Some seasonable and serious queries upon the late act against conventicles tending to discover how much it is against the express word of God, the positive law of the nation, the law & light of nature, and principles of prudence & policy, and therefore adjudged by the law of the land to be void and null ... / by a friend to truth and peace.

Some Sober Queries upon the ACT against CONVENTICLES.

WHether upon a due and serious search, this late Law doth not appear to contradict the three Great Laws, viz. The Law of God, the Law of the Nation, and the Law of Nature; and is not contrary to the Rules of Prudence and Policy, and tending to promote some private and corrupt interest?

First, As to the Law of God:

1. Whether in the particulars following, relating to Preachers and Hearers, the Law of God is not manifestly contradicted and im∣pugned?

1. Doth not Gods Law require all men that hear, learn, and keep it, having a Gift from Christ, of what Rank, Condition, or Quality soever, (high or low) should be Teachers and Publishers of it? Mat. 5.19. 1 Pet. 4.10. 2 Tim. 4.2. And accordingly have we not had, of high degree, preaching Kings, Princes, Judges, and Levites, Psal. 40.9. Eccles. 1.1. & 12.10. 2 Chron. 17.7, 8, 9. And of low degree, mechanick Carpen∣ters, Herdsmen, Fishermen, Tentmakers, that have preached and pub∣lished his Word and Law? Mark 6.3. Amos 1.1. Mark 1.16, 17. Acts 18.2.

And doth not this Law forbid any, high or low, to preach and pub∣lish Gods Law, but such as conform to the Traditions and Commands of men, viz. By Reading the Common-Prayer, Renouncing the Co∣venant, submitting to humane Services, Ceremonies, and Inventions, Mark 7.7, 8, 9. however otherways fitted by Christ, with never such Ministerial Gifts and Attainments?

2. Doth not Gods Law say, You may all prophesie (or preach, 1 Cor. 14.1, 2.) one by one? 1 Cor. 14.31.

And doth not this Law say, You shall not so prophesie, no not one?

3. Doth not Gods Law pronounce wo to his Preachers, if they preach not the Gospel? 1 Cor. 9.16.

And doth not this Law pronounce wo to them, if they do?

4. Doth not Gods Law give promised Rewards and Blessings to

those that teach it to others? Mat. 10.41. & 25.21. & 5.19. Ja. 5.20.

And doth not this Law threaten a 20 l. & 40 l. Curse, yea, utter ruine to those that do?

5. Doth not Gods Law admit of preaching in Houses, Streets, and Fields, to great Multitudes, with promised mercies to the Owners so receiving his People and Preachers? Acts 20.20. & 28.31. Luke 13.26. Mat. 3 1. & 10.40, 41.42.

And doth not this Law forbid such preaching, with threatned ruine to Owners and Hearers, as well as Preachers?

6. Doth not Gods Law denounce cursing and wrath to the uttermost to those that reject and forbid, and that mis-use and abuse his Preach∣ers, and beat their fellow-servants? 1 Thes. 2.16. Mat. 24.48, 49, 50.

And doth not this declare promised Blessings and Rewards to those that shall be most active in pursuing and persecuting the Preacher, and prosecuting and vexing the Hearers?

7. Doth not Gods Law enjoyn men frequently and stedfastly to as∣semble together, and to maintain and keep up their Fellowships and Meetings? Heb. 10.25. & 3.13. Acts 2.42. Mal. 3.14, 16.

And doth not this Law not onely forbid, but tear and break up such Meetings and Assemblies, loading them with heavy Mulcts and Penal∣ties Toties Quoties, as often as they so meet?

8. Doth not Gods Law admit of Popular Meetings, the assembling of great numbers to worship him, and attend his Ordinances, five thou∣sand and eight thousand at a time? Joh. 6.10. Act. 4.4. & 2.41. yea, the more the better, without any limitation, or scandal of sedititon in so doing.

But doth not this Law limit those that must so worship and hear the Word, to four persons onely, beside the Family, unless they will be re∣puted seditious, and dealt with accordingly?

