certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n use_v in_o the_o exhortation_n for_o take_v the_o say_a covenant_n publish_a by_o command_n oxford_n print_v by_o leonard_n lichfield_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n 1644._o certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizen_n burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v and_o exercise_v whereof_o the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v present_a and_o public_a testimony_n we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o other_o nation_n after_o mature_a deliberation_n resolve_v and_o determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o all_o subscribe_v and_o each_o one_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o with_o our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v swear_v see_v it_o have_v please_v the_o composer_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o with_o a_o introduction_n which_o contain_v that_o which_o it_o seem_v prevail_v with_o they_o and_o they_o expect_v shall_v work_v upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o take_v the_o follow_a covenant_n it_o will_v be_v behooveful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reduce_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o clear_a and_o strict_a examination_n upon_o the_o content_n of_o this_o introduction_n and_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o withal_o sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v premise_v viz._n to_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o swear_v to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a article_n the_o conscience_n will_v be_v direct_v to_o follow_v that_o dictate_n but_o if_o it_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o those_o we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o other_o consideration_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o we_o will_v therefore_o sincere_o propound_v the_o content_n of_o the_o preface_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o its_o method_n join_v together_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o these_o principle_n 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v 2._o especial_o when_o they_o be_v endanger_v 3._o the_o mean_n therefore_o necessary_a towards_o those_o end_n be_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v either_o supplication_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n or_o make_v war_n 4._o the_o former_a be_v first_o to_o be_v use_v but_o if_o they_o fail_v than_o the_o latter_a these_o be_v the_o universal_a maxim_n whereon_o by_o application_n to_o the_o present_a condition_n the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v enforce_v the_o three_o first_o then_o be_v grant_v they_o subsume_v that_o have_v use_v the_o former_a and_o fail_v of_o success_n we_o be_v all_o necessitate_a to_o use_v the_o latter_a viz._n to_o swear_v to_o join_v with_o the_o scot_n in_o arm_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o to_o those_o particular_n after_o mention_v in_o the_o article_n that_o such_o join_n in_o arm_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o six_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n of_o one_o another_o with_o the_o 14_o article_n of_o the_o instruction_n wherein_o the_o imposer_n of_o this_o oath_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v public_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v read_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n for_o the_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o declaration_n the_o take_v this_o covenant_n be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o ground_n both_o of_o their_o confidence_n as_o they_o say_v that_o this_o war_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o courage_n and_o constancy_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o do_v their_o part_n whosoever_o therefore_o be_v not_o persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n either_o that_o all_o these_o mean_n mention_v and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v reject_v or_o upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o army_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o such_o a_o war_n manage_v can_v without_o deadly_a sin_n though_o disengage_v from_o oath_n for_o any_o of_o the_o follow_a particular_n upon_o the_o former_a principle_n take_v this_o covenant_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v hereon_o we_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o preface_n and_o consider_v the_o natural_a intimation_n from_o they_o only_o suppose_v for_o example_n the_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o assistance_n or_o at_o least_o consent_n in_o this_o present_a join_n in_o arm_n apply_v it_o to_o man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ay_o a._o b._n live_v under_o the_o king_n this_o can_v reasonable_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o war_n but_o obedience_n to_o he_o nor_o a_o motive_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a league_n oath_n and_o covenant_n not_o prescribe_v by_o law_n without_o he_o much_o less_o against_o his_o express_a proclamation_n forasmuch_o as_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n either_o assertory_a or_o promissory_a be_v to_o man_n for_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o a_o public_a oath_n propound_v to_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n be_v for_o the_o end_n of_o public_a strife_n and_o division_n and_o of_o any_o public_a strife_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n under_o one_o king_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o king_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o and_o to_o we_o moreover_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 24_o h._n 8._o c._n 12._o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n art_n 37._o the_o book_n of_o homily_n and_o establishâ—d_fw-mi oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o oath_n and_o covenant_n may_v not_o be_v enter_v into_o without_o and_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n even_o in_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n itself_o be_v of_o the_o reform_a religion_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o very_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o which_o as_o difference_v from_o popery_n and_o other_o sect_n have_v be_v chief_o that_o it_o have_v always_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n not_o in_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o subject_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v before_o my_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n here_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mind_n requisite_a towards_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v this_o whether_o by_o this_o war_n consider_v with_o its_o circumstance_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o
