the_o act_n of_o take_v the_o covenant_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o weaken_v or_o dissolve_v its_o bond_n let_v i_o therefore_o say_v sir_n to_o these_o who_o offer_v to_o your_o and_o my_o consideration_n their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n against_o take_v the_o covenant_n and_o scatter_v abroad_o paper_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o they_o manifest_v their_o malice_n and_o profane_a enmity_n against_o the_o covenant_n by_o subject_v it_o to_o vulgar_a scorn_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o nakedness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o nakedness_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o run_v away_o rail_v against_o the_o covenant_n as_o of_o no_o force_n or_o obligation_n as_o void_a and_o null_a on_o a_o mere_a petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la base-begging_a the_o question_n and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o what_o make_v the_o act_n of_o swear_v sinful_a make_v the_o oath_n void_a and_o suppose_v a_o weight_n which_o be_v very_o little_a in_o their_o exception_n to_o word_n method_n form_n order_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o impose_v it_o on_o the_o people_n which_o may_v have_v keep_v some_o man_n from_o swear_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v all_o that_o be_v swear_v if_o they_o will_v indeed_o batter_v the_o covenant_n they_o shall_v pierce_v into_o the_o body_n of_o it_o and_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o unlawful_a and_o then_o will_v i_o also_o shake_v off_o the_o covenant_n for_o ever_o till_o then_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a to_o my_o own_o enquiry_n in_o saint_n peter_n bond_n abide_v pag._n 13._o to_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o a_o tumultuous_a assembly_n come_v before_o we_o with_o sword_n and_o sceptre_n say_v they_o be_v a_o parliament_n and_o have_v lawful_a constant_a and_o complete_a authority_n and_o therefore_o will_v put_v a_o oath_n and_o covenant_n upon_o we_o and_o silly_a inconsiderate_a we_o be_v not_o so_o well-skilled_a in_o politic_n or_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o country_n to_o detect_v their_o fallacy_n but_o think_v all_o authority_n be_v within_o those_o wall_n and_o obedience_n must_v be_v yield_v to_o what_o be_v there_o command_v and_o so_o we_o be_v beguile_v into_o the_o oath_n nor_o be_v we_o so_o hardy_a as_o to_o endure_v their_o violence_n but_o by_o fear_n be_v force_v into_o the_o covenant_n be_v it_o therefore_o void_a for_o we_o have_v open_v our_o mouth_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v go_v back_o sectio_fw-la tertia_fw-la proposition_n 3._o the_o matter_n swear_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o pursue_v that_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o covenant_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o respect_n thereof_o it_o be_v partly_o assertory_n and_o partly_o promissory_a assertory_n in_o the_o preface_n of_o it_o viz._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n covenant_n the_o assertory_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n knight_n gentleman_n citizens_z 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 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 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 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 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 the_o people_n of_o god_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 though_o this_o preface_n may_v seem_v and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n on_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o swear_v the_o covenant_n by_o all_o that_o swear_v it_o we_o shall_v own_v it_o as_o a_o part_n thereof_o the_o covenant_n be_v further_a assertory_n in_o the_o conclusion_n viz._n and_o because_o these_o kingdom_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o provocation_n against_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o present_a distress_n and_o danger_n the_o fruit_n thereof_o we_o profess_v and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n our_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o kingdom_n especial_o that_o we_o have_v not_o as_o we_o ought_v value_v the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o have_v not_o labour_v for_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n thereof_o and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o receive_v christ_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o in_o our_o life_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o other_o sin_n and_o transgression_n so_o much_o abound_v among_o we_o and_o our_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a purpose_n desire_v and_o endeavour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o under_o our_o power_n and_o charge_n both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a in_o all_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o each_o one_o to_o go_v before_o another_o in_o a_o real_a reformation_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a indignation_n and_o establish_v these_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o covenant_n we_o make_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n with_o a_o true_a intention_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o shall_v answer_v at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o strengthen_v we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o this_o end_n and_o to_o bless_v our_o desire_n and_o proceed_n with_o such_o success_n as_o may_v be_v deliverance_n and_o safety_n to_o his_o people_n and_o encouragement_n to_o other_o christian_a church_n groan_v under_o or_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o yoke_n of_o anti-christian_n tyranny_n to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_a association_n and_o covenant_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n the_o covenant_n be_v promissory_a in_o the_o six_o article_n thereof_o concern_v the_o assertory_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o must_v be_v note_v that_o although_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v unlawful_a because_o untrue_a in_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n pretend_o induce_n to_o it_o and_o so_o hypocritical_a and_o fallacious_a in_o the_o humility_n zeal_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o conclusion_n protest_v whereby_o the_o taker_n in_o deceive_v other_o may_v have_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o that_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o jealousy_n who_o have_v be_v call_v as_o a_o witness_n of_o such_o wickedness_n promise_n falsehood_n in_o the_o preface_n bar_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o this_o fallacy_n will_v not_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o a_o oath_n bind_v according_a to_o expression_n not_o the_o taker_n reserve_v intention_n and_o therefore_o grotius_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n in_o his_o assertory_n oath_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d swear_v false_o this_o will_v be_v no_o warrant_n for_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o not_o
covenant_n contain_v exception_n to_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n real_o and_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n endeavour_n in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n the_o preservation_n of_o 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 the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o lord_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o ii_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n that_o be_v church-government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n their_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n archdeacon_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hierarchy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n lest_o we_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n iii_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n reality_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o several_a vocation_n endeavour_n 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 iv_o we_o shall_v also_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n endeaurr_v the_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v 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 judicatories_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 v._o 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 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 vi_o 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 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_n 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 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 when_o i_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o these_o several_a promise_n to_o have_v be_v propound_v by_o a_o parliament_n on_o advice_n have_v with_o a_o assembly_n of_o grave_a learned_a and_o judition_n divine_n who_o be_v to_o discover_v sin_n and_o make_v man_n to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a i_o can_v but_o retain_v a_o strong_a conjecture_n that_o it_o be_v all_o good_a and_o lawful_a and_o when_o i_o consider_v his_o late_a majesty_n dissatisfaction_n express_v in_o his_o contemplation_n to_o be_v more_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n than_o the_o matter_n my_o conjecture_n be_v much_o confirm_v and_o when_o i_o observe_v his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n at_o his_o late_a coronation_n to_o have_v by_o solemn_a oath_n testify_v his_o allowance_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o by_o his_o royal_a declaration_n from_o dumfirmling_n to_o have_v profess_v that_o on_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o every_o the_o article_n thereof_o himself_o have_v swear_v it_o and_o conjure_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o opposition_n to_o it_o loyalty_n lead_v my_o conjecture_n unto_o a_o conclusion_n for_o such_o serious_a scrutiny_n by_o so_o sage_a and_o conscientious_a person_n and_o that_o under_o the_o afflict_a hand_n of_o that_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v can_v not_o but_o have_v describe_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o it_o be_v find_v but_o when_o i_o weigh_v the_o particular_n promise_v and_o find_v they_o to_o be_v the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o reformation_n wherein_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o removal_n of_o what_o be_v thereunto_o obstructive_a as_o to_o the_o religious_a part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o people_n liberty_n and_o nation_n unity_n and_o removal_n of_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o as_o to_o the_o civil_a part_n of_o it_o my_o conclusion_n be_v establish_v and_o i_o find_v it_o so_o far_o from_o unlawful_a that_o it_o bind_v we_o not_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v not_o on_o we_o a_o positive_a duty_n though_o not_o bind_v by_o this_o most_o sacred_a bond_n and_o so_o far_o be_v this_o covenant_n from_o a_o repugnancy_n to_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n as_o our_o dr._n have_v suggest_v in_o his_o 12._o his_o page_n 12._o analysis_n that_o as_o i_o have_v in_o my_o 22._o my_o page_n 22._o analepsis_n note_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o three_o head_n of_o our_o baptismal_a promise_n teach_v by_o our_o church_n for_o if_o i_o must_v believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n i_o must_v preserve_v sound_a doctrine_n and_o reform_v to_o my_o power_n what_o be_v corrupt_a if_o i_o must_v keep_v god_n commandment_n i_o must_v pursue_v pure_a worship_n and_o religion_n towards_o god_n and_o loyalty_n love_n and_o unity_n towards_o man_n and_o if_o i_o must_v renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n i_o must_v extirpate_v popery_n and_o papal_a prelacy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n will_v all_o incendiary_n and_o evil_a instrument_n hinderer_n of_o reformation_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v pray_v dr._n gauden_n will_v show_v we_o wherein_o this_o covenant_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a from_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o baptism_n yet_o i_o shall_v consider_v once_o more_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o those_o rule_n which_o resolve_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n unlawful_a and_o if_o it_o be_v therein_o chargeable_a i_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o holy_a bond._n a_o oath_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o determine_v unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o about_o trifle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o profane_v of_o a_o oath_n yet_o will_v