Q. II. Whether if it appears that indeed this New Law, and Word of Man, doth contradict the Old Law, and Word of God; the People of God ought any more to regard it now, than the three Children and Da∣niel did the Persian Law in like Case (Dan. 3.16, 17. & 6.10.) in those days; or the Disciples (Acts 4.) did the Edicts, Threatnings, and Pro∣hibitions of the Council then? And whether, if God be God, he ought not to be followed and obeyed rather than man, though Goods be spoy∣led, Liberties infringed, and Lives-hazarded in so doing?

Q. III. Whether in case the Maxims of our English Laws in favour of the Word and Law of God, be of force, this Law is not to be deem∣ed void and null? Which do assert for good Law, sound Doctrine, Rea∣son,

and truth, That no Act of Parliament, or Law, repugnant to the Law of God, is of any force, Finch, p. 3. And that no man, of what Estate, Degree, or Condition whatsoever, hath power to dispence with Gods Law, as all the Clergy of the Realm, and most of the Ʋniversittes of Christendom, and we also affirm, 28 H. 8. And that against Scripture Law, Prescription, Statute, nor Custom may avail; and if any be brought in against it, they be void, and against Justice. Doct. & Stud.

Secondly, As to the Law of the Land.

I. Whether the said Act is not expresly contrary to the known, an∣cient, fundamental Laws of this Nation, especially that of Magna Charta; which, as the great Bulwark of the English Liberty, has been confirmed by about forty Parliaments?

For doth not that Great Charter assure and confirm, That no Free∣man shall be taken, or imprisoned, or dis-seised of his Free-hold, or Liberties, or free Customs, or be outlawed, or exiled, or any otherways destroyed, or passed upon, or condemned, but by the lawful Iudgment of his Peers, orLaw of the Land: And that Iustice shall neither be sold, denied, or deferred?

And doth not this Act in contradiction thereto, both seiz upon mens, Liberties and Estates, without any such legal Process or Judge∣ment?

For is not the Justice impowered hereby, by foce, Civil or Mili∣tary, to seiz; take, and keep in custody the peaceable free People of the Nation († dis-seizing them thereby of their Liberties) being Advo∣cate, Jury, and Witness, and sole Judge both of Law and Fact, as well as of the ability of the Offender? And is he not authorized also, accor∣ding as he (in malice, favour, or affection) shall judge meet, to Con∣vict, Sentence and Execute, by making Distress and Sale of Goods, how and upon whom he pleaseth, without returning any thing again to the Owners, (which may be one hundred or two hundred pounds, for ten or twenty pounds) and therewith to reward the Informer, or who else he shall judge most active, be it his Clerk, Sonne, or Himself? (And is not this seizing Free-hold too, with a witness?) And all with∣out any legal Judgement and Process? And is not the bribing the In∣former (that principal Trustee in the Act) or Justice himself, with so great a Reward, a setting Justice to sale with a vengeance? And what can more violate that fundamental Law, both as to Person and Estate? Notwithstanding by the 42 of Ed. 3. this Great Charter is commanded

to be kept in all points; and that whatever Law is made against it, is null and void: Polton 182. The words of the Statute are these: At the Parliament of our Lord the King at Westminster, the first day of May, the 42 year of his Reign, It is asserted and recorded, That the Great CHARTER, and the Charter of the Forrest be holden and kept in all Points; and if any STATUTE be made to the contrary, it shall be holden for none.

II. Whether it is not dangerous by the Laws and Customs of the Nation, for any to infringe and violate this Great Charter, under colour or pretence of any Law or Statute whatsoever? Witness that famous Example, and eminent Instance in 1 H. 8. in the Impeachment and Execution of the two Justices of the Peace, viz. Sir Richard Emp∣son Knight, and Edmond Dudley Esq; for their putting in execution the Statute made 11 H. 7. so contrary to Magna Charta, concerning which for better Information take my Lord Cooks own words in his Instit L. 2. C. 29. f. 15. Viz.

