another_o all_o pretend_v the_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o distinct_a specifical_a term_n in_o the_o covenant_n whereupon_o some_o can_v implead_v other_o as_o guilty_a of_o breach_n and_o do_v not_o the_o sectarian_n army_n when_o they_o invade_v scotland_n pretend_v the_o covenant_n and_o keep_n of_o it_o and_o thereupon_o there_o be_v high_a appeal_v make_v to_o heaven_n will_v not_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o own_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o only_o seem_v clear_a against_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n and_o for_o a_o violent_a extirpation_n of_o this_o then_o there_o be_v no_o security_n in_o that_o covenant_n for_o preserve_a presbytery_n in_o scotland_n the_o presbytery_n not_o be_v once_o name_v only_o the_o matter_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o general_n we_o shall_v preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n reform_a religion_n and_o against_o common_a enemy_n no_o independent_a or_o separatist_n but_o may_v say_v he_o will_v preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n etc._n etc._n in_o scotland_n albeit_o he_o think_v not_o presbytery_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o reform_a religion_n or_o government_n and_o although_o he_o mind_v to_o do_v against_o it_o himself_o only_o if_o he_o will_v preserve_v it_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o hold_v off_o what_o he_o apprehend_v worse_a he_o will_v preserve_v it_o against_o the_o common_a enemy_n neither_o be_v there_o security_n in_o that_o covenant_n for_o reform_v england_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n as_o be_v desire_v by_o we_o be_v there_o not_o more_o policy_n than_o piety_n in_o this_o to_o endeavour_v the_o solder_n and_o hold_v fast_o of_o so_o many_o several_a party_n unite_v against_o episcopacy_n yet_o sort_v among_o themselves_o like_o the_o iron_n and_o clay_n toeâ—_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n image_n and_o ready_a to_o break_v one_o upon_o another_o all_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o clear_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v still_o like_a to_o be_v such_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o humane_a policy_n unsound_a way_n of_o unite_n tend_v to_o the_o beget_n in_o end_n of_o great_a distraction_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v of_o purpose_n frame_v in_o general_a term_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o several_a party_n may_v be_v fast_o unite_v against_o prelacy_n own_v by_o the_o king_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v still_o own_v will_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o a_o perpetual_a seminary_n of_o diverse_a party_n all_o plead_v their_o keep_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o yet_o no_o party_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o specifical_a sense_n thereof_o and_o some_o of_o the_o way_n of_o these_o several_a party_n may_v be_v find_v much_o worse_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a discerner_n than_o prelacy_n be_v or_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o some_o it_o will_v be_v serious_o ponder_v whether_o this_o way_n of_o a_o study_a indistinctness_n generality_n and_o homonymie_n in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o strengthen_v a_o party_n against_o some_o one_o thing_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o countryman_n shall_v have_v be_v cast_v away_o in_o such_o uncertain_a term_n it_o will_v be_v say_v the_o covenant_n be_v clear_a enough_o against_o episcopacy_n let_v we_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o clear_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o whatever_o doubtfulness_n be_v otherways_o but_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o this_o that_o we_o have_v show_v above_o how_o unclear_a it_o be_v against_o the_o episcopacy_n establish_v now_o in_o scotland_n however_o clear_v it_o be_v as_o intend_v against_o the_o english_a frame_n be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o lay_v aside_o when_o now_o it_o be_v disclaim_v by_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o all_o person_n of_o trust_n in_o the_o land_n a_o humane_a form_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o composure_n of_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v have_v be_v and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o seminary_n of_o variety_n of_o party_n all_o plead_v it_o and_o worse_o evil_n than_o prelacy_n be_v imagine_v to_o be_v than_o still_o to_o own_v it_o when_o as_o authentic_a exponer_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o who_o may_v reprove_v false_a pretender_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o can_v be_v have_v neither_o while_n they_o be_v in_o be_v can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o anent_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n baâ—ling_n the_o scotish_n commissioner_n declaration_n anno_fw-la 1647._o and_o other_o paper_n god_n have_v give_v the_o child_n of_o man_n work_v enough_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n which_o certain_o in_o his_o intendment_n have_v but_o one_o true_a sense_n howbeit_o man_v blindness_n often_o perceive_v it_o not_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a labour_n to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o humane_a form_n purposely_o contrive_v in_o general_a term_n for_o take_v in_o party_n of_o know_a contrary_a sense_n and_o judgement_n which_o will_v if_o own_a prove_v apple_n of_o contention_n in_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n but_o 3._o let_v sober_a and_o godly_a man_n consider_v if_o it_o be_v dutiful_o do_v to_o swear_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n conditional_o and_o with_o a_o limitation_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n mr._n crofton_n indeed_o deny_v that_o in_o that_o three_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v any_o limitation_n of_o our_o loyalty_n in_o defend_v the_o king_n or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o defend_v he_o while_o he_o defend_v religion_n he_o assert_n that_o clause_n to_o be_v only_o a_o predication_n of_o their_o present_a capacity_n who_o engage_v to_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n