so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v then_o so_o to_o swear_v it_o he_o that_o so_o swear_v swear_v with_o judgement_n against_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o unrighteousness_n without_o truth_n and_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v three_o to_o swear_v save_v all_o former_a oath_n to_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o former_a lawful_a oath_n be_v to_o delude_v both_o our_o former_a and_o present_a oath_n to_o warrant_v that_o we_o may_v without_o scandal_n abjure_v in_o word_n not_o in_o heart_n what_o we_o have_v swear_v before_o to_o keep_v because_o we_o have_v swear_v before_o to_o keep_v and_o never_o to_o abjure_v it_o to_o make_v vain_a as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n the_o wholesome_a end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n and_o particular_o to_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o this_o present_a covenant_n if_o the_o taker_n intend_v not_o what_o the_o oath_n intendâ—_z and_o may_v also_o hereafter_o save_v this_o present_a oath_n swear_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o present_a be_v it_o consider_v that_o whereas_o this_o oath_n be_v a_o league_n for_o unity_n if_o each_o may_v take_v it_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n its_o end_n will_v be_v none_o and_o we_o as_o far_o from_o joint_a union_n of_o assistance_n as_o before_o for_o swear_v to_o assist_v all_o who_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o assist_v oâ—ely_o the_o taker_n in_o our_o own_o sense_n than_o we_o may_v happy_o be_v tie_v to_o assist_v none_o hereby_o for_o perhaps_o our_o own_o sense_n be_v peculiar_a and_o different_a from_o all_o other_o and_o probable_o from_o most_o for_o most_o take_v it_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n last_o if_o one_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v that_o if_o it_o succeed_v it_o may_v be_v encouragement_n to_o other_o christian_a church_n in_o like_o case_n to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_o association_n and_o covenant_n we_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o admonish_v ourselves_o and_o other_o that_o if_o in_o this_o we_o offend_v we_o also_o lie_v a_o stumbling-block_n of_o offence_n before_o the_o face_n of_o so_o many_o christian_a church_n now_o and_o hereafter_o who_o be_v here_o invite_v to_o follow_v our_o example_n shall_v we_o not_o therefore_o sad_o consider_v who_o example_n in_o this_o action_n we_o follow_v before_o we_o give_v and_o invite_v other_o to_o follow_v our_o example_n ought_v we_o not_o wise_o to_o fear_v lest_o by_o this_o we_o expose_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o jealousy_n of_o their_o several_a prince_n under_o who_o they_o live_v and_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o provocation_n of_o all_o those_o evil_n wherewith_o prince_n in_o prevention_n of_o what_o be_v here_o suggest_v to_o their_o subject_n if_o not_o declare_v against_o by_o they_o may_v aggrieve_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o also_o have_v we_o not_o cause_v to_o question_v with_o ourselves_o how_o the_o example_n of_o enter_v a_o covenant_n mutual_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v one_o another_o when_o there_o be_v declare_v a_o join_n in_o arm_n without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n how_o this_o example_n we_o say_v will_v make_v as_o be_v here_o say_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n now_o the_o lord_n of_o peace_n himself_o give_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n peace_n always_o by_o all_o mean_n amen_n a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o take_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n or_o solid_a reason_n if_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v intimate_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o exhortation_n be_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n as_o they_o be_v style_v in_o the_o 14_o article_n of_o the_o instruction_n and_o express_v that_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o satisfy_n of_o such_o scruple_n as_o may_v arise_v and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v it_o can_v not_o have_v give_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n either_o so_o much_o licence_n to_o examine_v the_o discourse_n with_o strictness_n and_o severity_n or_o so_o much_o satisfaction_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o examination_n see_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o end_n of_o write_v which_o necessary_o oblige_v to_o a_o discovery_n of_o all_o the_o consequence_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o discourse_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o outward_a encouragement_n to_o the_o conscience_n towards_o satisfaction_n as_o when_o it_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v examine_v a_o exhortation_n and_o a_o defence_n the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v be_v choose_v the_o work_n appoint_v and_o after_o the_o performance_n twice_o public_o read_v and_o consider_v and_o last_o order_v to_o be_v publish_v by_o they_o who_o be_v the_o manager_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o this_o exhortation_n and_o defence_n be_v make_v but_o this_o be_v the_o declare_a end_n and_o those_o the_o author_n it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o man_n towards_o the_o cause_n itself_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o clear_a and_o firm_a principle_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o enforce_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o those_o they_o have_v here_o express_v and_o consequent_o if_o upon_o just_a examination_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o all_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o they_o lay_v down_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o infer_v their_o conclusion_n they_o may_v be_v more_o tender_a of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o different_a persuasion_n from_o themselves_o though_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o their_o endeavour_n persist_v in_o their_o opinion_n nay_o though_o they_o shall_v hereby_o gain_v a_o degree_n of_o adhesion_n to_o it_o the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o will_v infer_v be_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o general_a end_n of_o that_o as_o express_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o in_o all_o the_o declaration_n which_o concern_v the_o same_o be_v in_o our_o call_n the_o assistance_n of_o those_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n etc._n etc._n against_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n in_o a_o word_n to_o assist_v or_o comply_v with_o those_o english_a and_o scottish_a force_n against_o the_o force_n raise_v by_o the_o king_n personal_a command_n this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o scruple_n by_o they_o speak_v of_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v remove_v that_o their_o argument_n to_o that_o end_n may_v be_v effectual_a it_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o end_n that_o the_o present_a case_n shall_v have_v be_v clear_o and_o particular_o lay_v down_o consider_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o strong_a and_o not_o doubt_v presumption_n and_o supposal_n of_o that_o part_n which_o be_v defend_v though_o it_o may_v produce_v a_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n in_o those_o who_o be_v though_o not_o so_o strong_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o in_o reason_n be_v repute_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o scruple_n from_o a_o rational_a adversary_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o itself_o for_o a_o true_a and_o thorough_a resolution_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o case_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o their_o discourse_n be_v imperfect_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v