Against this Antient and Fundamental Law, and in the face thereof, (having recited that Clause of Magna Charta before mentoned) I find (saith he) an Act of Parliament made, That as well Justices of Assize, as Justices of Peace, (without any finding or Presentment by the Verdict of twelve men) upon a bare Information for the King before them made, should have full Power and Authority by their Discretions to hear and de∣termine all Offences and Contempts committed or done by any person or per∣sons against the Form, Ordinance and effect of any Statute made and not repealed. By colour of which Act, shaking this Fundamental Law, it is not credible what horrible Oppressions and Exactions, to the undoing of in∣finite numbers of people, were committed by Sir Richard Empson Knight, and Edmond Dudley Esq; being Justices of the Peace throughout Eng∣land: And upon this Unjust and Injurious Act (as commonly in like Cases it falleth out) a new Office was created, and they made Masters of the Kings Forfeitures.

But at a Parliament holden in the 1 H. 8. this Act of 11 H. 7. is reci∣ted, and made void, and repealed; and the reason thereof is yeilded, For that by force of the said Act, it was manifestly known that many sinister and crafty feigned and forged Informations had been pursued against di∣vers of the Kings Subjects, to their great damage, and wrongful vexa∣tion. And the success hereof, and the fearful ends of these two Oppres∣sors, should deter others from committing the like; and should admonish Parliaments, that instead of this ordinary and precious Tryal per Legem Tetrae, the known ancient Laws, they bring not in absolute and partial

Tryals by Discretion. The said two Justices were to the joy of all People executed the beginning of H. 8.

Speed Chr. 983.

Not to mention the impeachment and dethroning the two Kings, Edward the second, and Richard the second, for having perverted the due course of Law, Justice and Right; and that they destroyed men by Informations, and without Legal Examination and Tryals; and that they had declared that the Laws of the Kingdom were in their own Brests: As in their Articles of Impeachment does more at large ap∣pear.

Nor the Impeachment of the Lord Chief Justice Trysillian, and his Brother Judges, Fulthorp, Belknap, Carey, Hott, Burge, and Locton, and others of the then Privy Council, and then Lord Mayor of London, who had set their hands to Judgements in subverting the Laws of the Land, and advancing the Kings Will and Commands above the known Laws of the Kingdom: For which the Lord Chief Justice and others of them were hanged at Tybourn. The Impeachment also of Judge Thorp, Ed. 3: and Cardinal Woolsey, H. 8. for advising the King to subvert the Laws. Not forgetting the late worthy Act of Chief Justice Keeling, in impri∣soning and fining the London-Justices, for acting against the known Laws.

Qu. III. Whether it doth not concern all persons called to be active herein, whether Officers Civil, Military, or others, to be well advised what they do, lest instead of promoting the Peace and Welfare of the Nation, (the great end of all wholsome Laws) they not onely infringe the just Liberties thereof, inslave themselves and Posterities, but ren∣der themselves liable to such infamy, misery and mischief that the mis∣creants beforementioned have done. And whether it will not be a good plea for any that may be vexed, persecuted or prosecuted hereup∣on, why they conform not thereto, either by answering ensnaring que∣stions to accuse themselves about Meetings, telling of Names, or places of abode, or payment of Moneys, that it is all against Magna Charta and the known Laws of the Land, which declare, that no man shall be put to answer without Presentment, or matter of Record, or by due Process, and Original Writ, according to Law; as by se∣veral Statutes, viz. 5. Ed. 3.9. & 25 Ed. 3.4. 28 Ed. 3.3. 27 Ed. 3.18. 42 Ed. 3.33. Petit. of Right, 3 Car. 1.1. 17 Car. 1.14.

Qu. IV. Whether the pretended Salvo, [That you may, if you find your self aggrieved hereby, make your Appeal, and take your Tryal by a Jury]

may acquit this Law from infringing and violating Magna Charta and the known Laws of the Land: Because, first, is not the Law violated, by seizing and taking both Person and Estate without any such Process and Judgement? And secondly, that the Appeal must not lie in any other Court, but only before the Parties themselves complained of to do the wrong; who seem hereby to be made sole Judges in their own Cases; the Juries being to be empannelled by themselves, the Sheriffs being Parties with them; contrary to express Law, forbid∣ding any to be Judge in his own Case. 8 H. 6. fol. 21. El. Dier 220. and Doctor Bonham's Case, 8 part Cooks Reports.

