           of
           the
           cause
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Honest
           party
           have
           been
           engaged
           .
           For
           in
           this
           ,
           all
           the
           particulars
           of
           our
           civill
           right
           and
           freedome
           are
           comprehended
           ,
           conserved
           in
           and
           derived
           from
           their
           proper
           root
           ;
           In
           which
           whilst
           they
           grow
           ,
           they
           will
           ever
           thrive
           ,
           flourish
           and
           increase
           :
           whereas
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           never
           so
           many
           fair
           branches
           of
           liberty
           planted
           on
           the
           root
           of
           a
           private
           and
           selfish
           interest
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           long
           prosper
           ,
           but
           must
           ,
           within
           a
           little
           time
           ,
           wither
           and
           degenerate
           into
           the
           nature
           of
           that
           whereinto
           they
           are
           planted
           .
           And
           hence
           indeed
           sprung
           the
           evil
           of
           that
           Government
           which
           rose
           in
           and
           with
           the
           
             Norman
          
           Conquest
           .
        
         
           The
           root
           and
           bottome
           upon
           which
           it
           stood
           ,
           was
           not
           publique
           interest
           ,
           but
           the
           private
           lust
           and
           will
           of
           the
           Conqueror
           ,
           who
           by
           force
           of
           armes
           did
           at
           first
           detein
           the
           right
           and
           freedome
           which
           was
           ,
           and
           is
           ,
           due
           to
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           the
           people
           :
           For
           whose
           safety
           and
           good
           ,
           government
           it self
           is
           ordained
           by
           God
           ,
           not
           for
           the
           particular
           
           benefit
           of
           the
           Rulers
           ,
           as
           a
           distinct
           and
           private
           interest
           of
           their
           own
           ▪
           which
           yet
           ▪
           for
           the
           most
           part
           ,
           is
           not
           onely
           preferred
           before
           the
           common
           good
           ,
           but
           upheld
           in
           opposition
           thereunto
           .
           And
           as
           at
           first
           the
           Conqueror
           did
           ,
           by
           violence
           and
           force
           ,
           deny
           this
           freedome
           to
           the
           people
           ,
           which
           was
           their
           natural
           right
           and
           priviledge
           ;
           so
           he
           ,
           and
           his
           Successors
           all
           along
           ,
           lay
           as
           bars
           and
           impediments
           to
           the
           true
           National
           interest
           and
           publique
           good
           ,
           in
           the
           very
           National
           Councils
           and
           Assemblies
           themselves
           ;
           which
           were
           constituted
           in
           such
           a
           manner
           ,
           as
           most
           served
           for
           the
           upholding
           of
           the
           private
           interest
           of
           their
           Families
           .
           And
           this
           being
           challenged
           by
           them
           as
           their
           Prerogative
           ,
           was
           found
           by
           the
           people
           assembled
           in
           Parliament
           ,
           most
           unrighteous
           ,
           burdensome
           ,
           and
           destructive
           to
           their
           liberty
           .
           And
           when
           they
           once
           perceived
           ,
           that
           by
           this
           Engine
           all
           their
           just
           rights
           were
           like
           to
           be
           destroyed
           ,
           especially
           (
           being
           backed
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           ,
           with
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Militia
           ,
           which
           the
           late
           King
           ,
           for
           that
           purpose
           ,
           had
           assumed
           into
           his
           hands
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           ,
           upon
           the
           peoples
           application
           to
           him
           in
           Parliament
           part
           with
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           that
           great
           Councill
           ,
           who
           were
           best
           to
           be
           entrusted
           with
           the
           Nations
           safety
           )
           this
           was
           the
           ground
           of
           the
           quarrell
           ,
           upon
           a
           civil
           account
           ,
           between
           the
           King
           and
           his
           party
           ,
           and
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           adherents
           to
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           peoples
           true
           liberty
           ;
           whereof
           this
           short
           touch
           hath
           been
           given
           ,
           and
           shall
           suffice
           for
           the
           opening
           of
           the
           first
           Branch
           of
           this
           Cause
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           branch
           which
           remaines
           briefly
           to
           be
           handled
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           also
           upon
           the
           grounds
           of
           natural
           right
           is
           to
           be
           laid
           claim
           unto
           ;
           but
           distinguishes
           it self
           from
           the
           former
           ,
           as
           it
           respects
           a
           more
           heavenly
           and
           excellent
           object
           ,
           wherein
           the
           freedome
           is
           to
           be
           exercised
           and
           enjoyed
           ,
           that
           is
           to
           say
           ,
           matters
           of
           Religion
           ,
           or
           that
           concern
           the
           service
           and
           worship
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           Unto
           this
           freedome
           the
           Nations
           of
           the
           World
           have
           right
           and
           title
           ,
           by
           the
           purchase
           of
           Christs
           blood
           ;
           who
           
           by
           vertue
           of
           his
           death
           and
           resurrection
           is
           become
           the
           sole
           Lord
           and
           Ruler
           in
           and
           over
           the
           conscience
           ;
           for
           to
           this
           end
           Christ
           died
           ,
           rose
           and
           revived
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           be
           Lord
           both
           of
           the
           dead
           and
           of
           the
           living
           ;
           and
           that
           every
           one
           might
           give
           an
           account
           of
           himself
           in
           all
           matters
           of
           Gods
           worship
           ,
           unto
           God
           and
           Christ
           alone
           ,
           as
           their
           own
           Master
           ,
           unto
           whom
           they
           stand
           or
           fall
           in
           judgement
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           in
           these
           things
           to
           be
           oppressed
           ,
           or
           brought
           before
           the
           Judgment-seats
           of
           men
           .
           For
           why
           shouldest
           thou
           set
           at
           nought
           thy
           Brother
           in
           matters
           of
           his
           Faith
           and
           conscience
           ,
           and
           herein
           intrude
           into
           the
           proper
           office
           of
           Christ
           ,
           since
           we
           are
           all
           to
           stand
           before
           the
           Judgment-seat
           of
           Christ
           ,
           whether
           Governours
           or
           governed
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           decision
           onely
           are
           capable
           of
           being
           declared
           with
           certainty
           ,
           to
           be
           in
           the
           right
           or
           in
           the
           wrong
           ?
        
         
           By
           vertue
           then
           of
           this
           Supream
           Law
           ,
           sealed
           and
           confirmed
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           unto
           all
           men
           (
           whose
           souls
           he
           challenges
           a
           propriety
           in
           ,
           to
           bring
           under
           his
           inward
           rule
           in
           the
           service
           and
           worship
           of
           God
           )
           it
           is
           that
           all
           Magistrates
           are
           to
           fear
           and
           forbear
           intermedling
           with
           giving
           rule
           or
           imposing
           in
           those
           matters
           They
           are
           to
           content
           themselves
           with
           what
           is
           plain
           in
           their
           commission
           ,
           as
           ordained
           of
           God
           to
           be
           his
           Minister
           unto
           men
           for
           good
           ,
           whilest
           they
           approve
           themselves
           the
           doe●s
           of
           that
           which
           is
           good
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           whereof
           earth●y
           and
           worldly
           Judicatures
           are
           capable
           to
           make
           a
           cleare
           and
           perfect
           judgement
           :
           In
           which
           case
           the
           Magistrate
           is
           to
           be
           for
           praise
           and
           protection
           to
           them
           .
           In
           like
           manner
           he
           is
           to
           be
           a
           Minister
           of
           terrour
           and
           revenge
           to
           those
           that
           doe
           evill
           in
           matters
           of
           outward
           practice
           ,
           converse
           ,
           and
           dealings
           in
           the
           things
           of
           this
           life
           between
           man
           and
           man
           ,
           for
           the
           cause
           whereof
           the
           judicatures
           of
           men
           are
           appointed
           and
           set
           up
           .
           But
           to
           exceed
           these
           limits
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           not
           safe
           nor
           warrantable
           for
           the
           Magistrate
           (
           in
           that
           he
           who
           is
           higher
           then
           the
           highest
           ,
           regards
           ,
           and
           will
           shew
           himself
           displeased
           at
           it
           )
           so
           neither
           
           is
           it
           good
           for
           the
           people
           ,
           who
           hereby
           are
           nourished
           up
           in
           biting
           ,
           devouring
           ,
           wrathfull
           spirit
           one
           against
           another
           ,
           and
           are
           found
           transgressors
           of
           that
           Royal
           law
           which
           forbids
           us
           to
           doe
           that
           unto
           another
           ,
           which
           we
           would
           not
           have
           them
           do
           unto
           us
           ,
           were
           we
           in
           their
           condition
           .
        
