the most royal and
most stately of any state martyrs; so although Christ's kingdom be not
of this world, and his servants did not fight therefore when he was to
suffer, yet it is in this world, and for this end was he born. To give a
testimony to this truth, among others, were we born, and must not be
ashamed of it, nor deny it; but confess and avouch it by pleading, doing
and suffering for it, even when what is in agitation seems most to
oppose it, and therefore requires a seasonable testimony. But it lies
upon you, Sir, &c. who have both your calling from Christ for it, and
at this time a particular calling from many, that which the honourable
houses require from you at such a time, when the settlement of religion
thereon, and when it is the very controversy of the times, and the civil
magistrates not only call you before them to aver the truth therein, but
also giveth you a good example, cometh before you out of tenderness to
their civil trust and duty, to maintain the privileges of parliament; to
give a testimony assentatory to their civil rights and privileges, and
to forewarn you lest you break the same, and incur civil premunires.
Sir, this should teach us to be as tender, zealous and careful to assert
Christ and his church, their privileges and rights, and to forewarn all
lest they endanger their souls by encroaching thereon, and lest their
omissions and remissness bring eternal premunires upon them, let all
know that the spirit of your Master is upon you, and that Christ hath
servants who will not only make pulpits to ring with the sound of his
prerogative, but also, if they shall be called to it, make a flame of
their bodies burning at the stake for a testimony to it, carry it aloft
through the earth (like the voice in Sicily) that _Christ lives and
reigns alone in his church_, and will have all done therein according to
his word and will, and that he has given no supreme headship over his
church to any pope, king or parliament whatsoever.

Sir, you are often desired to remember the bounds of your commission
from man, and not to exceed the same. I am confident you will make as
much conscience not to be deficient in the discharge of your commission
from Christ. But now, Sir, you have a commission from God and man
together, to discuss that truth, That Christ is a king, and has a
kingdom in the external government of his church, and that he has set
down laws and offices, and other substantials thereof; and a part