err_v in_o assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a and_o esteem_v of_o the_o adverse_a party_n as_o of_o people_n bewitch_v and_o besot_v hoodwink_v and_o blind_v etc._n etc._n nay_o as_o the_o dregs_o and_o scum_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o affirm_v the_o name_n and_o countenance_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n to_o be_v captivate_v and_o prostitute_v to_o serve_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o such_o man_n and_o in_o set_v in_o opposition_n the_o king_n and_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o land_n but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o case_n may_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o plain_a to_o all_o man_n that_o it_o may_v without_o any_o great_a damage_n be_v omit_v in_o a_o discourse_n make_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o conscience_n it_o will_v concern_v the_o conscience_n however_o impartial_o to_o set_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o present_a question_n and_o then_o to_o examine_v the_o discourse_n of_o this_o exhortation_n upon_o which_o the_o determination_n of_o conscience_n will_v natural_o follow_v to_o propound_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n impartial_o though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n it_o will_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v make_v
we_o contrary_a to_o our_o conscience_n so_o inform_v which_o be_v impossible_a what_o if_o as_o now_o the_o king_n so_o future_a parliament_n disallow_v this_o covenant_n and_o oppose_v it_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v therein_o and_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o so_o continue_v against_o all_o opposition_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v contradict_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o it_o be_v now_o impose_v upon_o we_o three_o where_o we_o be_v require_v to_o bind_v ourselves_o never_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n whether_o by_o the_o contrary_a part_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v all_o that_o be_v against_o this_o covenant_n if_o so_o will_v not_o these_o word_n follow_v against_o all_o opposition_n against_o all_o let_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o include_v his_o majesty_n opposition_n and_o then_o as_o we_o have_v say_v we_o be_v in_o the_o close_a impliedly_o suppose_v that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v 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14._o a_o possunt_fw-la for_o ourselves_o therefore_o if_o his_o majesty_n shall_v use_v the_o sword_n commit_v to_o he_o unjust_o we_o must_v take_v up_o st._n ambrose_n word_n conc._n 1._o contra_fw-la auxentium_fw-la dolere_fw-la potero_fw-la flere_fw-la potero_fw-la potero_fw-la gemere_fw-la adversus_fw-la arma_fw-la milites_fw-la gothos_fw-la quoque_fw-la lachrymae_fw-la miae_fw-la arma_fw-la sunt_fw-la talia_fw-la sunt_fw-la munimenta_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la aliter_fw-la nec_fw-la debâ—o_fw-la nec_fw-la possumresistere_fw-la four_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o of_o this_o land_n forbid_v we_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n to_o enter_v a_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n without_o and_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o king_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o join_v in_o this_o covenant_n since_o we_o be_v require_v here_o not_o only_o to_o join_v with_o one_o another_o but_o with_o the_o scot_n also_o 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patience_n and_o suffering_n in_o affliction_n and_o tie_v themselves_o though_o unable_a active_o to_o resist_v plot_n disturb_v and_o overthrow_v all_o such_o who_o shall_v so_o have_v power_n over_o they_o hereafter_o all_o such_o governor_n and_o government_n which_o it_o may_v please_v god_n as_o they_o must_v confess_v for_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n at_o least_o to_o place_n over_o they_o which_o thing_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n reason_n and_o nation_n and_o because_o these_o kingdom_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n etc._n etc._n what_o the_o conclusion_n concl._n suggest_v we_o have_v also_o consider_v and_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o necessary_a humble_n of_o ourselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n though_o in_o a_o public_a set_a form_n and_o prescribe_v such_o as_o we_o conceive_v this_o former_a part_n of_o the_o 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answer_v at_o the_o great_a day_n we_o trust_v our_o just_a refusal_n will_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v better_a interpret_v even_o by_o the_o imposer_n themselves_o than_o those_o man_n detestable_a hypocrisy_n who_o enter_v this_o league_n and_o make_v this_o oath_n with_o mental_a reservation_n other_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o may_v and_o save_v all_o former_a oath_n yet_o other_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n or_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n or_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o preacher_n scandalize_v thus_o our_o christian_a and_o reform_a religion_n with_o jesuitical_a mental_a reservation_n reserve_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o their_o word_n which_o be_v institute_v to_o signify_v our_o mind_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o imposer_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n sufficient_o signify_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o indeed_o mentem_fw-la injuratam_fw-la gerunt_fw-la 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to_o go_v about_o to_o do_v it_o
our_o church-government_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v in_o aggregate_n whether_o may_v this_o oath_n be_v take_v have_v they_o also_o be_v include_v last_o be_v not_o their_o practice_n for_o who_o satisfaction_n this_o covenant_n shall_v be_v take_v a_o trâ—â—_z add_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n of_o speak_v or_o understand_v such_o speech_n evidence_n enough_o to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v take_v this_o oath_n and_o covenant_n unless_o we_o will_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v first_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o swear_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o direct_o contradict_v the_o oath_n of_o their_o sovereign_n at_o his_o coronation_n as_o this_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v bind_v we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n by_o bishop_n for_o that_o our_o sovereign_n have_v 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the_o holy_a ghost_n afterward_o confirm_v and_o approve_a bishop_n and_o their_o commission_n and_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o first_o we_o say_v their_o institution_n be_v ground_v upon_o our_o lord_n own_o institute_v and_o ordain_v twelve_o apostle_n above_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o say_v to_o these_o his_o apostle_n as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o a_o locum_fw-la st._n joh._n 20._o 21._o as_o in_o other_o end_n of_o his_o mission_n so_o how_o not_o in_o this_o which_o we_o know_v they_o do_v according_a to_o his_o pattern_n as_o he_o be_v send_v by_o his_o father_n therefore_o to_o ordain_v one_o order_n of_o teacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n superior_a to_o another_o which_o we_o know_v because_o he_o do_v so_o ordain_v so_o also_o send_v he_o his_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v which_o according_o they_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v by_o christ_n example_n therein_o they_o do_v by_o his_o commission_n here_o 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apostolical_a authority_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o their_o institution_n part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v make_v good_a in_o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o the_o word_n be_v now_o take_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a notion_n be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o three_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o those_o two_o famous_a church-governor_n timothy_n and_o titus_n particular_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o take_v contradistinct_o to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n in_o these_o text_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 3._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o 2._o tim._n 1._o 6._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 11._o tit._n 3._o 9_o 10_o and_o some_o other_o and_o these_o text_n thus_o interpret_v by_o antiquity_n d_o locum_fw-la and_o as_o the_o office_n prescribe_v there_o be_v episcopal_a so_o these_o two_o appoint_v to_o this_o prescribe_a office_n of_o a_o bishop_n by_o st._n paul_n himself_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 3._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o tit._n 1._o 5._o yea_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v chrysost._n theophyl_n oecumenius_n by_o divine_a revelation_n say_v theodoret_n of_o timothy_n and_o that_o these_o two_o be_v bishop_n according_a to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n now_o use_v ancient_a father_n plentiful_o witness_v b_o tit._n moreover_o this_o superiority_n to_o office_n episcopal_a to_o have_v be_v fix_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v evident_a as_o from_o church-history_n so_o also_o from_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 14._o where_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v the_o same_o with_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la the_o beginning_n of_o the_o epistle_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 18._o and_o include_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a charge_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n in_o this_o epistle_n c_o scribo_fw-la from_o which_o text_n also_o it_o be_v manifest_v that_o his_o office_n prescribe_v be_v not_o personal_a only_o but_o to_o descend_v by_o succession_n unto_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n d_o 6._o three_o this_o office_n and_o power_n episcopal_a that_o it_o be_v afterward_o approve_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o immediate_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v be_v prove_v from_o revel._n c._n 1._o and_o 2._o and_o 3._o where_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n according_a to_o all_o reason_n from_o the_o text_n itself_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n e_o note_n be_v seven_o bishop_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n understand_v which_o ecclesiastical_a story_n mention_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n long_o before_o this_o time_n as_o so_o many_o angel_n and_o apostle_n f_o sympronian_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v polycarp_n the_o angel_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n make_v bishop_n of_o that_o place_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o thirteen_o
think_v necessary_a long_o within_o the_o apostle_n time_n even_o as_o early_o as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o be_o of_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o say_v in_o his_o dialogue_n adversus_fw-la luciferian_n ecclesiae_fw-la salus_fw-la in_fw-la summi_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la dignitate_fw-la pendet_fw-la cui_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la exhort_fw-la quaedam_fw-la and_o ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la eminens_fw-la detur_fw-la potestas_fw-la tot_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la efficientur_fw-la schismata_fw-la quot_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la s._n cyprian_n also_o epist._n 55._o non_fw-la aliunde_fw-la haereses_fw-la obortae_fw-la sunt_fw-la aut_fw-la nata_fw-la sunt_fw-la schismata_fw-la quam_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o so_o also_o lib._n 4._o epist._n 9_o unde_fw-la enim_fw-la schismata_fw-la et_fw-la haereses_fw-la obortae_fw-la sunt_fw-la et_fw-la oriuntur_fw-la nisi_fw-la dum_fw-la episcopus_fw-la qui_fw-la unus_fw-la est_fw-la praesumptione_fw-la contemnitur_fw-la etc._n etc._n master_n calvin_n also_o himself_o upon_o philipp_n 1._o 1._o fateor_fw-la quidem_fw-la ut_fw-la sunt_fw-la hominum_fw-la ingenia_fw-la et_fw-la mores_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la ordinem_fw-la stare_fw-la inter_fw-la verbi_fw-la ministros_fw-la quin_fw-la reliquis_fw-la praesit_fw-la unus_fw-la so_o that_o we_o can_v apprehend_v the_o abjuration_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o that_o unity_n in_o this_o article_n mention_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o among_o we_o but_o rather_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n s._n cyprian_n unus_fw-la deus_fw-la unus_fw-la dominus_fw-la unus_fw-la episcopus_fw-la and_o that_o of_o ignatius_n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la b_o {non-roman}_o subjecti_fw-la estote_fw-la episcope_n and_o vobis_fw-la mutuè_fw-la ut_fw-la christus_fw-la patri_fw-la ut_fw-la inter_fw-la vos_fw-la divina_fw-la quaedam_fw-la sit_fw-la unio_fw-la next_o profaneness_n be_v here_o also_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o with_o episcopacy_n yet_o who_o may_v not_o fear_v god_n judgement_n if_o he_o deny_v the_o detestable_a growth_n of_o profaneness_n since_o the_o contempt_n of_o that_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o episcopacy_n so_o that_o this_o article_n as_o to_o bishop_n extirpation_n we_o must_v refuse_v upon_o that_o close_a upon_o which_o other_o take_v it_o lest_o as_o it_o be_v say_v we_o shall_v partake_v in_o other_o sin_n and_o consequent_o in_o their_o plague_n three_o because_o neither_o can_v we_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o part_n of_o this_o church-government_n by_o archbishop_n a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n so_o confess_o ancient_a nor_o that_o part_n of_o this_o church-government_n by_o dean_n and_o chapter_n that_o be_v a_o society_n of_o grave_a divine_n of_o presbyter_n join_v to_o the_o bishop_n in_o his_o see_v of_o residence_n as_o assistant_n in_o council_n and_o government_n as_o james_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v his_o resident_a presbyter_n act_n 21._o 18._o and_o consult_v with_o they_o vers._n 20._o according_a also_o to_o the_o ancient_a general_n and_o continue_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n time_n and_o moreover_o endow_v with_o mean_n give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n of_o many_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o annul_v hebr._n 9_o 17._o and_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o many_o