oxford_z reasins_z exception_n to_o the_o 3d._a article_n of_o the_o covenant_n sectio_fw-la quinta_fw-la p._n 12_o 13_o 14._o only_o they_o stumble_v at_o those_o word_n relate_v to_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o 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 which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o limitation_n of_o our_o absolute_a duty_n by_o a_o condition_n not_o allowable_a though_o some_o endeavour_n to_o justify_v these_o word_n as_o a_o condition_n put_v upon_o our_o duty_n by_o the_o power_n of_o parliament_n who_o may_v limit_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o extend_v it_o and_o think_v it_o will_v abide_v a_o dispute_n i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o opinion_n for_o i_o do_v profess_v myself_o convince_v that_o our_o allegiance_n and_o so_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n be_v a_o absolute_a duty_n found_v in_o the_o relation_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o quality_n piety_n or_o impiety_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o his_o duty_n but_o not_o on_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o subj_n ct_v duty_n both_o king_n and_o people_n owe_v a_o reciprocal_a duty_n each_o to_o other_o and_o be_v bind_v to_o god_n to_o perform_v it_o but_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o one_o be_v no_o limit_v condition_n to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o contest_v for_o the_o covenant_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o king_n which_o not_o only_o i_o but_o other_o minister_n have_v undergo_v in_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o late_a sinful_a engagement_n engagement_n vid._n the_o exercitation_n concern_v usurp_v power_n vindication_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n by_o the_o same_o author_n lancashire_n and_o cheshire_n plea_n for_o non-subscribers_a to_o the_o late_a engagement_n these_o word_n have_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v a_o predication_n of_o the_o capacity_n in_o which_o the_o kingdom_n parliament_n and_o people_n then_o be_v under_o the_o opposition_n of_o malignant_n who_o divide_v the_o king_n from_o the_o people_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o be_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 shall_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n i_o wish_v therefore_o that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o word_n fall_v into_o a_o plain_a parenthesis_n and_o the_o sentence_n be_v entire_a without_o they_o and_o they_o be_v fix_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o relate_v unto_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o well_o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n and_o yet_o these_o can_v be_v limit_v and_o this_o sense_n be_v not_o only_a consonant_n to_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o parliament_n in_o their_o then_o proceed_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o this_o very_a article_n which_o close_v with_o a_o most_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n to_o diminish_v his_o majesty_n just_a power_n and_o greatness_n and_o i_o hope_v these_o serious_a casuist_n will_v grant_v that_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o oath_n seem_o doubtful_a may_v they_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o good_a and_o just_a sense_n and_o then_o their_o exception_n to_o such_o a_o limitation_n in_o the_o covenant_n do_v vanish_v with_o the_o hypothesis_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v and_o infer_v unto_o the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n these_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n do_v suggest_v something_o in_o politic_n which_o sound_v as_o strange_o in_o my_o ear_n as_o their_o past_a divinity_n indeed_o they_o determine_v it_o not_o but_o only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o whether_o this_o article_n lie_v not_o a_o necessity_n on_o the_o son_n to_o accuse_v his_o father_n and_o pursue_v he_o to_o destruction_n in_o case_n he_o shall_v be_v a_o incendiary_n malignant_a or_o evil_a instrument_n as_o be_v in_o this_o article_n describe_v which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o religion_n nature_n and_o humanity_n 2._o whether_o the_o swear_v this_o article_n do_v not_o open_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o child_n and_o husband_n that_o be_v sick_a of_o their_o father_n and_o w_z ve_z by_o appeach_v they_o of_o malignancy_n the_o letter_n to_o effectuate_v their_o unlawful_a intention_n and_o design_n to_o these_o i_o shall_v have_v only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o whether_o all_o penal_a statute_n in_o point_n of_o treason_n and_o felony_n open_v not_o as_o ready_a a_o way_n for_o child_n and_o husband_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o their_o father_n and_o wife_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o concealment_n be_v not_o a_o very_a fair_a apology_n for_o the_o same_o be_v they_o therefore_o contrary_a to_o religion_n nature_n and_o humanity_n have_v they_o never_o hear_v of_o such_o wickedness_n know_v they_o not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o fence_n against_o malicious_a accusation_n mischievous_o manage_v must_v therefore_o these_o statute_n be_v void_v as_o wicked_a and_o the_o like_v be_v prevent_v for_o time_n to_o come_v 2._o do_v not_o these_o learned_a man_n take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o therein_o swear_v that_o they_o will_v to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o endeavour_n disclose_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o his_o majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n all_o treason_n and_o traitorous_a conspiracy_n which_o they_o shall_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o to_o be_v against_o he_o or_o any_o of_o they_o may_v natural_a affection_n interdict_v this_o duty_n or_o be_v natural_a relation_n exempt_v from_o this_o discovery_n may_v not_o mischievous_a man_n find_v open_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o appeal_v such_o as_o stand_v between_o they_o and_o their_o desire_n or_o do_v these_o gentleman_n learning_n and_o loyalty_n lead_v they_o to_o conclude_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n be_v against_o religion_n nature_n and_o humanity_n 3._o may_v one_o time_n make_v contrary_a to_o religion_n nature_n and_o humanity_n that_o kind_n of_o promise_n which_o at_o another_o time_n may_v be_v consistent_a therewithal_o these_o gentleman_n plead_v the_o protestation_n of_o the_o 5_o of_o may_n 1641._o as_o a_o bar_n to_o the_o swear_v this_o covenant_n and_o tell_v we_o often_o they_o swear_v that_o and_o therein_o they_o swear_v in_o this_o form_n of_o word_n to_o my_o power_n and_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o i_o may_v i_o will_v oppose_v and_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v to_o condign_a punishment_n all_o such_o as_o shall_v either_o by_o force_n practice_n counsel_n or_o conspiracy_n or_o otherwise_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o present_a protestation_n contain_v will_v they_o please_v to_o tell_v we_o whether_o these_o word_n be_v not_o as_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o four_o as_o the_o foregoing_a promise_n of_o this_o protestation_n be_v unto_o the_o first_o article_n of_o this_o covenant_n or_o do_v not_o this_o protestation_n lie_v as_o great_a necessity_n and_o give_v as_o fair_a a_o occasion_n for_o the_o son_n to_o accuse_v the_o father_n and_o pursue_v he_o to_o destruction_n and_o so_o appear_v as_o much_o against_o religion_n nature_n and_o humanity_n as_o do_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n 4._o i_o shall_v have_v pray_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o learned_a man_n on_o that_o law_n prescribe_v by_o moses_n to_o israel_n in_o deut._n 13.6_o 7._o 8_o 9_o 10._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 secret_o say_v let_v we_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v not_o consent_v unto_o he_o nor_o hearken_v unto_o he_o neither_o shall_v thy_o eye_n pity_v he_o neither_o shall_v thou_o spare_v neither_o shall_v thou_o conceal_v he_o but_o thou_o shall_v sure_o kill_v he_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 and_o afterward_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o israel_n shall_v hear_v and_o fear_n and_o shall_v do_v no_o mere_a so_o wicked_o do_v not_o this_o law_n bind_v to_o the_o same_o act_n give_v the_o same_o occasion_n lie_v the_o same_o necessity_n which_o be_v lay_v by_o this_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o religion_n nature_n and_o humanity_n do_v these_o gentleman_n think_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o this_o notion_n of_o policy_n or_o if_o they_o suggest_v this_o exception_n
church_n the_o very_a transcription_n of_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n who_o can_v read_v it_o and_o not_o run_v and_o read_v a_o most_o malicious_a heart_n vent_v itself_o by_o a_o most_o weak_a head_n sound_v not_o this_o argument_n like_o dr._n featley_n sure_o his_o executor_n think_v his_o name_n enough_o to_o make_v acceptable_a the_o dull_a notion_n can_v drop_v from_o his_o own_o brain_n i_o shall_v desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o no_o particular_a gesture_n be_v necessary_a and_o appoint_v of_o god_n to_o be_v use_v by_o man_n in_o make_v oath_n and_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o man_n have_v choose_v what_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n to_o they_o seem_v good_a to_o declare_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n the_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o hallow_v of_o the_o thigh_n our_o country_n ordinary_o use_v the_o lay_v the_o hand_n on_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v the_o book_n but_o other_o country_n the_o hold_v up_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n may_v not_o the_o magistrate_n prescribe_v a_o oath_n prescribe_v what_o gesture_n seem_v he_o good_a they_o must_v needs_o be_v eager_a bent_n who_o will_v fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 2._o be_v the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n a_o gesture_n peculiar_a to_o a_o angel_n only_o use_v in_o menace_v and_o when_o he_o stand_v on_o sea_n and_o land_n at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v this_o man_n never_o read_v nor_o hear_v it_o use_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o on_o other_o occasion_n or_o be_v it_o the_o vehemency_n or_o verity_n of_o the_o threaten_a and_o doom_n denounce_v which_o be_v witness_v by_o it_o what_o think_v he_o of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 14.22_o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o god_n i_o will_v not_o take_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v thou_o he_o be_v no_o angel_n nor_o threaten_v any_o judgement_n nor_o do_v he_o stand_v on_o sea_n and_o land_n at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o what_o think_v he_o of_o ezek._n 20.5_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n god_n be_v not_o a_o angel_n nor_o then_o menace_v any_o fatal_a doom_n but_o promise_v the_o great_a blessing_n which_o israel_n can_v enjoy_v if_o he_o have_v please_v to_o consult_v any_o expositor_n on_o these_o or_o the_o like_a text_n he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o hand_n be_v the_o usual_a gesture_n in_o swear_v any_o oath_n and_o covenant_n he_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v the_o covenanter_n be_v in_o a_o hard_a strait_a to_o find_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o gesture_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o fly_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n 3._o have_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n no_o ground_n or_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o he_o here_o sugge_v viz._n the_o preservation_n of_o two_o nation_n have_v this_o no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n do_v he_o never_o read_v therein_o of_o two_o nation_n join_v in_o one_o covenant_n for_o the_o good_a one_o of_o another_o but_o further_a have_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n and_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n be_v there_o no_o historical_a relation_n of_o covenant_n of_o this_o matter_n have_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n honour_n and_o happiness_n no_o ground_n or_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n have_v unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o these_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n can_v any_o thing_n but_o horrid_a impudence_n say_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o bible_n for_o this_o covenant_n have_v no_o ground_n or_o foundation_n in_o that_o book_n this_o author_n may_v have_v well_o forbear_v this_o charge_n who_o himself_o concede_v that_o punctilio_fw-la in_o the_o manner_n of_o make_v this_o covenant_n which_o many_o and_o himself_o will_v deny_v to_o have_v ground_n in_o scripture_n viz._n the_o make_v it_o without_o the_o king_n consent_n for_o he_o grant_v that_o a_o covenant_n to_o remove_v a_o scandal_n 20._o league_n illegal_a p._n 20._o and_o fulfil_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n