         
           This
           freedome
           then
           is
           of
           high
           concern
           to
           be
           had
           and
           enjoy
           ,
           as
           well
           for
           the
           Magistrates
           sake
           ,
           as
           for
           the
           peoples
           ●ommon
           good
           ;
           and
           it
           consists
           ,
           as
           hath
           been
           said
           ,
           in
           the
           Magistrates
           forbearing
           to
           put
           forth
           the
           power
           of
           rule
           and
           coercion
           in
           things
           that
           God
           hath
           exempted
           out
           of
           his
           Commission
           .
           So
           that
           all
           care
           requisite
           for
           the
           peoples
           obtaining
           this
           ,
           may
           be
           exercised
           with
           great
           ease
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           taken
           in
           its
           proper
           season
           and
           that
           this
           restraint
           be
           laid
           upon
           the
           Supreme
           Power
           before
           it
           be
           erected
           ,
           as
           a
           fundamental
           Constitution
           among
           others
           ,
           upon
           which
           the
           free
           consent
           of
           the
           people
           is
           given
           ,
           to
           have
           the
           persons
           brought
           into
           the
           exercise
           of
           Suprem
           Authority
           over
           them
           ,
           and
           on
           their
           behalf
           ;
           and
           if
           besides
           ,
           as
           a
           further
           confirmation
           hereunto
           ,
           it
           be
           acknowledged
           be
           the
           voluntary
           act
           of
           the
           ruling
           Power
           ,
           when
           once
           brought
           into
           a
           capacity
           of
           acting
           legislatively
           ,
           that
           herein
           they
           are
           bound
           up
           ,
           and
           judge
           it
           their
           duty
           so
           to
           be
           (
           both
           in
           reference
           to
           God
           the
           Institutor
           of
           M●gistracy
           ,
           and
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           whole
           Body
           by
           whom
           they
           are
           entrusted
           )
           this
           great
           blessing
           will
           here●y
           be
           so
           well
           provided
           for
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           have
           no
           cause
           to
           feare
           ,
           as
           it
           may
           be
           ordered
        
         
           By
           this
           meanes
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           outward
           exercise
           of
           Antichristian
           Tyranny
           and
           bondage
           will
           be
           plucked
           up
           by
           the
           very
           roots
           ;
           which
           till
           some
           such
           course
           be
           held
           in
           it
           ,
           will
           be
           alwayes
           apt
           to
           renew
           and
           sprout
           out
           afresh
           ,
           under
           some
           new
           forme
           or
           refined
           appearances
           ,
           as
           by
           late
           yeares
           experience
           we
           have
           been
           taught
           .
           For
           since
           the
           fall
           of
           the
           Bishops
           and
           persecuting
           Presbyteries
           ,
           the
           same
           spirit
           is
           apt
           to
           arise
           in
           the
           next
           sort
           of
           Clergy
           ,
           
           that
           can
           get
           the
           ear
           of
           the
           Magistrate
           ,
           and
           pretend
           to
           the
           keeping
           and
           ruling
           the
           conscience
           of
           the
           Governors
           .
           Although
           this
           spirit
           and
           practice
           hath
           been
           all
           along
           decried
           by
           the
           faithful
           adherents
           to
           this
           Cause
           ,
           as
           a
           most
           sore
           oppression
           ,
           and
           insufferable
           yoke
           of
           bondage
           ,
           most
           unrighteously
           kept
           up
           over
           the
           consciences
           of
           the
           people
           ;
           and
           therefore
           judged
           by
           them
           most
           needfull
           to
           be
           taken
           out
           of
           the
           way
           .
           And
           in
           this
           matter
           the
           present
           Governors
           have
           been
           willing
           very
           eminently
           to
           give
           their
           Testimony
           ,
           in
           their
           publique
           Declarations
           ,
           however
           in
           practice
           there
           is
           much
           of
           grievance
           yet
           found
           among
           us
           ,
           though
           more
           ,
           in
           probability
           ,
           from
           the
           officiousnesse
           of
           subordinate
           Ministers
           ,
           then
           any
           clear
           purpose
           or
           designe
           of
           the
           chief
           in
           power
           .
        
         
           Having
           thus
           shewed
           what
           the
           true
           freedom
           is
           ,
           in
           both
           the
           Branches
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           shines
           forth
           in
           the
           righteous
           Cause
           ,
           wherein
           the
           good
           people
           of
           these
           Nations
           have
           so
           deeply
           engaged
           :
           It
           will
           not
           be
           improper
           in
           the
           next
           place
           to
           consider
           two
           particulars
           more
           that
           give
           still
           further
           light
           into
           the
           matter
           in
           question
           ;
           as
           first
           The
           qualifications
           of
           the
           Persons
           that
           have
           adhered
           to
           this
           Cause
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           the
           capacity
           wherein
           they
           have
           been
           found
           from
           time
           to
           time
           carrying
           it
           on
           .
        
         
           As
           to
           their
           Qualification
           ,
           they
           have
           in
           the
           general
           ,
           distinguished
           themselves
           and
           been
           made
           known
           ,
           by
           a
           forwardness
           to
           assist
           and
           own
           the
           publique
           welfare
           and
           good
           of
           the
           Nation
           ,
           for
           the
           attaining
           and
           preserving
           the
           just
           rights
           and
           liberties
           thereof
           ,
           asserted
           and
           witnessed
           unto
           in
           the
           true
           stating
           of
           this
           Cause
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           two
           branches
           thereof
           already
           spoken
           to
           .
           They
           have
           shewed
           themselves
           ,
           upon
           all
           occasions
           ,
           desirers
           and
           lovers
           of
           true
           freedom
           ,
           either
           in
           civils
           ,
           or
           in
           spirituals
           ,
           or
           in
           both
           .
           To
           express
           their
           value
           thereof
           ,
           and
           faithfulnes
           to
           the
           same
           ,
           they
           have
           largely
           contributed
           ,
           in
           one
           kind
           or
           other
           what
           was
           proper
           to
           each
           in
           his
           place
           to
           do
           ;
           wch
           actions
           of
           theirs
           proceeding
           from
           hearts
           sincerely
           
           affected
           to
           the
           cause
           ,
           created
           in
           them
           aright
           to
           be
           of
           an
           Incorporation
           and
           Society
           by
           themselves
           ,
           under
           the
           name
           of
           the
           good
           Party
           ;
           having
           been
           from
           the
           beginning
           unto
           this
           day
           publiquely
           and
           commonly
           so
           acknowledged
           ,
           by
           way
           of
           distinction
           from
           all
           Neuters
           ,
           close
           and
           open
           Enemies
           ,
           and
           deceitfull
           Friends
           or
           Apostates
           .
           These
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           maintaining
           of
           this
           Cause
           ,
           have
           stood
           by
           the
           Army
           ,
           in
           defence
           and
           support
           thereof
           ,
           against
           all
           opposition
           whatever
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           ,
           by
           the
           growing
           light
           of
           these
           times
           ,
           have
           been
           taught
           and
           led
           forth
           in
           their
           experiences
           ,
           to
           look
           above
           and
           beyond
           the
           letter
           ,
           forme
           ,
           and
           outward
           circumstances
           of
           government
           ,
           into
           the
           inward
           reason
           and
           spirit
           thereof
           ,
           herein
           only
           to
           fix
           and
           terminate
           ,
           to
           the
           leaving
           behind
           all
           empty
           shadows
           ,
           that
           would
           obtrude
           themselves
           in
           the
           place
           of
           true
           freedome
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           capacity
           wherein
           these
           persons
           ,
           thus
           qualified
           ,
           have
           acted
           ,
           it
           hath
           been
           very
           variable
           ,
           and
           subject
           to
           great
           changes
           :
           sometimes
           in
           one
           form
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           in
           another
           ,
           and
           very
           seldome
           ,
           if
           ever
           at
           all
           ,
           so
           exactly
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           points
           consonant
           to
           the
           rule
           of
           former
           Lawes
           and
           Constitutions
           of
           Government
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           clearly
           and
           fully
           justified
           by
           them
           ,
           any
           longer
           then
           the
           Law
           of
           Successe
           and
           Conquest
           did
           uphold
           them
           who
           had
           the
           inward
           warrant
           of
           Justice
           and
           Righteousnesse
           to
           encourage
           them
           in
           such
           their
           actings
           .
        
