Die Saturni, Apr. 6. 1645.  
It is Decreed, and Ordained by the reverend Assembly of Divines now assembled in holy Convocation, that Dr. Burgess, and Mr. Edward's do return thanks unto the worthy Author of this Treatise, entitled, The Arraignment of Persecution, for his pious endevoures, and vigilant care he hath taken therein, at the entreaty of this Synod: And it is further Ordained, that they do desire him to print and publish the said Treatise forthwith, and that it be commended to the people, as a divine Handmaid to the right understanding of the Directory: And it is yet furcher Decreed and Ordained, that none shall presume to print or reprint the said Treatise, but whom he shall authorise under his own hand writing till this most Holy Synod shall take furuther Order.  


Scribes.  
Henry Roborough,  
Adoniran Byfeild,     

I appoint my Cousin MARTIN CLAW-CLERGIE Printer to the reverend Assembly of Divines, and none else, to Print this Treatise.  
Yongue MARTIN MAR-PREIST,   

THE Arraignment OF Mr. PERSECUTION: Presented to the CONSIDERATION OF THE HOUSE OF COMmons, and to all the COMMON PEOPLE of England WHEREIN HE IS INDICTED, ARRAIGNED, CONVICTED, AND CONdemned of enmity against God, and all Goodness, of Treasons, Rebellion, Bloodshed, etc. and sent to the place of Execution.  
In the prosecution whereof, the Jesuitical Designs, and secret Encroachments of his Dfendants, Sir SIMON SYNOD, and the JOHN of all Sir john's, Sir JONH PRESBYTER, upon the Liberty of the Subject is detected, and laid open, By Yongue MARTIN MAR-PREIST, Son to old MARTIN the Metropolitan.  
This is Licenced, and printed according to Holy Order, but not Entered into the Stationer's Monopole.  Anglia MARTINIS disce savere tuis. 
EUROPE.  
Printed by MARTIN CLAW CLERGY, Printer to the Reverend Assembly of Divines, and are to be sold at his Shop in Toleration Street, at the Sign of the Subjects Liberty, right opposite to Persecuting Court. 1645.   

TO THE REVEREND LEARNED THE PROLOcutor, Assossors, the Commissioners of the Church of Scotland, and the rest of the venerable Assembly of Divines, now sitting in holy Convocation at Westminster.  
Reverend Sirs,  
According to my duty at your divine entreaty, I have reduced those pious instructions received from you, into such a pleasing form, as I hope, shall not only affect, but abundantly edify the people of this Kingdom under your holy Jurisdiction; for considering your spiritual care over them, and how your time hath been taken up wholly in the procurement of that sacred Ordinance for Tithes, wisely thought on before the Directory, for he is an Infidel and denyeth the faith, that doth not provide for his family: your late humble Advice digested into several Assertions: your sore travill and pain you have daily ever since your holy Convocation undergon, to bring to birth his Holiness, Sir JOHN PRESBYTER; and other your toilsome endeavours for the Henone of your holy cloth, I have therefore more willingly become your Joyrnoman to ease your Burden in this your toilsome time of Deformation; and having thus prepared my endeavoures, fit for the puolike view, I am emboldened to Dedicate them unto your divine protection, not doubting of the sacred imposition of your hands upon them, to sanctify them unto the people, as, truly Presbyterean, that coming forth with your Classical Authority, they may obtain a reverend estimation with them. And seeing I have made such a happy beginning, I doubt not of an answerable encouragement from you to proceed as I have begun, but a small matter will please MARTIN, if you sanctify him with the Benediciae of a Cornelian Benefice of 400. l. per annum, to knock down the Anabaptsts, Brownists, etc. with your thumping, bumping, Presbyterean, Classical CLUB, that shall suffice pro tempore, and withal to gratify him with the De me of Paul's House that's but a small matter, it will become his worship very well for the present, and afterwards you may do, as it shall seem best to your divine wisdoms aeeording to his best deservings therein; he is a singular man in such a business, and wants nothing but preferment; you do not think, neither doth it enter into your hearts, how reverend Yongue MARTIN can thunder-thump the Pulpit, O, he can staer most deunitly, rail and bawl most fervently, storm most tempestiously even till be foam at mouth most precisely; Oh how be can spettered out! O these caused Anabaprists, these wicked Brownists, these Hecetickes, these schismatics, these Sectaries; O MARTIN hath it at his finger's end, has an University man, skilled in the Tongues and Sciences, and can sophistiove any Text, O he is excellent at false Glosses, and Scholastic Interpretations, he can wrest the Scriptures most nearly, tell the people it is thus and thus in the Original, an excellent man to make a Presbyter! and O Brothers, if MARTIN thus delude the people & thrash those Heretics in hope sure MARTIN shall be partaker of his hope, you will not muzzle the ox that trendeth out your corn; no, MARTIN hath better esteem of the Assembly, he doth not once suppose, that like Bell's Assembly of Priests they'll devour all themselves, and leave nothing for MARTIN, but it is no matter, MARTIN will be content with hard meats rather than desert the service of such on holy, such a reverend Assembly, such a Quagmire of croaking skip-jacke Presbyters, such is his zeal and pious affection to the Cause, he is resolved to work with his awne hands, rather than be troublesome: Thus committing his endeavoures to your learned Consultations, pious Debates, and sacred Conclusions he rests in expectation of his Reward,  
Yours humbly devoated in all Synoddicall, Classical, Consistoreall, or Predicatory Function, till death us depars, Yongue MARTIN MAR-PREIST, Son to old MARTIN the Metropolitan.   

To his Friend the Author upon his Book.  

'Twas boldly ventured to set upon  
This foul black Fiend, mad PERSECUTION,  
Pluto's Grand Agent, whom the world beside,  
Durst not but fawn upon, thou'st ta'en, and tried:  
Thy pains sure have been great, to seek him out,  
Thou hast encompassed Europe all about,  
The Sottish, English, Irish Climates too,  
Thou hast trac'd'ore, to see what things they do:  
What was the cause that so much blood was shed  
In all those places? Why rents and sad divisions  
In Kingdoms once made happy? now the visions  
Of woeful ruin; Spectacles for time,  
To write destructions everlasting line.  
Thank then Yongue MARTIN for his love and care,  
T'impart to theo, who these proud actors are,  
And let him have thy prayers, so thou shalt be,  
As much beloved of virtuous men as he.   
A. B.   

THF ARRAIGNMENT OF PERSECUTION.  
A Certain dreadful, and severe Gentleman by name, Gods-vengance, of the Town of impartiality, in the County of Just-judgment, having a long time through the daily persuasions of his Kinsman, Mr. Longsufferance (an honest peaceable Gentleman, unwilling his enemy should perish) forborn to proceed against the great Enemy and Incendiary of mankind, Mr. Persecution, according to his inquity, at length taking occasion at his Kinsman's abused patience, forthwith procurss a warrant from the Lord Chief Justice, Peaces-with-all-man, for the Constable, Mr. Reward-of-tyranny, to attach him; who takes with him two approved men of the Parish, old Mr. Woefull-experience, and honest Mr. Sound-judgment; and making strict search and inquiry after him front Religion to Religion, found him at length amongst the Papists, under the name of Mr. Spanish-Inquisition; but the suitable. Fox no sooner perceived their Authority, but shrunk out of his Roman Papal Robe, and presently turned Protestant, clad with an English Episcopal habit, under the name of Mr. High-Commission, but Constable Reward-of-Tyranny, with old Woefull-Experience, and honest Sound-Judgment being acquainted with his trikes, made after him, whereat he cast of his Lawn sleeves, Hood, Typpit, &c and forthwith, lest all Trades should fail, became a zealous Covenanter, in the godly shape of a Presbyter, changing his name into Classical presbytery (a new cheat to cozen the world), and then Scholar like, as if it had been for a goodly fat Benefice, in the twinkling of an eye jumped out of Scotland into England, and turned a reverend Synodian, disguised with a Sylogisticall pair of Breeches (saving your presence) in Bocardo, and snatching a Rhetorical Cassok he girt up his loins with a Sophistical Girdle, and ran into the wilderness of Tropes, and Figures, and there they had lost him, had it not been for the Spirits Teaching, by whose direction they traced him through the various winding; subtle bypaths, secret tracts, and cunning Meanders the evening wolves, wild Boars and Beasts of the Forest in the briery thickets of Rhetorical Glosses, Sophistications, and scholastic Interpretations had made, but being sit to lay hands on him, the cunning: Hocus Pocus vanished out of their sight, and presently takes Sanctuary, for looking about for him, Behold, he was doing his business (Sr. Beverence) in the Pulpit, thumping it devoutly, and most furiously like the Son of Thunder he rattled the Anabaptists, Brownists, etc. letting his bolts (which according to the Proverb were soon shot) sly at random against them: but thinking to apprehend him, he skipped from them, from Pulpit to Pulpit, from University to University, from College to College, even through all the Pulpits, Universities, and Colleges in Christendom, and then he hied him from Parsonage to Parsonage, where the Parson's Wives had thought to have hid him amongst the Herds of Tithe Pigs, flocks of chickings, geese etc. but that failing, he ran as if he had been wild through the Glebe Land, and skipped over into a Tithe Cocko, and thought all had been cock sure; but perceiving they espied him, up starts the Fox, and presently fast by the Synod he caught hold on the Altar, but fearing lest he should be made a burnt Offering he vanished into 12. Articles, but that business not thriving, the next sight that was made of him, was in a petitionary garb in the behalf of the London Ministors': And a thousand other tricks, that I cannot reckon, he had; but one above all the rest I must not forget, which was the master peace of all the rest; for to bloke up all passages; stop all mouths, and fortify himself round, he turned reverend Imprimatur: and here though pursuers were at a stand, for all was as fast as the Devil and though Presbyters could make it, they sought to Authority to open the Press, and still the Pres-byters (as their custom is) were in the way, that nothing could be done: Well, no good was to be done in public, they then go to it privatoly, and to work a deliverance, fell into dangrous labour, and at length brought forth the villain into public view, and notwithstanding all his trickos detected, apprehended, and carried him to Justice Reason, who having examined the Malefactor, sets down his Examination, and binds over Gods-Vengance to prosecute the Malefactor at the next Assizes, and finding him not bailable, makes his Mittimus for the Cohstable to commit him to the Goal, there to be kept in safe custody without ● 〈◊〉 ● or Manuprise till the, next Goal delivery.  
Now for the better understanding of this Arraignment this ensuing Catalogue of the names of the several Officers of the Court is here annexed.  
The Court of Assizes held at the Arraignment of Persecution. 1645.  
Lord Parliament The Judge 

Justice 

Reason  
Humanity  
Conformity     Justices the Peace. Sir Charles-Royall-Prerogative. The King's Sergeant. Sir Peter-protestant. The King's Arturney. Sir John-Equity High-Sherriffe. Mr. Obedience Under Sheriff. Clarke. Cryer.   

Mr. 

Soveraignty-of-Christ.  
Power-of-Parliamentes.  
Vnities-of-kingdome.  
Nationall-Strength.  
Setled-Peace.  
Humaine-Society 

Grand Jnquest.    
united-provinces.  
Desolate-Germany.  
Blood-of-Primes.  
Publike-Good.  
Nationall-Wealth.  
civil-government.  
Domestick-Miseries     

Mr. 

Creation.  
Gospel.  
Politique-power  
State-policy. 

Innocent-blood.  
Good-samaritane.  
Trueth-and-peace.  
Orphan. 

Jury of life and death.    
Light-of-nature.  
Day-of-judgement.    
National-loyalty.  
Liberty-of-Subject     
Mr. PER SECUTION. Prisoner. Mr. Gods-Vengence. Prosecutour. 

Caffar 

Christian  
Martyrs  
Libertyof Conscience.     Evidences. Sir Simon Synod and Sir John Presbyter. Defendants.  
A new Jury for Life and Death endeavoured by Sir Simon Synod.  

Mr. 

Satan  
Antichrist.  
Spanish-inquisition.  
Counsell-of-Trent. 

Rude-multitude.  
Sr. John Presbyter.  
Scotch-government.  
False-prophets. 