if_o this_o covenant_n fall_v not_o under_o one_o of_o these_o nay_o both_o these_o qualification_n i_o have_v lose_v my_o reason_n 4._o with_o what_o face_n can_v this_o fury_n say_v the_o purport_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o lift_n up_o of_o their_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o his_o church_n whilst_o its_o profess_a inscription_n be_v a_o solemn_z league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n answerable_a whereunto_o be_v the_o ground_n induce_v to_o make_v it_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n 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 according_o promise_v the_o preservation_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o conscience_n 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 whatever_o may_v have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o wicked_a man_n who_o swear_v this_o covenant_n it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n honour_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v be_v the_o purport_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o the_o violent_a rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n before_o the_o horrid_a violence_n do_v unto_o his_o late_a majesty_n be_v a_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o protest_v of_o the_o covenant_v seclude_v member_n of_o parliament_n and_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o london_n against_o those_o perjurious_a proceed_n as_o likewise_o the_o public_a testimony_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o county_n in_o england_n do_v declare_v it_o and_o the_o divastation_n and_o captivity_n of_o scotland_n the_o sequestration_n imprisonment_n and_o death_n of_o many_o in_o england_n and_o contest_v with_o all_o zeal_n faithfulness_n and_o constancy_n against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n unto_o the_o very_a effect_n of_o the_o happy_a return_n of_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o that_o in_o conscience_n of_o this_o very_a covenant_n do_v loud_o sound_v it_o through_o the_o world_n if_o the_o same_o malice_n do_v not_o deafen_v the_o ear_n in_o hear_v the_o comment_n that_o darken_v the_o eye_n in_o read_v the_o text._n now_o sir_n i_o must_v tell_v he_o the_o lifting_z up_o of_o the_o hand_n may_v be_v a_o most_o proper_a gesture_n to_o the_o take_n of_o this_o covenant_n not_o only_o as_o a_o gesture_n usual_a in_o swear_v and_o expedient_a because_o expeditious_a in_o a_o oath_n universal_o swear_v by_o whole_a assembly_n but_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o special_a suit_n and_o earnest_a supplication_n for_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n lam._n 2.19_o of_o solemn_a adoration_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n praise_v his_o goodness_n that_o have_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o people_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o covenant_n neh._n 8.6_o or_o of_o joy_n and_o alacrity_n in_o so_o sacred_a a_o bond_n unto_o such_o absolute_a duty_n tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o safety_n of_o true_a religion_n ps_n 119.48_o and_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v a_o gesture_n no_o less_o suitable_a to_o man_n than_o angel_n and_o the_o stand_n on_o earth_n not_o sea_n and_o earth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n perform_v a_o duty_n and_o promise_a thing_n require_v in_o scripture_n and_o pray_v mercy_n and_o blessing_n not_o menace_v a_o fatal_a doom_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o imprecate_v god_n direful_a judgement_n to_o fall_v on_o the_o head_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v violate_v this_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v accomplish_v on_o such_o as_o slight_v its_o obligation_n in_o the_o civil_a part_n thereof_o and_o i_o can_v but_o tremble_v to_o think_v what_o must_v needs_o attend_v such_o as_o not_o only_o slight_a but_o set_v against_o and_o violent_o break_v through_o these_o holy_a bond_n in_o that_o part_n which_o immediate_o concern_v god_n and_o true_a religion_n whilst_o we_o see_v the_o
discharge_v of_o these_o then_o particular_o and_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o of_o the_o first_o of_o they_o sectio_fw-la prima_fw-la proposition_n the_o assert_v of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o its_o oblige_a force_n be_v a_o duty_n indispensable_o incumbent_a on_o every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n but_o especial_o on_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o we_o consider_v this_o proposition_n and_o frame_v this_o link_n of_o our_o chain_n we_o must_v take_v the_o covenant_n in_o its_o abstract_a form_n as_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a compact_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n in_o which_o god_n be_v witness_n or_o party_n or_o both_o and_o at_o present_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v true_a just_a and_o lawful_a which_o yet_o will_v hereafter_o in_o its_o appoint_a place_n be_v discuss_v and_o as_o such_o i_o say_v the_o assert_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o oblige_a force_n unto_o the_o exact_v of_o performance_n and_o rebuke_v of_o negative_a or_o positive_a breach_n of_o it_o in_o not_o do_v or_o in_o do_v contrary_a to_o what_o be_v covenant_v be_v a_o duty_n indispensable_o incumbent_a on_o all_o man_n in_o their_o place_n viz._n in_o their_o public_a or_o private_a capacity_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o express_v themselves_o and_o expect_v other_o to_o be_v act_v as_o man_n and_o christian_n by_o the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n whereunto_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o they_o bound_v themselves_o each_o to_o other_o or_o joint_o to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o divine_a counsel_n must_v be_v their_o compass_n to_o guide_v their_o course_n past_a danger_n and_o destruction_n conform_v hereunto_o be_v the_o commendable_a carriage_n of_o gyth_n the_o young_a brother_n but_o faithful_a counsellor_n to_o harold_n king_n of_o england_n who_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n between_o he_o and_o william_n conqueror_n give_v the_o king_n this_o warning_n 150._o cambd._n brit_n p._n 149_o 150._o in_o case_n you_o have_v make_v promise_n to_o william_n of_o the_o kingdom_n withdraw_v thy_o person_n out_o of_o the_o battle_n for_o sure_o all_o thy_o force_n shall_v not_o secure_v thou_o against_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n who_o will_v require_v punishment_n for_o breach_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_n every_o man_n be_v in_o charity_n bind_v to_o be_v a_o angel_n to_o a_o unmindful_a jacob_n in_o point_n of_o his_o vow_n to_o god_n and_o monitor_n to_o his_o backslide_n brother_n but_o it_o especial_o belong_v to_o gospel-minister_n who_o be_v god_n watchman_n against_o sin_n and_o his_o people_n remembrancer_n unto_o duty_n be_v not_o only_o by_o common_a charity_n but_o also_o by_o special_a office_n bind_v to_o give_v warning_n against_o approach_v evil_a contract_a guilt_n and_o impend_a judgement_n of_o god_n 9_o ezek._n 3.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 33.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o that_o as_o they_o will_v acquit_v themselves_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o immortal_a soul_n who_o slip_v into_o and_o perish_v by_o their_o sin_n on_o this_o account_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o his_o prophet_n with_o a_o say_v unto_o they_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v give_v the_o man_n which_o have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n which_o have_v not_o perform_v my_o covenant_n even_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o zedekiah_n the_o king_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n jer._n 34.18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v contentious_a or_o danger_n of_o be_v cast_v into_o prison_n as_o seditious_a and_o lose_v all_o their_o comfort_n must_v not_o deter_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n from_o come_v to_o the_o king_n and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v he_o break_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v deliver_v shall_v he_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o prosper_v and_o escape_v ezek._n 17.15_o for_o in_o case_n of_o silence_n the_o sin_n will_v be_v on_o their_o head_n and_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n will_v cry_v out_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n so_o common_a and_o clear_a god_n the_o duty_n urge_v from_o piety_n towards_o god_n that_o none_o profess_v reason_n or_o religion_n dare_v deny_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o such_o legible_a character_n that_o all_o may_v run_v and_o read_v it_o viz._n the_o covenant_n be_v a_o oath_n the_o high_a appeal_n to_o god_n who_o must_v not_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v or_o make_v a_o witness_n to_o his_o own_o dishonour_n but_o will_v punish_v the_o breach_n thereof_o as_o a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n must_v with_o all_o zeal_n exact_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n dependent_a on_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o worship_n remember_v god_n have_v strict_o charge_v that_o if_o a_o man_n vow_v a_o vow_n and_o bind_v his_o soul_n he_o shall_v not_o break_v his_o word_n he_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n number_n 30.2_o so_o that_o in_o piety_n to_o god_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v keep_v and_o its_o obligation_n be_v assert_v loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n be_v no_o little_a swasive_a to_o this_o duty_n king_n 2._o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n for_o that_o lead_v to_o all_o fidelity_n in_o discharge_v and_o prevention_n of_o every_o thing_n destructive_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o his_o majesty_n perjury_n most_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v abominable_a in_o any_o and_o most_o conspicuous_a in_o a_o prince_n who_o can_v without_o dread_n remember_v the_o fierceness_n of_o god_n fury_n against_o zedekiah_n for_o break_v the_o oath_n into_o which_o he_o be_v force_v by_o the_o straight_a siege_n or_o observe_v the_o odium_n that_o abide_v on_o albert_n the_o emperor_n almerick_n king_n of_o jerusalem_n vladislaus_n king_n of_o hungary_n and_o the_o christian-prince_n for_o break_v their_o covenant_n with_o the_o turk_n and_o the_o obloquy_n indelible_a which_o lie_v on_o eugenius_n and_o silvester_n pope_n and_o julian_n cardinal_n of_o s._n angelo_n and_o the_o order_n of_o templar_n for_o abet_v and_o advise_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n urge_v against_o our_o covenant_n the_o breach_n thereof_o can_v any_o true_a englishman_n and_o liege_n subject_a without_o horror_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o perjury_n of_o king_n harold_n which_o let_v in_o william_n conqueror_n to_o our_o land_n and_o how_o king_n john_n be_v make_v odious_a and_o desert_v by_o this_o outcry_n withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o a_o perjure_a king_n and_o not_o in_o sense_n thereof_o be_v stir_v up_o with_o zeal_n to_o assert_v the_o covenant_n which_o break_v will_v load_v with_o shame_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o displeasure_n of_o that_o god_n who_o can_v destroy_v both_o we_o and_o our_o king_n so_o happy_o restore_v to_o each_o other_o true_a loyalty_n be_v no_o less_o studious_a to_o establish_v the_o king_n throne_n in_o righteousness_n than_o obsequious_a to_o the_o royal_a expression_n of_o his_o pleasure_n yet_o to_o such_o as_o centre_n loyalty_n in_o the_o last_o i_o will_v advise_v that_o they_o will_v serious_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o his_o late_a majesty_n of_o honourable_a memory_n for_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o oath_n be_v act_v by_o the_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o interdict_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o its_o oblige_a force_n when_o take_v than_o to_o attempt_v the_o discharge_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o solitude_n he_o advise_v his_o subject_n unto_o the_o keep_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a way_n covenant_n the_o contemplation_n on_o the_o covenant_n as_o think_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o many_o the_o taker_n intention_n be_v to_o preserve_v religion_n in_o purity_n and_o the_o kingdom_n in_o peace_n and_o as_o one_o under_o the_o awe_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n charge_v his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n that_o now_o be_v that_o if_o god_n bring_v he_o to_o his_o own_o on_o hard_a cordition_n he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o shall_v promise_v and_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n as_o a_o most_o obedient_a son_n to_o a_o father_n so_o pious_o prudent_a have_v himself_o swear_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o in_o all_o his_o dominion_n by_o his_o royal_a declaration_n of_o august_n 16._o 1650._o from_o dumfirmling_n profess_v himself_o deep_o humble_v for_o his_o father_n opposition_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o on_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o the_o article_n thereof_o he_o have_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o solemn_a leagne_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o that_o he_o be_v full_o resolve_v