to_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v in_o defence_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n shall_v defend_v the_o king_n person_n but_o to_o say_v nothing_o how_o strain'd-like_a this_o look_v the_o word_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o judicious_a man_n look_v as_o a_o clear_a limitation_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o as_o if_o otherwise_o we_o owe_v he_o no_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n belike_o the_o general_n ass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n shall_v understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n somewhat_o better_a than_o mr._n crofton_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o state_v their_o opposition_n to_o authority_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o engagement_n 1648._o upon_o this_o as_o the_o main_a hinge_n â—_o our_o conditional_a duty_n to_o the_o king_n they_o in_o their_o declaration_n 1649._o declare_v that_o the_o king_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n before_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o mean_v main_o that_o particular_a mode_n of_o church-government_n by_o presbytery_n for_o that_o be_v it_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o protestant_n religion_n be_v never_o under_o question_n between_o the_o king_n and_o they_o they_o plead_v for_o a_o ground_n the_o covenant_n where_o their_o duty_n in_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n be_v say_v to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o without_o manifest_a breach_n of_o covenant_n they_o can_v admit_v he_o to_o reign_v till_o in_o that_o they_o be_v satisfy_v it_o be_v clear_a they_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o limitation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o his_o own_n of_o presbytery_n etc._n etc._n be_v conditio_fw-la sinè_fw-la quà _fw-la non_fw-la of_o his_o reign_v among_o they_o and_o of_o their_o pay_a duty_n to_o he_o and_o so_o indeed_o the_o transaction_n in_o the_o treaty_n at_o breda_n and_o the_o hague_n and_o what_o follow_v thereupon_o expound_v their_o mind_n now_o be_v this_o right_a that_o where_o our_o allegiance_n bind_v we_o to_o duty_n in_o a_o great_a latitude_n this_o shall_v be_v hold_v out_o to_o people_n as_o the_o only_a standard_n of_o their_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n to_o the_o king_n be_v it_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o insinuat_fw-la to_o the_o sense_n of_o intelligent_a man_n that_o we_o be_v not_o otherwise_o bind_v to_o defend_v he_o be_v it_o well_o by_o such_o a_o clause_n to_o giu_v occasion_n to_o wicked_a man_n as_o the_o sectary_n take_v it_o in_o their_o declaration_n before_o the_o late_a king_n death_n to_o think_v they_o be_v no_o further_o oblige_v to_o he_o then_o he_o shall_v defend_v that_o which_o they_o account_v religion_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o covenant_n to_o destroy_v hiâ—_n person_n they_o find_v as_o they_o say_v in_o that_o declaration_n that_o his_o safety_n and_o religion_n be_v inconsistent_a and_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o thâ—se_a who_o be_v commissioner_n from_o this_o
the_o seasonable_a case_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o church-government_n as_o noâ—_n reestablish_v by_o law_n brief_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n 1_o sam._n chap._n 15._o 22._o behold_v to_o obey_v be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n confess_v suec_fw-la cap._n 14._o civilibus_fw-la legibus_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la pielate_fw-la non_fw-la pugnant_fw-la eo_fw-la cuique_fw-la christianus_n paret_fw-la promptiùs_fw-la quò_fw-la fide_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la imbutus_fw-la pleniùs_fw-la publish_a by_o order_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o evan_n tyler_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n 1662._o the_o case_n anent_o submission_n to_o the_o present_a church-government_n reestablish_v by_o law_n state_v and_o consider_v the_o exceed_a great_a bitterness_n of_o the_o continue_a and_o increase_a sad_a distraction_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o their_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n with_o charity_n and_o peace_n among_o themselves_o shall_v put_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o most_o serious_a thought_n in_o consider_v how_o far_o they_o may_v under_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o god_n without_o sin_n accommodate_v in_o follow_v unquestionable_a duty_n with_o and_o under_z the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o although_o as_o to_o a_o cordial_a allowance_n of_o the_o present_a change_n they_o can_v yet_o attain_v something_o remain_v whether_o of_o scruple_n or_o affection_n which_o make_v it_o unpleasing_a and_o their_o concurrence_n with_o it_o to_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o their_o spirit_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v find_v no_o manifest_a transgression_n in_o concur_v under_o the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o unquestionable_a duty_n they_o will_v wise_o put_v difference_n between_o gravamen_fw-la spiritus_fw-la and_o ligamen_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la something_o in_o the_o will_n that_o render_v they_o averse_a and_o the_o prevail_a clear_a light_n of_o a_o well-informed_n conscience_n to_o which_o how_o uneasy_a it_o be_v to_o attain_v in_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n they_o can_v tell_v who_o have_v true_o try_v it_o bind_v they_o up_o from_o concurrence_n as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o unlawful_a man_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o be_v zealous_a of_o his_o honour_n have_v need_n to_o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o their_o own_o zeal_n that_o it_o carry_v they_o not_o to_o the_o reject_v of_o a_o real_a duty_n which_o to_o their_o apprehension_n sit_v too_o near_o a_o sin_n minister_n who_o sober-mindedness_a do_v great_o become_v will_v look_v to_o it_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o grave_a divine_a upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o countryman_n praefervidum_fw-la scotorum_fw-la ingenium_fw-la do_v not_o too_o much_o touch_v they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o advert_v lest_o at_o