         
           The
           utmost
           and
           last
           reserve
           therefore
           which
           they
           have
           had
           ,
           in
           case
           all
           other
           failed
           ,
           hath
           been
           their
           military
           capacity
           ,
           not
           only
           strictly
           taken
           for
           the
           standing
           Army
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           largest
           sense
           ,
           wherein
           the
           whole
           party
           may
           (
           with
           the
           Army
           ,
           and
           under
           that
           military
           constitution
           and
           conduct
           ,
           which
           by
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           they
           shall
           then
           be
           found
           in
           )
           associate
           themselves
           in
           the
           best
           order
           they
           can
           ,
           for
           the
           common
           defence
           and
           safety
           of
           the
           whole
           .
           As
           not
           ignorant
           ,
           that
           when
           once
           embodied
           
           in
           this
           their
           Military
           posture
           ,
           in
           such
           manner
           as
           by
           common
           consent
           shall
           be
           found
           requisite
           for
           the
           safety
           of
           the
           body
           ,
           they
           are
           most
           irresistible
           ,
           absolute
           ,
           and
           comprehensive
           in
           their
           power
           ;
           having
           that
           wherein
           the
           substance
           of
           all
           Government
           is
           contained
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           protection
           whereof
           ,
           and
           safety
           that
           may
           be
           maintained
           thereby
           ,
           they
           can
           contrive
           and
           determine
           ,
           in
           what
           manner
           this
           irresistible
           ,
           absolute
           ,
           and
           boundless
           power
           ,
           unto
           which
           they
           are
           now
           arrived
           in
           this
           their
           Military
           capacity
           shall
           have
           just
           and
           due
           limits
           set
           unto
           it
           ,
           and
           be
           drawn
           out
           in
           a
           meet
           and
           orderly
           way
           of
           exercise
           ,
           for
           the
           Commonweale
           and
           safety
           of
           the
           whole
           Body
           ,
           under
           the
           rule
           and
           oversight
           of
           a
           Supreme
           Judicature
           ;
           unto
           the
           wisedome
           of
           whose
           lawes
           and
           orders
           ,
           the
           sword
           is
           to
           become
           most
           entirely
           subject
           and
           subservient
           :
           And
           this
           without
           the
           least
           cause
           of
           jealousie
           or
           unsafety
           ,
           either
           to
           the
           standing
           Army
           ,
           or
           any
           member
           thereof
           ,
           or
           unto
           the
           good
           people
           adhering
           to
           this
           Cause
           ,
           or
           any
           one
           of
           them
           ;
           since
           the
           interest
           of
           both
           ,
           by
           this
           mutual
           action
           of
           either
           ,
           will
           be
           so
           combined
           together
           in
           one
           (
           even
           in
           that
           wherein
           before
           they
           were
           distinct
           )
           that
           all
           just
           cause
           of
           difference
           ,
           fear
           ,
           animosity
           emulation
           ,
           jealousie
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           ,
           will
           be
           wholly
           abolished
           and
           removed
           .
        
         
           For
           when
           once
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           the
           good
           people
           find
           that
           the
           Military
           interest
           &
           capacity
           is
           their
           own
           ,
           and
           that
           into
           which
           necessity
           at
           the
           last
           may
           bring
           the
           whole
           Party
           (
           whereof
           of
           right
           a
           place
           is
           to
           be
           reserved
           for
           them
           )
           and
           that
           herein
           they
           are
           so
           far
           from
           being
           in
           subjection
           or
           slavery
           ▪
           that
           in
           this
           posture
           they
           are
           most
           properly
           soveraign
           ,
           and
           possesse
           their
           right
           of
           natural
           soveraignty
           ,
           they
           will
           presently
           see
           a
           necessity
           of
           continuing
           ever
           one
           with
           their
           Army
           raised
           and
           maintained
           by
           them
           ,
           for
           the
           promoting
           this
           Cause
           against
           the
           common
           Enemy
           ;
           who
           in
           his
           next
           attempt
           will
           put
           for
           all
           with
           greater
           desperatenesse
           and
           rage
           then
           ever
           .
        
         
         
           Again
           ,
           when
           once
           the
           standing
           Army
           and
           their
           Governours
           shall
           also
           find
           ,
           that
           by
           setting
           and
           keeping
           up
           themselves
           in
           a
           divided
           interest
           from
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           Body
           of
           Honest
           men
           ,
           they
           withhold
           from
           themselves
           those
           contributions
           in
           all
           voluntary
           and
           cheerful
           assistances
           ,
           by
           the
           affections
           and
           prayers
           ,
           by
           the
           persons
           and
           purses
           of
           the
           good
           party
           ,
           to
           the
           weakening
           themselves
           thereby
           ,
           as
           to
           any
           vigerous
           support
           from
           them
           ,
           in
           the
           times
           of
           most
           imminent
           danger
           (
           whereof
           the
           late
           King
           had
           an
           experience
           ,
           that
           will
           not
           suddenly
           be
           out
           of
           memory
           ,
           when
           he
           undertook
           the
           war
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           these
           troubles
           ,
           against
           the
           Scots
           ,
           and
           was
           ,
           in
           a
           manner
           ,
           therein
           deserted
           by
           all
           the
           good
           party
           in
           
             England
             )
          
           they
           will
           then
           find
           (
           if
           they
           stay
           not
           till
           it
           be
           too
           late
           )
           that
           by
           espousing
           the
           interest
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           in
           submitting
           themselves
           with
           their
           fellow
           adherents
           to
           the
           Cause
           ,
           under
           the
           rule
           and
           authority
           of
           their
           own
           Supreme
           Judicature
           ,
           they
           lose
           not
           their
           Power
           or
           Soveraignty
           ;
           but
           becoming
           one
           Civil
           or
           Politique
           Incorporation
           with
           the
           whole
           party
           of
           honest
           men
           ,
           they
           doe
           therein
           keep
           the
           Soveraignty
           ,
           as
           originally
           seated
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           part
           with
           it
           only
           but
           as
           by
           deputation
           and
           representation
           of
           themselves
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           brought
           into
           an
           orderly
           way
           of
           exercise
           ,
           by
           being
           put
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           persons
           chosen
           and
           entrusted
           by
           themselves
           to
           that
           purpose
           .
        
         
           By
           this
           mutual
           and
           happy
           transition
           which
           may
           be
           made
           between
           the
           party
           of
           Honest
           men
           in
           the
           Three
           Nations
           virtually
           in
           Arms
           ,
           and
           those
           actually
           so
           now
           in
           power
           at
           the
           Head
           of
           the
           Army
           ,
           how
           suddenly
           would
           the
           union
           of
           the
           whole
           Body
           be
           consolidated
           ,
           and
           made
           so
           firm
           as
           it
           will
           not
           need
           to
           fear
           all
           the
           designes
           and
           attempts
           of
           the
           common
           Enemy
           ;
           especially
           if
           herein
           they
           unite
           themselves
           in
           the
           first
           place
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           willing
           to
           follow
           his
           providence
           ,
           and
           observe
           his
           will
           in
           the
           way
           and
           manner
           of
           bringing
           this
           to
           passe
           .
           In
           
           which
           case
           we
           shall
           not
           need
           to
           fear
           what
           all
           the
           gates
           of
           hell
           are
           able
           to
           do
           in
           opposition
           thereunto
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           not
           then
           the
           standing
           and
           being
           of
           the
           present
           Army
           and
           Military
           forces
           in
           the
           three
           Nations
           ,
           that
           is
           lyable
           to
           exception
           or
           offence
           ;
           from
           any
           dissenting
           judgements
           at
           this
           time
           amongst
           the
           honest
           well
           affected
           party
           .
           In
           and
           with
           them
           ,
           under
           God
           ,
           stand
           the
           welfare
           and
           outward
           safety
           of
           the
           whole
           body
           ;
           and
           to
           be
           enemies
           to
           them
           or
           wish
           them
           hurt
           ,
           were
           to
           do
           it
           to
           themselves
           ;
           and
           by
           trying
           such
           conclusions
           to
           play
           the
           game
           of
           the
           common
           enemy
           ,
           to
           the
           utter
           ruine
           and
           destruction
           ,
           not
           only
           of
           the
           true
           freedome
           aymed
           at
           and
           contended
           for
           in
           the
           late
           wars
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           very
           persons
           themselves
           that
           have
           been
           in
           any
           sort
           active
           or
           eminent
           promoters
           thereof
           .
        