other_o donor_n who_o have_v true_a propriety_n in_o their_o good_n and_o may_v and_o do_v transfer_v the_o undoubted_a property_n to_o those_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o the_o right_a and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a especial_o such_o endowment_n have_v be_v consecrate_v and_o devote_v unto_o god_n for_o pious_a use_n and_o which_o may_v not_o therefore_o by_o we_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v alienate_v prov._n 20._o 25._o numb._n 16._o 38._o and_o as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n so_o also_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o learning_n the_o study_n of_o divinity_n and_o of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n 3._o reality_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o several_a vocation_n endeavour_v with_o our_o estate_n and_o life_n mutual_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o conscience_n of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n or_o intention_n to_o diminish_v his_o majesty_n just_a power_n and_o greatness_n because_o in_o the_o three_o article_n whereas_o we_o be_v require_v and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o bind_v ourselves_o absolute_o without_o limitation_n express_v to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o be_v likewise_o tie_v simple_o and_o indefinite_o to_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n state_n and_o honour_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o the_o late_a protestation_n here_o when_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o swear_v to_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o this_o manner_n of_o swear_v we_o dare_v not_o admit_v till_o it_o be_v public_o declare_v by_o the_o imposer_n that_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n be_v not_o as_o to_o some_o it_o may_v sound_v that_o i_o bind_v myself_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o shall_v preserve_v and_o defend_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n since_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n and_o by_o true_a religion_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o his_o person_n and_o authority_n though_o he_o be_v a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o abridger_n of_o our_o liberty_n such_o as_o be_v saul_n and_o nero_n in_o their_o time_n and_o sure_o a_o large_a declaration_n of_o our_o endeavour_n simple_o to_o defend_v his_o person_n be_v at_o this_o time_n necessary_a when_o through_o the_o division_n of_o the_o kingdom_n his_o sacred_a majesty_n be_v so_o endanger_v and_o that_o his_o majesty_n have_v often_o complain_v of_o affront_n offer_v to_o his_o person_n and_o have_v complain_v also_o that_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o kill_v his_o person_n in_o two_o set_a battle_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o mouth_n of_o some_o shimei_n then_o that_o the_o king_n be_v popish_o affect_v a_o papist_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o therefore_o some_o furious_a zealot_n may_v not_o only_o upon_o these_o surmise_n conclude_v himself_o exempt_v in_o case_n from_o the_o duty_n of_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o his_o royal_a person_n but_o also_o mistake_v it_o as_o a_o debt_n to_o this_o covenant_n even_o to_o offer_v violence_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n may_v not_o therefore_o some_o such_o full_a declaration_n and_o explication_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o will_v by_o oath_n profess_v it_o seem_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n here_o propose_v that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o conscience_n of_o our_o loyalty_n we_o shall_v also_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n endeavour_v the_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v 4._o or_o shall_v be_v incendiary_n malignant_n or_o evil_a instrument_n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n divide_v the_o king_n from_o his_o people_n or_o one_o of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o another_o or_o make_v any_o faction_n or_o party_n among_o the_o people_n contrary_a to_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o public_a trial_n and_o receive_v condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n shall_v require_v or_o deserve_v or_o the_o supreme_a indicatory_n of_o both_o kingdom_n respective_o or_o other_o have_v power_n from_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a whether_o be_v not_o all_o those_o to_o be_v account_v to_o we_o as_o malignant_n etc._n etc._n by_o hinder_v reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v discover_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v condign_a punishment_n who_o we_o know_v to_o endeavour_v in_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n the_o continuation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o government_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v by_o the_o know_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n establish_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o right_a intent_n of_o those_o law_n against_o all_o alteration_n till_o it_o be_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n enact_v by_o his_o majesty_n
personal_a consent_n and_o both_o house_n alter_v and_o change_v second_o we_o demand_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o be_v here_o to_o be_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o discovery_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v malignant_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o son_n hereby_o engage_v to_o betray_v his_o father_n the_o wife_n her_o husband_n the_o servant_n his_o master_n and_o to_o accuse_v they_o as_o malignant_n and_o evil_a instrument_n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n if_o so_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o the_o land_n ever_o command_v it_o except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o high_a treason_n where_o god_n enjoin_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o discovery_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v entice_v they_o to_o serve_v other_o god_n a_o sin_n sure_o as_o detestable_a and_o heinous_a as_o to_o be_v such_o as_o here_o be_v to_o be_v account_v malignant_n etc._n etc._n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n thus_o we_o read_v deut._n 13._o 6._o if_o thy_o brother_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o mother_n or_o thy_o son_n or_o thy_o daughter_n or_o the_o wife_n of_o thy_o bosom_n or_o thy_o friend_n which_o be_v as_o thy_o own_o soul_n entice_v thou_o etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v not_o conceal_v he_o but_o thy_o hand_n shall_v be_v first_o upon_o he_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n where_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o person_n there_o by_o god_n so_o particular_o recount_v in_o the_o text_n not_o to_o be_v conceal_v they_o be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o collateral_a equal_a degree_n as_o the_o brother_n not_o to_o conceal_v his_o brother_n the_o friend_n his_o friend_n or_o of_o some_o inferiority_n as_o the_o husband_n his_o wife_n the_o father_n his_o son_n but_o there_o be_v express_v no_o such_o injunction_n that_o the_o son_n be_v to_o reveal_v his_o father_n or_o the_o wife_n her_o husband_n so_o tender_a be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n