this_o time_n too_o great_a animosity_n contribute_v to_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o woeful_a division_n to_o be_v entail_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v the_o evil_a whereof_o will_v preponder_v all_o the_o good_a that_o any_o one_o form_n of_o church-government_n can_v of_o itself_o produce_v viz._n the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o weaken_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o true_a protestant_n religion_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n thereof_o the_o destroy_n of_o true_a charity_n and_o love_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o hindrance_n of_o their_o profit_v under_o the_o several_a ministry_n they_o live_v under_o and_o the_o create_v continual_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o ordinary_a fruit_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o too_o lamentable_a experience_n whereof_o we_o carry_v the_o sad_a mark_n to_o this_o day_n have_v teach_v we_o 1._o that_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o brotherly_a accommodation_n and_o concurrence_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v undoubted_a duty_n albeit_o brethren_n be_v of_o different_a judgement_n anent_o the_o constitution_n of_o meeting_n or_o capacity_n of_o person_n that_o act_n in_o these_o duty_n grave_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v put_v it_o out_o of_o question_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o london_n accommodation_n be_v main_o labour_v for_o and_o far_o carry_v on_o between_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o that_o they_o may_v concur_v in_o common_a act_n for_o regulate_v the_o church_n with_o a_o reserve_n of_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o several_a principle_n the_o independent_o think_v the_o presbyterian_o have_v no_o judicial_a authority_n in_o these_o meeting_n the_o presbyterian_o though_o account_v this_o a_o error_n yet_o be_v willing_a in_o common_a unquestionable_a duty_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o also_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n as_o mr._n viner_n mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o account_v of_o un-preaching_a elder_n as_o of_o a_o humane_a device_n as_o now_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v account_v of_o by_o many_o brethren_n yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n without_o the_o intermixture_n of_o these_o yea_o of_o they_o double_v the_o number_n to_o preach_v presbyter_n in_o each_o meeting_n which_o give_v they_o a_o overswaying_a power_n in_o the_o government_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o unquestionable_a duty_n be_v it_o not_o also_o well_o know_v that_o among_o ourselves_o in_o this_o church_n brethren_n do_v ordinary_o concur_v in_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n in_o do_v their_o duty_n with_o these_o who_o they_o charge_v with_o a_o sinful_a schism_n a_o thing_n as_o much_o against_o the_o covenant_n as_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a for_o withdraw_a from_o the_o meeting_n of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n and_o when_o brethren_n thus_o charge_v do_v withdraw_v their_o concurrence_n in_o some_o duty_n by_o several_a passage_n in_o that_o paper_n entitle_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o state_n of_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n how_o that_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v construct_v of_o pag._n 21._o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o they_o homologate_v with_o the_o tenet_n and_o practice_n of_o separatism_n deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o concurrence_n in_o a_o lawful_a necessary_a duty_n because_o of_o the_o personal_a sin_n of_o fellow-actor_n in_o it_o and_o pag._n 28._o speak_v of_o their_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o judicatories_n as_o lawful_a because_o the_o man_n who_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v there_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o representer_n that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n that_o draw_v very_o deep_a for_o say_v he_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n they_o must_v not_o join_v with_o any_o inferior_a judicatories_n where_o they_o be_v nor_o in_o any_o lawful_a act_n of_o religion_n or_o worship_n more_o than_o in_o a_o assembly_n may_v not_o much_o of_o this_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a withdrawer_n from_o concurrence_n in_o necessary_a duty_n mutato_fw-la nomine_fw-la de_fw-la te_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o great_a disparity_n between_o those_o commissioner_n and_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v look_v on_o as_o new_a unwarrant_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o albeit_o there_o may_v be_v now_o reason_n for_o withdraw_v from_o meeting_n where_o they_o be_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o withdraw_v from_o assembly_n where_o these_o commissioner_n sit_v but_o not_o to_o divert_v to_o a_o dispute_n here_o whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v new_a or_o unwarrantable_a or_o less_o warrantable_a than_o the_o office_n of_o these_o commissioner_n which_o wise_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o very_a like_o episcopal_a there_o be_v herein_o a_o parity_n that_o as_o these_o now_o be_v judge_v so_o the_o other_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o excepter_n against_o they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o unlawful_o officiate_a as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o yet_o be_v these_o quarreller_n reprove_v for_o withdraw_a from_o the_o general_a assembly_n upon_o that_o account_n shall_v not_o that_o reproof_n be_v take_v home_o in_o the_o present_a case_n by_o such_o as_o withdraw_v from_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v divers_a weight_n and_o divers_a measure_n use_v in_o such_o parity_n of_o case_n again_o it_o be_v assert_v pag._n 37._o to_o be_v a_o divisive_a principle_n that_o man_n will_v not_o concur_v in_o lawful_a duty_n because_o these_o with_o who_o they_o join_v will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o their_o judgement_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n ibid._n they_o challenge_v they_o for_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o a_o uncontroverted_a duty_n because_o the_o direction_n to_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o assembly_n which_o they_o can_v not_o own_o it_o