Thirdly, As to the Law of Nature.

1. Whether the said Law is not also contrary to the Law of Nature, viz. That Great Magna Charta laid down by our Saviour, Mat. 7.12. Whatever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even the same unto them: for this is the Law and the Prophets?

For if the chiefest of the Persecutors, and who had the greatest hand in making this Act, were solemnly appealed to, Whether they, being men of Conscience, would think it equal either by Papists or Phana∣tiques, to be so dealt withal? Viz. In their solemn Worship to be so hared and disturbed by a Tumult and Rabble; to be tore and haled from their places and Assemblies, and imprisoned by Officers and arm∣ed men; to be pulled from their Ministers, and their Ministers from them, and so severely and ruinously fined from time to time for the same; and that nothing must satisfie but coming to Mass, or to be dipt and joyn'd to Anabaptistical Meetings, though against Conscience; and all this for no other Crime but peaceable Meeting and Worship∣ping God according to Conscience? Will any of them assert and give it under their hands, they judge all this but fair, just and equal dealing, and that they would be content to be dealt just so with, as they deal with others? Or further, If their Parish Churches were burnt by the Papists, and yet be fined, buffeted, and rendred seditious, and dealt with accordingly, for not coming at them, or meeting to worship in Houses or elsewhere in the interim; would it be judged fair and equal? Or not rather much at that rate as Pharaoh dealt with the Israelites, when he required them to make Brick without Straw, and beat them too if they brought not the full tale?

Qu. II. Whether upon the same ground the Common-Prayer-Book-Wor∣ship is to be imposed and submitted to, to day, viz. because a Law is got for it; the Mass, upon the like Argument, is to be conformed to, to morrow; the Turkish Alcoran the next day, and the Jewish Talmud the next?

Qu. III. Whether it is not unnatural for Protestants, pretending to own one Head, the Lord Jesus; and one Law of his, the holy Scripture, which also is to interpret it self; agreeing also in the Doctrinal part of their Religion, as by the Thirty Nine Articles appear; should for Differen∣ces in the Ceremonial part, thus rent, tear, and devour each other; whilst Turks, Papists, and other Religions, can live peaceably, and bear with each other under greater differences? And whether they that bite and devour each other, should not take heed lest they be devoured one of another, Gal. 5.15. And that what measure they mete to others, the same be not measured to themselves also? Mat. 7.2.

Qu. IV. Whether fince by this Act Protestants onely are enjoyned, hired, and frighted thus to vex, disturb, prosecute, and ruine one another, for worshipping God in their way; and the Papists hereby in the mean time left to enjoy their Idolatrous Mass in peace and quiet, without the least disturbance, and that as often as they please, and in as great numbers as they think good: Tends not too much to confirm the fears of many, that that cursed Interest (that so lately murder'd so many hun∣dred thousands in our Neighbour Countreys, and (as supposed) burnt the City) may be getting into the Saddle again, which they do & have so long gap'd for; and hereby not onely teach them afresh to deal with Protestants, but to justifie all their bloody Cruelties of old, that upon the account of Conscience they have exercised towards them? There∣fore doth it not well become every considerate Protestant to ponder well what he is doing, whilst he is cutting down the Bough he stands on?

Qu. V. Whether in point of Appeal, to make Parties themselves Judges in their own Case, is a usual thing? Or that the Law-makers themselves use to practise it in their own Concerns? Or how well comporting with this Golden Rule aforesaid, To do to others as we would they should do to us?

Qu. VI. Whether in all these respects, this Law ought not to be esteemed

Null and Void; and altogether disregarded, as if there was no such thing in the Nation.

Fourthly, As to the Rules of Prudence and Policy.