         
           The
           Army
           considered
           as
           it
           is
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           an
           honest
           and
           wise
           General
           ,
           and
           sober
           faithfull
           Officers
           ,
           embodied
           with
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           party
           of
           honest
           men
           ;
           and
           espousing
           still
           the
           same
           cause
           ,
           and
           acting
           in
           their
           primitive
           simplicity
           ,
           humility
           ,
           and
           trust
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           welfare
           and
           safety
           of
           the
           whole
           body
           ,
           is
           the
           only
           justifyable
           and
           most
           advantagious
           posture
           and
           capacity
           that
           the
           good
           party
           at
           present
           can
           finde
           themselves
           in
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           obtaining
           that
           true
           freedome
           they
           have
           fought
           for
           ,
           and
           possessing
           of
           it
           in
           the
           establishment
           thereof
           upon
           the
           true
           Basis
           and
           foundation
           ,
           as
           hath
           been
           shewed
           of
           right
           Government
           .
        
         
           That
           wherein
           the
           offence
           lies
           ,
           and
           which
           causes
           such
           great
           thoughts
           of
           heart
           amongst
           the
           honest
           party
           (
           if
           it
           may
           be
           freely
           expressed
           ,
           as
           sure
           it
           may
           ,
           when
           the
           Magistrate
           himselfe
           professes
           he
           doth
           but
           desire
           and
           wait
           for
           conviction
           therein
           )
           is
           in
           short
           this
           .
        
         
           That
           when
           the
           right
           and
           priviledge
           is
           returned
           ,
           nay
           is
           restored
           by
           Conquest
           unto
           the
           whole
           Body
           (
           that
           forfeited
           not
           their
           interest
           therein
           )
           of
           freely
           disposing
           themselves
           in
           such
           a
           constitution
           of
           righteous
           Government
           ,
           
           as
           may
           best
           answer
           the
           ends
           held
           forth
           in
           this
           Cause
           ;
           that
           neverthelesse
           ,
           either
           through
           delay
           they
           should
           be
           withheld
           as
           they
           are
           ,
           or
           through
           design
           they
           should
           come
           at
           last
           to
           be
           utterly
           denied
           the
           exercise
           of
           this
           their
           right
           ,
           upon
           pretence
           that
           they
           are
           not
           in
           capacity
           as
           yet
           to
           use
           it
           ;
           which
           indeed
           hath
           some
           truth
           in
           it
           ,
           if
           those
           that
           are
           now
           in
           power
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           command
           of
           the
           Arms
           ,
           doe
           not
           prepare
           all
           things
           requisite
           thereunto
           ,
           as
           they
           may
           ,
           and
           like
           faithful
           Guardians
           to
           the
           Commonwealth
           ,
           admitted
           to
           be
           in
           its
           nonage
           ,
           they
           ought
           .
        
         
           But
           if
           the
           bringing
           of
           true
           freedome
           into
           exercise
           amongst
           men
           ,
           yea
           ,
           so
           refined
           a
           party
           of
           men
           ,
           be
           impossible
           ;
           why
           hath
           this
           been
           concealed
           all
           this
           while
           ?
           and
           why
           was
           it
           not
           thought
           on
           before
           so
           much
           blood
           was
           spilt
           ,
           and
           treasure
           spent
           ?
           surely
           ,
           such
           a
           thing
           as
           this
           was
           judged
           real
           and
           practicable
           ,
           not
           imaginary
           and
           notional
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ,
           why
           may
           it
           not
           suffice
           to
           have
           been
           thus
           long
           delayed
           and
           withheld
           from
           the
           whole
           body
           ,
           at
           least
           as
           to
           its
           being
           brought
           by
           them
           into
           exercise
           now
           at
           last
           ?
           surely
           the
           longer
           it
           is
           withheld
           ,
           the
           stronger
           jealousies
           do
           increase
           ;
           that
           it
           is
           intended
           to
           be
           assumed
           and
           ingrossed
           by
           a
           part
           only
           ,
           to
           the
           leaving
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           body
           (
           who
           in
           all
           reason
           and
           justice
           ought
           to
           be
           equally
           participants
           with
           the
           other
           in
           the
           right
           and
           benefit
           of
           the
           Conquest
           ,
           for
           as
           much
           as
           the
           war
           was
           managed
           at
           the
           expence
           and
           for
           the
           safety
           of
           the
           whole
           )
           in
           a
           condition
           almost
           as
           much
           exposed
           ,
           and
           subject
           to
           be
           imposed
           upon
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           had
           been
           enemies
           and
           conquered
           ,
           not
           in
           any
           sense
           Conquerors
           .
        
         
           If
           ever
           such
           an
           unrighteous
           ,
           unkind
           and
           deceitful
           dealing
           with
           brethren
           should
           happen
           ,
           although
           it
           might
           continue
           above
           the
           reach
           of
           question
           from
           humane
           judicature
           ,
           yet
           can
           we
           think
           it
           possible
           it
           should
           
           escape
           and
           go
           unpunished
           by
           the
           immediate
           hand
           of
           the
           Righteous
           Judge
           of
           the
           whole
           World
           ,
           when
           he
           ariseth
           out
           of
           his
           place
           to
           do
           right
           to
           the
           oppressed
           ?
        
         
           Nay
           if
           in
           stead
           of
           favouring
           and
           promoting
           the
           peoples
           common
           good
           and
           welfare
           ,
           self-interest
           and
           private
           gain
           should
           evidently
           appear
           to
           be
           the
           things
           we
           have
           aymed
           at
           all
           along
           ;
           if
           those
           very
           Tyrannical
           principles
           and
           Antichristian
           reliques
           ,
           which
           God
           by
           us
           hath
           punished
           in
           our
           predecessors
           ,
           should
           again
           revive
           ,
           spring
           up
           afresh
           ,
           and
           shew
           themselves
           lodged
           also
           and
           retained
           in
           our
           bosomes
           ;
           rendring
           us
           of
           the
           number
           of
           those
           that
           have
           forgot
           they
           were
           purged
           from
           their
           old
           sins
           ,
           and
           declaring
           us
           to
           be
           such
           as
           to
           please
           a
           covetous
           mind
           ,
           doe
           withhold
           from
           destruction
           that
           which
           God
           hath
           designed
           to
           the
           curse
           of
           his
           vengeance
           :
           If
           all
           those
           great
           advantages
           of
           serving
           the
           Lords
           will
           and
           design
           in
           procuring
           and
           advancing
           his
           peoples
           true
           welfare
           and
           outward
           safety
           ,
           which
           (
           as
           the
           fruit
           of
           his
           blessing
           upon
           our
           Armies
           )
           have
           so
           miraculously
           fallen
           into
           our
           hands
           ,
           shall
           at
           last
           be
           wrested
           and
           mis-improved
           to
           the
           enriching
           and
           greatning
           of
           our selves
           :
           If
           these
           things
           should
           ever
           be
           found
           amongst
           us
           (
           which
           the
           Lord
           in
           mercy
           forbid
           )
           shall
           we
           need
           to
           look
           any
           further
           for
           the
           accursed
           thing
           ?
           will
           not
           our
           Consciences
           shew
           us
           from
           the
           light
           of
           the
           Word
           and
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           how
           neer
           a
           conformity
           these
           actions
           would
           hold
           therewith
           ?
           which
           sin
           ,
           
             Josh.
          
           7.
           became
           a
           curse
           to
           the
           Camp
           ,
           and
           withheld
           the
           Lord
           from
           being
           any
           more
           amongst
           them
           ,
           or
           going
           out
           with
           their
           forces
           .
           And
           did
           the
           action
           of
           
             Achan
          
           import
           any
           more
           then
           these
           two
           things
           .
           First
           ,
           he
           saved
           and
           kept
           from
           destruction
           the
           goodly
           Babylonish
           garment
           ,
           which
           was
           devoted
           by
           God
           thereunto
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           he
           brought
           not
           in
           the
           fruit
           and
           gain
           of
           the
           Conquest
           into
           the
           Lords
           Treasury
           ,
           but
           covetously
           went
           about
           to
           convert
           it
           to
           his
           
           own
           proper
           use
           .
           To
           doe
           this
           ,
           is
           to
           take
           of
           the
           accursed
           thing
           ,
           which
           
             Josh.
          