maintain_v that_o the_o minister_n who_o of_o old_a take_v the_o canonical_a oath_n do_v not_o swear_v the_o contradictory_n thereto_o when_o they_o take_v the_o covenant_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v necessary_o that_o they_o who_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n do_v not_o contradict_v that_o oath_n if_o they_o shall_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v out_o a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o term_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o second_o article_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o cease_v whereof_o afterward_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o oath_n will_v be_v clear_a 3._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o reverened_a person_n entrust_v by_o law_n to_o call_v for_o that_o promise_n from_o minister_n do_v not_o search_v into_o man_n apprehension_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o power_n all_o they_o seek_v be_v obedience_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a as_o be_v present_o in_o power_n be_v by_o law_n ordinary_a overseer_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o chief_a ordainer_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n but_o it_o be_v say_v where_o obedience_n be_v promise_v there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o power_n office_n and_o authority_n because_o obedience_n formal_o can_v be_v but_o to_o a_o lawful_a authority_n therefore_o he_o that_o in_o his_o conscience_n think_v a_o bishop_n office_n unlawful_a can_v so_o much_o as_o promise_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a lest_o by_o his_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n he_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o establish_v that_o which_o he_o account_v unlawful_a but_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o obedience_n under_o a_o reduplication_n and_o as_o formal_o obedience_n they_o call_v for_o if_o it_o be_v obedience_n material_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o thing_n real_o lawful_a they_o be_v satisfy_v 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o that_o obedience_n as_o formal_o obedience_n be_v require_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v promise_v or_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v any_o lawful_a authority_n for_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n wherein_o they_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v superior_a to_o other_o minister_n and_o give_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o as_o church-minister_n their_o office_n and_o superiority_n be_v unlawful_a yet_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o king_n majesty_n commissioner_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a for_o regulate_v the_o external_a order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n and_o empower_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o to_o do_v they_o be_v also_o presbyter_n and_o have_v power_n with_o other_o in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o their_o power_n be_v not_o lawful_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o the_o strict_a presbyterian_o will_v not_o find_v ground_n to_o disow_v their_o office_n in_o that_o consideration_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n main_o which_o bear_v off_o brethren_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n and_o rank_n from_o submit_v to_o and_o concur_v in_o their_o duty_n under_o the_o present_a government_n 1._o their_o fear_n of_o future_a evil_n 2._o their_o present_a thought_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o their_o former_a engagement_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o conceive_v still_o bind_v they_o as_o to_o the_o first_o their_o fear_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o these_o to_o bear_v they_o off_o from_o that_o which_o for_o the_o present_a be_v find_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o evil_n fear_v shall_v come_v and_o brethren_n in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n not_o able_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o than_o suffering_n may_v be_v the_o more_o comfortable_a but_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o of_o ruler_n under_o he_o consider_v the_o temper_n of_o this_o nation_n may_v make_v all_o these_o fear_n vain_a and_o disappoint_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o be_v too_o thoughtful_a or_o to_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o fear_n before_o the_o time_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o brethren_n that_o bear_v off_o from_o concurrence_n if_o they_o do_v well_o in_o withdraw_v their_o counsel_n from_o their_o brethren_n and_o in_o do_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o and_o respect_n with_o person_n in_o present_a authority_n in_o regard_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v exceed_o instrumental_a to_o prevent_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v fear_v 2._o as_o to_o their_o thought_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n something_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o concurrence_n in_o unquestioned_a duty_n even_o upon_o that_o supposition_n something_a also_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o office_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o presbyter_n commissionated_a by_o the_o king_n for_o external_a order_n of_o church-affair_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n and_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o as_o in_o that_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o paper_n to_o dispute_v much_o for_o their_o church-capacity_n or_o rule_n over_o presbyter_n or_o anent_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o a_o order_n of_o church-minister_n only_o as_o to_o this_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v serious_o ponder_v by_o brethren_n 1._o where_o they_o be_v able_a to_o find_v in_o all_o christ_n testament_n any_o precept_n for_o mere_a presbyter_n preach_v and_o unpreach_v in_o a_o full_a equality_n of_o power_n to_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v