Qu. I. Whether it is not greatly imprudent to rise up against so considera∣ble a part of the Nation as the Phanatique Interest certainly is; who for Sobriety, Counsel, and Conduct, have so great a Witness in the hearts of their greatest Enemies? And for the Trading part, whether Forreign or Domestick, (which the simple Commonwealths that flourish in the World judge so much the Interest and Honour of Prince and People) they have not so considerable a sway in every bodies eye, which if doubted (by the violent prosecution of the Act) too sudden (and it may be too dear-bought) Experience (notwithstanding Mr. Parker's Politicks) may evince? And for their quiet and peaceable demeanor, and that as well under great sufferings and provocations, as under pro∣bable † opportunities; not only to have given disturbance, but to have freed themselves from Persecution, may not ten years Experience give the undeniable demonstration? And will any wise State judge it according to the principles of Wisdom and Policy, by threatned ruine and destruction to irritate such a People, having heretofore also tasted the ill consequence of such like provocations? Solomon saith, Oppres∣sion makes a wise man mad; and the French have a Proverb, Ne Reveille pas chat qui dort; Do not kindle the fire that was near quench'd.

Qu. II. Whether the same Argument that is used against Popular great Meetings (and upon which the Act seems to be grounded, viz. That they tend to contrive Sedition and Rebellion) is not upon Principles of Reason and Experience found to be quite contrary? For what of Sedition and Rebellion is like to be contrived in a Publick Meeting, where the Doors are open, and all sorts of People come; and over which the Magistrate may have such Inspection, and whereof he must rationally have such speedy knowledge? And are there not Laws and Executioners of all sorts, both Civil and Military, sufficiently to pun∣ish and chastize the same, whenever made good against any? Whereas if great Meetings through Persecution be dispersed, then a Meeting of a thousand being driven into twenty or thirty parts, and constrained thereby to meet in private, what Opportunities may there be then, where no inspection can be had, to consult and plot?

Qu III. Whether it is not against all Rules of Prudence and Policy, to exer∣cise such severity upon our selves, that must necessarily wound and weaken, if not destroy the Trade of the Nation? Cannot the Bank∣ers, Clothiers, Silk-men, Bailders, Farmers, &c. tell you what a sad influence the rumour of this Act hath already had? What then will the Execution of it produce? It may be when you see the Shops shut up, the great Traders, and the ingenious Heads and Hands removed with their Stocks to your Neighbour Countreys, (proffering them already the liberty of their Consciences) the many thousand ruined Conform∣able Families (depending upon the Nonconformists) at you Doors for Bread, and confusion in your Streets, and a Foreigner (invited by your distractions) in your Gate, you may be better convinced, and find it may be, when it is too late, the direful Consequences of such evil Counsels and precipitate Actings?

Qu. IV. Whether it doth not bespeak much imprudence to be making fresh attempts in fruitless Undertakings, that neither have had, nor rational∣ly may have a tendency to accomplish promised ends? Phanatiques must be persecuted, vext, fined, rendred Sectaries, Seditious, Rebelli∣ous, and threatned with utter ruine; and wherefore? Viz. To discou∣rage, weaken, divide, to deliver them from their Heresies, and re∣duce them to Canonical Obedience: But is this a rational way to ef∣fect it? No, by no means; for has not Experience (that Mistriss of Fools) taught us the quite contrary? For not to mention what happen∣ed in other Nations and former Generations; Let it but be remem∣bred, Whether the Bishops cruel Courts, Impositions, Suspensions, the high Commissions, Pillories, Imprisonments, Finings, Banishments, &c. Backing the Common-Prayer with Armies; Convinced, weakned, divided, destroyed the Puritanical Faction, and rooted, confirmed, and advanced Episcopacy, and preserved the publick Peace and Safety in those days? And whether the several attempts the ten years last past, (no whit inferior to former times) have had, or are like to have any bet∣ter success than theirs? Or not much like Pharaoh's of old, who the better to reduce his Phanatique Subjects from their gadding giddy hu∣mours about Worship, sets cruel Task-Masters over them, to humble and chastize them; But to what effect, the Text informs us, Exod. 1.11. That the more they were afflicted, the more they multiplied and grew. And so may it not be said, That for one Phanatick ten years since, by the vertue of Persecution and Imposition, there is now ten, if not twenty,