very_a manner_n of_o make_v this_o covenant_n be_v no_o less_o justifiable_a than_o the_o matter_n therein_o swear_v and_o be_v serious_o consider_v will_v not_o avail_v to_o reproach_n much_o less_o to_o discharge_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n sectio_fw-la quinta_fw-la five_o prop._n the_o ambiguity_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v imagine_v not_o real_a so_o sacred_a be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o so_o strict_a the_o obligation_n thereof_o that_o i_o free_o confess_v simplicity_n of_o expression_n and_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n shall_v continual_o attend_v it_o and_o ambiguous_a or_o contradictory_n term_n do_v destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o deceive_v man_n and_o blaspheme_v god_n in_o make_v he_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o fallacy_n yet_o these_o ambiguity_n and_o contradiction_n must_v be_v real_a and_o in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o in_o the_o fancy_n or_o imagination_n of_o such_o as_o in_o prejudice_n do_v decline_v the_o oath_n nor_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v bind_v for_o if_o the_o word_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a in_o their_o proper_a signification_n or_o vulgar_a acceptation_n the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o confederate_n or_o the_o due_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o oath_n the_o oath_n oblige_v 195._o de_fw-fr juram_fw-la prael_n 6._o sect._n 22.11_o p._n 173_o 195._o and_o must_v be_v careful_o observe_v as_o dr_n sanderson_n grotius_n and_o many_o other_o in_o this_o case_n do_v teach_v some_o there_o be_v who_o charge_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n with_o ambiguity_n and_o contradiction_n in_o its_o term_n and_o therefore_o have_v decline_v to_o swear_v it_o these_o have_v have_v a_o care_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n i_o can_v but_o commend_v confess_v that_o whilst_o they_o but_o seem_v such_o to_o their_o imagination_n they_o may_v well_o be_v a_o remora_fw-la to_o their_o act_n of_o swear_v and_o spur_n unto_o the_o study_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v swear_v but_o other_o plead_v they_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o make_v void_a the_o oath_n and_o such_o have_v need_n to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o understand_v the_o term_n in_o a_o sound_a sense_n and_o make_v they_o to_o agree_v among_o themselves_o lest_o they_o be_v find_v student_n unto_o perjury_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o last_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o seem_v to_o the_o one_o and_o be_v since_o allege_v by_o the_o other_o to_o be_v ambiguous_a and_o contradictory_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v justify_v and_o the_o other_o acquit_v if_o find_v real_a or_o both_o condemn_v if_o find_v imagine_v 27._o 1._o ambiguity_n oxford_z reasins_z sect._n 6_o p._n 17._o league_n illegal_a p._n 27._o the_o ambiguity_n that_o be_v urge_v be_v these_o 1._o those_o word_n in_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o common_a enemy_n the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n do_v charge_n with_o ambiguity_n but_o assign_v no_o cause_n or_o reason_n for_o the_o same_o and_o dr._n featley_n his_o ghost_n follow_v their_o exception_n enquire_v whether_o by_o common_a enemy_n be_v mean_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n enemy_n to_o all_o true_a religion_n or_o papist_n and_o independent_o enemy_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o scotch_a church_n unto_o this_o exception_n sir_n i_o answer_v the_o word_n common_a enemy_n be_v word_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o signification_n plain_a and_o clear_a to_o be_v understand_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v darken_v by_o any_o variety_n of_o acceptation_n they_o be_v indeed_o relative_a term_n to_o be_v specify_v or_o particular_o assign_v by_o their_o object_n thing_n or_o person_n so_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n or_o professor_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v annex_v to_o common_a enemy_n as_o object_n of_o that_o enmity_n do_v make_v its_o sense_n plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o every_o capacity_n if_o then_o common_a enemy_n have_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o object_n assign_v it_o may_v have_v be_v a_o individuum_fw-la vagum_fw-la and_o so_o ambiguous_a as_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v so_o general_a for_o they_o be_v limit_v with_o this_o possessive_a our_o the_o word_n run_v thus_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n of_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 this_o relative_n our_o do_v limit_n and_o explain_v common_a enemy_n and_o if_o they_o will_v consider_v the_o antecedent_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizens_z burgess_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n etc._n etc._n live_v under_o one_o king_n be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n etc._n etc._n and_o man_n describe_v by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a quality_n and_o in_o special_a by_o one_o that_o be_v full_o exegetical_a to_o these_o term_n in_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o discharge_v all_o imaginable_a ambiguity_n in_o they_o viz._n call_v to_o mind_v the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n and_o 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 but_o especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n they_o will_v find_v that_o a_o ordinary_a grammarian_n will_v easy_o read_v this_o riddle_n and_o tell_v they_o common_a enemy_n limit_v by_o this_o possessive_a our_o must_v mean_v the_o enemy_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n as_o live_v under_o one_o king_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o one_o reform_a religion_n wherein_o some_o have_v make_v a_o progress_n to_o be_v preserve_v other_o be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o reformation_n but_o all_o oppose_a by_o the_o plot_n conspiracy_n etc._n etc._n of_o know_a enemy_n to_o true_a religion_n especial_o the_o professor_n thereof_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n now_o whilst_o this_o enmity_n be_v not_o see_v by_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o imagine_v a_o ambiguity_n in_o these_o word_n common_a enemy_n and_o dr._n featley_n his_o ghost_n may_v hereby_o have_v assure_v himself_o that_o both_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v enemy_n to_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o so_o to_o reformation_n and_o papist_n profess_v enemy_n to_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v here_o intend_v and_o independent_o though_o scarce_o then_o know_v by_o that_o name_n by_o their_o enmity_n to_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o scotland_n part_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n may_v be_v accidental_o account_v into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n so_o far_o as_o the_o qualification_n before_o mention_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o antecedent_n object_n of_o this_o common_a enmity_n will_v include_v they_o and_o so_o sir_n the_o word_n can_v be_v of_o no_o very_a dark_a or_o doubtful_a construction_n to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o real_a ambiguity_n in_o they_o 2._o the_o next_o word_n charge_v with_o ambiguity_n covenant_n the_o second_o ambiguity_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o the_o same_o article_n the_o best_a reform_a church_n concern_v which_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n inquire_v which_o they_o be_v but_o by_o their_o leave_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v resolve_v in_o or_o before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o the_o word_n be_v of_o a_o plain_a and_o clear_a construction_n make_v this_o sense_n obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n in_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v our_o rule_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o many_o church_n be_v reform_v some_o more_o and_o better_a some_o worse_a and_o less_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n shall_v be_v our_o pattern_n so_o that_o the_o covenant_n assert_v not_o which_o be_v the_o best_a reform_a church_n but_o bind_v the_o covenanter_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o whatever_o church_n shall_v appear_v and_o be_v find_v the_o best_a reform_a as_o the_o example_n to_o which_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v england_n may_v be_v conform_v the_o next_o word_n imagine_v to_o be_v so_o ambiguous_a as_o to_o impede_fw-la the_o swear_n the_o covenant_n in_o judgement_n be_v in_o the_o second_o article_n 27._o the_o three_o ambiguity_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n league_n illegal_a p._n 27._o and_o profound_o state_v by_o dr._n featley_n ghost_n who_o inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o particular_o specify_v that_o every_o ordinary_a
capacity_n may_v run_v and_o read_v it_o if_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o late_a hierarchy_n in_o this_o church_n dr._n gauden_n have_v appear_v no_o less_o willing_a to_o suppose_v and_o suggest_v the_o same_o ambiguity_n in_o his_o analysis_n to_o which_o i_o have_v before_o answer_v in_o my_o analepsis_n and_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n can_v but_o see_v that_o the_o very_a and_o whole_a frame_n of_o government_n by_o archdeacon_n prebend_n chapter_n dean_n bishop_n and_o archbishop_n whereby_o all_o government_n which_o belong_v to_o presbyter_n in_o common_a be_v engross_v by_o a_o few_o pretend_a minister_n to_o cathedral_n church_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o office_n and_o order_n above_o presbyter_n not_o ordain_v by_o god_n or_o consent_v to_o by_o themselves_o be_v exercise_v be_v utter_o to_o be_v abolish_v the_o which_o be_v so_o clear_o express_v that_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o evasive_a salvo_n the_o next_o ambiguity_n be_v imagine_v by_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n to_o be_v in_o the_o four_o article_n in_o the_o word_n malignant_n covenant_n the_o four_o ambiguity_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n and_o they_o inquire_v who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v malignant_n as_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v in_o its_o latitude_n to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o man_n private_a fancy_n whilst_o it_o be_v express_o limit_v and_o explain_v in_o the_o article_n itself_o such_o as_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v malignant_n by_o hinder_v reformation_n of_o religion_n divide_v the_o king_n from_o his_o people_n or_o one_o kingdom_n from_o another_o so_o that_o the_o malignity_n predicate_v be_v describe_v and_o specify_v by_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o but_o those_o learned_a man_n know_v not_o how_o far_o the_o hinder_v reformation_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v extend_v to_o which_o i_o say_v it_o matter_n not_o unto_o the_o discovery_n of_o a_o malignant_a for_o they_o will_v not_o deny_v both_o these_o to_o admit_v majus_fw-la and_o minus_fw-la if_o reformation_n be_v hinder_v it_o be_v malignity_n which_o be_v in_o degree_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o obstruction_n which_o be_v make_v again_o they_o know_v not_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o both_o kingdom_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o ignorance_n in_o the_o signification_n they_o know_v well_o what_o a_o judicatory_a be_v and_o wherein_o supreme_a almost_o every_o englishman_n know_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o roman_a term_n i_o believe_v their_o doubt_n be_v which_o be_v the_o supreme_a judicatories_n and_o the_o word_n can_v be_v construe_v no_o otherwise_o than_o to_o mean_v those_o to_o which_o the_o other_o court_n of_o judgement_n be_v subject_a and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n if_o they_o please_v to_o ask_v lawyer_n i_o presume_v they_o will_v tell_v they_o it_o be_v the_o parliament_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n these_o be_v 18._o oxford_z reasins_z sect_n 6._o p._n 17_o 18._o sir_n the_o ambiguous_a term_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o learned_a man_n be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a construction_n whether_o real_o and_o