           7.
           all
           Israel
           was
           said
           to
           do
           ,
           in
           the
           sin
           of
           
             Achan
             ,
          
           and
           to
           have
           stollen
           and
           dissembled
           likewise
           ,
           and
           put
           it
           amongst
           their
           own
           stuffe
           .
           This
           caused
           the
           anger
           of
           the
           Lord
           to
           kindle
           against
           Israel
           ,
           and
           made
           them
           unable
           to
           stand
           before
           their
           enemies
           ,
           but
           their
           hearts
           melted
           as
           water
           .
           And
           thus
           far
           the
           Lord
           is
           concerned
           ,
           if
           such
           an
           evil
           as
           this
           shall
           lye
           hid
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           us
           .
           But
           to
           return
           to
           what
           we
           were
           upon
           before
           .
        
         
           The
           matter
           which
           is
           in
           question
           among
           the
           dissenting
           parts
           of
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           honest
           men
           ,
           is
           not
           so
           trivial
           and
           of
           such
           small
           consequence
           ,
           as
           some
           would
           make
           it
           .
           'T
           is
           in
           effect
           ,
           the
           main
           and
           whole
           of
           the
           Cause
           ;
           without
           which
           all
           the
           freedome
           which
           the
           people
           have
           or
           can
           have
           ,
           is
           in
           comparison
           but
           shadow
           and
           in
           name
           only
           ,
           and
           therefore
           can
           never
           give
           that
           peace
           and
           satisfaction
           to
           the
           body
           ,
           which
           is
           requisite
           unto
           a
           durable
           and
           solid
           settlement
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           makes
           all
           sound
           &
           safe
           at
           the
           root
           ,
           and
           gives
           the
           right
           ballance
           necessary
           to
           be
           held
           up
           between
           soveraignity
           and
           subjection
           ,
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           all
           righteous
           Government
           ;
           applying
           the
           use
           of
           the
           sword
           to
           the
           promoting
           and
           upholding
           the
           publike
           safety
           and
           welfare
           of
           the
           whole
           body
           ,
           in
           preference
           and
           if
           need
           be
           in
           opposition
           unto
           any
           of
           the
           parts
           ;
           whilst
           yet
           by
           its
           equal
           and
           impartial
           administration
           in
           reference
           unto
           each
           ,
           it
           doth
           withal
           maintain
           the
           whole
           Body
           in
           a
           most
           delightfull
           harmony
           ,
           welfare
           ,
           and
           correspondency
           .
           The
           sword
           never
           can
           nor
           is
           it
           to
           be
           expected
           ever
           will
           doe
           this
           ,
           while
           the
           soveraignity
           is
           admitted
           and
           placed
           anywhere
           else
           ,
           then
           in
           the
           whole
           Body
           of
           the
           people
           that
           have
           adhered
           to
           the
           cause
           ,
           and
           by
           them
           be
           derived
           unto
           their
           successive
           Representatives
           ,
           as
           the
           most
           equal
           and
           impartial
           Judicature
           for
           the
           effecting
           hereof
           .
        
         
         
           Where
           there
           is
           then
           a
           righteous
           and
           good
           constitution
           of
           Government
           ,
           there
           is
           first
           an
           orderly
           union
           of
           many
           understandings
           together
           ,
           as
           the
           publique
           and
           common
           Supream
           Judicature
           or
           visible
           Soveraignity
           ,
           set
           in
           a
           way
           of
           free
           and
           orderly
           exercise
           ,
           for
           the
           directing
           and
           applying
           the
           use
           of
           the
           ruling
           power
           or
           the
           sword
           ,
           to
           promote
           the
           interest
           and
           common
           welfare
           of
           the
           whole
           ,
           without
           any
           disturbance
           or
           annoyance
           ,
           from
           within
           or
           from
           without
           .
           And
           then
           secondly
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           like
           union
           and
           readiness
           of
           will
           in
           all
           the
           Individuals
           ,
           in
           their
           private
           capacities
           ,
           to
           execute
           and
           obey
           (
           by
           all
           the
           power
           requisite
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           are
           able
           to
           put
           forth
           )
           those
           soveraign
           Laws
           and
           Orders
           issued
           out
           by
           their
           own
           Deputies
           and
           Trustees
           .
        
         
           A
           Supream
           Judicature
           thus
           made
           the
           Representative
           of
           the
           whole
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           we
           say
           ,
           will
           most
           naturally
           care
           ,
           and
           most
           equally
           provide
           for
           the
           Common
           good
           and
           safety
           .
           Though
           by
           this
           it
           is
           not
           denied
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           supream
           power
           ,
           when
           by
           free
           consent
           't
           is
           placed
           in
           a
           single
           person
           or
           in
           some
           few
           persons
           ,
           may
           be
           capable
           also
           to
           administer
           righteous
           Government
           ;
           at
           least
           the
           Body
           that
           gives
           this
           liberty
           ,
           when
           they
           need
           not
           ,
           are
           to
           thank
           themselves
           if
           it
           prove
           otherwise
           .
           But
           when
           this
           free
           and
           natural
           accesse
           unto
           Government
           ,
           is
           interrupted
           and
           declined
           ,
           so
           as
           a
           liberty
           is
           taken
           by
           any
           particular
           member
           ,
           or
           number
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           are
           to
           be
           reputed
           but
           a
           part
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           whole
           ,
           to
           assume
           and
           engrosse
           the
           office
           of
           soveraign
           rule
           and
           power
           ,
           and
           to
           impose
           themselves
           as
           the
           competent
           publique
           Judge
           of
           the
           safety
           and
           good
           of
           the
           whole
           ,
           without
           their
           free
           and
           due
           consent
           ;
           and
           to
           lay
           claim
           unto
           this
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           find
           themselves
           possessed
           of
           the
           sword
           (
           and
           that
           so
           advantagiously
           ,
           as
           it
           cannot
           be
           recovered
           again
           out
           of
           their
           hands
           ,
           without
           more
           apparent
           danger
           and
           damage
           to
           the
           whole
           body
           ,
           then
           such
           attempts
           are
           
           wortth
           )
           this
           is
           that
           Anarchy
           that
           is
           the
           first
           rise
           and
           step
           to
           Tyanny
           ;
           and
           laies
           the
           grounds
           of
           manifest
           confusion
           and
           disorder
           ;
           exposing
           the
           ruling
           power
           to
           the
           next
           hand
           that
           on
           the
           next
           opportunity
           can
           lay
           hold
           on
           the
           sword
           ;
           and
           so
           ,
           by
           a
           kind
           of
           necessity
           ,
           introduces
           the
           highest
           imposition
           and
           bondage
           upon
           the
           whole
           Body
           ,
           in
           compelling
           all
           the
           parts
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           much
           against
           the
           true
           publique
           interest
           ,
           to
           serve
           and
           obey
           ,
           as
           their
           soveraigne
           rule
           and
           supream
           Authority
           ,
           the
           Arbitrary
           will
           and
           judgement
           of
           those
           that
           bring
           themselves
           into
           rule
           by
           the
           power
           of
           the
           sword
           ,
           in
           the
           right
           only
           of
           a
           part
           that
           sets
           up
           it selfe
           in
           preference
           before
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           in
           competition
           with
           the
           melfare
           of
           the
           whole
           ▪
        
         
           And
           if
           this
           ,
           which
           is
           so
           essential
           to
           the
           well
           being
           and
           right
           constitution
           of
           Government
           ,
           were
           once
           obtained
           ,
           the
           disputes
           about
           the
           forme
           would
           not
           prove
           so
           dificult
           ,
           nor
           find
           such
           opposition
           ,
           as
           to
           keep
           up
           the
           bone
           of
           contention
           and
           disunion
           ,
           with
           much
           danger
           to
           the
           whole
           .
           For
           if
           as
           the
           foundation
           of
           all
           ,
           the
           soveraignty
           be
           ackowledged
           to
           reside
           originally
           in
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           adherents
           to
           this
           Cause
           (
           whose
           natural
           and
           inherent
           right
           thereunto
           is
           of
           a
           far
           ancienter
           date
           then
           what
           is
           obtained
           by
           success
           of
           their
           arms
           ,
           and
           so
           cannot
           be
           abrogated
           even
           by
           Conquest
           it selfe
           if
           that
           were
           the
           case
           )
           and
           then
           if
           in
           consequence
           hereof
           ,
           a
           supream
           Judicature
           be
           set
           up
           and
           orderly
           constituted
           ,
           as
           naturally
           arising
           and
           resulting
           from
           the
           free
           choice
           and
           consent
           of
           the
           whole
           Body
           ,
           taken
           out
           from
           among
           themselves
           ,
           as
           flesh
           of
           their
           flesh
           ,
           and
           bone
           of
           their
           bone
           ,
           of
           the
           same
           publique
           spirit
           and
           nature
           with
           themselves
           ,
           and
           the
           main
           be
           by
           this
           means
           secured
           ;
           what
           could
           be
           propounded
           afterwards
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           form
           of
           administration
           that
           would
           much
           stick
           ?
        