ordination_n to_o minister_n to_o judge_v in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n ministerial_o and_o do_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o where_o they_o can_v find_v any_o example_n of_o such_o a_o presbytery_n do_v these_o act_n without_o some_o superior_a officer_n act_v with_o they_o or_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o act_n or_o where_o there_o be_v any_o inhibition_n either_o express_a or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o gospel-minist_a shall_v in_o any_o case_n have_v superiority_n in_o power_n over_o other_o in_o church-affair_n 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v if_o descend_v from_o the_o scripture_n time_n it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o writer_n who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o two_o or_o three_o age_n after_o christ_n or_o in_o any_o history_n or_o record_n relate_v to_o these_o time_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o after-age_n it_o can_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church-officer_n as_o a_o unpreach_a elder_n join_v in_o full_a equality_n of_o power_n with_o preaching-elders_a in_o act_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n from_o which_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n they_o can_v be_v exclude_v and_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n or_o power_n of_o any_o such_o person_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v from_o these_o writer_n find_v that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o ordination_n of_o minister_n or_o exercise_v of_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a by_o minister_n i._n e._n by_o mere_a preaching-presbyters_a without_o some_o one_o state_v precedent_n over_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o these_o action_n and_o without_o who_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o these_o shall_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o primitive_a church_n which_o follow_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n be_v most_o able_a to_o show_v we_o which_o way_n they_o go_v and_o what_o be_v their_o practice_n it_o be_v too_o horrid_a a_o thing_n to_o imagine_v and_o that_o which_o a_o modest_a christian_a can_v hardly_o down_o with_o that_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o châ—â—â—t_n shall_v agree_v to_o so_o substantial_a a_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o exclude_v one_o sâ—â—t_n of_o officer_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o to_o take_v in_o another_o not_o appoint_v by_o he_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v so_o early_o statim_fw-la post_fw-la tempora_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la aut_fw-la eorum_fw-la etiam_fw-la tempore_fw-la say_v molinaeus_n epist_n 3._o ad_fw-la episcop_n winton_n bishop_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o time_n when_o some_o of_o they_o especial_o john_n be_v live_v viventibus_fw-la videntibus_fw-la &_o non_fw-la
all_o thing_n that_o favour_v of_o popery_n yet_o in_o their_o confession_n there_o be_v nothing_o against_o bishop_n nor_o for_o a_o presbytery_n and_o act_n 24._o the_o former_a civil_a privilege_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o the_o realm_n be_v ratify_v according_o bishop_n do_v sit_v in_o that_o parliament_n also_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n they_o say_v not_o one_o policy_n or_o order_n can_v be_v for_o all_o church_n and_o all_o time_n but_o after_o the_o year_n 1580._o wherein_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v abrogate_a by_o the_o assembly_n albeit_o some_o provincial_a synod_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o out_v bishop_n and_o superintendent_o in_o these_o province_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o presbytery_n before_o the_o year_n 1586._o nor_o any_o of_o these_o judicatories_n legal_o establish_v before_o 1592._o and_o within_o eighteen_o year_n after_o that_o or_o twenty_o bishop_n be_v set_v up_o again_o by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1610._o and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1612._o and_o continue_v so_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o eight_o year_n till_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o so_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o see_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v no_o great_a stranger_n to_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n but_o have_v be_v long_o own_v than_o presbytery_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o modesty_n will_v require_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o condemn_v this_o reform_a church_n as_o have_v in_o those_o time_n own_v a_o government_n unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o when_o the_o different_a fruit_n of_o government_n by_o presbytery_n and_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v to_o our_o cost_n sad_o experience_v but_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o difficulty_n anent_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o be_v popular_o plead_v by_o such_o as_o do_v not_o penetrate_v into_o the_o controversy_n anent_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o point_n of_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n indeed_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o lawful_a covenant_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o tie_n that_o without_o contempt_n of_o the_o holy_a majesty_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v violate_v nor_o without_o great_a sin_n no_o creature_n can_v absolve_v we_o from_o it_o nor_o dispense_v with_o it_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o break_v it_o for_o any_o temporal_a advantage_n terror_n or_o trouble_n yet_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v lawful_a which_o be_v not_o prove_v it_o be_v sure_a 1._o that_o a_o lawful_a oath_n may_v cease_v to_o bind_v we_o so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o that_o which_o be_v under_o oath_n promise_v to_o be_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o perjury_n semper_fw-la perjurus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la intendit_fw-la quod_fw-la promittit_fw-la non_fw-la semper_fw-la perjurus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la perficit_fw-la