in_o themselves_o let_v rational_a man_n judge_v other_o they_o do_v stick_v at_o but_o profess_v the_o use_n man_n have_v make_v thereof_o do_v occasion_n it_o they_o well_o know_v false_a gloss_n male_a interpretation_n and_o a_o strain_a sense_n may_v by_o wicked_a man_n be_v put_v on_o the_o plain_a text_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o lose_v its_o genuine_a and_o proper_a signification_n especial_o in_o a_o oath_n wherein_o some_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o wrest_v it_o with_o rigour_n beyond_o its_o scope_n other_o to_o writhe_v themselves_o out_o of_o its_o just_a obligation_n i_o shall_v be_v free_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o no_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n will_v justify_v the_o rigorous_a sense_n put_v on_o the_o three_o article_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o king_n by_o mr._n challoner_n though_o in_o a_o speech_n in_o parliament_n nor_o the_o laxe_n sense_n put_v on_o the_o second_o article_n in_o the_o case_n of_o prelacy_n by_o dr._n john_n gauden_n though_o unto_o the_o loose_v of_o st._n peter_n bond_n nor_o will_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n warrant_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o such_o ambiguity_n be_v make_v according_a to_o man_n will_n mind_n fancy_n and_o lust_n not_o find_v in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a to_o every_o common_a capacity_n these_o suppose_a ambiguity_n be_v not_o more_o visible_a to_o have_v be_v imagine_v without_o any_o real_a ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o suggest_a contradiction_n in_o itself_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o oxford_n do_v charge_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o oath_n in_o which_o one_o part_n be_v contradictory_n to_o another_o but_o with_o reverence_n may_v i_o tell_v they_o one_o part_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o breast_n or_o to_o such_o to_o who_o they_o show_v it_o 16._o oxford_z reasins_z sect_n 6._o p._n 16._o for_o it_o go_v not_o abroad_o with_o the_o covenant_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o very_a name_n of_o their_o suppose_a suggest_a contradiction_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o preserve_v as_o it_o be_v without_o change_n covenant_n 1._o contradiction_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o to_o reform_v and_o alter_v and_o not_o to_o preserve_v one_o and_o the_o same_o reform_a religion_n in_o what_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o contradiction_n lie_v they_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o scotland_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n endeavour_v be_v these_o opposite_n and_o contrary_n be_v there_o not_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n in_o england_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o can_v these_o be_v alter_v and_o abolish_v whilst_o that_o be_v preserve_v where_o then_o be_v the_o contradiction_n 2._o absolute_o and_o without_o exception_n to_o preserve_v covenant_n 2_o contradiction_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o upon_o supposition_n to_o extirpate_v the_o selfsame_a thing_n viz._n the_o present_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n i_o want_v sir_n their_o eye_n to_o read_v this_o contradiction_n the_o first_o part_n to_o preserve_v be_v legible_a in_o the_o covenant_n but_o to_o extirpate_v the_o present_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n i_o read_v not_o oh_o but_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v on_o a_o supposition_n but_o i_o suppose_v that_o supposition_n must_v be_v express_v in_o plain_a term_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o make_v a_o contradictory_n part_n thereof_o the_o extirpation_n covenant_v relate_v to_o popery_n prelacy_n error_n heresy_n schism_n etc._n etc._n which_o of_o those_o can_v we_o suppose_v the_o present_a religion_n of_o scotland_n to_o be_v they_o will_v bring_v good_a compurgator_n for_o every_o of_o they_o i_o know_v the_o university_n do_v suppose_v 4._o suppose_v reason_n sect_n 4_o p._n 4._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o to_o their_o think_n do_v tend_v to_o schism_n and_o superstition_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o charge_v it_o do_v but_o suppose_v it_o and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v but_o tend_v towards_o superstition_n and_o schism_n and_o they_o do_v not_o affirm_v they_o neither_o to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o scotland_n such_o suppose_a extirpation_n may_v suppose_v a_o contradiction_n just_o deserve_v to_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v a_o suppositum_fw-la non_fw-la supponendum_fw-la their_o next_o contradiction_n be_v as_o clear_v a_o supposition_n as_o this_o covenant_n 3._o contradiction_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n to_o reform_v church-government_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o extirpate_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o contradiction_n be_v between_o the_o covenant_n and_o their_o persuasion_n not_o one_o part_n against_o another_o part_n of_o itself_o how_o wellgrounded_n their_o persuasion_n be_v we_o have_v before_o inquire_v i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o fair_a play_n to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o on_o their_o own_o persuasion_n to_o arraign_v the_o covenant_n as_o a_o oath_n contradictory_n to_o itself_o yet_o the_o next_o be_v of_o the_o very_a same_o nature_n covenant_n 4._o contradiction_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n to_o extirpate_v heresy_n schism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o to_o extirpate_v the_o government_n we_o conceive_v the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o all_o evil_n and_o the_o restore_n and_o continuance_n of_o which_o the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a remedy_n sure_o
serious_a survey_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v and_o see_v clear_o that_o first_o the_o matter_n therein_o covenant_v be_v public_a and_o national_a relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n under_o its_o civil_a religious_a and_o reform_a consideration_n or_o capacity_n be_v the_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n under_o a_o national_a profession_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o like_a concernment_n no_o way_n proper_a for_o personal_a and_o individual_a private_a oath_n 2._o these_o matter_n and_o this_o form_n of_o security_n to_o they_o were_z consul_z ed_z agitate_a debate_v determine_v conclude_v and_o agree_v unto_o by_o two_o distinct_a nation_n agree_v in_o the_o general_a capacity_n which_o do_v relate_v unto_o the_o matter_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o their_o most_o public_a capacity_n and_o by_o the_o indisputable_a most_o full_a and_o formal_a collective_a body_n of_o both_o kingdom_n the_o parliament_n though_o defective_a in_o that_o part_n which_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o law_n then_o indent_v a_o covenant_n which_o do_v most_o eminent_o consist_v in_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n 3._o the_o term_n show_v the_o capacity_n in_o which_o it_o be_v swear_v be_v general_a and_o national_a as_o in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o preface_n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizens_z burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._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 so_o that_o all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n however_o dignify_v or_o distinguish_v among_o themselves_o yet_o unite_v in_o this_o public_a capacity_n the_o subject_n of_o one_o king_n and_o of_o one_o reform_a religion_n and_o in_o that_o union_n universal_o swear_v the_o covenant_n 4._o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v real_a national_a and_o public_a and_o only_o personal_a in_o relation_n thereunto_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o profess_a ground_n thereof_o as_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o true_a public_a liberty_n peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o deplorable_a distress_a &_o dangerous_a estate_n in_o which_o the_o kingdom_n than_o be_v and_o by_o the_o end_v propound_v almost_o in_o every_o article_n thereof_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o our_o posterity_n and_o can_v be_v secure_v if_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o national_a as_o in_o article_n the_o first_o that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o article_n the_o second_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n in_o article_n the_o three_o that_o the_o two_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n 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 by_o the_o six_o article_n it_o be_v declare_v to_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o cause_n which_o much_o concern_v the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o sense_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o kingdom_n distinct_a from_o our_o own_o sin_n the_o which_o do_v loud_o proclaim_v the_o scope_n and_o intent_n thereof_o to_o have_v be_v nationall_n and_o public_a 5._o this_o covenant_n be_v swear_v by_o the_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n 1._o collective_o by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n regular_o assemble_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o most_o full_a and_o complete_a assembly_n that_o can_v and_o ever_o do_v represent_v the_o same_o in_o all_o act_n and_o agâ—tations_n true_o real_a and_o national_a viz._n the_o parliament_n consist_v of_o lord_n and_o commons_o &_o that_o in_o their_o public_a capacity_n as_o a_o parliament_n the_o house_n of_o commons_o assemble_v in_o their_o house_n &_o in_o the_o formality_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o their_o speaker_n before_o they_o go_v unto_o st._n margaret_n church_n in_o westminster_n and_o there_o with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n imaginable_a 1643._o ordinance_n of_o feb._n 5._o 1643._o do_v as_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n swear_v this_o covenant_n which_o as_o a_o further_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n they_o cause_v to_o be_v print_v with_o their_o name_n subscribe_v and_o to_o be_v hang_v up_o in_o all_o church_n and_o in_o their_o own_o house_n as_o a_o compass_n whereby_o in_o conformity_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o religion_n to_o steer_v their_o then_o debate_n and_o to_o dictate_v to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v into_o that_o place_n and_o capacity_n what_o obligation_n do_v before_o god_n lie_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o this_o nation_n 2._o it_o be_v universal_o swear_v by_o the_o people_n of_o this_o kingdom_n solemn_o assemble_v in_o their_o particular_a place_n of_o convention_n all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n all_o manner_n of_o person_n from_o eighteen_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a and_o that_o not_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o giddy_a humour_n but_o at_o the_o command_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n covenant_n vid._n ordinance_n enjoin_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o in_o their_o place_n and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v judge_v it_o a_o fit_a and_o excellent_a mean_n to_o acquire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o three_o kingdom_n do_v order_v it_o to_o be_v universal_o swear_v and_o certain_o whosoever_o will_v but_o well_o weigh_v the_o direction_n give_v and_o due_o execute_v in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o county_n and_o parish_n by_o every_o individual_a minister_n to_o every_o individual_a congregation_n and_o take_v by_o all_o person_n religious_a military_a or_o civil_a enforce_v with_o argument_n which_o may_v convince_v conscience_n in_o the_o ingenuous_a or_o constrain_v the_o act_n from_o the_o peevish_a or_o perverse_a and_o accompany_v with_o the_o great_a extension_n concomitant_a imaginable_a he_o can_v but_o see_v a_o much_o more_o than_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n do_v swear_v the_o covenant_n if_o the_o several_a roll_n within_o the_o several_a parish_n and_o precinct_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o which_o the_o several_a name_n of_o such_o as_o do_v swear_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v engross_v may_v be_v produce_v it_o will_v be_v find_v notwithstanding_o the_o many_o singular_n who_o may_v now_o renounce_v and_o say_v they_o do_v not_o take_v the_o covenant_n it_o be_v swear_v by_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o who_o have_v ever_o be_v judge_v a_o free_a people_n tie_v by_o no_o bond_n but_o such_o as_o we_o lie_v upon_o ourselves_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o a_o oath_n 256._o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la bell_n ex_fw-la par_fw-fr 256._o and_o so_o make_v it_o real_a and_o national_a according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o reason_n of_o grotius_n si_fw-la quidem_fw-la populo_fw-la liberto_fw-la actum_fw-la sit_fw-la dubium_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quin_fw-la quod_fw-la promittitur_fw-la svi_fw-la natura_fw-la real_n sit_fw-la 3._o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n have_v be_v ratify_v and_o render_v national_a by_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n unto_o all_o such_o who_o apprehend_v the_o constitution_n of_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v merum_fw-la imperium_fw-la a_o absolute_a monarchy_n wherein_o the_o king_n have_v supremam_fw-la protestatem_fw-la &_o who_o profess_a loyalty_n lead_v they_o to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n his_o majesty_n concession_n and_o conclusion_n and_o that_o by_o a_o series_n of_o multiply_a 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france_n and_o ireland_n do_v