         
         
           Would
           a
           standing
           Council
           of
           State
           setled
           for
           life
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           safety
           of
           the
           Commonwealth
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           maintaining
           intercourse
           and
           commerce
           with
           Forreign
           States
           ,
           under
           the
           inspection
           and
           oversight
           of
           the
           Supreme
           Judicature
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           same
           fundamental
           constitution
           with
           themselves
           ,
           would
           this
           be
           disliked
           ?
           admitting
           their
           orders
           were
           binding
           ,
           in
           the
           intervals
           of
           Supreme
           National
           Assemblies
           ,
           so
           far
           only
           as
           consonant
           to
           the
           settled
           Lawes
           of
           the
           Common-wealth
           the
           vacancy
           of
           any
           of
           which
           by
           death
           or
           otherwise
           might
           be
           supplied
           by
           the
           vote
           of
           the
           major
           part
           of
           themselves
           .
           Nay
           would
           there
           be
           any
           just
           exception
           to
           be
           taken
           ,
           if
           (
           besides
           both
           these
           )
           it
           should
           be
           agreed
           (
           as
           another
           part
           of
           the
           fundamental
           constitution
           of
           the
           Government
           )
           to
           place
           that
           branch
           of
           Soveraignty
           which
           chiefly
           respects
           the
           execution
           of
           the
           Lawes
           ,
           in
           a
           distinct
           office
           from
           that
           of
           the
           legislative
           power
           (
           and
           yet
           subordinate
           to
           them
           and
           to
           the
           Lawes
           )
           capable
           to
           be
           entrusted
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           one
           single
           person
           ,
           if
           need
           require
           ,
           or
           in
           a
           greater
           number
           ,
           as
           the
           legislative
           power
           should
           think
           fit
           ;
           and
           for
           the
           greater
           strength
           and
           honour
           unto
           this
           Office
           ,
           that
           the
           execution
           of
           all
           Lawes
           and
           Orders
           (
           that
           are
           binding
           )
           may
           go
           forth
           in
           his
           ,
           or
           their
           name
           ;
           and
           all
           disobedience
           thereunto
           ,
           or
           contempt
           thereof
           ,
           be
           taken
           as
           done
           to
           the
           peoples
           Soveraignty
           whereof
           he
           or
           they
           bear
           the
           Image
           or
           Representation
           ,
           subordinate
           to
           the
           Legislative
           Power
           ,
           and
           at
           their
           will
           to
           be
           kept
           up
           and
           continued
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           a
           single
           Person
           or
           more
           ,
           as
           the
           experience
           of
           the
           future
           good
           or
           evil
           of
           it
           shall
           require
           .
        
         
           Would
           such
           an
           office
           as
           this
           ,
           thus
           stated
           ,
           carry
           in
           it
           any
           inconsistency
           with
           a
           free
           State
           ?
           nay
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           well
           considered
           ,
           would
           it
           not
           rather
           be
           found
           of
           excellent
           use
           to
           the
           well-being
           of
           Magistracy
           founded
           upon
           this
           righteous
           bottome
           ,
           that
           such
           a
           Lieftenancy
           of
           the
           peoples
           soveraignty
           in
           these
           three
           Nations
           ,
           may
           
           alwayes
           reside
           in
           some
           one
           or
           more
           persons
           ,
           in
           whose
           administration
           ,
           that
           which
           is
           reward
           and
           punishment
           may
           shine
           forth
           ?
        
         
           And
           if
           now
           it
           shall
           be
           objected
           ,
           that
           (
           notwithstanding
           all
           these
           Cautions
           )
           should
           once
           the
           Soveraignty
           be
           acknowledged
           to
           be
           in
           the
           diffused
           body
           of
           the
           people
           (
           though
           the
           adherents
           to
           this
           Cause
           ,
           not
           only
           as
           their
           natural
           ,
           but
           as
           their
           acquired
           right
           by
           Conquest
           )
           they
           would
           suddenly
           put
           the
           use
           and
           exercise
           of
           the
           Legislative
           power
           into
           such
           hands
           ,
           as
           would
           ,
           through
           their
           ill-qualifiednesse
           to
           the
           work
           spoil
           all
           ,
           by
           male-administration
           thereof
           ,
           and
           hereby
           lose
           the
           cause
           in
           stead
           of
           upholding
           and
           mantaining
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           Answer
           unto
           this
           is
           ,
           First
           that
           God
           by
           his
           providence
           hath
           eased
           our
           minds
           much
           of
           this
           solicitude
           ,
           by
           the
           course
           he
           hath
           already
           taken
           to
           fit
           and
           prepare
           a
           choice
           and
           selected
           number
           of
           the
           people
           unto
           this
           work
           ,
           that
           are
           tried
           and
           refined
           by
           their
           inward
           and
           outward
           experiences
           in
           this
           great
           quarrell
           ,
           and
           the
           many
           changes
           they
           have
           passed
           through
           :
           In
           respect
           whereof
           well
           qualified
           persons
           are
           to
           be
           found
           ,
           if
           due
           care
           be
           but
           taken
           in
           the
           choice
           of
           them
           .
           And
           if
           herein
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Lord
           shall
           be
           waiting
           upon
           him
           for
           his
           guidance
           and
           presence
           with
           them
           ,
           we
           may
           have
           grounds
           to
           hope
           that
           God
           (
           whose
           name
           hath
           all
           along
           been
           called
           upon
           in
           the
           managing
           of
           this
           Cause
           )
           will
           pour
           out
           so
           abundantly
           of
           his
           spirit
           upon
           his
           people
           attending
           on
           him
           in
           righteous
           wayes
           ,
           and
           will
           also
           so
           move
           their
           hearts
           to
           choose
           persons
           bearing
           his
           Image
           into
           the
           Magistracy
           ,
           that
           a
           more
           glorious
           product
           may
           spring
           up
           out
           of
           this
           then
           at
           first
           we
           can
           expect
           ,
           to
           the
           setting
           up
           of
           the
           Lord
           himselfe
           as
           chiefe
           Judge
           and
           Lawgiver
           amongst
           us
           .
           And
           unto
           this
           the
           wisedome
           and
           honesty
           of
           the
           persons
           now
           in
           power
           May
           have
           an
           opportunity
           eminently
           to
           come
           into
           discovery
           .
           For
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           grounds
           already
           
           layed
           ,
           the
           very
           persons
           now
           in
           power
           are
           they
           unto
           whose
           lot
           it
           would
           fall
           to
           set
           about
           this
           preparatory
           work
           ;
           and
           by
           their
           orders
           and
           directions
           to
           dispose
           the
           whole
           Body
           ,
           and
           bring
           them
           into
           the
           meetest
           capacity
           to
           effect
           the
           same
           .
           The
           most
           natural
           way
           for
           which
           would
           seem
           to
           be
           by
           a
           General
           Council
           ,
           or
           Convention
           of
           faithful
           ,
           honest
           ,
           and
           discerning
           men
           ,
           chosen
           for
           that
           purpose
           by
           the
           free
           consent
           of
           the
           whole
           Body
           of
           adherents
           to
           this
           Cause
           in
           the
           several
           parts
           of
           the
           Nations
           ,
           and
           observing
           the
           time
           and
           place
           of
           meeting
           appointed
           to
           them
           (
           with
           other
           circumstances
           concerning
           their
           Election
           )
           by
           order
           from
           the
           present
           Ruling
           Power
           ,
           but
           considered
           as
           General
           of
           the
           Army
           .
        