of_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o those_o by_o who_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o our_o be_v life_n and_o livelihood_n or_o who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o head_n to_o other_o that_o he_o do_v not_o command_v inferior_n shall_v give_v in_o a_o accusation_n against_o such_o their_o superior_n even_o in_o crime_n which_o the_o law_n judge_v shall_v be_v punish_v with_o death_n three_o whereas_o we_o have_v in_o the_o late_a protestation_n vow_v to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o also_o be_v require_v to_o bind_v ourselves_o in_o this_o covenant_n to_o preserve_v the_o same_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n include_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n yet_o contrary_a hereunto_o as_o we_o conceive_v we_o shall_v bind_v ourselves_o to_o endeavour_v that_o our_o fellow-subject_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o punishment_n either_o such_o as_o their_o offence_n shall_v deserve_v or_o such_o as_o not_o only_o the_o supreme_a indicatory_n of_o both_o kingdom_n but_o any_o other_o also_o have_v power_n from_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a by_o which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o put_v power_n arbitrary_a sure_o since_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o land_n in_o some_o other_o than_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n viz._n some_o depute_a from_o they_o who_o may_v judge_v it_o convenient_a if_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v convenient_a may_v be_v their_o rule_n as_o well_o sometime_o to_o exceed_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n make_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n as_o otherwhile_o to_o mitigate_v it_o yea_o who_o may_v proceed_v against_o such_o malignant_n where_o the_o law_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o neither_o have_v give_v name_n to_o their_o fault_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o punishment_n and_o whereas_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o bless_a peace_n between_o these_o kingdom_n deny_v in_o former_a time_n to_o our_o progenitor_n 5._o be_v by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n grant_v unto_o we_o and_o have_v be_v late_o conclude_v and_o settle_v by_o both_o parliament_n we_o shall_v each_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o interest_n endeavour_n that_o they_o may_v remain_v conjoin_v in_o a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n to_o all_o posterity_n and_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v upon_o the_o wilful_a opposer_n thereof_o in_o manner_n express_v in_o the_o precedent_a article_n concerning_o the_o happy_a peace_n between_o these_o kingdom_n late_o conclude_v we_o earnest_o pray_v and_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v continue_v and_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v renew_v and_o be_v sorry_a hearty_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o pacification_n make_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o both_o parliament_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o solemn_a faith_n give_v there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n a_o miserable_a war_n begin_v again_o between_o a_o army_n of_o that_o kingdom_n enter_v we_o without_o and_o against_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o declaration_n and_o the_o force_n raise_v by_o his_o majesty_n who_o we_o have_v hear_v have_v much_o deprecate_v their_o enter_n in_o allege_v vehement_o that_o their_o late_a solemn_a faith_n and_o pacification_n so_o that_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v in_o we_o also_o protestatis_fw-la contraria_fw-la facto_fw-la to_o bind_v ourselves_o in_o this_o article_n as_o willing_o we_o will_v to_o endeavour_v the_o continuance_n of_o a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n and_o in_o the_o next_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v those_o who_o declare_v that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o covenant_n they_o now_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n with_o a_o army_n which_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o late_a act_n of_o pacification_n and_o may_v for_o ourselves_o judge_v and_o discern_v what_o it_o be_v since_o we_o be_v require_v to_o swear_v thereto_o appear_v in_o its_o self_n a_o action_n as_o contrary_a thereto_o as_o war_n to_o peace_n so_o that_o this_o covenant_n will_v bindus_fw-la to_o endeavour_v that_o which_o it_o make_v we_o to_o abjure_v we_o shall_v also_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n 6._o liberty_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o maintain_v and_o pursue_v thereof_o and_o shall_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o direct_o or_o indirect_o by_o whatsoever_o combination_n persuasion_n or_o terror_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v from_o this_o bless_a union_n and_o conjunction_n whether_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n or_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n but_o shall_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o continue_v therein_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o promote_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o power_n against_o all_o let_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o able_a ourselves_o to_o suppress_v or_o overcome_v we_o shall_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v that_o it_o may_v be_v timely_o prevent_v or_o remove_v all_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whereas_o we_o be_v in_o the_o six_o article_n require_v to_o covenant_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o first_o article_n a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n that_o we_o will_v assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o that_o in_o the_o close_a it_o be_v imply_v that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o suppress_v and_o overcome_v whatsoever_o opposition_n we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v against_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o practice_n and_o doctrine_n of_o all_o primitive_a christian_n who_o the_o world_n 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scotland_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n moreover_o in_o that_o we_o protest_v absolute_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n person_n according_a to_o our_o allegiance_n which_o here_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o swear_v to_o to_o maintain_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o only_o to_o defend_v one_o another_o so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v which_o here_o be_v omit_v many_o other_o difference_n may_v be_v observe_v if_o yet_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o in_o this_o which_o be_v not_o in_o that_o or_o nothing_o of_o moment_n which_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n if_o their_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n at_o all_o it_o may_v not_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o desire_v with_o leave_n from_o his_o majesty_n to_o renew_v that_o protestation_n that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o excuse_v from_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n after_o the_o proposal_n of_o their_o persuasive_a argument_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o take_v away_o of_o scruple_n