Sir Symons Jury men.    
Eccles. Supremacy.  
Pontificall-Revenue.    
High-commission.  
Assembly-of-Divines.     
THus (Reader) the Court being complete, for thy more speedy progression through the matter intended, suppose the transaction of many passages in these Assizes here in this Relation omitted, as needless the repetion; the Essentials thereof being so tedious (to the impatient Reader, yet not unnecessary and useless (I hope) to the diligent peruser) for wherein without prejudice to our present matter, an omission may be, my silence for formality sake gives place to a supposition thereof, otherwise I shall transgress upon the Readers Patience. Thus than the Grand Inquest (the matter being thus far brought) fall into debate.  1. Mr. Soveraignenity of Christ. 
Gentlemen, our Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, whose Image and express prerogative I am, hath by the price of his blood, constituted himself sole Head and King so everover the Consciences of men and therefore he chargeth his Householders, the Kings of the Earth, to let the Tares and the Wheat grow together in the Field of the World until the Harvest the Day of Judgement, therefore this Malefactor Persecution, in my Judgement, being in his Inclinations and Actions altogether averse thereto, is an Archtraitor to the Preagative Royal of Jesus Christ over the Consciences of men, and therefore Lawfully and Justly charged with this Bill.  2. Mr. Power of Parliaments. 
My Verdict (Mr. Foreman) is, that Persecution for Conscience is Inconsistent with the Sovereignty of Kingdoms, for it divideth their Powers one against another, and in themselves occasioneth murmur, grutching, and repine, which in in time break forth into Conspiracies, Rebellions, Insurrections, etc. as well to the prejudice of Sovereignty, as to the ruin of the Subject; and which is more, the tendency, operation, and end of Persecution, is to reduce the Power of Kingdoms and Parliaments from themselves into the hands and disposal of the Pontifical Clergy, according to the devilish Decree of Pope Paul 4. con. Trent lib. 5. p. 409. So that there can be no security for the Power of Majestracy, where Ecclesiastic usurpation is predominant; for the greater their Power is, the the less powerful is Majestracy: wherefore I must needs consent to the equity of this Bill.  3. Mr. Vnities-of-kingdome. 
Mr. Foreman, should I relate how through the devilish policy and cruelty of this Persecution for conscience I have been banished from betwixt Kingdoms, States, and Provinces to their utter destruction in one an others ruin, I should be unhappily too troublesome: wherefore in short, my verdict is concurrant with yours.  4. Mr. Nationall-Strength. 
Mr. Foreman, I conceive that you cannot be unsensible that the Nationall strength of Kingdoms and People consists in the general peace, as several members wisely compacted in the natural skin of one politic body: wherefore, to foster this Malefactor amongst a people, is to vender the strength of a Kingdom to ruin, for he is a constant sower of division emulation, hatred, etc. amongst them: So that my verdict is not any ways dissenting from your judgement.  Mr. Setled-Peace. 
Mr. Foreman, By reason of Persecution for conscience, I can find no absolute acceptance in any Kingdom or Nation throughout, Christendom For he so poisoneth all Nationall Pacifications, Leagues and Covenants, that their peace changeth with their Reigion; so that their peace cannot be truly settled whererefore my verdici is concurrant.  6. Mr. Humaine-Society. 
Mr Foreman, My verdict is, what by experience you have all found, that he hath not only set Kingdoms at variance, but even sat be against son, and son against father, one friend against an other, and embrewes them in one an others blood, to the destruction of all human society: wherefore, I conceive this Charge against him is according to equiry.  7. Mr. Bloods-of-prince. 
Mr. Foreman, The blood of Kings, Rulers, and Governors; the Treasons, Designs, and Conspiracies against their persons, whereof History is full, and whereto our Age is not wanting, occasioned by Persecution, enforces my verdict in approbation of the Bill against him.  7. Mr. united-provinces. 
Mr. Foreman, Whosoever readeth the History of the Vnnited Prvinces, and considereth their wonderful preservation, flourishing state and prosperity they enjoy, notwithstanding their with waging of continual war with a foreign Enemy, may clearly perceive, the great mercy of God upon a Nation and People, that in tender to the consciences one of an other, exclude, banish and extirpate Persecution out of their Territories: wherofore I likewise consent to the equity of the Bill given in against him.  8. Mr. Desolate-Germany. 
Mr. Foreman, Those that doubt of the truth of this Bill, let them but look upon the German desolations, depopulations, war, famine, and pestilence occasioned through papal supremacy over our consciences, and he may receive full satisfaction of the equity of this Bill.  9 Mr. Publique-good. 
Mr. Foreman, that which is destructive to the public good is Treasonable, and not to be suffered in a Commonwealth, because it striketh at the Root and Foundation of Magistracy, whose proper end is, that all may lead a Quiet and Peaceable life under the public Protection. But this Fellow, Persecution, diverteth the public good from the Generality to this or that Sort, to this or that prevailing Faction: so that where, or in what State soever he is Predominate, there is an impossibility of an equal enjoyment of the public good, but even the better sort, such as stand for the good of others as well as their own, and have hazarded their lives for the public good against the common Enemy, as Anabaptists, Brownists etc. are by him deprived of the public Liberty and Freedom of the Subject, for which they have engaged Estate and Life. Therefore Mr. Foreman, my Verdect upon the Bill is BILLA VERA.  0. Nationall-wealth. 
Mr. Foreman, that which is the Ruin of Nationall Wealth is destructive to the very Being and continuance of Nations, Kingdoms, and States: for it bringeth Devastation and Depopulation thereof, and so not to be suffered. But this Persecution for Conscience stirreth up Wars and Bloodshed, in Nations, Kingdoms, and States, which consumeth their Wealth, devoureth their Fruit, burneth and destroyeth their Cities, Towns, and Villages, and throweth all into a Wilderness. Therefore Mr. Foreman you have my consent to the verity of this Bill.  Foreman. 
Gentlemen, we have spent much time, and our verdict is expected, if you (12. Mr. civil-government. and Mr. (13.) Domesticke-Miseries, be agreed with us in your verdict, there remaineth nothing, but the endorsment hereof with Billa-Vera.  Ambo. 
We are agreed with you.  
This past, the Grand Jury give in their verdict or Indictment endorsed with Billa vera, whereby the Malefactor Persecution is made a lawful prisoner, to be brought forth to the Bar, and to be put upon the Jury of life and death.  
Whereupon the Clerk (the month of the Court) commands the Gaoler to set forth Persecution to the Bar.  
The Gaoler sets forth Persecution to the Bar.  
The Indictment.  Clar. 
Persecution, Hold up thy Hand, and hear thy Indictment. Persesecution, 〈◊〉 standest Indicted in this County of Just-Judgment by the name of Persecution, late of the Town of Tyranny, in the County of Martyrdom, by Gods-Vengance, of the Town of impartiality, in the County of Just-Judgment, That thou art an enemy to God and all goodness, a Traitor to Kings and Princes, their persons, Crowns and Dignities divider of them one against an other, and of Kingomes and people in themselves, and that thou art guilty of the war and bloodshed at present in this Land, yea almost of all the blood of the whole earth from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of these present times, contrary to the peace of our Sovereign Lord the King, his crown and dignity: How 〈◊〉 thou Persecution, art thou guilty of this Treason, Rebellion and bloodshed in manner and form as thou standest Indicted, or not guilty?  Pris. 
Not guilty.  Clar. 
By whom wilt thou be tried?  Pris. 
By God and my Country.  
Then an Impannell being returned, the Clerk saith,  
You good men that are Impanneled between our Sovereign Lord the King, and the prisoner at the Bar, answer to your names at the first call upon pain and peril that may fall thereon.  
They all answer to their names.  Clar. 
Cryer, make Proclamation.  Cryer 
o— yes— If any man can inform my Lord the King's Justices, the King's Sergeant, or the King's Attorney before this Inquest be taken, between our Sovereign Lord the King, and the prisoner at the Bar, let them come forth and they shallbe heard; for the prisoner stands at the Barreupon his deliverance.  Clar. 
You the prisoner that is called to the Bar, these men which you have heard called, and personally appear, shall pass between our Sovereign Lord the King and you, upon trial of your life and death, if you will challenge them, or any of them, you must speak unto them or any of them as they come to the Book to be sworn, before they be sworn.  Prisoner. 
My Lord, let me humbly crave liberty to Challenge this Jury, who though my Lord in all probability they be honest Gentlemen, yet my breeding, education, nature and course of life is not so well known unto them, as unto divers other Geentlemen (of worth and quality) here present, indifferent men, of far more esteem in the world, more able to discern my cause, & the evidence mine accusers shall bring: Besides my Lord, these men of the Jury are men possessed with an inveterate hatred and malice against me, and are parties in my Indictment; for together with the Grand Inquest they conspired together against me, and provoaked Gods-Vengance to prosecute against me: now for me to be tried by mine accusers and mortal enemies I hope your Lordship cannot conceive it equal or legal: wherefore my Lord, I beseech you have mercy upon me, consider the blood of the innocent, lest it be a prey to the malice of envy, and let more indifferent men be chosen.  Judge 
Persecution, I much wonder at thy impudence in excepting against such a Jury, yet so far as in equity I may I am willing for justice sake, to grant the utmost the Law affords.  Prisoner. 
I humbly thank your Lordship, the Lord bless your Honour, and I beseech your Honour for the assistance of Sir Simon Synod.  Judge 
Well then let Sir Simon be called into the Court.  Clarke 
Call Sir Simon Synod.  Crier 
Sir Simon Synod, come into the Court.  Judge 
Sir Simon, if you can further his Majesty's service, in the proposal of others in the room of those Persecution doth except against to Mr. Sheriff to be impanneled, you are commauded.  Sir Simon Synod 
My Lord, since it is your Lordshids' pleasure with the consent of this Honourable Bench, that I shall be serviceable to him I shall most willingly propose to his consideration persons of sufficient worth and estimation in the World, that are not prejudicial to the Person of the Prisoner, neither are parties in his accusation, indisserent men, acquainted with his life and conversation, able to discern the evidence, that shall be brought in again 〈◊〉 him, men whom I shall commend unto your Lordship's acceptance for soundness of judgement, and singular Piety in the cause of the Cle●●y, this being a matter which concerns them in an high nature: wherefore by your Lordship's favour I shall propose those if (if no better can be procured) to wit, Mr. Satan, Mr, Antichrist, Mr. Spanish Inquisition, Mr. Councell-of-Trent, Mr. High-Commission, Mr. Ass●mbly-of-Divines, Mr. Rude-Multitude, Sr. John Presbyter, mine only son, Mr. Scotch Government, Mr. F●●ls●-Prophets, Mr. Ecclesiasticall-Supremacy, Mr. Pontificall-Revenue: These never sailed the designs of the Clergy, who in all Ages have endeavoured the Advancement of the Church of God, the Tribe of Levi: wherefore this being a Case that concerns their Advancement, which above all things in the wo●ld is to be endeavoured, I am emboldened to propound them unto Mr. Sheriff, for the Trial of this Prisoner.  Judge. 
〈◊〉. Simm, this is a strange Jury you propose.  Justice Reason. 
My Lord; it is according to the nature of the Clergy, can you expect Grapes of Thorns, or Figs of Thistles? if you shall but according to Reason consider of their Wa●es and Pretences, which indeed bear a specious show, you shall find them no better than ravening Woolves in Sheep's Clothing.  Justice Humanity. 
My Lord, it cannot stand with Humanity, much less which L●●a● Equity, that a Case which concerns the general good of mankind should be referred to the Verdict of such anhumane Jury.  King's Ser. 
My Lord there be divers of them whom Royal Prerogative hath called in to his Assistance, and at this day I conceive maketh use of them for the Establishing the Liberty of the Subject and the Protestant Religi● on, so that for my part I cannot see how all of them can be condemned.  King's Attorn. 
My Lord, a great part of them are Props to the Protestant Religion.  Justice Reason. 
My Lord, what though Royal Prerogative and the Protestant Religion should be founded upon them? must they therefore be concluded Anthentick? non sequitur: and for the Liberty of the Subject, though they may be used as a Gloss; yet Reason will tell you, that they are as directly opposite to it, as the Zenith is to the Antipodes.  Judge. 
Sr. Simon, I cannot in Equity permit such unworthy Persons to be on the Jury, only Mr. Assembly of Divines, Sr. John Presbyter and Mr. Scotch-governement are commanded to attend the Court, for the service of the King, if occasion be.  
Then the former Jury being sworn, etc. the Gaoler is co 〈…〉 anded to set fortb PERSECUTION to the Bar  
Clar. PERSECUTION, hold up thy hand: Look upon him Masters of the Jury, harken to his cause, You shall understand, that he stands indicted in this County of Just-judgment, by the name of PERSECUTION, etc. Upon this Indictment he hath been Arraigned, and thereto hath pleaded not guilty, and for his trial hath put himself upon God and the Country, which Country are you: your Charge is to inquire whether he be guilty of this Treason, murder, etc. in manner and form as he stands Indicted, or not guilty: And hear your Evidence.  Crier. 
If any man can give Evidence, or can say any thing against the Prisoner let him come forth, for the Prisoner stands upon his deliverance. 

Clar. call 

Gods-Vengance.  
Gaffer Christian.  
Gaffer Martyrs.  
Gaffer Lib. Cons.     

Crier. 

Gods-Vengance. here.  
Gaffer Christian. here.  
Gaffer Martyrs. here.  
Gaffer Lib. Cons come forth & prosecute, or you forfeit your Recognisance 

I cannot get in my Lord Sir Simon keeps me out. O! murder, murder, my Lord.        Judge. 
What is the matter?  Lib. Cons. 
My Lord, Sir Simon Synod is like to pull out my throat with the revenous Claws of an Assembly, and Mr. Scotch-Government was fit to stab me with his Scotch dagger, and the John of all Sr. john's, Sr. John Presbyter with his Classical Club would beat out my brains: For my Lord, they are afraid I should come into your Honour's presence, lest I should find entertainment in this Kingdom, and so Mr. Pontificall-Revenue turn Separate from the Church of England.  Crier. 
Peace there, every man keep silence upon pain of imprisonment: make way there for Liberty-of-Conscience; Jemmy, put up thy dagger; Sir Simon ●oe pair your nalles; Sir John, away with your Club, that Liberty-of-Conscience may come into the Court.  
The Witnesses being come in, they are sworn every one according to their knowledge to give in a true Evidence for the King against the Prisoner at the Bar.  Clar. 
Gods-Vengance, stand up, what can you say for the King against the Prisoner at the Bar?  