         
           Which
           Convention
           is
           not
           properly
           to
           exercise
           the
           Legislative
           Power
           ,
           but
           only
           to
           debate
           freely
           ,
           and
           agree
           upon
           the
           particulars
           ,
           that
           by
           way
           of
           fundmental
           Constitutions
           shall
           be
           laid
           and
           inviolably
           observed
           ,
           as
           the
           conditions
           upon
           which
           the
           whole
           body
           so
           represented
           ,
           doth
           consent
           to
           cast
           it selfe
           into
           a
           Civil
           and
           Politique
           Incorporation
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           visible
           forme
           and
           administration
           of
           Government
           therein
           declared
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           by
           each
           individual
           member
           of
           the
           Body
           subscribed
           in
           testimony
           of
           his
           or
           their
           particular
           consent
           given
           thereunto
           .
           Which
           conditions
           so
           agreed
           (
           and
           amongst
           them
           an
           Act
           of
           Oblivion
           for
           one
           )
           will
           be
           without
           danger
           of
           being
           broken
           or
           departed
           from
           ;
           considering
           of
           what
           it
           is
           they
           are
           the
           conditions
           ,
           and
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           Convention
           wherin
           they
           are
           made
           ;
           which
           is
           of
           the
           people
           represented
           in
           their
           highest
           state
           of
           Soveraignty
           ,
           as
           they
           have
           the
           sword
           in
           their
           hands
           unsubjected
           unto
           the
           rules
           of
           Civil
           Government
           ,
           but
           what
           themselves
           orderly
           assembled
           for
           that
           purpose
           ,
           doe
           think
           fit
           to
           make
           .
           And
           the
           sword
           upon
           these
           conditions
           subjecting
           it self
           to
           the
           Supreme
           Judicature
           ,
           thus
           to
           be
           set
           up
           ;
           how
           suddenly
           might
           
           harmony
           ,
           righteousness
           ,
           love
           ,
           peace
           ,
           and
           safety
           unto
           the
           whole
           Body
           follow
           hereupon
           ,
           as
           the
           happy
           fruit
           of
           such
           a
           settlemeut
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           have
           yet
           any
           delight
           to
           be
           amongst
           us
           ?
        
         
           And
           this
           once
           put
           in
           a
           way
           ,
           and
           declared
           for
           by
           the
           General
           and
           Army
           (
           as
           that
           which
           they
           are
           clearly
           convinced
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           is
           their
           duty
           to
           bring
           about
           ,
           and
           which
           they
           engage
           accordingly
           to
           see
           done
           ;
           )
           How
           firmly
           and
           freely
           would
           this
           oblige
           the
           hearts
           and
           persons
           ,
           the
           counsels
           &
           purses
           ,
           the
           affections
           and
           prayers
           ,
           with
           all
           that
           is
           in
           the
           power
           of
           this
           whole
           party
           to
           do
           ,
           in
           way
           of
           assistance
           and
           strenthning
           the
           hands
           of
           those
           now
           in
           power
           ,
           whatever
           straights
           and
           difficulties
           they
           may
           meet
           with
           in
           the
           maintenance
           of
           the
           publique
           safety
           and
           peace
           ?
        
         
           This
           then
           being
           the
           state
           of
           our
           present
           affairs
           and
           differences
           ,
           let
           it
           be
           acknowledged
           on
           all
           hands
           ,
           and
           let
           all
           be
           convinced
           that
           are
           concerned
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           not
           only
           a
           possibility
           ,
           but
           a
           probability
           ,
           yea
           a
           compelling
           necessity
           of
           a
           firm
           union
           in
           this
           great
           Body
           ,
           the
           setting
           of
           which
           in
           joynt
           and
           tune
           againe
           ,
           by
           a
           spirit
           of
           meekness
           and
           feare
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           is
           the
           work
           of
           the
           present
           day
           ,
           and
           will
           prove
           the
           onely
           remedy
           ,
           under
           God
           ,
           to
           uphold
           and
           carry
           on
           this
           blessed
           cause
           and
           worke
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           the
           three
           Nations
           ,
           that
           is
           already
           come
           thus
           far
           onwards
           in
           its
           progresse
           to
           its
           desired
           and
           expected
           end
           of
           bringing
           in
           Christ
           ,
           the
           Desire
           of
           all
           Nations
           ,
           as
           the
           chiefe
           Ruler
           amongst
           us
           .
        
         
           Now
           unto
           this
           re-uniting
           work
           let
           there
           be
           a
           readinesse
           in
           all
           the
           dissenting
           parts
           from
           the
           highest
           to
           the
           lowest
           ,
           by
           cheerfully
           coming
           forth
           to
           one
           another
           in
           a
           spirit
           of
           self-denial
           and
           love
           in
           stead
           of
           war
           and
           wrath
           ,
           and
           to
           cast
           down
           themselves
           before
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Father
           of
           all
           their
           spirits
           ,
           in
           self-abasement
           and
           humiliation
           ,
           for
           the
           mutual
           offence
           they
           have
           been
           
           in
           for
           some
           time
           past
           ,
           one
           unto
           another
           ,
           and
           great
           provocation
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           reproach
           unto
           his
           most
           glorious
           name
           ,
           who
           expected
           to
           have
           been
           served
           by
           them
           with
           reverence
           and
           godly
           fear
           ;
           for
           our
           God
           is
           a
           consuming
           fire
           .
        
         
           And
           ,
           as
           an
           inducement
           unto
           this
           ,
           Let
           us
           assure
           our selves
           ,
           the
           meanes
           of
           effecting
           it
           will
           not
           prove
           so
           difficult
           as
           other
           things
           that
           have
           been
           brought
           about
           in
           the
           late
           war
           ,
           if
           the
           minds
           and
           spirits
           of
           all
           concerned
           were
           once
           well
           and
           duely
           prepared
           hereunto
           ,
           by
           a
           kindly
           work
           of
           self-denial
           and
           self-abasement
           ,
           set
           home
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           upon
           their
           consciences
           ;
           which
           if
           he
           please
           ,
           he
           may
           doe
           we
           know
           not
           how
           soon
           .
           Nay
           if
           we
           shall
           behold
           with
           a
           discerning
           eye
           the
           inside
           of
           that
           work
           which
           God
           hath
           been
           doing
           amongst
           us
           the
           three
           years
           last
           past
           ,
           it
           would
           seem
           chiefly
           to
           have
           been
           his
           aime
           ,
           to
           bring
           his
           people
           into
           such
           a
           frame
           as
           this
           is
           .
           For
           in
           this
           tract
           of
           time
           ,
           there
           hath
           been
           (
           as
           we
           may
           say
           )
           a
           great
           silence
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           as
           if
           God
           were
           pleased
           to
           stand
           still
           and
           be
           as
           a
           looker
           on
           ,
           to
           see
           what
           his
           people
           would
           be
           in
           their
           latter
           end
           ,
           and
           what
           work
           they
           would
           make
           of
           it
           ,
           if
           left
           to
           their
           own
           wisedome
           and
           Politick
           contrivances
           .
           And
           as
           God
           hath
           had
           the
           silent
           part
           ;
           so
           men
           ,
           and
           that
           good
           men
           too
           ,
           have
           had
           the
           active
           and
           busie
           part
           ,
           and
           have
           like
           themselves
           made
           a
           great
           sound
           and
           noise
           ,
           like
           the
           shout
           of
           a
           King
           in
           a
           mighty
           Hoast
           ;
           which
           whilst
           it
           hath
           been
           a
           sound
           onely
           and
           no
           more
           ,
           hath
           not
           done
           much
           hurt
           as
           yet
           ;
           but
           the
           feare
           and
           jealousie
           thereby
           caused
           ,
           hath
           put
           the
           whole
           Body
           out
           of
           frame
           ,
           and
           made
           them
           apt
           to
           fall
           into
           great
           confusions
           and
           disorder
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           there
           be
           thus
           arisen
           a
           general
           dissent
           and
           disagreement
           of
           parts
           (
           which
           is
           not
           ,
           nor
           ought
           to
           be
           accounted
           the
           lesse
           considerable
           ,
           because
           it
           lies
           hid
           and
           kept
           in
           under
           a
           patient
           silence
           )
           why
           should
           there
           