in these Nations? The onely way to make an interest considerable, is to persecute and oppress it. For what so riveted Protestantism, and rooted out Popery in these Nations, but such cruel Mediums the Pa∣pists took to establish themselves, and destroy the Nonconforming Phanaticks of the day, even to the rendring that Interest an Abomi∣nation, Stink, and Loathing to this day? And are others like to fare better, walking in their steps? But would it not be a better way to appoint some learned sober men to deal with these men of Conscience in a conscientious way, and speedily apply to answer those learned unanswered Treatises about Indulgence and Liberty of Conscience; that so by sound Doctrine, and the force of Reason, they may stop the mouths of gain-sayers, and reduce them to obedience; as the more hopeful way to effect it, rather than by Fines and Imprisonments?

Qu. V. Whether it had not been more prudential, and better becoming the Wisdom and Gravity of the State, and the true Ordinance of Magi∣stracy, that bears not the Sword in vain, to have made some vigorous Act to have inforc'd that first wholsome Proclamation to suppress Health Drinking, swinish Drunkenness, prophane Swearing, and abo∣minable Whoredoms, that so fearfully abound, and are wink'd at, tole∣rated, and encouraged in the Land; and to suppress Stage Plays, those Nurseries of all manner of Vice and Wickedness, so numberless, and to which there are such great assembling and flocking of all sorts? A good Ruler scatters wickedness with his Eyes, Prov. 20.8, 26. Draws the Sword against the evil, not the well-doer, Rom. 13.4, 5. And whether a due enquiry into the illegal † Pluralities, Non-Residents, and Simo∣nists, the sordid Ignorance, Pride, Sloth, Debauchery and Covetous∣ness of the Clergy, (as one great ground why their Publick Assemblies are so quitted, and the Conventicles so numerously frequented) which foresaid Crimes in the Clergy, the Overseers of the Church (the Bi∣shops) so wink at, and tolerate; might not have been a more success∣ful Remedy?

Qu. VI. Whether for a Parent that hath Children of different Judgments, yet (by his fatherly Eye) keeps peace in the Family; for him to joyn with the most ambitious and malicious, to force and club the rest of them in∣to a Unity and Conformity, to the disturbing the quiet of the Family, and the hazarding his own perpetual peace and comfort, can be without great imprudence, if not Solomon's just censure? Prov. 14.1. & 11.29.

Qu. VII. Whether there can be greater imprudence than to slight or disregard the Voice of Gods Judgments, by persisting in ways that have met with often and eminent Rebukes from him? And whether it is not an unde∣niable great Truth, That upon all the great Persecutions that have of late years been stirred up in these Nations, they have not been met with either by War, Plague, Fire, Invasion, Insurrection, Poverty, or Dis∣content? And whether upon relaxing the same by Indulgence, greater Peace, Quiet, and Blessing hath not visibly attended? And was there ever any that hardned themselves against God, and prospered? Job 9.4. Prov. 29.1. Isa. 46.10. And whether it is not for our better instruction, that those Nations are most prosperous, and under greatest Blessings, that give Liberty of Conscience; and those Kingdoms most declining, that abound in Persecution? Witness that of Spain, now so low, that they can neither defend themselves, nor succour their Allies.

Qu. VIII. Whether it is not expresly against the Kings printed Declarations and Promises for Indulgence, as well as his private frequent Confe∣rences; wherein he hath so freely and fully expressed how much it is a∣greeable to his Conscience, Reason, and Resolution, to indulge Ten∣der Consciences; as most conducing to the peace and quiet of these Nations, and suitable to the Rules of Honesty and Prudence? And therefore whether it must not be rationally concluded, That He is as well imposed upon hereby, and his Honour impaired, as the Laws bro∣ken, and the Peoples Ruine threatned?

Fifthly, As for advancing some private corrupt Interest hereby.

Qu. I. Whether it is not manifest that this Law was meerly contrived and brought forth to serve some private corrupt Interest, and not for publick good and advantage?