GODS-VENGANCE  
My Lord, I have from the beginning diligently observed the Nature and inclinations of this Prisoner, eve● to have been so averse to God and all goodness, that his Actions in all Nations Kingdoms and St 〈…〉 s, amongst Societyes and people, have been in direct Enmity to the end of Christ's coming: for he came not to destroy men's Lives, but to save them Luk. 9 56. Joh. 3. 17. But this fellow PERSECUTION, destroyeth both Life Temporal and Spiritual: he wasteth men's Estates, the more Godly and upright they are, the more cruel, raging and hateful he is against them, he bringeth Misery, Poverty and Beggary on their Wives and Children: yea my Lord, this Savage Bloodthirsty Wretch Hangeth, Burneth, Stoneth, Tortureth, Saweth a sunder, Casteth into the fiery Furnace, into the Lion's Den, Teareth in pieces with Wild Horses, Plucketh out the eyes, Roastet quick, Bureth alive, Plucketh out the Tongues, Imprisoneth, Scourgeth, Revileth, Curseth, yea, with Bell Book and Candle, belly, Cutteth the Ears, Slitteth the Nose, Manacles the Hands, G●●g●th the Mouths, Whippeth Pil●oreth, Ban sh into remote Islands, makes them fly by wh●le ●h●● falls into W●ld Deserts, Stigmatizeth some, and sometimes maketh such (so Stigmatised) when the wind turns, to Stigmatize their friends with Reproaches, Calumnies, Oppression of Conscience etc. Deprives them of the Communication of their Friends, of all Relief, of Pen, Ink and Paper, Sep●ra●e● Man and Wife, Deprives Parents of their Children and Children of their Parents, Impriseneth men only for the discharge of a good Conscience, Stoppeth Presses, whereby men cannot make their just defence, Suffers nothing to be Licenced, Printed, Preached, or otherwise published, but what himself alloweth, and having thus bound the hands and stopped the mouths of all good men, than he comes forth in Print against them like an Armed man, and furiously assalts them, Exults and Exalts himself over them, Feigneth Arguments for them and then like a Valiant Champion gives them a conquering Answer, and thus puts them to f●ight, and p●●snes them with Revile, Scandals, Forgeries, and Opprob●ions Nicknames, as Antinomians, Anabaptists, Brownists, Independants, Scismatiques, Heretics etc. Thus he dealeth with the Godly party: Yea, he forceth Millions to make Shipwreck of a good Conscience, who for fear of such inhumanity deny the Lord that bought them, to their final condemnation. Oh! therefore (my Lord) if there be any Bowels of Mercy, any tender Compassion in you● pity the destitute, the Afflicted, the tormted, who wander about in Sheepskinnes and in Goateskinnes in deserts and in mountains, in Dens and in Caves of the Earth, of whom the World is not worthy.  
Secondly, my Lord, he maketh a Nation guilty of all the righteous blood spilt upon the Earth; from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zacharias, and of all that are slayon upon the Earth; for it is all innocent blood that is shed in that case, purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, who came not to destroy, but to save men's lives; and therefore would have all taught in all Nations, that all might be persuaded to the obedience of the truth, that all might be saved: Therefore to kill the unbeleivor, as, Turk, Pagan, Jew, etc. is to slay such as Christ would have to live to repent, which must needs be Murder in the highest Nature: And cursed is he that shall stay an Innocent P●erson and all the people shall say Amen, Deut. 29. 25. The Land that sheddeth Innocent Blood, Innocent blood shall be upon it. Deut. 19: 10: and Innocent Blood the Lord will not pardon. 2 King: 24. 4.  
Thirdly, my Lord, he occasioneth Treasons, Conspicasies, Reballions, Wars, Foreign and Domestic, in all Nations and Kingdoms in the Earth, He divideth Prince against Prince, Kingdom against Kingdom, & Kingdoms in themselves, Breedeth and b●get●eth a Nationall hatred betwixt Prince and People, and amongst themselves: he setteth Neighbour against Neighbour, Yea Father against Son and Son against Father, he breaketh the bonds of Peace and Friendship Nationall and Domestic, Engageth and Filleth the whole Earth with blood and Violence: for what at this day is the Reason the Protestants 〈◊〉 the Blood of the Papists? but because the Papists seek theirs? they hate & persecute the Papists, because the Papists hate and persecute them: they would extirpate and root out the Papists because the Papists would do the like to them. And on the other side, the Papists plot and conspire against the Protestants, because the Protestants will not suffer them to live amongst them, but Banish, Imprison, Hang, Draw, Quarter, and set up the L●mbs of some of them (in open defiance to the God of heaven & earth) upon the Gates of the City, who though unhappily they be found Traitors to the Public Pease and Politiqus Government, yet Nature might teach them to bury their Limb, An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth, Blood for Blood, saith God: but now Blood cannot satisfy Inhuman cruelty: If this be Canonical, Let me have old Tobits Apochriphas, who hazarded his life to bury the dead.  
Where two stand at Enmity, there must needs be Mastery, or else no safety: When one knoweth tho other is his mortal Enemy, he will use all the Means, Strength and Policy that he can to subdue him. This enrageth to all manner of Tyranny and bloodshed, setteth one Kingdom against another, because each knoweth and taketh each other for his deadly Enemy: Their faith being built upon this rotten & devouring principle of forcing the consciences one of another. But if the Papist knew the Protestant, the Protestant the papist to love another: & would no● molest or in the least injure o● another for their Conscience, but live peaceably & quietly one by another; bearing one with another, and so of all Religions: What man would lift up his hand against his Neighbour? This could not but cond●● to a general true settled Peace, to the whole World. And in a short time, the Enmity of Heart between the Papist & Protestant &c. would be quite worn ou● Why should we hate and destroy one another? are we no● all the Creatures of one God? redeemed by one Lord Jesus Christ? this should provoke us to Love and peace one towards another. If God have revealed more Light of the Gospel to one then to another, shall the more knowing trample the ignorant under his feet? we should carry ourselves loves and meek one towards another, with Patience persuading and exhorting the contrary minded proving if at any time God will turn their hearts, by this means the great Incendiary of the World, an enforced enraged Conscience, would be at rest. What is more near and dear then our Consciences? if that be enraged who can appease it? if that be satisfied, what Content Joy or Peace like unto it? or what more mild, more Gentle or Loving? Therefore how tender ought we to be in Cafes of Conscience? it is a Lion if enraged, a Lamb if appeased: it is all Honey or all Gall, enraged it is like the Wild Boar of the Forest, pleased, it is like the Dove from the Ark: no greater Friend, no greater Foe.  
It is better therefore for Kingdoms to set the Conscience free as in Holland, Polonta, Transylvania etc. and be at Peace in themselves, then to bind and enforce it and be Rend in themselves with Emulations, Heart-burnings, Conspiracies, Rabellions etc. If this Fiery Spirit were allayed, This ignorant Zeal of forcing all to believe as we believe, extinct: Nationall Fears, Jealousies, and Hatred would cease betwixt Nation and Nation, people and people: for as this violent Implacable Spirit suggesteth Fears and Jealousies betwixt one Conscience-forcing King and an other: Kingdom & Kingdom: Nation & Nation: ●oit forceth them to draw their swords, and standin continual Defiance & Defence for fear of mutual Invasion. Yea under a false Opinion of advancing God's glory: by forcing others to their faith, they invade, assult and murder one an other, and yet both (deluded by this Seducer) think they do God good service, when alas it is all innocent blood that is shed: What was the main cause so many Nations have been rend and divided in themselves, and one against an other, and in their divisions devoured one an other of late days? What occasioned the revolt of the German Princes, from the House of Austria, of the Neitherlandess from the King of Spain, the bloody Maskery in France? And amongst ourselves, what occasioned the rising of the Scots, the Rebellion in Ireland, and those bloody divisions in England but this devilish Spirit of binding the conscience? One would compel the other to their faith, and force them from their own, and that will not be borne, they had rather die, then deny their faith; and therefore is it, that a considerable party rebelleth, and in that Rebellion wallow in one an others blood, bume and destroy all before them, and yet both (as they suppose) sight the Lords battle, while indeed the Devil beareth the greatest share, whose servants they are in that Quarrel own as well as the other. Doth not the Holy Ghost make it it a speacial Mark of Antichrist to force all both great and small, etc. and is it not the cause of the Woman's flight inter the Wilderness from the presence of the Dragon; the scattering of the Church into Deserts and secret places; the Death of the two Witnesses, and wearing out of the Saints of the most High? How cometh the Woman on the scarlet coloured Beast drunk with the blood of the Saints, and with the blood of the Martyes of Jesus, and all the blood of the Earth to be found in her, but by this devilish Spirit, even the Spirit of Devils. which goeth forth unto the Kings of the Earth, and of the whole world to provoke them to war against the Saints; I mean, this binding of conscience, and forcing consormity, though never so much against knowledge and perswat●● of heart, which at this day is so hotly endeavoured, preached, and pleaded for by the proud, Prelatical presbytery of this Land, who by their subtle insinnations, and secret delusions endeavour the infusion thereof into the hearts of their Rulers, and to beget it as a principle of faith in the multitude: Should they possess a Parliament and Kingdom with this Spirit, that Parliament and Kingdom cannot expect peace and safety to continue; the fire may be smoohered for a time, but it wili break out at last, as this Kingdom hath already found by woeful experience, the blood of its Nobles and Commons, etc. whereof my Lord, this infernal Fiend (here arraigned before your Honour, a Traitor to his Majesty's Crown and Dignity, the Privileges of Parliament, Rights, & Lib: of the Subject, is the cause: Yea my Lord, he is Jakes on both sides, in was he that occasioned the fears and jealousies betwixt his Majesty and the two Houses of Parliament, and unhappily drew them into the Field of Blood, neither party would be oppressed in Conscience, or deprived of their Religion; this was one half of the Quarrel, and publicly professed the main, though it may be Monarchy was the other half; and my Lord, he seduced the King into the North, and provoaked your Lordship unto Arms, and hath continued to this day firmly on both sides, so that fall which side it will, he concludes to be Conqueror, and be established absolute Monarch, for he so deports himself betwixt you both, that both may persecute, and hitherto he hath too much prevailed with your Lordship: Therefore my Lord, if this vile Incendiary (here happily detected and arraigned) be not cut off from betwikt you, there is no hopes of peace, till the sword (and it may be 'samine, and pestilence too) wrestle it out to a Conquest on one side; and when all is done, yet peace will not, nor can possibly long endure; for where Persecution is, there will be heart burn, envyings, emnlations, and murmur, which at length will break out into Commotions, Conspiracies, Insurrections and Rebellions. And thus my Lord, I give place to what shall be further evidenced by the Witnesses.  Clar. 
GAFFER CHRISTIAN stand up, what can you say for the King against the Prisoner at the Bar.   

CHRISTIAN.  
My Lord, I have known this man by woeful Experience, well high 1644 years: and my brethren of old, the Prophets, bare witness against him unto the day of my Nativity, that he was in their times the most Pestilent Enemy to Mankind to God and all Goodness, that ever was borne in to the World: and my Lord, I am able to prove his continuance in that cursed Condition oven unto this day: so that he hath lived and scaped the hands of Justice above 5660 years, and all his days hath been a Murderer and Butcher of good men, yea scarce any consider it.  
Secondly, my Lord, this Prisoner, PERSECUTION for Conscience, maketh the Gospel of none effect, in stead of Sincerity he setteth up Hyprocricy, instead of the Fear of God, he setteth up the Torrour of men: instead of the Simplicity of the Word, he setteth up the Usurpation of the Sword for my Lord, the compelling of men against their Consciences, enforceth such Inconveniences and Impieties inevitably: Yea my Lord, of such a Devilish Spirit is this Enemy of, as he exalteth himself against the Mercy of God in Christ toward the Sons of men, to the very prevention thereof to Multitudes, and the tumbling of them head long without remorse to the Devil: for they that are blind, they that are Tares, who knows but they may see, may become Wheat hereafter: but if they be cut off, (as this merciless Inhuman Miscreant useth) for their blindness, how shall they see? for (Isa. 38. 19) The Grave cannot praise thee, they that go down into the Pit cannot hope for thy Truth. Blasphemers may hereafter become faithful Witnesses of Christ, Act. 3. 3. & 9 5. 6. Idolaters, true Worshippers, no people of God, the people of God, as the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 6. 9 & some come at the first, third, sixth, & some not till the eleventh 〈◊〉 Mat. 20. 6. but should those that are in their sins till the II. hour be cut off because they came no sooner: they should have been prevented from conversion, or coming at all, as godly King Edward moved by his bloody Bishops, to the burning of a godly Woman called John Butcher (Fox Act. Mon. p. 1784) answered, Will you have me send her quick to the Devil in her errors. This is the service this PERSECUTION doth, instead of building he destroyed, instead of saving he danneth, under the colours of Christ he figliteth for the Devil his Master.  
Thirdly my Lord, his nature is at direct enmity against the very command Christ gave unto the Apostles in the General Commission: Go teach all Nations, etc. Mat. 28. 19 where teaching, not violent compulsion is constituted, and once for ever ordained she means and only way for conversion to the faith of Jesus in all Nations: Now compulsion and persuasion all know are directly opposite, as much as to will and to nill; So that the command of the one by the Authority of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, is a flat denial of the other by the same Authority: For here (vec. 1920.) by full power of that Authority, Teaching is commanded; as, teach all Nations, etc. teaching them to observe all things, what ever I have commanded, etc. Therefore, all violence, as by monaces, threats, imprisonments, bodily punishments, spayling of goods, and such like cruelties of this tyrant, is condemned in all Nations as a means for no Nation in the Administration of the Gospel.  
Fourthly, my Lord, this Adversaries practice and the Discipline of this old, envious, malignant wretch here justly arigned before your Honour, is quite contrary to the Apostles in their Administration of the Gospel; for they did r● e● suggest, or stir up any Prince, or Magistrate (in whose hand is the compulsive civil power,) to force such by violence of pepall I awes, Edicts, Ordinances, Imprisonments, or she like, as would not suject unto their Gospel: but on the contrary, gave up themselves to seorging, imprisonments, sthning, etc. which this Enemy occasioned against them, for the promulgat on thereof. And the worst that they did, or were commanded to do, to such as would not receive the Gospel, was but to shake off the dust from their feet, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luke 10. 11. Acts 13. 51 which was nothing so ill, as this Beind's fire and faggot; burning, hanging, froning, storging, imprisoning, etc. whose nature hath ever been & is always versant in such crueltios; and yet my Lord, this spawn of Satin, this malicious Hyprocise, doth all under the vizour. of Religion, his wool feish nature is never seen abroad but in sheep's clothing, in nomine Domini, he perpatrates, all his villainy: So that my Lord, he is a most dangerous invererate Antichrist's and Archetraytour to his Majesty (the King of Kings) his royal Crown and Dignity, and in invadour and destroyer of the just Liberies, the lives and, fortunes of his Majesty's liege people.  
Fiftly, my Lord, it is against the Law of Charity, not to do ●as we would be done unto: He that hangs a Jew, because he will not be a Christian, would be ●●ath●a Jew should reward him in the same kind, because he will not be a Jew, though in equity he deserve it. for innocent blood requireth blood. Yea my Lord, to forcemen and women against their consciences is world then to ravish the bodies of womena and Maids against their wills: Yea, it is beyond the Turkish cruelty, for though the Turks force the bodies of Christians and Strangers to slavery, yet they let their conscience go free: But our late Idol bloodsucking Bishops, and after them our ravenous Presbyters, as towardly young Cubbes for bear not to force the consciences of their friends and neighbours; and imprison them for walking after the light God hath given them: And my Lord, it is this Malefactaur which rendereth them so guilty: Yea my Lord, this Fowl Spirit breathed into them at their Consacration is not yet cast out of them, which like a roaring Lion seeketh whom it may devour: So that if your Lordship's justice do not spoedely interpose the bloody resolves and villainous intents of our new upstart frisking Presbyters, we shall be all devoured by those greedy Synodian Cormorant's, which if you suffer, We then to your Lordship in the latter Day, for be assured, that all the miseries, tortures, and torments they inflict upon us, will not only rise up in judgement against them, but even against your Lordship.  
Sixtly my Lord, he usurpeth that to himself, which Christ hath referred to the Last Day, to wit, to judge them that reject him, for John 12. 47. 48. If any man hear my words and believe not, I judge him not, for I came not to judge the World, but to save the World: he that rejecteth me and receivetb not my words, hath one that judgeth him, the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him at the last day. & 1. Cor. 4. 5. Judge nothing before the time until the Lord come and Mat. 7. 1. 2. Judge not lest ye be judged, for with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged etc. and to these add Isa. 11. 4. Therefore no man upon pain of judgement, must presume to judge any in respect of Christ or his words, but must refer it to the last day, whose word shall judge him, and not Fire and Faggot, Hanging and Quartering, Imprisoning &c. such are incompetent Judges, for to this end Christ both died and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living. Let us not therefore judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling Block as an occasion of fall in his brother's way: for, Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Rom. 14.  
4. We are not equal Judges one over another in matters of Faith, Who is it that shall condemn? it is Christ that died: What is he that shall dare to execute Vengeance for unbelief? He that is innocent let him throw the first stone. The Assembly (surely) will not plead Innocence, and if not, why are they so ha●y to throw? Surely, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Yet Mr. Calamy a man but newly Metamorphosed by a figure which we Rhetoricians call METONOMIA BENEFICII from Episcopallity to Presbytery: upon demand what they would do with Anabaptists, Antinomians &c. tells us, That they will not m●ddle with their Consciences, but with their Bodies and Estates. Truly if this be the drift, they are even leapt out of the Frying 〈◊〉 into the Fire. If they be fallen, this is not to restore them with the Spirit of meekness. But my Lord, Justice upon this Malefactor would cure the Synodians of that Disease, for Patience per force is a Medicine for a mad Dog. And thus my Lord, your Honour hath my Testimony of this Malefactor.  Clar. 
GAFFER MARTYRS, What can you say for the King against the Prisoner at the Bar?   