quoth_v promisit_fw-la sub_fw-la juramento_fw-la say_v the_o casuist_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o lawful_a although_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v stricti_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o giver_n of_o it_o and_o as_o the_o plain_a word_n bear_v yet_o it_o bind_v not_o in_o the_o sense_n which_o any_o ignorant_a mind_n or_o over-scrupulous_a conscience_n may_v put_v upon_o it_o or_o that_o some_o person_n upon_o partial_a design_n may_v put_v upon_o it_o videndum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v casuist_n ne_fw-la stricta_fw-la interpretatio_fw-la abeat_fw-la in_o nimis_fw-la strictam_fw-la &_o rigidam_fw-la 3._o it_o be_v certain_a a_o unlawful_a oath_n do_v never_o nor_o do_v bind_v any_o conscience_n to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o though_o it_o bind_v to_o repentance_n for_o make_v of_o it_o and_o adhere_v to_o it_o in_o consider_v and_o apply_v these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o a_o oath_n howsoever_o in_o itself_o lawful_a yet_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o that_o by_o something_o follow_v after_o it_o the_o oath_n may_v cease_v to_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o perform_n of_o what_o be_v swear_v yea_o the_o case_n may_v be_v that_o a_o oath_n lawful_o make_v yet_o can_v be_v lawful_o keep_v it_o be_v sin_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o some_o case_n then_o and_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v not_o we_o that_o lose_v ourselves_o but_o god_n lose_v we_o when_o a_o oath_n lawful_a at_o the_o make_n can_v be_v keep_v without_o sin_n against_o he_o among_o other_o case_n wherein_o the_o cease_n of_o a_o obligation_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n may_v be_v see_v these_o three_o case_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v and_o serious_o be_v it_o to_o be_v ponder_v whether_o they_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o present_a question_n anent_o a_o discharge_n from_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o second_o article_n of_o it_o which_o be_v now_o under_o question_n 1._o if_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v such_o as_o a_o superior_a have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o determine_v of_o it_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o inferior_a or_o subject_a person_n cease_v to_o oblige_v he_o and_o be_v loose_v when_o the_o superior_a consent_v not_o to_o what_o he_o have_v swear_v this_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n because_o no_o deed_n of_o a_o person_n inferior_a or_o subject_a to_o other_o shall_v prejudge_v the_o right_n of_o the_o superior_a nor_o take_v from_o he_o any_o power_n allow_v to_o he_o by_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o also_o all_o sound_a divine_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o upon_o the_o common_a equity_n of_o that_o law_n numb_a 30._o 4._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o couâ—nant_n be_v not_o of_o indifferent_a nature_n but_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o superior_a on_o earth_n to_o determine_v in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o in_o all_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n where_o the_o cease_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o to_o the_o second_o article_n they_o be_v deal_v with_o who_o plead_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n only_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n do_v scruple_n as_o for_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o itself_o a_o little_a of_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o before_o and_o the_o trial_n of_o that_o be_v matter_n for_o long_a disquisisition_n and_o man_n will_v not_o be_v too_o peremptory_a in_o condemn_v episcopacy_n if_o they_o serious_o consider_v that_o the_o able_a pen_n that_o ever_o engage_v in_o this_o controversy_n have_v find_v it_o a_o task_n too_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a and_o if_o we_o ask_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a reform_a divine_n we_o shall_v find_v very_o few_o or_o none_o learned_a sober_a and_o faithful_a in_o the_o point_n who_o do_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n but_o in_o this_o point_n when_o these_o who_o allege_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n only_o for_o their_o scruple_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o abstract_n from_o that_o question_n whether_o presbytery_n be_v necessary_a by_o divine_a law_n and_o episcopacy_n in_o itself_o unlawful_a in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n suppose_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o indifferency_n of_o it_o we_o only_o inquire_v whether_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v against_o it_o if_o by_o god_n word_n it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o can_v be_v prove_v then_o whether_o there_o have_v be_v a_o covenant_n make_v against_o it_o or_o not_o it_o can_v be_v allow_v if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o superior_a have_v be_v obtain_v to_o that_o to_o which_o we_o have_v determine_v ourselves_o by_o our_o oath_n in_o the_o second_o article_n and_o therefore_o our_o oath_n before_o god_n be_v confirm_v and_o he_o have_v not_o power_n to_o revoke_v his_o consent_n according_a to_o that_o law_n numb_a 30._o 14._o it_o will_v be_v be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n mind_n in_o that_o â—aw_v that_o if_o child_n or_o wife_n have_v vow_v shall_v by_o some_o mean_n drive_v their_o parent_n or_o husband_n out_o of_o the_o house_n deprive_v they_o of_o all_o their_o worldly_a comfort_n and_o then_o when_o they_o have_v put_v they_o thus_o unduriful_o under_o sad_a tentation_n bargain_n with_o they_o either_o to_o ratify_v their_o vow_n or_o never_o to_o enjoy_v these_o comfort_n they_o have_v deprive_v they_o of_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n mind_n that_o consent_n so_o obtain_v shall_v be_v a_o irrevocable_a confirmation_n of_o their_o vow_n who_o have_v carry_v themselves_o so_o undutiful_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n for_o that_o and_o the_o application_n