not_o all_o or_o most_o of_o such_o as_o may_v arise_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v humble_o represent_v against_o the_o covenant_n itself_o therefore_o such_o as_o they_o have_v choose_v out_o probable_o because_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o best_o able_a for_o their_o answer_n the_o scruple_n which_o they_o suppose_v be_v such_o as_o concern_v either_o the_o king_n or_o the_o bishop_n they_o begin_v with_o the_o extirpation_n of_o bishop_n where_o first_o they_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v extirpate_v and_o after_o they_o address_v themselves_o to_o answer_v one_o special_a objection_n we_o will_v therefore_o in_o order_n propound_v and_o examine_v the_o weight_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o their_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v but_o a_o intimation_n some_o say_v this_o government_n be_v never_o formal_o 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there_o be_v more_o take_v away_o in_o it_o than_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o both_o house_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o it_o this_o we_o gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n of_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o declaration_n aug._n 12._o and_o whether_o that_o act_n be_v pen_v with_o that_o wariness_n and_o animadversion_n that_o there_o be_v not_o more_o determine_v by_o it_o than_o the_o major_a part_n of_o both_o house_n intend_v at_o the_o pass_n of_o it_o let_v themselves_o judge_v 3._o however_o that_o be_v we_o can_v conceive_v it_o reasonable_a that_o their_o temporal_a lurisdiction_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o as_o be_v suggest_v that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o intend_v their_o spiritual_a and_o then_o a_o argument_n make_v to_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o their_o government_n also_o because_o the_o former_a be_v already_o part_v from_o they_o three_o that_o their_o whole_a government_n be_v at_o best_o but_o a_o human_a constitution_n if_o there_o be_v no_o fallacy_n in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o whole_a be_v take_v material_o as_o it_o include_v each_o several_a part_n and_o not_o formal_o only_a and_o then_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o government_n so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n be_v at_o least_o of_o apostolical_a constitution_n as_o be_v prove_v in_o our_o reason_n against_o the_o second_o article_n and_o consequent_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v take_v away_o four_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v find_v and_o adjudge_v by_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o a_o great_a hindrance_n also_o to_o a_o perfect_a reformation_n yea_o who_o know_v not_o etc._n etc._n we_o know_v the_o danger_n and_o if_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o the_o honour_n and_o respect_n we_o bear_v to_o the_o very_a name_n of_o parliament_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o question_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o two_o house_n only_o in_o this_o case_n which_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o represent_v that_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v how_o that_o shall_v be_v in_o itself_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n together_o with_o which_o the_o state_n both_o ancient_o and_o of_o late_a we_o conceive_v have_v flourish_v and_o enjoy_v a_o political_a happiness_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n neither_o how_o that_o shall_v be_v opposite_a to_o a_o perfect_a reformation_n which_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o be_v persuade_v and_o we_o think_v may_v as_o clear_o be_v prove_v as_o most_o matter_n in_o divinity_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o constant_o obtain_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o which_o we_o conceive_v a_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v square_v and_o indeed_o the_o chief_a instrument_n and_o defendant_n of_o that_o reformation_n which_o we_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n enjoy_v have_v be_v bishop_n some_o of_o which_o be_v martyr_n as_o bishop_n cranmer_n ridley_n hooper_n latimer_n ferrer_n jewel_n bilson_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v see_v to_o what_o reformation_n episcopacy_n can_v be_v a_o hindrance_n unless_o to_o such_o a_o form_n as_o suppose_v that_o episcopacy_n must_v be_v extirpate_v which_o move_v the_o well-affected_a throughout_o this_o kingdom_n long_o since_o to_o petition_v this_o parliament_n as_o have_v be_v desire_v before_o in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n for_o a_o total_a abolition_n of_o the_o same_o in_o this_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o proof_n the_o four_o argument_n see_v it_o be_v presume_v that_o those_o who_o have_v petition_v for_o the_o abolition_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v and_o have_v be_v well_o affect_v for_o a_o judgement_n of_o that_o we_o do_v only_o represent_v that_o the_o same_o in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o renown_a prince_n by_o those_o famous_a parliament_n hold_v in_o their_o time_n be_v reject_v as_o ignorant_a and_o seditious_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v the_o well_o affect_v throughout_o the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n it_o do_v and_o may_v appear_v that_o since_o the_o sit_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n and_o that_o after_o discountenance_v give_v to_o that_o party_n more_o than_o four_o and_o forty_o thousand_o man_n of_o quality_n have_v petition_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o present_a church-government_n beside_o the_o city_n of_o london_n the_o county_n of_o dorcet_n kent_n surrey_n westmoreland_n cumberland_n southampton_n lancaster_n cornwall_n oxfordshire_n berkeshire_n wiltshire_n the_o six_o shire_n of_o north-wales_n and_o beside_o the_o two_o university_n all_o the_o which_o have_v petition_v for_o the_o same_o the_o restriction_n or_o what_o else_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o that_o we_o be_v not_o by_o this_o
covenant_n bind_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o person_n we_o pray_v may_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o who_o have_v take_v this_o covenant_n or_o shall_v hereafter_o enter_v into_o it_o for_o we_o who_o be_v so_o persuade_v as_o we_o have_v express_v it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n if_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v to_o swear_v to_o bring_v the_o person_n of_o any_o who_o have_v offend_v to_o a_o just_a and_o legal_a trial_n so_o that_o their_o office_n may_v have_v be_v continue_v then_o to_o extirpate_v the_o office_n with_o a_o intimation_n only_o that_o we_o be_v not_o necessitate_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o person_n that_o which_o follow_v be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o only_a scruple_n which_o they_o will_v suppose_v to_o remain_v the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n wherein_o clergyman_n have_v swear_v to_o obey_v the_o bishop_n in_fw-la licitis_fw-la et_fw-la honestis_fw-la we_o will_v propound_v their_o argument_n 1._o they_o which_o have_v swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n may_v yet_o endeavour_v their_o abolition_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n