MARTYRS.  
My Lord, Had not my life been hid in Jesus Christ, who is God of the living, and not of the dead, for though dead in the grave, yet I live unto him, to be raised and revived at the last day; or could the arm of flesh suppress the cry of blood, my witness would have been disenabled: for this Malefacteur PERSECUTION persecuted me even to the death; so that my voice is no other than the cry of blood, even of the Prophets and Martyrs of Jesus, that you hear; for my Lord, such hath been his cruelty to me to suppress my Testimony against him while I was living, that all the tortures and torment wit and malice could invent, he with his bloodthirsty Clergy devised against, and executed upon me, whereby I was most baberously murdered; so that my Lord, I have no other voice left me, then that of blood, split for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus, crying with a loud voice, how long O Lord holy and true dost thou not avenge our blood? I could enlarge myself into a Sea of blood against him, discover him drunken with the blood of the Saints and Martyrs of Jesus: yea my Lord, Articles of all manner of impiety against God, and all goodness, Treasons, Rebellions, etc. I could exhibit against him, but my faithful brother, that poor despised CHRISTIAN, hath most justly witnessed abundantly against him: And there is yet an other faithful Witness to give in his Evidence, Gaffer LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE, who I know, is thoroughly furnished with matters of highest concernment against him, to whose just Evidence I shall give place.  Clar. 
Gaffer LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE, what can you say for the King against the Prisoner at the Bar?  Prisoner. 
My Lord, before he proceed, be pleased to hear the just exceptions, Sir Simon Synod and Sir John Presbyter after their so long and serious consultation have devised and contrived, why his Testimony should not be heard, as an unfit Witness in such a case as this.  Justice Reas. 
My Lord, if Baal be God, let him plead for himself.  Judge. 
And reason good: For the judgement of this Court is not to be swayed by favour, affection, humour of multitudes, or the like, but by Reason and equity itself: Wherefore for the more free and just proceeding herein this Court Ordaineth and Proclaimeth freedom for both sides, one as well as the other, whether Presbyterian Tormentoi●●s or Independent Sufferers to give in their grounds and reasons to the Sentence of this Court, whether LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE be tolerable, and his Evidence to be received. Wherefore Sir Simon, if you have any thing why this man's witness may be disenabled, you have liberty to speak.   

Sir SIMON SYNOD.  
My Lord, this fellow LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE, 〈◊〉 a Free-willer, a lose Libectine, one that opens a gate to all manner of profanes, in what Country or State soever he gets entertainment, a man of all Religions and of no Religion, a compound of all heresies, schism, and faction; a prestelent enemy to Nationall Conformity, our late Solemn League and Covenant, a Traitor to your late sacred and blessed Ordinance for Tithes, a work of Supererogation▪ a Confuter of our mighty Champions Mr. Priune, Edwards, etc. He is for no Reformation, but strives to frustrate all my endeavours, and the pious ends of the rest of my holy brethren of the Tribe of Lev●, for the advancement of the Church God, the Clergy of the Land, with ecclesiastical Revenue, and power coercive to curb opposition, and force Reformation to Presbyterian Government: yea my Lord, this is he that would reduce the Nationall Reformation of this Kingdom, so much endeavoured by your Lordship, even to open loosensse, every man to be of what Religion he li●●, every mecannioke illiterate fellow to turn Preacher, and be as good as their Minister, no distinction made betwixt the Clergy and the Laity, our Canonical Coats, Girdles, long Cloaks and Black Gowno● made a derision, a taunt, and a curse, as ominous as Lawn sleeves and as hateful as a Mitre, our holy Tithes, as of Lamb, Pig, Goose, etc. be turned into voluntary Contribution, oh insufferable sacraledge! from the good will of the people good Lord preserve us: yea my Lord, the upper hand in public places, (the Clergies delight) as, in streets, 〈◊〉 feasts, etc. be denied us, the reverend estimation of our Coat be past either Cap, Congue, or Curtsy, no difference betwixt the Black Cassock and the L●●thr●n Jacket, and all our goodlyfat Benefices turned to the labour of our hands, (alas my Lord, we were never brought up to labour, we cannot dig, and to beg we are ashamed) our delusions, false Glosses, Sophistications, and godly pretonces be detected, and divulged, and so all things that are dainty and goodly to departed from us: alas, alas my Lord! this will undo the Clergy quite, we may leave our Callings, ●nd learn new Trades, if we turn Cobblers, Tinkers, and Weavers we may chance get constant work, if not, now and then a job of preaching amongst the people; Consider my Lord, it will put out the two eyes of the Kingdom: Much more I could say, but I shall give way to my Son Sir John, who by your Lordship's favour shall further inform this Court in the defence of this Prisoner.  Judge. 
Well Sir Simon, this being a business of high concernment, either what you or your Sir John, or what any man else can say in the behalf of his Majesty concerning the Prisoner, this Court freely permitteth, yea commandeth Information thereof.  Clar. 
Call Sir John Prosbyter, son to Sir Simon.  J. Rea●. 
Magus.  Crier. 
Sir John Presbyter son to Sir Simon come into the Court.  Judge. 
Sir John your Father hath informed us, that you have matter of exception against LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE, if you have the mercy of the Court permiteeths the Prisoner the benefit thereof.   

Sir JOHN PRESBYTER  
My Lord, My Reasons against LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE, why both himself and his Evidence is to be rejected, are these.  
1. Because I suppose 〈◊〉 must needs be granted, that the Magistrate is 
Edward's Antipol. p●g. 280.  ●ustos a● vindex utriusque Tabulae, (as is confessed by all Orthodox Divines) that the care of Religion belongs to him: And because Austin and other Divines on Psal 2. 10. 11. and on D●●t. 17. 19 give unto Magistrates that power. Ergo,  [J. Reas. 
Statesmen must wear Bells about their necks, because ancient Divines say Kings are but Packe-horses to the Clergy.]  
2. Because in this Kingdom the Reformation in Worship, Government, etc. which shallbe settled and established by your Lordship is judged and taken 
pag. 281.  for granted by you to be according to the mind of Christ; else why hath your Lordship called so many able, godly, and learned Divines (of us) to consult with for that purpose? and why else will you establish it, if there be any other more agreeable to the Word? Ergo.  [J. Reas. 
The Synod is guided by the Holy Ghost sent in a Cloak-bag from Scotland, as of old from Rome to the Council of Trent, Goncil. Trent l. 6 p. 497.]  
3. Because it is against the solemn League and Covenant for Reformation, taken by the Parliament and Kingdom of England and Scotland, and 
pag. 282. & 283.  so cannot be condescended to in England without the breach of that Oath and Covenant: So that all Apollogie and motion for Toleration comes too late, the door is shut against it, the Kingdom's hands are bound, so that if a Toleration were not in itself unlawful, and against the duty of the Magistrate, yet now because of the Oath and Covenant 'tis unlawful; so that whatsoever might have been granted before, cannot be now, lest the Kingdom should be guilty ●efore God of Covenant breaking. Ergo,  [J. Reas. 
Because the Assembly bathe saddled the Parliament, it is unlawful for the Presbyters to go a foot. Ergo, Persecution was unlawful when the Priests were persecuted, but now it is lawful they persecute. Ergo, Toleration was lawful, and the duty of the Magistrate when the power was in the hands of the Bishops, but now the Presbyters are crowding into S. Peter's Chair, the Parliament is bound to compel all men to the Decrees of the Assembly, as that impudent, and desperate Incendiary Mr. Edwards boldly and openly affirmeth, an Assertion able to divide the Kingdom in twenty pieces.]  
4. Because it is against the greatest lights in the Church both ancient and 
pag. 281.  modern, as Agustine, Ambrose, Calvine, Philip Melancton, Zanchius, Musculus, Bullinger, likewise the judgement of the Divines of New England are against the Toleration of any Church Government and way but one, they will not suffer Brownists, Anabaptists, etc. Mr. Cotton the greatest Divine in New England, and a precious man, is against Toleration, and holds that men may be punished for their Consciences, as will appear by his Letter to Mr. Williams. Ergo,  [J. Reas. 
Presbyterian Government is unlawful, because Mr. Cotton condemns it in his Book entitled, The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.]  
5. Because at this time for want of settled Government, people being left to so great liberty, multitudes are fallen, and do daily to Antinomianism, 
pag. 289.  Anabaptism, Independency, yea to deny the Immortality of the soul: Ergo,  [J. Reas. 
One Anabaptist, Independent, or the like, that can render a Reason for what he holds, is better than serven Presbyters that conclude from such bald Premises, Pro. 26. 16.] [Hear the Author of that Book, entitled, M●ns Mortality, desires Mr. Edward's with those that are so invective against it in their Pulpits that they would cease their railing at it there, and come forth in Print against it; for the thing being so rare, so little questioned, and the contrary so generally concluded as a principle of faith, any bumbast-stuffe will pass there for authentic with the people without trial, but if it be put forth to public view, it must expect an encounter by one or other, and therein the Author of that Book observeth the policy of his Presbyterian Adversaries to maintain their repute with the people, in being so hasty in the Pulpit and so slow to the Press.]  
6. Independants, and all kind of Sectaries as long as they have their liberty, 
pag. ibid.  snuff up the wind, and will not hearken to any way whereby they may receive satisfaction; but if once the Magistrate declares, and by Laws concludes one way of Church Worship, it may be they will hear reason. Ergo,  [J. Reas. 
It seems the Presbyters till then can render them none, for the reason and ●orce of that Argument li●s in take him Gaoler. Ergo, If once the Magistrate declares, and by Laws concludes all the fat Benefices of the Kingdom upon independency, than it may be the Presbyters will bear reason, and turn Independants.]  
7. independency hath ever been from the first to the last, a Fountain of evil, root of bitterness, divisions, etc. as the Histories of the Anabaptists (the 
pag. 394.  highest form of Independency, and Church way) declare, in respect of the evils they fell into, and the mischiefs they brought upon Germany, and how God cursed and scattered them. Ergo,  [J. Reas. 
If the King conquer, the Parliament willbe Traitors to posterity by Chronicle; for who writ the Histories of the Anabaptists but their Enemies?]  
8. My Lord, becausethe Presbyterian way hath been countenanced from 
pag. 29●●.  Heaven, and blessed from sorts of sects, etc. and that for almost an hundred years: Ergo,  [J. Reas. 
Both Papal and Episcopal is better than Presbyterian, for they are, and have been more uniform, and have continued many hundred years longer than Presbyterian, and were long before presbytery was thought on: for alas, it was but a shift at a pinch the Devil made, when neither of the other would serve his turn; and so came up presbytery, but what good the Devil will have on't I know not; for who knows the luck of a Iousi● Cur, he may prove a good Dog?]  
9 My Lord, If Toleration of Government though not of Doctrine 
pag. 301.  should be granted, than the simple Anabaptists, and that simple sort called Dippers will come in too, saying, that Baptism at such an age, and Baptising in Rivers by Dipping are but matters of order and time: Ergo,  [J. Reas. 
He that desembleth hatred with lying lips, and he that inventeth slander is a fool, Pro. 10. 18.]  
Wherefore I humbly beseech your Lordship, seriously to consider the depth 
pag. 303.  of Satan in this Design, of Toleration, how this is now his last Plot and Design, and by it would undermine and frustrate the whole work of Reformation, 'tis his Master piece for England. I am confident if the Devil 
pag. 304.  had his choice. whether the Hierarchy, Ceremonies, and Liturgy should be established in this Kingdom, or a Toleration granted, he would choose and prefer a Toleration before them.  [J. Human. 
That is of Presbyterian Compulsion, because Episcopal in England is worn out of Date: Mr. Edward's knows the Devil is not so simple, to choose Hierarchy, Ceremonies, etc. where their deceit is detected, hated, and rejected, it seems be's better acquainted with him then so, the next time he writes, we shall have more of the Devil's mind, but it is likely he'll have finished his Design first, and then it may be, Mr. Edwrads will tell us, that the Devil is better persuaded of presbytery (his last shift) then ever he was of Episcopacy, he will be so serviceable to him therein, for if Mr. Edward's and the Devil be not deceived, he intends with it to devour, break in pieces, and stamp the residue the Hierarchy hath left under his feet, so to wear out the Saints of the most High.]  
And thus my Lord, you have, my Reasons, why this fellow LIBERTYOF CONSCIENCE, is not to have admittance within the verge of this Kingdom, much less to enter thus into the bowels of this Court to give in Evidence to be proceeded on upon the life and death of this holy man, Mr. PERSECUTION.  Lib. Cons. 
My Lord, Sir John●s a pretty forward child, that can prattle thus before he have his teeth; thy say he hath been breeding of teeth ever since the the Assembly were in consultation; surely they'll be huge, long, boarish tusks when they come ●ut; should your Lordship but cause his mouth to be opened, you might see great iron teeth lie in his 〈◊〉, ready to cut, he wants nothing but a Parliament Coral to whet them with all: but my Lord, were he mine, I would knock out his brains with an Independent Hammer, to prevent the groweth of such teeth, for Daniel tells us the nature of great iron teeth. Now whereas my Lord, he excepteth against my witness, I humbly conceive, the equity of this Cou●● cannot receive his exception against me in the justification of this Butcher and murderer of good men, seeing himself is a merciless inhuman Butcher, the son of a Butcher, yea my Lord, his Grandfather and Great-Grand-father were Butchers; for whereas my Lord, he hath acquired the name of Sir John Presbyter, in truth he is a Priest, the son of a Bishop, Grandchild to the Pope, and the Devil is his Great-Grand-father, all murderers and Butchers of God's people. Therefore good my Lord le● not mine Evidence be thus unjustly disenabled.  Judge. 
LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE, you are sworn for the King, to give in your Evidence in his Majesty's behalf against the Prisoner at the Bar; and the challenge against you being such as may be dispensed with, you are to proceed in your Evidence.   

LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE.  
My Lord, To what the former Evidence have testified I shall with brevity add, that this Malefactor PERSECUTION destroyeth the Innocent with the wicked, contrary to the command of Christ, Mat. 13. 30. let the tares and the wheat grow together until the harvest, from which Parable appeareth, that the Kingdom of heaven or Christ's Government over the whole world doth strictly charge his servants, the Kings and Rulers of the Earth (for by him Kings reign) to suffer tares; Turks, Jews, Pagans, and Infidels, as well as Christians to grow or live together in the Field of the World, their Dominions until the Day of harvest, or dissolution of all things, and not pluck them up, because they are Tares, Turks, Jews, Pagans, etc. lest they pluck up such as may become as the Pillars of Solomon in the House of God, even glorious witnesses of Jesus Christ: What greater Rebellion therefore can there be by those Servants to the Housholder, then to pluck up the tares from the wheat? As their Office brings all under their Dominions, so it is to preserve all in their Dominions, that tares and wheat, Infidel and Beleiver may grow and live peaceably together in civil cohabitation, commerce, etc. in their Dominions until the Harvest, or end of all things, when the Lord of the Harvest shall separate the tares from the wheat, with come ye● blessed, go ye cursed, etc.  
Secondly my Lord, he depriveth the Jews (as much as in him lieth) of their geliverance according to the Covenant God made with their Fathers from this their Captivity, notwithstanding the wrath of the Lord threatened against them, that shall evil entreat them therein, Zach. 2. 8. Esa. 54. 15. 17. cap. 51. 22. 23. for my Lord, he hath made the name of a Jew as hateful as Judas; yea, his nature is not to leave a man of them to piss against the wall. Now my Lord, though the Jews are led captive by the Gentiles under the time of the Gospel, and though the natural branches are broken off, and the Heathen grafted in, yet still they are beloved for their Father's sakes, Rom. 11. 28. and are not to be persecuted for their infidelity, for he that toucheth them, toucheth the apple of God's eye: What though they are stumbled? shall we boast ourselves against them? God forbidden; for if we that are wild by nature, be grafed contrary to nature into the good Olive Tree, how much more shall they which are natural branches be grafted into their own Olive Tree again? Therefore the Apostle would not have us ignorant of this Mystery, that blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in, and all Israel shallbe saved, Rom. 11. 25. 26. compared to Isa. 49. 22. 23. Deut. 30. 1. 2. 4. 5. Amos 9 14. 15. Now what hindereth their salvation and deliverance so much as persecution, for they are even led captive by PERSECUTION, and made slaves to him even to this day? And how shall they believe, if they shall have no time given them to believe? this devilish Spirit gives them not a minute, he will not suffer a Jew to live amongst the Christians, or come near him: what hopes then is there the Jews should be converted, where this Tyrant is in force? Shall we that have received vantage by their rejection, thus recompense them with tyranny? our Lord whom they slew, would not have them slaven, but they are beloved of him, and himself will be their Deliveror, Rom. 11. 26. 27. 28. yes this Incendiary hath caused our Kings, and our Rulers, our Bishops and our priests not to suffer a Jew by authority to live amongst them; how then can we complain of the vengeance that is at this time upon us & our children, that have been so cruel, so hateful, so bloody minded to them and their children? we have given them the cup of trembling, surely we must taste of the dregs: Harken therefore no longer to those which teach this bloody doctrine of persecution, for neither they, their preach, fastings, weep long prayers, etc. can deliver in the day of distress, as long as ye persecute: Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the Presbyterian fist of wickedness; but this is the Fast which the Lord hath chosen, to undo the heavy burden, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke.  
Thirdly my Lord, He is a murderer of Kings and Princes, etc. for the murdering of heretic Princes is the natural brat of this devilish Spirit; for from this ground, that the contrary minded are to be forced, the Papists justify the murdering of hertics, making all Heretics which separate from them; for that Religion that is bottomed on this principle, that all must be forced, will they, nill they, where it cannot force, must murder: so cometh it to pass, so many Kings have been murdered, by the Papists, because casting of the Romish yoke, they free themselves from their power of forcing, therefore the Papists to make good their coercive principle, betake themselves privately to murder such Princes, to prevent a countermanding power, and keep all in their catholic subjection; so that such as would have all forced, where they cannot force, is to be feared, will privately murder: Therefore it is dangerous for a King to trust his person with such men, for if the King should change his Religion, to one opposite to theirs, who knows, those men will not do as their principle leads them, even murder their Prince; but on the contrary, that Religion that is grounded on the principle of meekness patience, and long sufferance, instructing the contrary minded, and utterly contesting against all compulsion, cannot in the least measure administer any fear or danger unto Princes of their persons, be of what Religion they will, for be they of any Religion or of no Religion, for matter of violence it is all one to the Spirit of meekness, for its nature is only to persuade, not to compel; if by fair means it cannot prevai'e, it hath done, committing the issue to God.  
Fourthly my Lord, He is an utter enemy to all spiritual knowledge, a hinderer of its increase and groweth; for no man knoweth but in part, and what we know, we receive it by degrees, now a little, and them a little; he that knows the most, was once as ignorant as he that knows the least; nay, is it not frequent amongst us, that the thing that we judged heresy we now believe is orthodox; now can such think themselves were worthy to been persecuted in, and for that their ignorance? they cannot sure be of that mind; such therefore cannot condemn, imprison, or hang the ignorant, or such as discover or oppose their ignorance, but in that they condemn themselves, sin against nature and their own knowledge: The twelve at Ephesus that had not so much as heard whether there were a Holy Ghost or no, if they had been so evilly used by Paul when he heard it, how should they spoke with tongues, and prophosied? yet we see how common a thing it is, if we know not, nor believe so much as the multitude knoweth or beleiveth, or the Doctrine of the Presbycrean Church requireth, we must be persecuted; and if our knowledge go beyond them, that we protest against their errors, and labour to inform them better, we must taste of the same savee too, so that we must know nor believe neither more nor less than they, but must believe just as they believe, or else be persecuted; as if a Statute should be enacted, that an Image should be made, and all that were higher or lower than the Image should be hanged: By this we may see, what an unreasonable thing it is evilly to entroat such as we judge ignorant and erroneous, or all to be erroneous and heretical that we understand not ourselves: What shall we say then of such Ministers, that of rational creatures would teach us to be thus nnreasonable? their end is distinction, their belly, them God, they serve the Parliament but for their own bellies, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the simple: These uphold the accursed Doctrine of Persecution, lest liberty of printing, writing, teaching, should discover their deceits, and they be disinherited of their Father's Inheritance; their intents are plain to him that hath but half an eye to see, they'll not do much, only change the title, before it was Episcopal Prelacy, it shall be now but Priestly or Presbyterian Prelay, so that, he that lives but a small time shall surely see a Presbyter as fat as ever was a Bishop; those are enemies to all knowledge, that is either too short or beyond their bellies, therefore is it, that all heads must be made even with the Presbyters, none higher nor none lower, just as tall, and no taller, he that is too short must be stretched out, and he that is too long must be pared even, lest they should miss of their Prayers, give us this day our daily tithes, that the Gormaine proverb might be fulfilled, phophen geizegkeite, Gattes barmchartzegkite, were his in ebekeite, the covetousness of the Preints and the mercy of God endure for ever; I would exhort them to be otherwise minded, but that I know, venture non habet aures, the belly hath no ears.  Pris. 
My Lord, I beseech you hear me after this tedious Accusation, it is false and malicious, as by sound reason, and Personages of Honour I shall clearly evidence: First my Lord, as for GOD'S VENGEANCE my Prosecutour, both the Juries, with divers others, together with the witnesses, enforced him to prosecute me, and I know not by what pretence they procured GOD'S VENGEANCE against me; for my Lord, I am innocent, and ever have been from my Cradle from such and so heinous accusation, as is laid to my charge: And for that fellow, that pretends he hath known me since the coming of Christ, he is a man of no reputation, without habitation, a beggarly fellow, arunagate, a lose fellow, he stays in no place, keeps no hospitality, blaspheameth that most divine, levitical, ever to adored Ordinance for Tithes, and counteth it as an unholy thing, pays none where he lives, but sharks here and there, where he can skufle in his head, runs from house to house, to delude simple women, who are ever learning, and never learned, and whereas he saith, his name is CHRISTIAN, his name is not CHRISTIAN, neither is he of the generation of Christianity, but a most factious dissembling Anabaptist, a Tub-preacher, and no christian, as Sir Simon, Sir John, and divers other reverend, and honourable persons here present can witness: As for Gaffer Martyrs, he is as a sounding brass and tinkling Cymbal, who though he giveth up his body to be burnt, himself is but a castaway, and this I am able to make good unto your Honour, by the most grave, and solid judgement of all the reverend Divines, the Clergy of Christendom: Therefore my Lord, it much mattereth not, what his Evidence is, it being but the malice of an Heretic: And as for LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE, Sir Simon, and that blessed babe, his Son Sir John, (Sanctified from his mother's womb, the Synodian Whore of Bibylon,) hath informed your Honour of the unworthiness of his witness. My Lord, I desire Sir Simon may speak in my defence.  Sir Simon. 
My Lord, this Gentleman here arraigned, is altogether innocent from this accusation, I have had ancient familiarity with him, a daily society hath passed betwixt us, and I never could find any such thing in him, and my Lord, here is Mr. Pontifical Revenue, Mr. Ecclesiastical Supremacy, Mr. nam tionall Conformity, Mr. Rude Multitude, Mr. Scotch Government, and mine only Son, Sir John Presbyter, all to witness his innocency from this Accusation: And if your Lordship make any scruple hereof, that learned Gentleman, Justas Conformity, of Lincoln's Inn Esq. can thorughly resolve you, both by Scripture Texts, Precedents of all sorts, and the consiant interrupted practices, examples, of the most eminent Emperors, Princes, Counsels, Parliaments, etc.  Lib. Cons. 
My Lord, the Defendant smells of a fat Benefice; see, see, his pockets are full of Presbyterian Steeples, the Spires stick under his Girdle: ha', ha', hah; instead of Weathercocks, every Spire hath got a Black Box upon it. and in it the pure and immaculate Ordinance for Tithes, Oblations, etc. Sure shortly, instead of Moses and A●ron, and the Two Tables, we shall have Sir Simon, and Sir John holding the late solemn League and Covenant, and that demure, spotless, pretty, lovely, sacred, divine, devout, and holy Ordinance for Tithes (the Two Tables of our new Presbyterian Gospel) painted upon all the Churches in England. Oh brave Sir Simon, the Bells in your pocket chime all-in while ours chime all-out: I pray you give us a Funeral Homile for your friend here before he depart, here's twenty shillings for your pains, you know 'tis sacraledg to bring down the price, As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.  Crier. 
Make way there for the Jury.  
The Jury withdraw, and thus fall into debate about their verdict.  Creation. 
Gentlemen, from the Evidence of the Witnesses against PERSECUTION, I clearly perceive, that he is of so devilish and unnatural disposition, as is not computible with the works of the Creation, all creatures of a kind associate, feed, and converse together, there is a public freedom of all kinds amongst themselves, the Ox, the Ass, the Sheep, and all sorts of Cattles; the Dove, the Sparrow, and all kinds of Birds have a State harmony, a public Toleration, general Concord and unity among themselves in their several kinds: but this Malefactor as from the Witnesses is evident, unnaturallizes mankind above all kinds of Creatures, that where he rules, no peace public, or private; no freedom, rights, or liberty either civil or spiritual; no society, cohabitation, or concord Nationall nor Domestic can possibly be amongst men, but envying, hatred, emulation, banishment, etc. Wherefore, from the consideration hereof, and of what the Witnesses have given in, to me he appeareth guilty, what say you Mr. Gospel?  Gosp. 
Mr. Foreman, Whereas it is by Sir John and such like urged, that the Kings of the Gentiles have equal power with the Kings of Israel of old: understand, that their supremacy was but for a time, until Shiloh came, and no longer, to whom then the gathering of the people should be; he came to take away the First, that he might establish the Second, being made Mediator of a better Covenant, established on better promises, the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of eternal life: But he that despised Moses Laws, died without mercy under two or three witnesses. The old Covenant was over the Old man, and its Condemnation or punishment was over the Old man, to wit, this corruptable fallen State of Mortality, and therefore they executed death upon the transgressors thereof. The New Covenant is over the New man, to wit, the Spirit that shall be raised out of this corruptable at the Resurrection; therefore hath it the promise of forgiveness of sins, and eternal life; the penalty of that, temporal death, the death of the Old or earthly man in this life; the penalty of this, everlasting death, the death of the New or spiritual man in the life to come; we are New Creatures or New men now but by faith, not actual till the Resurrection, we are to live as if we were raised again, for the condition of the Gospel is not to us, as the Condition of Innocency was to Adam, a Condition in this present State of this present State, as his was to him, to wit, the Condition of immortallty in immortality; but ours a condition in present mortality of future immortality: so is it, that mortality being swallowed up of life, we are presently under the end of its Condition, Salvation, or Condemnation. Therefore as the Resurrection cannot possibly be but by Christ, so the penalty cannot possibly be by other; it is out of the Sphere of this world, therefore one of the power of the Princes of this world, as they cannot be Mediators of the New Testament, so they cannot be punishers therein; Therefore to punish the Offenders therein, is to attempt the Throne of Christ, and asurpe (as much as in them lieth) his Mediatorship: Therefore hath he referred the contemners of his Gospel until the Judgement of the Last Day. And for that in Isaiah 49. 23. And Kings shall be thy nursing Fathers, and Queens the nursing Mothers: it is a Prophecy of the deliverance of the Jews from their Captivity, to whom Kings and Queens shall be assistance in their return to the Land of their Forefathers, as ver. 19 22. 23. 26. etc. witness.  Politic Power. 
Mr. Foreman, Salus populi, the safety of the people, is the Sovereign Law, or fundamental constitution of Civil Government; therefore though Majestracy hath been corrupted and abused, (as appeareth by our Evidence) to the terror of the most virtuous, conscientious, well minded men, and the maintenance and protection of the wicked; so that it hath been perverted from the genial good if all sorts, sects, and societies of people, unto this or that sort or sect; yet this evil in Majestracy is to be cut off, ne pars sincera trabatur. And Mr. Foreman, it appears by our Evidence, that PERSECUTION is the original of the disease, therefore to be cut off, lest the whole politiqus body perish: For where Persecution is, what dissenuions, mutintes, tumults, insurrections, aproares, and divisions; what what conspiracies, Treasons and Rebellions; what bloodshed, cruelty, and inhumanity hath been by our Evidence declared, the which by our own experience we find verified in divers Kingdoms, States, and Provinces: for do we not see, betwixt the Catholic Cause and the True Protestant Religion (so called) the Christian world is imbrued with blood, destroying and devouring one an other: the dashing of those two imperious, ambitious, insolent Religions, the Papal and Protestant together besides what it hath done to the House of Austria, etc. hath split the Dominons of this politic body asunder, that they wallow in one an others vital blood, burning, destroying, and ruinating all before them; how many Towns, Villages, and sumptenus buildings have been burn? what Tillage and Meadows laid waste, and how many thousands of innocent souls have been slain in Ireland contrary to the end and foundation of poltique Government? and doth not England taste even the dregs of this Cup, yea swallow it down with greediness, that we are even drunk with one an others blood, enraged with madness, crueltics, etc. without all hopes of peace till one of these persecuting Religions have devoured the other.  Mr. state-policy. 
Mr. Foreman, though from Rome, the spirit of Persocution is conveyed into most sects of Religion, and is daily found to the shame of Religion among such as are or would be counted religious, and most States, and Kingdoms being rend with such persecuting Religions, therefore the Kingdoms of Christendom have judged the Toleration of divers Sects inconsistent with State policy; yet Politians would they consider, need not in curing one mischief run upon a greater; for such good and wholesome means might be provided, as in a small time this violent spirit might be worn out, the next generation be of a better temper, and at length Persecution to be as rare as now common, and a more placable peaceable spirit consiliated among the generality of men: And seeing this impatient, violent, ambitious spirit is so dangerous to Civil Societies their friendship & unity, so destructive to public peace and safety: It is therefore necessary, that Kings and all Governors, whose Office is; that all may lead a peaceable and quite life under them, should in policy to the general good, see to the securing of their Dominions from this factious spirit, by such wholesome strict Laws as may best conduce to the suppression thereof, as of Treason, Rebellion, or the like; for allare Traitors and Rebels in their hearts to the public peace, and general good of human societies, salus populi, the people's safety, (which our State counteth the suprame Law) which are of a perseuting spirit; for it is in direct opposition to that Law; And who more guilty than the Papist and the Protestant, when one is too mighty for the other, the Papist stronger than the Protestant, the Protestant stronger than the Papist, the stronger is so ambitious and fiery zealous for his own cause, especially the Papist, that one place is too hot for them both, and the Protestant as he is a persecutor of the Papist, so as well as the Papist, is he a Persecutor of Anbaptists, Brownists, Antinomians, Independants, etc. but they persecute none, but seek the general good, peace, and safety of all Sorts, Sects, and Societies of people, yea even of their Enemies; so that as Papists are Enemies and Traitors to the safety of all Sorts, Sects, and Societies, so are the Protestants, considered in this persecuting capacity, both persecuting; therefore in this sense their Religions are both traitorous, desperate, and dangerous to the Public Good: Therefore it ought to be the care of those Kingdoms and States where those persecuting Religions are, to purge those Religions of this Malignant persecuting spirit, this traitorous disposition, for Relegions may be absolute, yea the Protestant more truley Protestant, if cured of this Pestilential disease of persecution, for indeed persecution is no part of Religion, but a mere spirit of Treason insensibly insinuated, and distilled into Religions by Popes, Bishops and Priests; so that ignorantly the members of those Religions are made Traitors to their own Rights and Liberties, and so enslaved to the traitorous designs of the Clergy, the very root of Treason; for indeed the Teachers of Persecution are the Archest Jesuitical Traitors of all, whether Papist, Protestant etc. such as Mr. Edward's, who most impudently and traitorously saith in his Antipologie, that the Parliament is bound in duty, to compel all men to the Decrees of the Assembly.  Mr. Polit-Power. 
Mr. State-Policy, I commend your policy herein, for indeed Mr. Edward's in so saying, is a Traitor to politic power: But I pray you proceed.  Mr. state-policy. 
Well then, as all are borne subjects to their Kings, so are Kings to see, that all may have their Birthright, Liberty, and Privilege of Subjects, that all may be kept in the general Bond of peace, of what sort or sect soever, for as Lucius Lavinius said to King James, all the different members being wrapped up in the skin of one constitution, need no stronger obligement, to uphold the whole than their own interest: Therefore, were the devouring principle of persecution weeded out from betwixt all Religions, they might all enjoy their public safety to the general enlargement and strengthening of politic power, for the strength of the King lies in the multitude of people, so that it is most consonant to State policy to include all, rather than deprive any of public protection.  M. Nationall-Loyalty. 
Mr. Foreman, this is a matter of great weight, that we have in hand, therefore not slightly, but seriously to be weighed, and deliberately examined both from our own knowledge and experience, as from the just Evidence given in by the Witnesses, (for I conceive, this prisoner is anciently known to us all) that we may be better enabled to give in our verdict, wherefore having something to say of ancient experience, I shall first desire Mr. state-policy, since he hath given us an hint of wholesome means that might be used, to prevent and suppress this turbulent rebellious Spirit of Persecution, that he would declare what further he hath in his thoughts thereon.  Mr. State-Polic. 
That which in itself is wicked, neither honourable to God, allowed by him, nor profitable to man, but dangerous and destructive to common safety and peace, falleth under the Sword of the Majestracy, and the Magistrate may 〈◊〉 use such means as shall best secure the public peace from the evil their of: Now since the generality of the people are possessed with this Evil Spirit, infused, nourished, and preserved in their hearts by Popes, Bishops, Priests, and (at present in the Land) by the traitorous Synod, called the Assembly of Divines, who labour with might and main to establish and seed this traitorous spirit in the Land; and further, since all by compulsion are to be forced to the Civil peace and public unity, and all are to be descended and preserved under the public freedom, one as well as an other; therefore to this end the Magistrate ought to bind all Religions, that no Religion have power over other, that all in the General have Toleration, and none in particular be offensive; for the Papist may be a Papist, the Protestant a Protestant without the power of Compulsion, the deprivation thereof is no ways injurious to their Religion; as a man that hath a wen, or a bunch that grows upon any member, may be a perfect man, and that a perfect member without it: Therefore to this end a Nationall Covenant would not be inconsiderable, to engage all in this public freedom, that as all should be sharers in it, so all should be desenders of it. That no Protestant Minister or other should teach privately or publicly, either by preaching, writing, or conference any thing contradictory or destructive thereto. That no man upbraid, reproach, scoff, deride, threaten, or do any violence to any for his Religion, and such like: And that this be continued from Generation to Generation under such and such penalties as the State shall think fit; so that in a small time, if the Governors would hearken to the fear of the Lord, this oppression of conscience, which is now made State Policy (condemned by the God of mercy and all merciful men) would wax out of date, and be cast out as abominable to God, and destructive to mankind: Then their fears and jealousies one of an other, which puts them in a continual posture of war both offenfive and defensive would be at an end; their Controversies would be of an other kind, false and equal Disputes, and it is better and fare cheaper to provide words for Argumentation, than instruments of war for blows and bloodshed and would conduce I am sure more to the common good and satety the one doth increase knowledge the other nothing but rage and revenge: by reasoning those that are ignorant would shortly see, how they and their Forefathers have been cheated of the Tenth of their increase, fooled, and nursed up in blinnesse by Bishops, Priests, etc. merely to uphold their greatnosse, stuff and cram their ungodly guts, that it is become a Proverb, as fat as a Bishop, and how soon, if PERSECUTION be acquitted, it may be verified on the the Presbyters, I leave that to the issue, only I wish the people to try things themselves, and not trust too much to their L'ppes, for their Lips are Cousin German to their Teeth, and this is most certain, they all speak through the Teeth.  Mr. Nation. Loyal. 
Mr. Foreman, according to the Evidence we have received, and result of our consultation hitherto, he is guilty ipso facto of what is laid to his charge; and for mine own part, I know that Toleration is not against Nationall Loyalty, but may well stand with Nationall peace, as by divers ancient and modern Examples I can make it appear, Abraham lived among the Cannanites and Perizzites, Gen. 13. 7. & 16. 3. again he sojourned in Egypt, Gen. 12. 10. after in Gerar, where King Abimelech bid him dwell where it pleased him, cap. 20. & 21. 23. 24. afterwards among the Hittites, cap. 23. Lot lived in Sodom, Iseack also dwelled in Gerar, yet contrary to the King and his Subjects cap. 20 Jacob lived 20. years with his Uncle Laban in one house, yet different in Religion, Gen. 31. 30. 33. the Children of Israel lived 430. years in Egypt, Exod. 12. 40. afterwards were carried away to Babylon, where they remained 70. years, all which times they differed in Religion, yet no danger to the State: Samson lived among the Philistimes, Lot in the Land of Us, yet their Religion though different was not disturbant to the State: And in the time of Christ, when Israel was captive to the Romans, lived divers Sects of Religions, Herodians, Scribes, and Pharises, Sadduces and Libertines such as denied the Resurrection, and Samaritans the common Religion of the Jews, the Christian and Apostolic Religion, all which deffered from the common Religion of the State; which in all probability was the worship of Dima, whom all the world almost then worshipped, Act. 19 20. yet all these lived under the Government of Caesar, not any ways injurious to his Crown and Dignity, or disturbant to the peace of his Government: but when Persecution arose, than the State was troubled by tumults, uproars, etc. And how doth Toleration injure the State of Holland, Poland, Trasilumia, etc. their Weals, States, and Cities are well and peaceably governed, divers Religions are in their Provinces, yet all have one harmony in matters of State, all united and engaged in the general safety, peace, and tranqillity of their several Kingdoms, States, and Provinces, wherein they so freely enjoy their soverall safeties, protection and freedoms.  Mr. Liberty-of-Subject. 
Mr. Foreman besides what I have received form the Witnesses, of my own experience I know, that if PERSECUTION be not executed, the Liberty of the Subject (now in controversy) cannot be settled in this Land; for the Anbaptists, Brownists, Independants, etc. true and faithful Subjects to the State, that stood to the public cause, when the Priests & such like scurrel●●s vermin, durst scarce be seen in it, but Jesuitically carried themselves in an equal balance betwixt both, that though the King had conquered, yet most of them would have kept their Benefices, a wise generation! I say, these more noble spirited men, that freely spend their lives, fortunes, and estates for the Liberty of the Subject, and that from the most noble and rational princ●●ple, the Common Good and not for self respect, neither those of them which suruive, nor the succeders in their faith shall enjoy this Liberty, their just Birthright, but be wholly deprived thereof, and the purchase of their Blood be ceased and devour●●d by those Presbyterian Horseleeches, and confined to such bloodthirsty Capitle, which is directly opposite to the just Liberty of the Subject.  Mr. C●●mpas. S●●m. 
Mr. Foreman, I have beheld the innnocency of their intentions, and ●●ty of their lives, (to wit of Anabaptists, Brownists, &c) their affections to the Commonwealth, their forwardness of assistance in purse and person, kowing their Meetings to be so innocent, so far from confederacy or counterplots (pag. 3.) ●●d yet their pers●●ns so hated, contemned, and belied, such wounds made upon their consciences, that my heart aboundeth with grief, that their misery should be thus passed by, their wounds so wide and deep, and no oil of mercy poured in: so that me thinks, every man is bound in conscience, to speak and do what ●●e can in the behalf of such an harmless people as these. (pap. 4.) Therefore, Mr. Foreman, being privy to the truth of the Evidence against PERSECUTION, the sole causer of their wounds and misery, I conclude him, an enemy against God and all goodness, etc. and that he is guilty of the Indictment.  Mr. Truth-&-Peace. 
Mr. Foreman, much I could say against the Prisoner, to witness the verity of the Indictment, but for brevity sake I shall refer you to the discovery I have made of his Impiety, Treason, Bloodshed, etc. in that Book entitled, The Bloody Tenent, and I commend unto you, and to the necessary perusal of the COMMONNS and nobles of England, that most famous piece, called, The Compassionate Samaritane, as a most exact model of rationally.  Mr. Light-of-Nature. 
Mr. Foreman, whereas Sir Simon in the defence of PERSECUTION saith, that LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE opens a gate to all manner of profaneness, loosenes●●e, etc. the Light of Nature might teach him, that Toleration is no Approbation, or the suffering of Religions a warrant to be of no Religion, much less to public profaneness; for this comes within the nompasse of that which Nature teaches the most ignorant, therefore within the reach of public restrain●●, according to the Laws of common mode●●y and civility, which Nature hath written in the hearts of all men naturally: Such public Transgressions that are uncivil, unnatural, and unbecomeing human society, is open profaneness and lo●●senesse fall under the restraint, and correction of the magistrate, whose power is over the things of Nature, those being offences of that kind: As the Magistrate is to maintain the public peace, and all civil societies therein, so is it preserve public modesty, comeliness, and civility, that there may be a general comely demeanour as rational creatures, so their carriage and public demeovours are to be rational regular, and comely, and not openly licentious, profane, and blasphenious, contrary to common sense, reason, and humanity.  Mr. Creation. 
Gentlemen, we have spent much time, and our Uerdict is expected, and the case is so evident and plain, that I think what is done may suffice, if you Mr. Orphan, and Mr. Day-of-Judgement be agreed with us in your Verdict, let us give it in: what say you?  Ambo. 
We are agreed; guilty, guilty.  Crier. 
A Verdict: Make way there for the Juri●●.  Judge. 
PERSECUTION, hold up thy hand▪ Masters of the Jury, look upon the Prisoner, is he guilty of this Treason, Rebellion, Bloodshed, etc. in manner and form as he stands indicted, or not guilty.  Foreman. 
GUILTY my Lord.  Judge. 
PERSECUTION, thou hast heard the heinous Accusation; that hath been proved against thee, and the verdict the Jury have given in upon thee, what canst thou say for thyself, to award the sencence of death 〈◊〉 passing against thee?  Pers. 
My Lord, the Jury have not dealt honestly in their verdict, wherefore I appeal from them to the Assembly of Divines, for a trial of their honesty in this verdict.  Judge. 
PERSECUTION, indeed thoustand'st need of a Long Cloak to cover thy kn●●verie; but there is no appeal from this Court, they are no Sanctuary of refuge in this case, neither can I conceive such worthy Gentlemen should perjure themselves, yet if thou hast any thing else to say, to award the Sentence of death, speak for thyself.  Pers. 
I thank your Honour, the Lord bless your Honour: My Lord, I am so terrified in myself at the apprehension of death that I am not in case to speak for myself: I beseech your Lordship, that Sir Simon may speak in my behalf.  Sir Sym. 
My Lord, The enemies of our peace in this matter have dealt very subtly, and most traitorously against the reverend Assembly of the faithful, the Clergy, to divide them from your Lordship's protection, to destroy and hinder the work of Reformation, etc. for my Lord, this man here indicted by the name of PERSECUTION, is none of the man; for here is Mr. Nationall Conformity, Mr. Pontifical Revenue, Mr. Ecclesiastical Supremacy, Personages of Honour, and eminency through out whole Christendom, to testify with me, that this Prisoner hath ever endeavoured to purge the Church of God, from Heresy, Soism●●, and all manner of irregular exorbitant courses, and laboured for the peace of the Church, that we may lead, a lazy and an easy life without God, and the people in the fear of the Clergy. Indeed my Lord, he was once of the Church of Rome, and thereupon generally branded by the name of PERSECUTION; but my Lord, for this hundred years and upward he hath been of the true Protestant Religion, even from the time of Luthar, and at this present en- devoureth with us the the good of the Church in its restitution to Prelatical presbytery: And upon his separation from Rome with Luthar, he utterly reno●●nced the nicke-name of PERSECUTION, and though unhappily through Jesuitical suggestions and delusio●●s he was too frequent in the Spanish Inq●●uisition, and of la●●e by Episcopal sophistications enticed to offi●●iate in the High Commission; yet my Lord, he was ever in himself an honest Reformer, and indeed his true name is Present Reformation, he was borne not long after the Primative times, but his nature and inclinations by evil Instruments have been so much abused, that he had even lost his name, and being nickenamed when he was yongue, and through long continuance of time, forgot his name, that indeed he answered a long time to the name of PERSECUTION, but his true and proper name is Present Reformation, which by Interpretation, is, Presbyterian Government: Wherefore my Lord, I beseech you, consider the subtlety of this malignant heretical faction, who have procured the apprehension and indictment of this Present Reforformation under the odious name of PERSECUTION, thereby at once to make your Honour both ruin yourself, and the presbytery of the Kingdom: therefore my Lord, whether the Jury have dealt honestly in their Verdict, your Honour by this may easily discern.  Judge. 
PERSECUTION, what sayest thou to this? Is thy name Presen●● Reformation?  Pers. 
Yes my Lord, and my name is according to my natural disposition.  Judge. 
Who gave you that name?  J. Re●●. 
My Lord, his Godfathers and Godmothers in his Baptism, wherein he was made a member of the Assembly, and an Inheritor of the Kingdom of Antichrist.  Judge. 
His Godfathers, and Godmothers? who are your Godfathers, and your Godmothers?  Pers. 
My Lord, Mr. Ecclesiasticall-Supremacy, and Mr. Scot●●-Government are any Godfathers, Mrs. State-Ambition, and Mrs. Church-Revennue are my Godmothers, and I was sprinkled into the Assembly of Divines at the taking of the late solemn League and Covenant.  J. Reas. 
My Lord, he is at this time Primate and Metr●●pol●●tan●● over all the Ecclesiast. Courts of Tyranny in the world, the Spanish Inquisition, the High Commission, and now our Divince have sprinkled his federal Holiness into their Assembly, and hereupon changed his name from PERSECUTION, and A 〈…〉 him Present Reformation.  Judge 
'Tis strange, that at the making of the late solemn League and Covenant boodthirsty PERSECUTION should be Anabaptized Present Reformation; then here's a Design of blood in the Covenant, if under the name of Reformation the Clergy have infused the traitorous bloodthirsty spirit of Persecution into it.  J. Human. 
My Lord, there was never any Nationall or Provincial Synod, but strengthened the hands of PERSECUTION, and that under the vizor of Religion:  I. Reas. 
And my Lor●●, Sir Simon, and Sir John's agitation for PERSECUTION, is on purpose, to save this villain, to cut their throats, that hazard, and spend their lives and fortunes for Us, and for the State of the Kingdom, such as have been faithful in the public Service, never tainted with Treason, or double dealing, though the King's negotiation with large promises have attempted it, even such chiefly, as they brand with the names of Anaaptists, Brownists, etc. those notwithstanding, they would have deprived of the liberty of the subject, yea of the liberty of their lives; and the sole cause hereof is, because they labour to inform your L. with rational principles, and are zealous inquirers into the Gospel, from thence discovering the iniquity of the pontifical Clergy, and (labouring for the common good) communicate their understandings to the benefit of others, which proveing prejuditiall to the wicked ends of the Clergy, they labour with opprobrions names, lies & slanders to make such odious, the better accomplish their ends, and in this Design they have played their parts, for should PERSECUTION be put to death, the whole Clergy fear to be undone, as their exceptions against LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE did manifest; they are afraid of the mercy of the people, they cannot endure to serve only for Conscience, their tongues are even with their bellies, pin 〈…〉 g●●ts, and ●●oyle the Priests, shut your hand; and there's a general silence, you may be Anabaptist, Brownist, or what you 〈◊〉, if the matter be ●●rought to that pass: This is that they fear my Lord, Therefore, would they have their hands strengthened with PERSECUTION, to prevent it, let who will perish, if they stand. Moreover, my Lord, those very men which plead for PERSECUTION, are the same, even this man, Sir john, is the very man, that in the days of the Bishops complained; and contested against PERSECUTION, used all possible means to be delivered out of his Episeopall Paws, endeavoured to cast him out of the High Commission; but as soon as those underling Divines are from under their Episcopal Taskmasters, and beginning to encroach upon your Lordship's power, presently take this notorious bloody Traitor, PERSECUTION, stripped by your Lordship of his High Commission habit, and out of their zeal dress him in a divine Synedicall garb, and change his name from PERSECUTION, and christian him Reformation; so to engage your Lordship, and the Kingdoms of England and Scotland in blood, to settle and establish bloody Persecution by Covenant over the Cons●●iences of honest and faithful men unto the State, under the specious and godly pretence of Reformation, as Mr. Edward's one of their Champions manifests, who is so impudent, as to assert, that your Lordship is bound to compel all men to the Decrees of the Synod, (ascribing to them, as the Papists to the Pope,) an infallible unerring spirit, and openly proclaims, that Toleration of such honest faithful Subjects, as Anabaptists, Brownists, Independants, Antinomians, etc. to be in direct opposition to the Covenant, and though before they might have been lawfully toll are yet now they cannot under breach of the Covenant: Consider My Lord, is not this Jesuitical subtlety, most desperate and secret delusion, that by this Covenant they would engage your Lordship, either to be a Covenant breaker, or else intringe the Liberty of the Subject entrusted by the Common people in your hands, one of these is inavoidable, and yet all under the colour of Reformation, the true Protestant Religion, the cause of God, and I know not what; in nomine Domini perpetrant onine malum; so that it is most certain, that this fellow, whose name Sir Simon feigneth to be Reformation, is absolute PERSECUTION, so that had these Reformers but as much power as Queen mary's Clergy, their Reformation would conclude in fire and faggot.  Judge. 
oh insufferable Assembly! I see 'tis dangerous for a State to pin their faith upon the sleive of the Clergy.  J. Reas. 
Further my Lord, whereas others are impoverished, spend their estates, engage and lose their lives in this Quarrel, they are enriched, and advanced by it, save their purses and persons, cram and fill their greedy guts too filthy to be carried to a Bear, heap up wealth to themselves, and give not a penny, while others (against whom they exclaim) venture and expend all, yea my Lord, this great go bellied Idol, called the Assembly of Divines, is not ashamed in this time of State necessity, to guzle up and devour daily more at an ordinary meal, then would make a Feast for Bell and the Dragon, for besides all their fat Benefices, forsooth they must have their four shillings a ●ceco by the day, for litting in constollidation; and poor men when they had filled all Benefices with good Trencher men of their own Presbyterean Tribe, they move your Lordship, that all Ministers may be wholly freed from all manner of Taxations, that now the Trade of a Presbyter is the best Trade in England, all are taxed, and it goes free; poor men that have not bread to still the cry of their children, must either pay or go in person to the wars, while those devouring Church-lubbers live at case, feed on dainties neither pay nor go themselves but preach out our very hearts, they make it a case of conscience to give all, but wise men they'll give hope: let the sick, the lame and maimed Soldiers, and those that that have lost their limbs, and begin the streets, let women that have lost their husbands, let parents that have lost their children, let children that have lost their parents, and let all that have or suffer oppression and misery, in and for the public cause consider this, and be no longer ridden and jayded by Clergy Masters; but to give the Devil his due, one thing to their commendations I have observed, that they are so zealoussy affected with the honour of their cloth, that 'twere pity to diiroable them of their Casloke garb to be led in a string from Westminister to Allgate in Leathern Jackets, and Mattokes on their shoulders; and my Lord, though some think they would do the State more good in Leatherens Jackets & Mattokes then in long Cloaks and Cassocks, yet me thinks, they would do the State better service with their Canonical Girdles, were the knot tied in the right place.  Judge. 
Sir Simon, we convocated the Assembly to consult with about matters of Religion, not arrogating to ourselves, or ascribing to them a Spirit of infallibility, considering that we are but Parliament men, not Gods, therefore we made trial of their advice, but for them hereupon to arogate Supremacy over the State and people, lay claim to an unerring spirit and persuade us, (as Edward's in his Autipol. saith) that we take it for granted, that the conclusions of their Debates, Controversies, and Consulations are according to the mind of Christ, because We called them together, and hereupon to compel all men to their Decrees, is most impudent presumption, and popish arrogance; We did not suppress the High Commission, to subject Ourselves to an Assembly, race out Episcopal to set up Presbyterian Prelacy, for what more Prelatical, what more exorbitant than such presumption, 'tis a mere Monopole of the Spirit Sir Simon: you have so played the Jesuits, as it seems, We have only put down the men, not the Function; caught the shadow, and let go the substance: while We were supprossing Primates, metrapolitans, Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Ecclesiasicall Courts, Canons, Injunctions, Decrees, etc. you have so subtly carried the business, as it seems, Primacy, Metrapolitanisme, Prclacy, etc. shrunk into the Presbytry, and our High Commission turned into an Assembly of Divines; We out of Our good intentions cast out this Evil Spirit thence, and it entered it seems, into these Swine, who thus headlong run upon their own destruction, (the Divellbath borough his hogs to a fair Market) arrogating an infallibility, and a supremacy over Us, and the people, condemning PERSECUTION, when they were persecuted, but commending and approving it, if they may pesecute: Truly Sir Synton, you have out run the Constable, your ambition is a little too swift for your policy: What breath out threaten, menaces, and persecutions openly, before you have power to persecuted sure you were not in your wits; when they were vented.  J. Human. 
My Lord, they have set even till they're run mad, you might do well to adjorne them to Bedlam; for my Lord, they are raging mad; to have the innocent blood of the Anabaptists, Browni●●s, Independants, etc.  J. Reas. 
My Lord, they have over studied themselves, and cracked their wits in finding out a Religion for us; poor men they have been mightily puzzled about it, it hath cost them the consumption of many fat Pig, Chicken, capon, etc. the infusion of many a cup of sack, to bring it to birth, and after such dalerous pangs, and bitter throws for almost these two years, who would have though, they should be delivered of such a ridiculous vermin, called, a Presbyter; parturiunt montes, nascitur ridiculus mus: And now my Lord, after this mountainous delivery, they are at their wit's end, what dressing to put it out in, all the Tailors in the Kingdom are not able to content them, what to do they know not, and now the matters worse than ever it was, they had thought to have shown the world it in the godly shape of Reformation, but upon examination, 'tis found to be PERSECUTION, a sad event! there is no way now, but Bedlam for our Doctors, it may chance to chastise them into their wits again, and then upon their second thoughts, it may be, they'll bethink themselves, to put a Blue Bonnet upon't, and then 'twill pass from England to Scotland, and from Scotland to England again without Question or control.  judge. 
Sir Simon, Weblesse God, that hath put it into the hearts of those honest godly people, (though publicly despised and hated) those faithful friends and lovers of the Parliament and Kingdom, whom you nicke-name Anabaptists, Brownists, Independants, etc. to discover and detect unto us the jesuitical and Traitorous Designs of the Synod with the hazard of their Liberties and for aught they know of their lives and fortunes; for should they not ventured themselves in the discovery of such a subtle generation, We should have been kept ignorant through their zealous pretences and had there been a mountain more of their villainy, it seems they would have covered it with a veil of tears, Fast, affected prayers, and the like, from Our discerning.  J. 〈◊〉 
It is an approved truth, that such as are called Anabaptists, Brownists etc. have in all Ages ventured, yea given up their lives, to inform Kings, Kingdoms, Parliaments, and States in things that concern their peace, and the glory of God, which ubough condemned at first, afterwards have proved no other; yea such as your Lordship's Predecessors have condemned by pevall Laws, Statutes, etc. which now your Lordship through the mercy of God find otherwise, and it is we that reap the benefit of their blood in the suppression of Episcopal Inrisdiction, High Commission, etc. not they; for their sufferings, and their testimony have detected and informed us of their unlawfulness, it being their custom my Lord, to wear out the Mysteric of Iniquity with their blood: And now my Lord, we that have received vantage by their bitter sufferings, shall we boast ourselves against them? it were ungrtitude to God, and inhumanity to them.  judge. 
True: We find by daily experience, that the Separates are not such as ground their Religion on self ends, for like Salamanders in the fire, they live in the heat of Persecution, they spare not their lives, to witness the innocende of their Cause, the fire of Persecution cannot consume, but endames them towards their God and the Truth; the menacing of Kings and Governors, and cruelties of their greatest Adversaries hinders not their testimony; this we find, when ever they are convented before Us, even to our astoneshment; and we further find, it is not their own good alone that they aim at, but the general good of all men, that all (one as well as an other) may lead an honest and a quiet life under Our Protection, and We have to our benefit) found the blessing of God upon their endeavours, as the hopeful and glorious success in the Conquest of York, which envy and malice itself cannot deny, was instrumentally atcheived by their valour and sidelity: Wherefore in justice to their uprightness, and faithfulness to that trust reposed in Us for the public Good; the Liberty and property of the Subject, We may not deny them the benefit of Subjects, but as they are faithful parties in the general venture, so to be heriditatory to the general purchase, having as just a Right thereto by the price of their blood as Ourselves, for that which is purchased by blood, all the purchasers have an equal right to the thing purchased.  J. Reas. 
My Lord, but our Dessembly Doctors teach otherwise, yet I think if your Lordship should settle Anabaptistry or the like, even that which they now persecuts and threaten, preach and pray against, and forewarn the people off, as heretical and damnable, provided you should endow it with goodly fat Benefices, and sanctify it with the hallowed Ordinance for Tithes, Offerings, Oblations, etc. questionless the generality of those Persecutiones of Anabaptists would have the wit to turn Anabaptists, for their Religion is moved upon the Wheel of the State; when the State was for Bishops, than they were for Bishops, and were very Canonical Surplice men, Altar bowers, and the like, and the precisest sort those that are now our most zealous Presbyters) did then so comply & conform to Episcopal superstition, as they kept their Benefices, (except here and there one of the honoster sort,) while the honest Separate (counting nothing too dear for his God) did openly resist and witness against it, even to imprisonments, deprivation of goods, etc. But our temporising Doctors, our State Protestant Ministers are not so simple to swim against the stream, they are wiser in their generation, for they know most wealth goes that way, as long as your Ordnance is laden with Tithes, Offerings and Oblations, they'll be sure to give fire; but should the State deprive their Religion of all Ecclesiastical Revenue, of Parsonages, Tithes, etc. yea, should it be this very Presbyterid they so aim at, that they should so impoverish, certainly we should have more Parishes than Presbyters, more Steeples than Doctors; then they would not be so hot for Presbytry, so zealous to persecute its opposers, I would your Lordship would make trial, call in but your Ordinance for Tithes, and turn them to the good will of people, and then— a tithe Pig will be sold for a penny.  Judge. 
Well notwithstanding the Doctrine and subtlety our Divines we cannot deal so unworthely with those honest men, but must by the grace of God being by them better informed, proceed to Sentence against this Malefacture according to the just Verdict of the Jury.   