           not
           be
           as
           general
           a
           confession
           and
           acknowledgement
           of
           what
           each
           may
           find
           themselves
           overtaken
           in
           ,
           and
           cannot
           but
           judge
           themselves
           faulty
           for
           ?
           This
           kinde
           of
           vent
           being
           much
           better
           then
           to
           have
           it
           break
           out
           in
           flames
           of
           a
           forward
           and
           untimely
           wrathful
           spirit
           which
           never
           works
           the
           righteousnesse
           of
           God
           .
           Especially
           since
           what
           hath
           been
           done
           amongst
           us
           ,
           may
           probably
           have
           been
           more
           the
           effect
           of
           temptation
           then
           the
           product
           of
           any
           malicious
           designe
           ;
           and
           this
           sort
           of
           temptation
           is
           very
           common
           and
           incident
           to
           men
           in
           power
           (
           how
           good
           soever
           they
           may
           be
           )
           to
           be
           overtaken
           in
           ,
           and
           thereupon
           doe
           sudden
           and
           unadvised
           actions
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           pardons
           and
           over
           rules
           for
           the
           best
           :
           evidently
           making
           appear
           that
           it
           is
           the
           work
           of
           the
           weak
           and
           fleshly
           part
           ,
           which
           his
           own
           people
           carry
           about
           with
           them
           too
           much
           unsubdued
           .
           And
           therefore
           the
           Lord
           thinks
           fit
           by
           this
           meanes
           ,
           to
           shew
           them
           the
           need
           of
           being
           beholding
           to
           their
           spiritual
           part
           ,
           to
           restore
           them
           again
           ,
           and
           bring
           them
           into
           their
           right
           temper
           and
           healthful
           constitution
           .
        
         
           And
           thus
           whilst
           each
           dissenting
           part
           is
           aggravating
           upon
           it selfe
           faultinesse
           and
           blame
           ,
           and
           none
           excusing
           ,
           but
           all
           confessing
           they
           deserve
           ,
           in
           one
           sort
           or
           other
           ,
           reproof
           ,
           if
           not
           before
           men
           ,
           yet
           to
           Gods
           sight
           :
           Who
           knowes
           how
           soon
           it
           may
           please
           God
           to
           come
           into
           this
           broken
           ,
           contrite
           ,
           and
           self
           denying
           frame
           of
           Spirit
           in
           the
           good
           people
           within
           the
           three
           Nations
           ,
           and
           own
           them
           thus
           truly
           humbled
           and
           abased
           ,
           for
           his
           Temple
           and
           the
           place
           of
           his
           habitation
           and
           rest
           ,
           wherein
           he
           will
           abide
           for
           ever
           ?
           of
           whom
           it
           may
           be
           said
           God
           is
           in
           the
           Midst
           of
           her
           ,
           she
           shall
           not
           be
           moved
           ;
           God
           shall
           help
           her
           and
           that
           right
           early
           ,
           or
           with
           his
           morning
           appearance
           .
           At
           which
           time
           he
           will
           sit
           silent
           no
           longer
           ,
           but
           Heaven
           will
           speak
           again
           ,
           and
           become
           active
           and
           powerful
           in
           the
           spirits
           and
           hearts
           of
           Honest
           men
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           works
           
           of
           his
           providences
           ,
           when
           either
           they
           goe
           out
           to
           sight
           by
           Sea
           or
           by
           Land
           ,
           or
           remaine
           in
           counsel
           and
           debates
           at
           home
           for
           the
           publique
           Weale
           ,
           and
           againe
           heare
           the
           prayers
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           visibly
           own
           them
           is
           a
           flock
           of
           holy
           men
           ,
           as
           
             Jerusalem
          
           in
           her
           solemn
           ●easts
           .
           
             I
             will
             yet
             for
             this
             be
             enquired
             of
             by
             the
             House
             of
             Israel
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             to
             doe
             it
             for
             them
             :
          
           And
           then
           they
           shall
           know
           that
           I
           the
           Lord
           their
           God
           am
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           are
           my
           people
           ,
           and
           that
           ye
           my
           flock
           the
           flock
           of
           my
           pasture
           ,
           are
           men
           that
           have
           shewed
           your selves
           weak
           sinful
           men
           ,
           and
           I
           am
           your
           God
           that
           have
           declared
           my self
           an
           all-wise
           and
           powerful
           God
           ,
           saith
           the
           Lord
           God
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           Postscript
           .
        
         
           
             Reader
             ,
          
        
         
           UPon
           the
           perusal
           of
           this
           Discourse
           thou
           wilt
           quickly
           perceive
           that
           these
           two
           things
           are
           principally
           aimed
           at
           in
           it
           by
           the
           Author
           .
           First
           to
           answer
           in
           some
           measure
           that
           which
           is
           called
           for
           by
           those
           in
           power
           ,
           when
           they
           publiquely
           professe
           they
           desire
           nothing
           more
           then
           conviction
           ,
           and
           to
           find
           out
           the
           hidden
           provocations
           which
           either
           have
           or
           yet
           may
           bring
           forth
           the
           Lord
           against
           these
           Nations
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           which
           at
           present
           they
           are
           in
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           To
           remove
           out
           of
           the
           minds
           and
           spirits
           of
           the
           honest
           Partie
           ,
           that
           still
           agree
           in
           the
           reason
           and
           justice
           of
           the
           good
           Old
           Cause
           ,
           all
           things
           of
           a
           private
           Nature
           and
           selfish
           Concern
           (
           the
           tendency
           whereof
           serves
           but
           to
           foment
           and
           strengthen
           wrath
           and
           divisions
           amongst
           them
           )
           and
           in
           Place
           thereof
           to
           set
           before
           them
           that
           common
           and
           publique
           interest
           ,
           which
           (
           if
           with
           sinceritie
           embraced
           )
           may
           be
           the
           meanes
           of
           not
           only
           procuring
           a
           firm
           union
           amongst
           them
           ,
           but
           also
           of
           conserving
           them
           herein
           .
        
         
           In
           order
           to
           this
           ,
           the
           Author
           hath
           not
           been
           willing
           
           much
           to
           declare
           his
           own
           Opinion
           ,
           or
           deliver
           any
           Positive
           Conclusions
           ,
           as
           to
           discusse
           the
           business
           by
           way
           of
           question
           and
           answer
           ,
           and
           thereby
           make
           as
           neer
           a
           conjecture
           as
           he
           can
           ,
           of
           that
           ,
           wherein
           the
           several
           dissenting
           parts
           may
           with
           better
           satisfaction
           meet
           together
           ,
           and
           agree
           upon
           a
           safe
           and
           righteous
           bottome
           ,
           then
           to
           remaine
           at
           the
           distance
           they
           doe
           ,
           to
           the
           apparent
           advantage
           of
           the
           Common
           Enemie
           ,
           the
           approaching
           ruine
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           needlesse
           hazzard
           (
           if
           not
           losse
           )
           of
           the
           Cause
           they
           have
           been
           so
           deeply
           engaged
           in
           .
           Especially
           considering
           that
           when
           once
           they
           shall
           be
           found
           beginning
           to
           come
           forth
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           in
           such
           a
           condiscending
           self-denying
           spirit
           ,
           cleansed
           from
           the
           stain
           of
           hypocrisie
           and
           deceit
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           well
           assured
           that
           light
           will
           spring
           up
           amongst
           them
           more
           and
           more
           unto
           a
           perfect
           day
           ;
           and
           then
           those
           things
           which
           at
           present
           we
           have
           next
           in
           view
           ,
           will
           prove
           as
           shadowes
           ready
           to
           flee
           away
           before
           the
           morning
           brightnesse
           of
           Christs
           Heavenly
           Appearance
           and
           second
           comming
           ;
           through
           which
           they
           will
           be
           heightened
           and
           improved
           to
           their
           full
           maturitie
           ,
           to
           the
           bringing
           in
           that
           Kingdome
           of
           his
           that
           shall
           never
           be
           moved
           .
        
         
           And
           because
           an
           Essay
           hath
           been
           already
           made
           ,
           in
           a
           private
           way
           to
           obtain
           the
           first
           thing
           ,
           that
           is
           to
           say
           ,
           Conviction
           ;
           which
           chiefly
           is
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           the
           Lord
           to
           give
           ;
           the
           same
           obligation
           lies
           upon
           the
           Author
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           second
           ,
           
           for
           the
           exposing
           of
           it
           as
           now
           it
           is
           unto
           Publicke
           view
           ,
           and
           therein
           leaving
           it
           also
           with
           the
           Lord
           ,
           for
           his
           blessing
           thereunto
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             T.
             Brewster
          
           at
           the
           sign
           of
           the
           three
           Bibles
           at
           the
           West-end
           of
           
             Pauls
             .
          
           1656.