therefore_o they_o which_o have_v swear_v to_o obey_v the_o bishop_n may_v endeavour_v the_o abolition_n of_o bishop_n we_o do_v not_o see_v this_o consequence_n from_o the_o law_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n or_o the_o authority_n itself_o from_o whence_o the_o law_n be_v derive_v it_o follow_v upon_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o who_o have_v swear_v to_o obey_v the_o injunction_n of_o bishop_n may_v endeavour_v in_o a_o lawful_a way_n the_o alteration_n or_o abolition_n of_o those_o injunction_n but_o to_o infer_v their_o conclusion_n the_o hypothosis_n must_v have_v be_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o oath_n make_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n make_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n we_o may_v endeavour_v to_o abolish_v the_o king_n and_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n their_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o 2._o if_o minister_n or_o other_o have_v enter_v into_o any_o oath_n not_o warrant_v by_o god_n word_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n such_o oath_n call_v for_o repentance_n not_o pertinacy_n in_o they_o ergo_fw-la notwithstanding_o the_o oath_n of_o canoxicall_a obedience_n minister_n may_v endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o bishop_n we_o believe_v that_o to_o have_v clear_v this_o consequence_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o see_v they_o have_v not_o do_v the_o scruple_n notwithstanding_o this_o argument_n will_v still_o remain_v have_v thus_o do_v with_o episcopacy_n they_o proceed_v to_o such_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o suppose_v may_v arise_v from_o that_o which_o concern_v his_o majesty_n and_o there_o the_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o covenant_n may_v be_v take_v notwithstanding_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n already_o take_v and_o notwithstanding_o the_o want_n of_o his_o majesty_n consent_n 1._o this_o oath_n bind_v all_o and_o more_o strong_o engage_v they_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o it_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n we_o answer_v 1._o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n be_v ordain_v against_o those_o who_o will_v not_o have_v deny_v to_o swear_v in_o these_o very_a word_n to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o argument_n this_o covenant_n may_v cross_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n 2._o that_o this_o oath_n may_v be_v take_v without_o his_o majesty_n consent_n they_o will_v prove_v by_o example_n either_o modern_a or_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o 1._o the_o protestation_n may_n 5._o be_v take_v without_o his_o majesty_n consent_n we_o do_v not_o think_v we_o take_v it_o without_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o one_o reason_n we_o will_v express_v in_o their_o word_n of_o the_o same_o paragraph_n because_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o except_v against_o it_o or_o give_v any_o stop_n to_o the_o take_n of_o it_o albeit_o he_o be_v then_o resident_a in_o person_n at_o whitehall_n 2._o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n ezra_n 10._o nehem._n 9_o neh._n 1._o be_v vassal_n and_o one_o of_o they_o menial_a servant_n to_o artaxerxes_n draw_v all_o the_o people_n into_o a_o covenant_n without_o the_o special_a commission_n of_o the_o persian_a monarch_n the_o covenant_n into_o which_o ezra_n draw_v the_o people_n be_v express_v ezra_n 10._o 3._o to_o have_v be_v to_o put_v away_o all_o the_o strange_a wife_n and_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o those_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o nehemiah_n nehem._n 9_o and_o 10._o 29._o be_v express_v to_o have_v be_v a_o curse_n and_o a_o oath_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o judgement_n and_o his_o statute_n the_o commission_n of_o nehemiah_n beside_o what_o be_v mention_v nehemiah_n 2._o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o ezra_n have_v obtain_v which_o be_v express_v ezra_n the_o 7._o in_o the_o 7_o of_o ezra_n v._n 26._o we_o find_v this_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o commission_n whosoever_o will_v not_o do_v the_o law_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n let_v judgement_n be_v execute_v speedy_o upon_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v unto_o death_n or_o banishment_n or_o to_o confiscation_n of_o good_n or_o to_o imprisonment_n wherefore_o we_o can_v but_o extreme_o wonder_v that_o these_o covenant_n here_o mention_v shall_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v enter_v into_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o persian_a monarch_n a_o assertion_n to_o we_o so_o exceed_o inconsiderate_a that_o our_o apprehension_n of_o the_o fail_n in_o it_o can_v in_o a_o few_o word_n be_v express_v as_o for_o that_o of_o hezekiah_n which_o follow_v at_o some_o distance_n we_o may_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v not_o consent_v to_o by_o hoshea_n king_n of_o irael_n however_o if_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v indeed_o a_o rebellion_n as_o it_o be_v believe_v by_o many_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a divine_n a_o ferne_n then_o why_o may_v not_o hezekiah_n just_o send_v proclamation_n to_o they_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o a_o covenant_n although_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n shall_v positive_o have_v dissent_v but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o negative_a answer_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v controvert_v we_o answer_v 1._o that_o act_n of_o hezekiah_n be_v a_o bare_a invitation_n 2._o that_o to_o which_o he_o invite_v they_o be_v not_o a_o league_n or_o covenant_n but_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v some_o year_n after_o the_o covenant_n mention_v 2_o chro._n 29._o 3_o that_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o israel_n have_v not_o the_o face_n of_o a_o kingdom_n their_o king_n be_v in_o captivity_n under_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n which_o two_o latter_a answer_n be_v joint_o prove_v by_o this_o follow_a discourse_n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v in_fw-la 1mo_fw-la hezekiae_fw-la 2_o chron._n 29._o the_o passover_n be_v not_o celebrate_v till_o after_o the_o captivity_n 2_o chron._n 30._o 6._o there_o be_v no_o captivity_n mention_v till_o after_o this_o first_o year_n of_o hezekiah_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n and_o passover_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o year_n and_o therefore_o also_o hoshea_n be_v in_o captivity_n before_o this_o invitation_n of_o hezekiah_n the_o last_o of_o the_o premise_n which_o only_o can_v be_v doubt_v be_v thus_o prove_v because_o the_o first_o time_n express_v which_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o salmanaser_n come_v up_o against_o israel_n be_v the_o four_o year_n of_o king_n hezekiah_n 2_o king_n 18._o 9_o it_o no_o wise_a follow_v therefore_o from_o this_o act_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o impose_v or_o enter_v a_o covenant_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n now_o after_o these_o instance_n of_o scripture_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o modern_a example_n from_o whence_o they_o will_v infer_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a lawfulness_n to_o enter_v a_o covenant_n