PERSECUTION falls upon his knees.  Pers. 
Good my Lord, have mercy upon me, I beseech your Hovour even for the Clergies sake, have mercy upon me; consider my Lord, that in my death is their ruin, it will be the greatest in road upon the Divines of Christendom, that ever was made. Oh!  
I beseech you my Lord, by the Mystery of their holy Convocation, by their agony, and bloody sweat, by their Cross and Passion at my shameful approaching death and burial, Good Lord deliver me.  
By their glorious Resurrection, and Ascension from the Pulpit above the State: By the coming of the Holy Ghost to them in Cloak Bag from Scotland, Good Lord deliver me.  
By the late solemn League and Covenant: By the 400. and 50. l. for the Copy of their Directory: By all the fat Benefices, and goodly Revenues of the Clergy, Good Lord deliver me.  
By the Apocryphas writings and nonsense Arguments of Mr. Edward's: By the distracted thoughts and subitaine apprehensions of Mr. Prinne: By the Designs of the Clergy: By their feigned tears: By their hypocrisy: By their false Glosses, Interpretations, and Sophistications, Good Lord deliver me.  
By the Advance of the much Army into the South: By the late innocent and undefiled Ordinance for Tithes: By all that is near and dear unto the Clergy, the pomp and glory of this world, Good Lord deliver me.  Judge. 
PERSECUTION, what wouldst thou have? here's no place of mercy for thee, the Vengeance of God cannot be dispensed with, thou art not in the High Commission, nor before the Assembly, this is a Court where justice must take place.  Pers. 
Oh my Lord, I beseech your Lordship for the mercy of this honourable Bench: My Lord, I am a Clergy man, and beseech your Honour for the benefit of my Clergy: I have been of all the Universities of Christendom, have taken all their Degrees, proceeded through all Ecclesiastical Orders and Functions, and my Lord, at present am under the Holy Order of presbytery, and I hope a Presbyter shall find favour in your eyes: Wherefore I beseeth you my Lord, that I may have the benefit of Degration.  Judge. 
PERSECUTION, be contented, you shall be sent to the place of Degradation.  Pers. 
Oh Good my Lord, let not a Presbyter come to so shameful an end, I beseech this Honourable Bench, that I may be repreeved but as long as the Synod and presbytery endure.  Judge. 
No PERSECUTION, such is thy Treason, Rebllion, etc. as cannot be dispensd with.  Pers. 
Oh my Lord, a psalm of mercy, I besoech your Honour, a psalm of mercy.  Judge. 
No PERSECUTION, no; prepare to hear thy Sentence.  
Hereupon this ensuing Letter was privately conveyed to Justice Conformity.   