1. Because it is in it self so opposite to the Laws of God and Man, as well as to the Publick Promises and Declarations.

2. By its undue forming and bringing forth, carried on by such a heady violent Faction, by strength of Vote, against all the force of Un∣answered Reason, given them both within doors, and without; the Votes of the House (as observed therein) going one way, and the Rea∣son of the House another: Highly bespeaking influence and design.

3. Because it intrusts none but those that are esteemed the vilest

persons in the Nation (viz. the Informers) to manage it; an persons being at their mercy.

4. From the undue Methods to inforce it: Whereas good Laws need no other incitation to their execution, but their own moral Equity and Righteousness; But this, contrary to all other Mediums, (knowing how much it would be against the hair, grain, and interest of the Na∣tion) doth hire, fright and force all sorts to its execution.

5. From the mischievousness of it, being calculated directly to set all at variance, and every mans hand against his Neighbour, Friend, and Relation.

Qu. II. Whether it is not obvious to every eye, that this monstrous Act was not eminently contrived, driven on, and spirited by the Bishops and their corrupt interest?

1. Because of their former old Rage, Envy, and Malice, testified herein; who will neither enter into the Kingdom of Heaven themselves, nor suffer those that would to enter in; like their Fathers of old, Mat. 23.13.

2. Because it is no other than the practical improvement of the mis∣chievous Doctrine they have so plentifully given us by their prophane atheistical Chaplains, Parker and his fellows.

3. From their indefatigable industry (all other Laws and means fail∣ing to accomplish their mischievous purposes) by hook or crook firmly to engage a Party in the House to their Devotion herein: Witness (as said) the 300 Letters in the Interval to the Members, the high Caresses and Treats to the Blades, and the large Bribes to the Gentlemen of the long Robe, their violent and passionate Concern in their own persons; though (as must be owned) with the worthy dissent of some of Themselves in the House.

4. From their unwearied Activities to promote the violent prosecu∣tion thereof, both in City and Country: Witness that late inciting and provoking Sermon upon this occasion, by one of Themselves, from Ezra 7.26. And whosoever will not do the Law of God, and the Law of the King, let judgement be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment: Excellent∣ly urged and applied, as they use to apply Texts! This being a Law of the King agreeable to the Word and Law of God, for the good of his People, and building of his House; And theirs a Law of the King in express contradiction to the Law of God, (as before) to the destruction of his House, and ruine of his People.

Qu. III. Whether if so, the Prelatical Interest has not throughly discovered it self to the Nation and all men, That thus meerly to satisfie and main∣tain their Lust, Sloth, Avarice, Pomp and Pride, can be content at once (with their Fathers †, nay worse) to sacrifice the Laws of God, Nature and Nations, and hazard the publick Peace and Safety? And whether it may not comfortably be hoped their folly is hereby so plainly made manifest, that they shall be able to proceed no further? As 2 Tim. 3.8, 9. Job 5.12, 13. Psal. 9.16.

Qu. IV. Whether to put all out of doubt, it might not conduce much to the Honour of the King, Safety, Satisfaction, and Security of the People, and the Justice of the Law, That such evil Counsellors, whether in Parliament or Council, should be discovered, (as the late Chancellour was, for his trayterous mischievous Advice in Council, against the fun∣damental Laws of the Land, and Safety of the People) that should thus dare, against the Laws of God, Nature, and Nations, so much against the Kings Honour, the Interest, Peace, Safety, and Good of the Peo∣ple, so contrary to all Rules of Prudence, Policy, and Ingenuity, so much conducing to introduce Popery and all Confusion; That they may be esteemed the Empson's and Dudley's of the Day, the Incendia∣ries and Fire-brands of the Age: And that all those good Patriots that have witnessed and entred their Protests against this cursed Law, might be also known, and respected accordingly.

Qu. V. Whether the malicious Persecutors, persisting in their Rage and Madness, may expect to fare better than their Brother Persecutors of old, in the like spirit, have done? Exod. 15.9, 10. Est. 7.9, 10. Dan. 6.24. To the fulfilling Psal. 7.14.15, 16. Rev. 18.6, 7, 8. Isa. 10.24, 25.