at_o london_n then_o to_o profess_v in_o their_o paper_n they_o be_v not_o inâ—â—â—sâ—â—d_v to_o 〈…〉_z in_o their_o guilt_n when_o they_o know_v thâ—_n 〈◊〉_d will_v take_v their_o meaning_n to_o â—e_v of_o the_o king_n do_v difference_n in_o religion_n or_o in_o these_o inferior_a and_o low_a point_n about_o church-government_n lose_v a_o people_n from_o their_o duty_n in_o defend_v his_o person_n and_o obey_v his_o authority_n how_o may_v foreign_a prince_n who_o have_v protestant_n in_o their_o dominion_n take_v it_o if_o that_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o approve_a opinion_n among_o their_o protestant_n subject_n that_o their_o loyalty_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v to_o his_o be_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o they_o may_v either_o cease_v to_o defend_v he_o or_o inuâ—dâ—_v he_o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o those_o who_o own_v the_o western_a remonstrance_n do_v justify_v their_o seditious_a engagment_n and_o rent_a proceed_n which_o few_o of_o they_o have_v disclaim_v to_o this_o day_n upon_o then_o sense_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v say_v and_o that_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o publish_a declaration_n and_o testimony_n of_o church_n judicatory_n since_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o sâ—_n sure_o it_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n to_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n it_o hereof_o in_o the_o point_n of_o that_o respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n do_v own_o which_o have_v be_v stain_v by_o these_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o position_n and_o the_o undutiful_a practice_n slow_v from_o the_o same_o in_o these_o year_n past_a but_o to_o say_v no_o more_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n consider_v if_o in_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n the_o engager_n therein_o have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o 〈◊〉_d act_n unlawful_a that_o may_v render_v the_o covenant_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o sinful_a the_o act_n which_o in_o the_o second_o article_n now_o under_o question_n they_o have_v engage_v themselves_o in_o be_v the_o vote_v out_o of_o prelacy_n or_o the_o office_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o such_o office_n in_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n so_o they_o need_v not_o to_o swear_v extirpation_n of_o what_o be_v not_o there_o in_o england_n their_o church-government_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o land_n it_o may_v be_v question_v if_o the_o swear_v the_o extirpation_n or_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v the_o same_o without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o sovereign_a law_n giver_n of_o the_o land_n be_v a_o lawful_a act._n the_o question_n be_v not_o now_o whether_o episcopacy_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o but_o suppose_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o albeit_o in_o that_o case_n the_o lawgiver_n be_v indeed_o bind_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o to_o annul_v law_n favour_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o people_n to_o bandy_v for_o force_v or_o fright_v the_o law_n giver_n to_o a_o alteration_n of_o these_o law_n and_o to_o tie_v themselves_o to_o a_o mutual_a defence_n with_o life_n and_o fortune_n for_o overturning_a what_o the_o law_n allow_v agree_v the_o sovereign_n or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a meaning_n of_o the_o covenant_n artic._n 2_o 3_o 5._o if_o once_o that_o principle_n prevail_v that_o subject_n may_v when_o they_o apprehend_v law_n unlawful_a use_v forcible_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v alteration_n thereof_o what_o security_n can_v there_o be_v for_o the_o best_a print_n in_o maintain_v the_o best_a law_n or_o what_o peace_n for_o people_n when_o a_o evil_a spirit_n rush_v upon_o people_n or_o some_o sheba_n blow_v the_o trumpet_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v it_o be_v their_o place_n and_o calling_n be_v soldier_n and_o man_n at_o arm_n however_o call_v thereto_o to_o offer_v violence_n to_o magistrate_n and_o law_n even_o the_o best_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a some_o defender_n of_o the_o covenant_n say_v forcible_a endeavour_n be_v not_o mean_v compare_v second_o article_n and_o three_o that_o make_v mention_n of_o life_n and_o estate_n and_o relate_v to_o the_o former_a and_o the_o five_o article_n it_o be_v clear_o enough_o see_v violent_a endeavour_n be_v mean_v where_o less_o will_v not_o do_v and_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v manage_v in_o the_o field_n be_v not_o people_n upon_o account_n of_o that_o article_n hunt_v out_o either_o to_o kill_v or_o die_v and_o terrify_v with_o the_o charge_n of_o covenant-breaking_a if_o they_o go_v not_o do_v not_o people_n conceive_v themselves_o or_o be_v teach_v so_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o take_v arm_n without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o sovereign_a lawgiver_n and_o in_o that_o call_n they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v forcible_o consent_v the_o king_n or_o not_o to_o carry_v that_o abolition_n of_o prelacy_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o engage_a to_o such_o endeavour_n be_v lawful_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la or_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v a_o lawful_a bond_n that_o tie_v to_o such_o violent_a endeavour_n against_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o law_n be_v what_o they_o will_v be_v and_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v that_o if_o they_o who_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o no_o way_n to_o yield_v unto_o acknowledge_v obey_v nor_o act_v under_o the_o government_n which_o the_o king_n and_o law_n have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o by_o thus_o withdraw_v their_o subjection_n encourage_v and_o lead_v other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a after_o their_o example_n thereby_o design_v to_o weaken_v the_o government_n which_o in_o the_o fair_a construction_n can_v be_v judge_v to_o live_v peaceable_o if_o i_o say_v these_o will_v speak_v and_o act_v consequential_o to_o former_a principle_n and_o practice_n not_o yet_o by_o they_o disclaim_v they_o must_v also_o hold_v themselves_o by_o the_o same_o covenant_n oblige_v to_o resist_v and_o fight_v against_o