To the right worshipful justice Conformity, all blessing and benedictition from his Holiness Sir SIMON, and his Son Sir JOHN.  
Right worshipful,  
Tese are to adjure you, as you will Answer it before US, at the great and dreadful DAY of OUR Classical exaltation above all persons in the Kingdom, that you forthwith solicit my Lord, to suspend his Sentence but till the advance of the much Army into the South, for than we fear not the procurement of his plenary pardon; and for your encouragement herein last night my Son Jack and I went into our Presbyterian warehouse, and have taken a list of all the Instruments of torture and torment already prepared for our Design: to wit, triple knotty corded whips, Gagges, Pillories, Stocks, Sharp Knives, Pincers, hot burning Irons, Halters, Gallows, Gybbets, Racks, Spits, Fine-forkes, Gridirons, Axes, Saws Fleshhooks, firery Furnaces, hot Ovens, boiling Caldrons, Fire and Faggot close Prisons, dark and noisome Dungeons, Fetters, Manaeles, all in abundance, most bloody and cruel Executioners, terrible and Devilish Tormentors as, Presbyterian Hangmen, Gaolers, etc. besides multitudes of Synodean Tyrannies newly invented, not yet discovered to the people, such as never either by Pope, Bishop, on their adherents were devised: and though we have prepared those Devilish Instruments, yet we shall not be so indiscreet, to rush them in all on a sudden; no, we shall observe the temper of the people, the course of times, make a gradual progression, now a little, and then a little, and always a most godly and holy pretence to usher in a damnable and wicked designs if in the paysing a business we find it so he avy, that neither Synod, Devil, nor Presbyter can lift, we'll suspend the matter, and insensibly prepare the people for the entertainment thereof, which by our vainglorious fasting, hypocritical tears, prayers, and suphisticall Serimen we shall easily do: And for your further encouragement understand; there are of certain, from a late Consistory of Devils dispatched seven foul Spirits a pecce for every Presbyter throughout England, to attend them in their Parochial Jurisdiction; so that a Presbyter shall be seven times worse than a Bishop, for it is intended, he shall be more fierce and cruel than his follows, therefore Woe, Woe unto those Anabaptists, Brownists, etc. those cursed Heretics, for those presbyterian Fiends expect but the word of command, to dovoure them up: But Mr William, all this will come to nothing, if this Prisoner be put to death, you see those Sectaries have had such freedom of speech that my Son Jack and I can do no good; now, there being not such a considerable person in this County as yourself to prevail, WE therefore charge you, as your hope to be a Judge, fail not at this dead lift for your Ears; indeed he's in your debt, but he vows by your fiat justitia, that if you prevail, he'll provide you a pair of better and longer, than ever you had: Hereof fail not, and we shall not be backward to answer your deserts, when, WE and the parliament, shall be Commenced by.  
Your entire Friends, Sir SIMON SYNOD, and Sir JOHN PRESBYTER.   
J. Conformity. 
My Lord, were your Lordship but rightly informed concerning this Prisoner under the name of Mr. PERSECUTION, what he is, and from whence he came, your Honour would less wonder at his several ovations and dilatory pleas, to award the Sentence of death, for were he guilty, what would not a man do for his life? skin for skin, and all that a i● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 will be give for his life, but such is his innocency, that the proceed against him have been altogether upon false grounds; for whereas by the Evidence he is asserted to be born soon after the time of Innocency, and by them stands charged with all the Innocent blood spilt upon the whole earth: I shall by your Lordship's favour upon good grounds make it appear, to be otherwise, for my Lord, this prisoner is not yet above an 100 years of age, being borne in Geneva, of very good Lutheran and Calvenish parentage, about the year 1544. where he was very well educated and instructed both in the Tongues and Liberal Sciences; and upon a certain time going to Sea, he was by a great wind raised by Belg●bub the Prince of Devils blown into Scotland: And being so near us, forth of his zeal and pious affection to reform the Church of the Eiscopall Prelacy to Presbyterian, he occasioned the rising of the Scots as one man to oppose that power, against which ever since he hath contested, and he lately advanced with their much Army to the Leaguer before York, and for all this, he received many an affront by Gronewels schismatical Brigade, and from thence taking his joyrney through Derby, Stafford, Coventry, and Cambridge, where performing much good service he came to London, since whose coming, old Grand Mr. PERSECUTION charged in the Indictament and convicted by the Jury, was happily and timely executed upon Tower Hill, by all which it appeareah, that the Witnesses that have given in Testimony against this prisoner, the Gentleman at the Bu●, have greatly abused him, your Lordship, and the Jury, he not being the person charged, and consequently innocent of the crimes laid to his charge, he being Indeed as real an adversary to Old Mr. PERSECUTION, as any Gentleman of this whole County; hereof if your Lordship make any doubt, I beseech you; that a Farrier may be called into the Court, who may make a perfect discovery to your Lordship of his age, by opening his mouth and viewing his Teeth, whose yongue, small, Presbyterean Pegs have no proportion betwixt the Great Twangs, and Boarish Tusks of Old Mr. PERSECUTION: And besides this my Lord, to testify what I have said, to be anthenticke, there are handreds 〈◊〉 the much Army, whose absence have occasioned this his inability to justify and clear himself, but if your Lordship please but to adjcu●●e the business but till their much Advance into the South, the matter shall be made clear unto your Honour, for than we make no question to awe and crush those Heretical false witnesses, and advance Presbytry to its supper Prelatical Throne of CLASSICAL SUPREMACY, and though at first it be but jure H 〈…〉 no, a little five and faggot will quickly Commence it jure divino.  J. Reass. 
My Lord, I am much afraid of a Conspiracy betwixt Sir Simon, and Sir john Presbyter with Justice Confomity, whom like an Ignora●us they have persuaded into their Combination, how to delude your Lordship, thereby to deliver PERSECUTION from the justice of this Court; You may easily perceive, how they would pinch your Lordship's Nose with a pair of Scotch-Spectacles, and fix a pair of long Synodian Ears unto your Lordship's head, that your Lordship might see nothing but Blue Caps, hear nothing but Synodian Thunder; but I hope your Honour is thoroughly sensible hereof; yet lest your Lordship's Innocency, and honest endeavoures for the general and equal Rights and Liberties of the Common People, should be circumvented and perverted by their policy, I shall (hoping my plain dealing merely (I call God to witness) out of unfeigned love unto your Honour, and the common Good of all the Common People shall not be recompensed with your High Displeasure) present the cunning insu●●uations and subtle fictions of Justas Conformity in their true shape; for whereas he saith, that this presont Prisoner is not the person indicted, and convicted of Treason, Rebellion, &c this being but a yong●●e man, the other very old, I can assure your Lordship, that he is herein merely delusive, for the man is the very same, only through the advice of Sir JOHN he hath made use of a Presbyterian Barber, who hath shaved from his head, his old deformed Tresses, cropped of his hair above the ears after the half moon fashion, taught him the Presbyterian posture of his eyes, plastered up the wrinkles of his bended brow with Scotch mortar, whereby he hath acquired a more smooth Synodian countenance, but in a small time if he be let alone, he'll be as terrible and frightful as ever; for his pretty small Pegs that he speaks off, your L. is therein misinformed; for the Farrier that rearched his mouth, was a Presbyteress Horse Doctor, prepared on purpose by yongue Sir JOHN for that very end, who discovered to your 〈◊〉 only the upper part of his fore teeth, whereas were his mouth but searched by an Independent Farrier, he would discover besides those in the hinder part of his Classical Jaws, his Great Iron Fangs, as great and terrible as those spoken of by Daniel, cap. 7. 7. And as for the good service Justice Conformity mentioned, that be performed in his Road from Scatland to London, It was so good, that the Prisoners there care for no more of his goodness for if he mumble us thus with his yongue small Presbyterian Pegs, what bloody massacre, what cruel crushing of bones, rending, tearing and devouring of flesh, must we expect, if your Lordship permit him the use of his dreadful devouring Tusks, his huge monstrous iron Fangs, but I hope your Lordship will first grant him the favour of an Independent Tooth-drawer, and then we shall not greatly fear his Gun●●es: And concerning the Much Army, my Lord, you may perceive how they would bind your hands from the execution of justice by the force of Arms, as though the wisdom of this Court were to be enslaved to such sinister respects; my Lord, it is highly dere●atory to your Honour, and here are sufficient English Evidence, to prove this old seducer, to be PERSECUTION himself, as hath been manifest before your Honour; let not the people be thus deprived of justice, they did not in choosing your Lordship to this place, wherein you are, intent the making of themselves slaves in any the least kind, to Synods, Sir john's, force of arms, or the like, or to put themselves at so vast a distance, as to make their addresses to you, as to some Deity, but in their choosing of you, authorised and entrusted you, to vindicate and preserve their native and just Liberties in general, yea, and common to them with yourself: therefore you cannot without betraying this Trust, by any coersive power subject any of their consciences, persons, or estates to any Ecolesiasticall Jurisdiction whatsoever: And now seeing this vile person at the Bar hath been legally indicted, arraigned, and convicted, and thereby found an Arch enemio and Traitor to the people's common Liberty and Safety, Judgement and Execution ought forthwith to pass upon him accordingly, that this Hypocritical Pharisee, this bloodthirsty Caitiff, this Long Gowned M 〈…〉 ntebanke with his spiritual delusions may no longer cheat the world, as he hath done.  
Hereupon the Court proceedeth to Judgement.  judge. 
Make Proclamation.  Crier. 
O— yes, every man keep silence etc.  Judge. 
With much patience this Coure hath heard the several, pleas betwixt PERSECUTION, and LIBERTY-OF-CONSCIENCE u●●sd on both sides; having seriously weighed the same in the Balance of equity, hath found PERSECUTION and his Abettors with all their Pleas too light, even mere subtle, alrie, and empty delusions: It is therefore the Sentence of this Court concerning Sir Simon, and Sir John Presbyter, who have thus jesuitically endeavoured to pervert the justice of this Court by their false, their subtle, and Traitorous suggestions in the behalf of this notorious bloody Malefactor PERSECUTION, that Sir SIMON be committed close Prisoner to King Henry the eigh●●s Chapel, there to be kept in Parliamentory safe custody, till the GREAT ASSIZES, held in the first year of the REIGN of our Sovereign Lord CHRIST, (when the Kingdom, and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shallbe given to the Saints of the most High) there, and then to be Arraigned with the rest of his Holy Tribe, whether Universal, Nationall, Provincial, or consistorial Counsels, or Synods whatsoever, before his Highness the KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS.  I. Reas. 
And my Lord, in the mean time to keep his Holiness in action, I beseech, your Honour, that he may Synodicate a full Resolution to these enfuing Queries.  
1. Whether it doth not as much conduce to the Subjects Liberty still to be subjected to Episcopal usurpation, as to be given over to Presbyterian cruelty?  
2. Whether it would not been more profitable for the Kingdom of England, to have forthwith hired a Coach and twelve Horses to have set a Directory from Scotland, then to have spent the learned consultations, pi●us debates, and sacred conclusions of such an holy, such a reverend, such an heavenly, such a godly, such a learned, such a pious, such a grave, such a wise, such a solid, such a discreet, such a spiritual, such an evangellical, such an infallible, such a venerable, such a supercelestial Choir of Angels, such a superlative Assembly of Divines for almost these two year's space, after the prosuse and vast expense of above forty thousand pounds, besides their goodly fat Benefices, upon their devouring Guts, for an English DIRECTORY of worship equivolent to the Scotch DIRECTORY?  
3. Whether this Directory standing in so many thousands to fumble it together, and the Copy sold at 400. & 50. l. be not of more value than the Writings of the Prophets and Apostles?  
4 Whether St. Peter's Chair doth not become a Presbyter, as well as a Bishop?  
5. Whether the late divine Ordinance for Tithes, Offerings, Oblations, and Conventions be not better Gospel, and in all Presbyterian wisdom to be preferred and provided before the Directory for the worship of God?  
O Cives, Cives, quaerenda pecunia primum,  
Virtus post nummos.  Judge. 
And as for Sir JOHN PRESBYTER, this Court hath Voted him to the unclean, filthy, impious, unholy, dark, and worldly Dungeon, called, JURE HUMANO, there with Arch-Bishops, Bishops, etc. the Grand-Presbyters, his Forefathers, to be fast bound with the majesterial Chains of human Laws, Ordinances, Edicts, etc. and in them to be kept in safe custody till the aforesaid great Assizes; in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Christ, there, and then to be brought forth to the Trial of that Great and terrible DAY. Now to the Prisoner.  
PERSECUTION, hold up thy hand: Thou hast been Indicted, and Arraigned of enmity against God and all goodness, of Treasons, Rebellion, Bloodshed, etc. and for thy trial hast put thyself upon thy Country, which Country have found thee guilty, and to award the Sentence of death, from passing upon thee, thou hast had the liberty this Court in justice could permit, to make thy defence: we have heard thine allegations, evasions, the the Reasons and Pleas of thy Defendants, to whom was given all freedom of Defence could be desired, also We have heard the distracted jubitaine mediation of J. Conformity in thy behalf, yet notwithstanding all that can be made for thee, thy guilt is so palpably apparent and gross, that all the subtilety, craft, and policy thou and thy Confederates can devise, cannot obscure thee from the eye of justice: for this Court upon thy trial, hath found out thy villainy, Treason, and Bloodshed, and how thou art guilty of all that is laid to thy charge: Therefore the Sentence of this Court is, that thou shalt return to the place from whence thou camest, to wit, the noisome, and filthy CAGE of every unclean and hateful Bird, the GLERGIE of Christendom, there to be fast bound with Inquisition, Synaddicall, Classical, Preist-bitter-all Chains until the Appearing of that Great and terrible Judge of the whole Earth, who shall take thee alive, with Sir SIMON, and his Son Sir JOHN, and east thee with them and their Confederates into the LAKE of fire and brimstone, where the Beast and the False Prophet are, there to be cormented day and night for ever, and ever.  
Rev. 19 1. 2. 3. And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in Heaven, saying, Allelujah: salvation and glory, honour and power, unto the Lord our God:  
For true and righteous are his judgements, for he hath judged the Great Where, which did corrupt 〈◊〉 Earth with her Fornication, and avenged the blood of his servants at her band. Again they said, Allelujah: And her smoke risen up for ever & ever.   