and_o the_o exaction_n of_o furious_a tyrant_n and_o i_o say_v it_o can_v avail_v unto_o the_o least_o void_a of_o the_o covenant_n the_o matter_n whereof_o be_v find_v just_a lawful_a and_o possible_a for_o all_o casuist_n have_v conclude_v juramentum_fw-la metu_fw-la extortum_fw-la do_v bind_v and_o the_o heathen_a have_v amplify_v the_o force_n of_o a_o oath_n by_o regulus_n his_o return_n to_o his_o enemy_n to_o be_v slay_v when_o he_o have_v be_v force_v to_o make_v it_o on_o which_o cicero_n assert_v temporibus_fw-la illis_fw-la jusjurandum_fw-la valebat_fw-la 126._o sanderson_n de_fw-fr juram_fw-la prael_n 5._o sect._n 15._o p._n 126._o then_o oath_n be_v bind_v and_o doctor_n sanderson_n have_v conclude_v that_o a_o oath_n make_v not_o only_o on_o light_a fear_n but_o a_o just_a and_o grievous_a fear_n qualis_fw-la est_fw-la metus_fw-la captivitatis_fw-la amissionis_fw-la omnium_fw-la bonorum_fw-la inmiae_n cruciatus_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la est_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ipsius_fw-la mortis_fw-la of_o imprisonment_n loss_n of_o good_n yea_o most_o dreadful_a loss_n of_o life_n which_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v to_o be_v a_o most_o strait_a condition_n yet_o it_o bind_v unto_o performance_n for_o which_o he_o render_v many_o reason_n among_o which_o these_o two_o be_v of_o weight_n in_o our_o case_n electum_fw-la case_n videtur_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la honest_a recusari_fw-la quod_fw-la fuit_fw-la prudenter_fw-la electum_fw-la he_o choose_v what_o then_o seem_v best_a and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o will_n and_o finem_fw-la and_o quod_fw-la ob_fw-la certum_fw-la finem_fw-la promissum_fw-la est_fw-la a_o promittente_fw-la debet_fw-la praestaripostquam_fw-la consecutas_fw-la est_fw-la suum_fw-la finem_fw-la he_o receive_v the_o end_n propose_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n moreover_o as_o i_o have_v before_o note_v zedekiah_n be_v besiege_v into_o the_o oath_n make_v with_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n with_o the_o great_a force_n and_o fury_n imaginable_a yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o cry_v to_o the_o king_n shall_v he_o break_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v deliver_v and_o both_o king_n and_o people_n perish_v by_o that_o breach_n of_o covenant_n sir_n i_o can_v without_o sad_a thought_n reflect_v on_o their_o sin_n and_o horrid_a wickedness_n by_o who_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n be_v reduce_v into_o those_o strait_n of_o condition_n nor_o shall_v i_o acquit_v they_o of_o indiscretion_n and_o overmuch_a boldness_n who_o be_v subject_n can_v dare_v to_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o strait_a condition_n to_o put_v such_o term_n on_o majesty_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o but_o adore_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o rage_n of_o man_n to_o work_v unto_o his_o praise_n and_o many_o time_n by_o way_n to_o we_o preposterous_a effect_v his_o own_o holy_a purpose_n that_o do_v bring_v his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n by_o 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assent_n and_o concurrence_n the_o defect_n of_o which_o render_v it_o at_o first_o less_o acceptable_a to_o many_o lead_v my_o conjecture_n unto_o a_o full_a conclusion_n that_o it_o be_v a_o public_a national_a covenant_n bind_v all_o the_o person_n of_o this_o nation_n that_o swear_v or_o swear_v not_o personal_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o in_o their_o particular_a place_n and_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v into_o the_o public_a place_n and_o politic_a capacity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o preserve_v and_o pursue_v the_o thing_n therein_o promise_v so_o long_o as_o it_o remain_v a_o kingdom_n under_o one_o king_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o one_o reform_a religion_n which_o i_o pray_v and_o hope_n will_v be_v till_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n give_v i_o leave_v sir_n to_o enforce_v this_o with_o what_o i_o observe_v to_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o lord_n chief_a baron_n in_o his_o learned_a speech_n unto_o the_o late_a condemn_a traitor_n at_o 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judgement_n against_o their_o credit_n reputation_n and_o estate_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o this_o covenant_n they_o apprehend_v they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o that_o these_o prirciple_n will_v provoke_v we_o to_o yield_v our_o own_o and_o exact_v from_o other_o a_o assent_n to_o thing_n as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v vicious_a and_o corrupt_a no_o serious_a man_n or_o christian_n can_v or_o will_v deny_v it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o find_v this_o reason_n state_v under_o a_o more_o cautious_a vigilant_a and_o pious_a frame_n of_o spirit_n 4._o but_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o wonder_v not_o so_o much_o to_o hear_v these_o gentleman_n to_o profess_v they_o have_v by_o their_o personal_a subscription_n approve_v the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o rashness_n a_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n a_o event_n of_o some_o distress_a condition_n or_o distemper_n of_o mind_n fear_v of_o lose_v or_o hope_v of_o gain_v preferment_n as_o to_o hear_v they_o say_v that_o this_o be_v enjoin_v by_o law_n to_o they_o and_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v assent_v unto_o i_o grant_v be_v by_o law_n establish_v but_o the_o assent_n to_o worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n i_o observe_v not_o to_o be_v enjoin_v by_o any_o full_a and_o formal_a law_n i_o find_v indeed_o something_o relate_v to_o discipline_n in_o the_o order_n of_o deacon_n and_o priest_n bishop_n and_o archbishop_n and_o the_o church_n power_n about_o tradition_n and_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n insert_v into_o the_o 39_o article_n but_o how_o or_o by_o what_o law_n they_o be_v establish_v 12._o 13._o eliz_n 12._o i_o know_v not_o the_o statute_n require_v minister_n assent_v do_v not_o specify_v the_o article_n particulary_a and_o the_o general_a note_n whereby_o to_o know_v they_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o statute_n be_v this_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o only_a concern_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n this_o particle_n only_a be_v in_o my_o judgement_n exclusive_a to_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o how_o these_o come_v into_o the_o article_n i_o know_v not_o only_o i_o find_v the_o epistle_n to_o his_o late_a majesty_n before_o the_o frynn_n the_o a_o book_n suppose_a to_o have_v be_v on_o write_v by_o mr._n william_n frynn_n quench-coal_n to_o charge_v corruption_n and_o forgery_n to_o have_v be_v act_v about_o these_o article_n and_o earnest_o implore_v justice_n against_o the_o forger_n and_o obtruder_n thereof_o and_o until_o the_o legality_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o 1603._o and_o sense_n thereof_o be_v clear_o assert_v and_o full_o vindicate_v from_o the_o 59_o the_o necessity_n for_o reformation_n p._n 56_o 57_o 58_o 59_o exception_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o they_o we_o must_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o their_o establishment_n for_o if_o the_o king_n have_v not_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o statute_n pretend_v or_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v repugnant_a to_o stand_v statute_n as_o be_v suggest_v the_o establishment_n of_o worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n by_o law_n must_v abide_v very_o doubtful_a but_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n may_v make_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o to_o which_o these_o gentleman_n may_v refer_v but_o 5._o whether_o establish_v or_o exercise_v i_o think_v it_o very_o strange_a to_o see_v these_o learned_a man_n on_o serious_a thought_n to_o profess_v their_o own_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v they_o nor_o have_v their_o brethren_n convince_v their_o judgement_n they_o have_v do_v amiss_o by_o their_o personal_a subscription_n to_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o
and_o archbishop_n of_o the_o essence_n and_o formality_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n will_v not_o the_o assertion_n thereof_o tend_v more_o to_o schism_n than_o scotland_n suppose_a make_v their_o discipline_n and_o government_n the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o deny_v the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n which_o yet_o they_o hand_v over_o to_o we_o but_o what_o reason_n have_v these_o gentleman_n of_o oxford_n to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o such_o a_o latitude_n when_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v limit_v by_o they_o who_o be_v then_o know_v to_o be_v legislator_n and_o a_o power_n sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v a_o oath_n unto_o which_o themselves_o subject_v and_o be_v the_o best_a expositor_n thereof_o viz._n the_o house_n of_o commons_o who_o thus_o declare_v whereas_o some_o doubt_n have_v be_v raise_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n express_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o all_o popery_n and_o popish_a innovation_n within_o this_o realm_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o doctrine_n this_o house_n do_v declare_v that_o by_o these_o word_n be_v and_o be_v mean_v only_o the_o public_a doctrine_n profess_v in_o the_o say_a church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o popery_n and_o popish_a innovation_n and_o that_o the_o say_v word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o maintain_n of_o any_o form_n of_o worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n nor_o of_o any_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o say_a church_n of_o england_n by_o which_o these_o gentleman_n may_v have_v understand_v 1._o the_o realm_n and_o church_n of_o england_n be_v two_o different_a subject_n the_o one_o profess_v doctrine_n in_o the_o other_o wherein_o also_o there_o be_v doctrine_n tend_v to_o popery_n and_o popish_a innovation_n 2._o there_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n profess_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o adjunct_n of_o rite_n ceremony_n government_n or_o some_o special_a order_n of_o worship_n which_o may_v need_v reformation_n and_o be_v not_o view_v to_o be_v maintain_v so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o who_o prescribe_v both_o there_o be_v more_o of_o consistency_n than_o contradiction_n between_o the_o protestation_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n so_o that_o the_o manifest_a perjury_n they_o fear_v have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o seem_a ground_n and_o as_o for_o the_o suppose_a contradiction_n of_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n it_o will_v on_o examination_n vanish_v as_o a_o apparition_n a_o thing_n which_o so_o seem_v but_o can_v be_v so_o prove_v for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hiss_v i_o out_o of_o their_o school_n i_o will_v grant_v they_o their_o proposition_n in_o the_o oath_n and_o assumption_n in_o the_o statute_n by_o they_o quote_v and_o yet_o find_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o conclusion_n because_o a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la on_o their_o premise_n and_o this_o if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o argument_n logical_o resolve_v by_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o major_a proposition_n for_o i_o will_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n do_v bind_v we_o to_o our_o power_n to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n privilege_n preeminence_n and_o authority_n grant_v and_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n highness_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n or_o unite_a and_o annex_v unto_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o