Qu. VI. Whether (in due consideration hereof) any but men of debau∣ched Principles, Consciences, and Lives, void of the fear of God and his Laws, and reverence to men and theirs, and wholly regardless of ei∣ther Bodies, Souls, Estates, and Posterities for future, will venture to do this drudgery for the Bishops, (or Devil rather) in betraying and so violently and injuriously oppressing their Neighbours; nay, so fool∣hardy to be thereby engaging against God and Christ himself, so much concerned herein? As Psal. 83.5. Act. 9.5. Mat. 25.45.

Qu. VII. Whether the good People of the Nation ought not (having the Com∣mand

and Authority of the King of Kings) to go on in their express Duty, in keeping up his Commands in their respective Meetings and Assemblings to Worship him, though so expresly against the Law and Command of the King, as they did, Dan. 3.16, 17, 18. & 6.10. Acts 4.17, 18, 19, 20. & 5.28, 29. And in case any suffer upon this account, whether they can suffer in a better Cause, than thus to assert the Interest, Word, and Ways of Christ, their just Liberties, both Natural, Civil, and Christian, against such violent and unreasonable opposition of all? And whether Christ is not able and faithful to make up, reward, and recompence any hazard, loss, or shame that may so redound upon his account, and his Gospel? Mat. 19.29. Heb. 10.34. & 11.25, 26. Rev. 2.10.

Qu. VIII. Whether it doth not concern the whole Phanatick Party, in conside∣ration of all this unnatural and unreasonable Rage and Severity, to lay to heart, and consider, That however they may be persecuted from men for their vertue, they having no evil thing justly to lay to their charge, as Psal. 35.19.20. & 59.3. & 69.4. John 10.32. though put into Bears Skins, and great matters alledged against them, as Ezra 4.15. Est. 3.8. Mat. 10.25. Act. 17.6, 7, 8. yet as coming from God, which is to be eyed, Job 5.6. Isa. 42.24. and as not being without cause, Ezek. 14.23. Therefore to be humbled under his mighty hand, 1 Pet. 5.6. to search out the provocation, Lam. 3.40, 41. Josh. 7.12 13. Stone the Achan, Josh. 7.25. Crying mightily to the Lord, as Israel did under the like affliction, Exod. 2.23. And it may be God may see the Affliction, and hear the Cry, and Deliver: As Exod. 3.7, 8. Joel 2.12, 13, 14.

IX. Whether it doth not manifestly appear, that this unnatural severity tends ei∣ther to deter from known duty (in attending the Worship of God according to his Word) Or from the Extremity, to provoke to Sedition, Tumult or Rebellion; necessitating thereby a falling either into the hands of God or Man: Therefore whether all concerned therein are not obliged to put forth utmost diligence and circumspection, as to answer a good Conscience in cleaving unto the Lord and his Laws, giving a Testimony to this evil Generation that they are Purse as well as Prison proof, having better learned & received Christ than to sell or part with him upon such mean tearms: So on the other hand, to be keeping on in that meekness and patience of Christ that they have been led and prospered in, as the approved promised way of overcoming, Rev 3.10. & 12.11. Wherby may they not still comfortably expect, in spite of Hell and the gates thereof, the Gospel's pro∣gress, in sinners conversion and Saints confirmation, the establishment of Christ's, and downfal of Antichrists Kingdom, (and thereby the cutting off occasion from them that seek it, to the shame and confusion of their faces) and their own ever∣lasting peace and comfort?

Notes

• Viz. By due process of the Common (or old) Law of England. See 2d part Cooks Inst. ch. 29. fo. 50. so explai∣ned also by 37 E. 3. ch. 8.
• †

  Six Reme∣dies to relieve any that are so imprisoned or disseized of their free liberties, con∣trary to Mag∣na Charta. 2d part Cooks's Inst. ch. 29 f. 55.
• Free-hold is Goods and Chattels as well as Lands & Tenements. Cook's Instit. c. 29. p. 46.
• † To wit, the Dutch Innvasi∣on, & Scotish Insurrection.
• Vide Icha∣bod's Com∣plaint; a son of the Church.
• †

  Who began the former Wars, called Bellum Epis∣copale?