The POSTSCRIPT.  
Lest the honest innocent intentions of Yong●e MARTIN should receive some Synoddicall misconstruction, he desires to be his own Interpreter concerning some passages, and for the rest he leaves so the fate of the public censure. Now whereas his Licence may seem to be an imitation of an Order of Parliament, it is only to show the estentation, pride, and vain glory of the boasting Presbyters. And whereas he ascribeth many Epithets, as, divine, holy etc. to the Ordinance for Tithes, they are not intended in derision to the Parliament, or to any of their Laws, Statutes, or Ordinances whatsoever, but are used in the fence of Presbyterian acceptation, and of the reverend estimation they would persuade us of that above any other whatsoever. And the use of the late League and Covenant, is likewise only in the Presbyterian sense, simply respecting that Tribe, according to Edward's Inerpretation thereof. Honest MARTIN would not be mistaken, he is no enemy to the unity of the two Kingdoms in Civil League and peace, but it is his hearts desire and prayers, that not only they, but that all the Nations of the Earth were so in themselves and one with another. And for the Advance of the Scots, that is used, only to show, how those Presbyterian Jesuits would make that, which the two Kingdoms intent for the common good, to be perveted only to the Advance of their persecuting Faction: And this MARTIN proclaims to be his own genuine meaning.   
FINIS.