assume_v with_o they_o that_o the_o king_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n and_o authority_n for_o reformation_n order_n and_o correction_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n heresy_n schism_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o sequel_n viz._n that_o we_o may_v not_o endeavour_v in_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o reform_v religion_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n power_n be_v no_o way_n repugnant_a with_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a capacity_n i_o hope_v a_o minister_n may_v by_o his_o preach_n or_o a_o divine_a by_o his_o disputation_n in_o the_o school_n endeavour_v the_o correction_n and_o reformation_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n schism_n or_o superstition_n and_o yet_o not_o entrench_v on_o his_o majesty_n ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o so_o interfere_v with_o their_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n yea_o in_o reference_n to_o judicial_a and_o authoritative_a correction_n and_o reformation_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o the_o king_n mens_fw-la endeavour_n may_v be_v in_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n by_o counsel_n proposal_n remonstrance_n petition_n supplication_n and_o the_o like_a to_o procure_v his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o authority_n to_o reform_v religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o then_o sir_n where_o be_v the_o contradiction_n yet_o sir_n if_o i_o be_v to_o dispute_v with_o a_o single_a though_o senior_n sophister_n of_o oxford_n i_o will_v deny_v both_o proposition_n the_o major_a as_o to_o its_o sequel_n or_o consequence_n as_o before_o and_o the_o assumption_n as_o that_o which_o the_o statute_n do_v not_o prove_v viz._n the_o whole_a power_n of_o spiritual_a or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n for_o correction_n and_o reformation_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o king_n and_o imperial_a crown_n of_o this_o realm_n for_o the_o power_n by_o that_o statute_n be_v special_a and_o particular_a not_o general_a and_o universal_a as_o themselves_o have_v cite_v it_o be_v viz._n such_o jurisdiction_n privilege_n superiority_n and_o preeminence_n spiritual_a or_o ecclesiastical_a as_o by_o any_o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o statute_n proceed_v spiritual_a or_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o authority_n have_v heretofore_o be_v or_o may_v lawful_o be_v exercise_v or_o use_v for_o visitation_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a state_n or_o person_n and_o for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o king_n be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o bishop_n cardinals_z or_o pope_n have_v use_v not_o such_o as_o parliament_n who_o ever_o retain_v a_o jurisdicton_n in_o themselves_o over_o both_o church_n and_o crown_n enjoy_v and_o exercise_v this_o power_n be_v pure_o executive_a not_o legislative_a over_o person_n and_o particular_a society_n not_o over_o the_o kingdom_n and_o whole_a realm_n i_o presume_v the_o gentleman_n of_o oxford_n be_v not_o ignoront_v of_o the_o power_n and_o legislative_a authority_n which_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n ever_o hold_v over_o their_o bishop_n and_o the_o spiritual_a or_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n of_o this_o land_n tie_v they_o in_o all_o their_o administration_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n to_o the_o custom_n and_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o they_o may_v read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o submission_n of_o the_o clergy_n 25._o hen._n 8.19_o wherein_o they_o confess_v many_o of_o their_o canon_n and_o constitution_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o only_o restrain_v the_o exorbitancy_n and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o extend_v the_o prerogative_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o king_n as_o in_o that_o statute_n 1_o elizab._n and_o limit_v restrain_v and_o repeal_v it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o this_o individual_a specifical_a power_n grant_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o statute_n quote_v by_o the_o statute_n 17_o caroli_n entitle_v a_o act_n for_o repeal_n of_o a_o branch_n of_o a_o statute_n 10_o elizab._n concern_v commissioner_n for_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a which_o clause_n repeal_v be_v part_n of_o this_o very_o recite_v paragraph_n and_o immediate_o annex_v unto_o and_o dependent_a on_o this_o very_a grant_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n nor_o be_v these_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n insensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o executive_a and_o legislative_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o that_o as_o no_o ecclesiastical_a person_n do_v ever_o enjoy_v however_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o bishop_n do_v contend_v for_o it_o so_o no_o king_n of_o england_n do_v ever_o pretend_v or_o lay_v claim_v unto_o the_o legislative_a power_n further_o than_o allow_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n who_o be_v ever_o dictator_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n in_o the_o land_n church_n and_o kingdom_n as_o at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o reformation_n covenant_v nor_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v very_o bad_a logic_n from_o such_o jurisdiction_n and_o specifical_a executive_a authority_n to_o infer_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o reformation_n be_v so_o in_o the_o king_n that_o the_o parliament_n may_v not_o propose_v or_o the_o people_n covenant_n in_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n
he_o thus_o breathe_v against_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o preposterous_a order_n in_o set_v down_o the_o part_n of_o this_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v a_o double_a solecism_n for_o in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n precede_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v set_v before_o the_o royal_a prerogative_n and_o imperial_a dignity_n of_o the_o prince_n sir_n admit_v we_o this_o be_v it_o not_o a_o high_a crime_n and_o bespeak_v it_o not_o a_o sober_a serious_a spirit_n in_o dr._n feat_o a_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n who_o by_o a_o motion_n may_v have_v have_v this_o order_n invert_v as_o easy_o as_o he_o obtain_v to_o have_v prelacy_n specify_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n after_o it_o be_v past_a to_o pick_v a_o quarrel_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n although_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o such_o a_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a evidence_n of_o fidelity_n be_v the_o covenant_n that_o matter_n manner_n phrase_n and_o order_n ought_v to_o have_v as_o i_o presume_v they_o be_v be_v mature_o advise_v yea_o i_o wish_v line_n and_o period_n word_n and_o syllable_n which_o may_v be_v the_o printer_n errata_fw-la have_v be_v so_o scan_v that_o a_o captious_a momus_n may_v not_o find_v a_o colon_n or_o comma_n at_o which_o he_o may_v boggle_v and_o please_v his_o humour_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a advantage_n from_o the_o punctilio_n of_o order_n and_o honour_n to_o argue_v against_o matter_n of_o moment_n duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o misplace_a word_n to_o make_v a_o oath_n or_o solemn_a league_n illegal_a i_o but_o do_v i_o not_o run_v too_o fast_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v not_o take_v the_o advantage_n a_o honest_a man_n be_v indeed_o as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n but_o i_o can_v trust_v he_o for_o his_o nine_o argument_n this_o covenant_n be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n 28._o page_n 28._o be_v thus_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v set_v before_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o like_v not_o that_o man_n grace_n that_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n will_v remit_v and_o retort_v a_o indiscretion_n yet_o sir_n i_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o the_o prefer_n of_o the_o pompous_a gay-cloathed_a church_n of_o england_n before_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o scotland_n look_v not_o like_o a_o species_n of_o that_o impious_a partiality_n condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o can_v we_o think_v this_o dr._n have_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n or_o be_v act_v by_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n no_o this_o language_n be_v speak_v after_o he_o be_v dead_a 2._o but_o these_o solecism_n be_v not_o to_o i_o so_o obvious_a i_o stand_v still_o and_o can_v read_v they_o though_o i_o read_v the_o covenant_n with_o all_o observation_n and_o regard_n yet_o i_o confess_v i_o find_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n set_v before_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a before_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n but_o they_o be_v propound_v with_o relation_n to_o different_a act_n the_o reform_a religion_n of_o scotland_n to_o be_v preserve_v of_o england_n to_o be_v reform_v i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o solecism_n to_o put_v the_o factum_fw-la before_o the_o fieri_fw-la and_o to_o swear_v the_o preservation_n of_o good_a acquire_v before_o a_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v the_o same_o or_o better_a or_o to_o prefix_v the_o pattern_n to_o what_o be_v to_o be_v thereunto_o confirm_v when_o this_o author_n second_o thought_n have_v observe_v this_o salvo_fw-la to_o his_o suggest_a 29._o suggest_a page_n 29._o solecism_n he_o grudge_v that_o scotland_n shall_v be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o reformation_n to_o england_n for_o which_o he_o have_v little_a reason_n if_o venerable_a beda_n speak_v true_a in_o that_o he_o report_v that_o 23._o that_o mira_n divinae_fw-la factum_fw-la constat_fw-la dispensatione_fw-la pietatis_fw-la quod_fw-la gens_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la noverat_fw-la scientiam_fw-la divinae_fw-la cognitionis_fw-la libenter_fw-la &_o sine_fw-la inuidia_fw-la populo_fw-la anglorum_fw-la communicare_fw-la curavit_fw-la bed_n eccl._n he_o gen._n ang._n l._n 5._o c._n 23._o that_o nation_n do_v at_o first_o communicate_v the_o science_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n without_o grudge_n or_o envy_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o england_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o solecism_n to_o propound_v they_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o reformation_n who_o have_v first_o obtain_v it_o and_o from_o who_o christianity_n itself_o be_v at_o first_o to_o we_o transmit_v the_o second_o suppose_a solecism_n be_v no_o more_o visible_a than_o this_o first_o for_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o end_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n as_o all_o wise_a statist_n and_o politician_n do_v affirm_v he_o sure_o will_v admit_v to_o be_v the_o first_o in_o intention_n and_o endeavour_n although_o the_o last_o in_o execution_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o rather_o for_o that_o it_o be_v so_o direct_v and_o dictate_v by_o the_o maxim_n of_o his_o late_a glorious_a majesty_n declare_v at_o the_o pass_n of_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n the_o people_n liberty_n strengthen_v the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o the_o king_n prerogative_n be_v to_o defend_v the_o peoplâ—â—_n liberty_n i_o be_o sure_o more_o serious_a and_o public_a statesman_n than_o he_o or_o i_o shall_v ever_o make_v have_v judge_v it_o a_o solecism_n in_o parliament_n to_o support_v the_o king_n prerogative_n by_o supply_n of_o money_n before_o the_o oppression_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o people_n have_v be_v relieve_v and_o their_o liberty_n secure_v and_o i_o believe_v i_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o covenant_n make_v in_o england_n prefer_v the_o people_n liberty_n before_o the_o king_n prerogative_n without_o which_o the_o king_n may_v tyrannize_v over_o slave_n not_o rule_n over_o freement_a which_o last_o be_v and_o will_v be_v his_o great_a honour_n the_o second_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v blemish_v and_o reproach_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o make_v it_o 3._o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o name_n of_o the_o covenant_n vindicate_v oxford_z reasins_z sect._n 2._o pag._n 3._o relate_v unto_o the_o nature_n thereof_o and_o the_o name_n be_v the_o noration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v call_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n against_o which_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n do_v except_v stumble_v at_o the_o name_n covenant_n they_o be_v learned_a man_n and_o must_v a_o little_a stand_n on_o the_o propriety_n of_o word_n they_o therefore_o except_v against_o this_o denomination_n because_o impose_v with_o a_o penalty_n which_o imposition_n 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we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o stipulation_n in_o adam_n and_o divine_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o proper_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o accept_v the_o condition_n his_o creator_n will_v put_v upon_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v general_o judge_v a_o covenant_n and_o that_o we_o common_o call_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n again_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n adult_n person_n do_v answer_v certain_a queftion_n propound_v as_o bredis_fw-la credo_fw-la abrenuncias_fw-la abrenuncio_fw-la loc._n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o beza_n in_o loc._n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n be_v though_o to_o refer_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o beza_n render_v stipulatio_fw-la bâ—nae_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la apud_fw-la deum_fw-la and_o from_o this_o order_n tertullian_n conclude_v anima_fw-la non_fw-la lavatione_fw-la sed_fw-la responsione_n sancitur_fw-la do_v these_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n think_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o