the_o law_n fence_v episcopacy_n if_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o not_o only_o to_o vent_v their_o animosity_n and_o discontent_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o discourse_n in_o private_a but_o also_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o revile_v and_o curse_v that_o government_n and_o their_o superior_n commissionated_a by_o the_o king_n in_o prayer_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n in_o public_a and_o in_o effect_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o bring_v it_o and_o they_o under_o the_o scandal_n and_o odium_fw-la of_o the_o people_n and_o make_v they_o the_o butt_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o revenge_n let_v wise_a man_n judge_v how_o far_o this_o be_v from_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o lawful_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n supremacy_n yea_o and_o christianity_n and_o what_o a_o inlet_n this_o will_v give_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o rekindle_v that_o fire_n which_o have_v almost_o consume_v we_o to_o ash_n to_o close_v 1._o if_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o apostolic_a institution_n as_o many_o learned_a godly_a man_n judge_v and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v many_o swearer_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v ground_n of_o clear_a persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o band_v against_o without_o grievous_a sin_n and_o scandal_n 2._o if_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o only_o by_o humane_a constitution_n it_o will_v be_v consider_v what_o protestant_n write_v against_o papist_n that_o vow_n of_o perpetual_a abstinence_n in_o all_o case_n from_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v utter_o unlawful_a and_o let_v it_o be_v think_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o subject_n to_o bind_v up_o themselves_o by_o oath_n never_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n law_n in_o thing_n god_n have_v put_v under_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o power_n 3._o let_v episcopacy_n be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o any_o yet_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a for-subject_n to_o attempt_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n favour_v it_o by_o any_o force_n to_o be_v use_v on_o the_o lawgiver_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o proceed_n thereupon_o be_v answerable_a the_o lord_n give_v we_o humble_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n to_o see_v at_o last_o and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o sin_n and_o folly_n of_o those_o bond_n and_o combination_n against_o the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o his_o will_n express_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n which_o churchman_n above_o other_o subject_n shall_v pay_v to_o that_o supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n declare_v by_o the_o law_n to_o be_v a_o inherent_a right_n to_o the_o crown_n it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o we_o in_o this_o day_n of_o our_o tranquillity_n and_o calm_a which_o god_n have_v wrought_v to_o consider_v what_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n and_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n from_o which_o we_o have_v be_v too_o long_o transport_v by_o the_o tempestuous_a agitation_n and_o diverse_a wind_n of_o doctrine_n engagement_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o year_n past_a reason_n and_o scripture_n divine_a and_o natural_a law_n seem_v to_o point_v out_o as_o with_o a_o sunbeam_n the_o way_n we_o shall_v hold_v namely_o that_o for_o public_a security_n order_n and_o peace_n minister_n and_o people_n do_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o present_a establishment_n and_o obey_v every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n whether_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o those_o who_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n let_v it_o be_v far_o from_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n to_o head_n and_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o division_n and_o offence_n and_o by_o their_o carriage_n and_o way_n to_o dispose_v they_o into_o disaffection_n and_o discontent_n with_o the_o king_n and_o his_o law_n as_o if_o in_o the_o account_n of_o some_o whether_o of_o corrupt_a and_o weak_a mind_n he_o be_v a_o tyrant_n not_o a_o father_n to_o the_o church_n who_o make_v such_o law_n which_o his_o conscientious_a subject_n can_v obey_v for_o fear_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o this_o way_n of_o disobedience_n be_v persist_v in_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o evil_n will_v follow_v since_o it_o must_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n will_v in_o honour_n and_o justice_n maintain_v the_o law_n and_o how_o the_o whole_a nation_n may_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o a_o troublesome_a disquiet_a factious_a people_n delight_v still_o in_o sedition_n and_o turbulence_n it_o become_v we_o rather_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o to_o be_v pattern_n of_o love_n to_o and_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o king_n and_o country_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o show_v so_o much_o tenderness_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n order_n and_o unity_n as_o to_o put_v forth_o ourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o our_o station_n to_o promote_v all_o these_o which_o will_v prove_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o crush_a that_o spirit_n of_o athelsm_n and_o profaneness_n so_o much_o complain_v of_o by_o those_o who_o flee_v from_o the_o only_a remedy_n thereof_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o employ_v themselves_o so_o much_o in_o consider_v how_o to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n or_o cause_n they_o have_v espouse_v as_o how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v what_o they_o may_v without_o sin_n do_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o the_o law_n enjoin_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n direct_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 15._o line_n 6._o for_o other_o read_v oath_n pag._n 18._o line_n 2._o for_o sect_n read_v sort_n