their_o former_a protestation_n if_o right_o understand_v in_o sundry_a the_o most_o material_a branch_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o sir_n i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o know_v not_o what_o do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o challenge_v in_o former_a time_n only_o unto_o i_o and_o many_o other_o it_o do_v appear_v not_o to_o he_o the_o mere_a natural_a power_n of_o the_o people_n preposterous_o and_o in_o a_o tumultuous_a manner_n assemble_v who_o yet_o do_v appear_v to_o have_v a_o power_n to_o impose_v on_o themselves_o a_o oath_n and_o to_o who_o i_o find_v sovereignty_n itself_o to_o speak_v it_o with_o due_a reverence_n in_o some_o measure_n subject_v and_o its_o obligation_n supersede_v if_o not_o make_v void_a clear_o bar_v from_o execution_n if_o but_o by_o the_o impossibility_n put_v thereon_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o jonathans_n rescue_n which_o i_o shall_v only_o report_v in_o the_o word_n of_o bishop_n hall_n saul_n have_v swear_v jonathans_n death_n the_o people_n contrary_o swear_v his_o preservation_n 1038._o hall_n contem._n p._n 1038._o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_a yet_o more_o absolute_a than_o england_n that_o he_o can_v run_v away_o with_o so_o unmerciful_a a_o justice_n their_o oath_n which_o savour_v of_o disobedience_n prevail_v against_o his_o oath_n which_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o cruelty_n and_o so_o long_o as_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o false_a to_o his_o oath_n he_o can_v not_o be_v sorry_a jonathan_n shall_v live_v i_o do_v not_o in_o any_o case_n justify_v the_o preposterous_a and_o tumultuous_a assembling_n and_o assumption_n of_o the_o people_n whereby_o they_o lie_v on_o themselves_o bond_n which_o must_v not_o be_v break_v and_o can_v well_o without_o much_o difficulty_n be_v keep_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v many_o time_n whereby_o the_o vox_fw-la populi_fw-la be_v vox_fw-la dei_fw-la as_o in_o the_o very_a change_n of_o the_o government_n of_o israel_n 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measure_n acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n deny_v these_o to_o be_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a authority_n to_o resolve_v order_n and_o enjoin_v yea_o and_o execute_v their_o resolve_n order_n and_o injunction_n during_o the_o be_v of_o their_o power_n though_o not_o to_o establish_v law_n to_o be_v execute_v when_o they_o be_v dissolve_v and_o go_v sir_n i_o can_v without_o sad_a thought_n remember_v the_o unhappy_a difference_n between_o his_o late_a majesty_n and_o the_o late_a long_a parliament_n which_o occasion_v the_o unhappy_a opposition_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n and_o the_o king_n prerogative_n as_o i_o can_v but_o wish_v they_o have_v be_v act_v so_o conjunct_o that_o they_o may_v have_v seem_v to_o vulgar_a apprehension_n to_o have_v be_v but_o one_o so_o i_o can_v but_o judge_v it_o prudence_n that_o a_o period_n be_v put_v to_o the_o dispute_n thereof_o upon_o the_o now_o happy_a reunion_n of_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o these_o too_o long_o distract_v kingdom_n i_o be_o clear_o of_o opinion_n with_o aristotle_n that_o prince_n of_o politian_n 11._o aristot_n polit._n lib._n 5._o c._n 10_o 11._o that_o regal_a government_n be_v best_a establish_v where_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n do_v participate_v of_o it_o and_o that_o theopompus_n the_o spartan_a in_o transmit_v some_o of_o his_o prerogative_n to_o his_o ephori_fw-la prince_n may_v well_o maintain_v the_o increase_n of_o his_o dominion_n whilst_o he_o make_v it_o long_o by_o make_v it_o less_o i_o think_v therefore_o that_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o best_a subject_n will_v rather_o think_v then_o assert_v a_o prerogative_n in_o the_o king_n above_o his_o parliament_n and_o i_o for_o my_o part_n shall_v be_v content_a to_o find_v in_o the_o parliament_n a_o sufficient_a power_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n on_o the_o subject_a without_o the_o king_n consent_n rather_o than_o to_o assert_v their_o superiority_n unto_o he_o in_o all_o point_n and_o particular_n and_o when_o sir_n i_o consider_v the_o power_n even_o over_o and_o against_o their_o king_n in_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n record_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o make_v war_n josh_n 22._o judg._n 20._o change_a the_o government_n 1_o sam_n 8._o choose_v and_o establish_v not_o only_o their_o first_o but_o succeed_a king_n though_o immediate_o appoint_v and_o sometime_o anoint_v by_o god_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n solomon_n and_o rehoboam_n and_o other_o in_o remove_v from_o the_o king_n favourite_n and_o counsellor_n as_o david_n be_v against_o the_o mind_n of_o achish_a the_o king_n dismiss_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o philistine_n 1_o sam._n 29._o in_o restrain_v the_o king_n purpose_n of_o destruction_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n once_o and_o again_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o jonathan_n or_o of_o protection_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n concern_v who_o zedekiah_n the_o king_n say_v he_o be_v in_o your_o hand_n the_o king_n be_v not_o he_o that_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o you_o jer._n 38.5_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n josephus_n tell_v we_o 18._o joseph_n antiq._n jud._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 18._o the_o king_n may_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o or_o against_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o senate_n or_o congregation_n methinks_v a_o divine_a defence_n may_v be_v well_o make_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o parliament_n in_o this_o case_n act_v and_o admit_v though_o without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o be_v dogmatical_o assert_v by_o politician_n and_o no_o mean_a lawyer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n of_o general_a council_n and_o convention_n of_o kingdom_n in_o general_a 616._o fox_n act_n and_o monument_n p._n 616._o as_o of_o england_n parliament_n in_o particular_a as_o in_o the_o council_n of_o basil_n against_o the_o pope_n the_o whole_a realm_n have_v more_o authority_n than_o the_o king_n the_o same_o assert_v by_o marius_n salamonius_n who_o by_o many_o argument_n do_v defend_v it_o 18._o de_fw-fr principatu_fw-la lib._n 1._o p._n 17_o 18._o he_o be_v a_o roman_a lawyer_n and_o philosopher_n holinshed_n and_o vowel_n in_o their_o description_n of_o england_n declare_v concern_v the_o parliament_n that_o this_o court_n have_v the_o most_o high_a and_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o that_o not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o king_n by_o it_o offender_n be_v punish_v and_o corrupt_a religion_n reform_v or_o disannul_v and_o that_o whatever_o the_o people_n of_o rome_n may_v do_v centuriatis_fw-la comitiis_fw-la or_o tribunitiis_fw-la 173._o vot_o 1._o cap._n 1._o p._n 173._o which_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v to_o impose_v a_o oath_n the_o same_o be_v and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o parliament_n unto_o which_o may_v be_v add_v what_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n by_o sir_n thomas_n smith_n secretary_n of_o state_n to_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o and_z queen_n elizabeth_z and_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n in_o his_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n and_o horn_n a_o eminent_a lawyer_n in_o edward_n the_o first_o his_o reign_n in_o his_o mirror_n of_o justice_n cap._n 1._o p._n 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o fortescue_n lord_n chancellor_n to_o henry_n the_o six_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr laud._n leg._n angl._n cap._n 9_o and_o bracton_n quote_v by_o these_o learned_a man_n who_o certain_o affirm_v more_o than_o they_o can_v approve_v rex_fw-la habet_fw-la superiorem_fw-la deum_fw-la item_n legem_fw-la per_fw-la quam_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la rex_fw-la item_n curiaem_v svam_fw-la viz._n comites_fw-la &_o barones_n &c._n &c._n et_fw-la ideo_fw-la si_fw-la rex_fw-la fuerit_fw-la sine_fw-la fraeno_fw-la debent_fw-la ei_fw-la fraenum_fw-la imponere_fw-la and_o above_o all_o the_o sovereign_a power_n
sir_n this_o conceit_n never_o spring_v from_o the_o book_n of_o sport_n or_o bishop_n pierce_v his_o somersetshire_n septuagint_n on_o revel_n and_o church-ales_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o contradictory_n than_o the_o covenant_n the_o last_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o a_o supposition_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n covenant_n 5._o contradiction_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n to_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o submit_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o this_o covenant_n not_o establish_v by_o law_n yet_o impose_v by_o just_a and_o sufficient_a authority_n but_o in_o what_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n lie_v this_o contradiction_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o loss_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o swear_v that_o we_o will_v preserve_v the_o liberty_n thereof_o who_o ever_o require_v we_o so_o to_o do_v for_o the_o swear_n of_o a_o absolute_a duty_n be_v but_o a_o poor_a acknowledgement_n of_o authority_n we_o must_v sir_n see_v more_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a expression_n and_o plain_a and_o clear_a contradictory_n term_n in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n before_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o real_o ambiguous_a or_o contradictory_n or_o conceive_v man_n clamour_n to_o spring_v from_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o their_o own_o passionate_a fancy_n and_o prejudicate_a opinion_n who_o lust_n lead_v they_o to_o wish_v it_o be_v such_o as_o they_o can_v charge_v it_o to_o be_v sectio_fw-la sexta_fw-la proposition_n 6._o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o its_o quality_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o obligation_n be_v public_a and_o nationall_n as_o well_o as_o private_a and_o personal_a sir_n dr._n gauden_n in_o his_o attempt_n to_o loosen_v st._n peter_n bond_n as_o he_o judge_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v be_v willing_a to_o render_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o matter_n thereof_o a_o religious_a bond_n declare_v a_o sense_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n the_o king_n the_o church_n their_o country_n and_o the_o reform_a religion_n 14._o page_n 14._o to_o make_v man_n more_o strict_o sensible_a of_o the_o sacred_a and_o civil_a obligation_n respective_o due_a unto_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o discharge_v they_o in_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o hereby_o he_o do_v establish_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o which_o he_o not_o find_v any_o way_n to_o avoid_v do_v endeavour_v to_o limit_v and_o contract_n into_o a_o narrow_a room_n and_o compass_n suppose_v the_o subject_n thereof_o to_o be_v few_o very_o few_o and_o those_o private_a man_n in_o their_o private_a capacity_n and_o so_o denominate_v it_o a_o religious_a bond_n which_o private_a man_n and_o some_o party_n only_o of_o the_o nation_n spontaneous_o take_v upon_o themselves_o in_o sense_n whereof_o he_o accommodate_v his_o solution_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o private_a capacity_n endeavour_v to_o absolve_v they_o by_o a_o power_n which_o he_o say_v be_v in_o themselves_o or_o to_o quiet_v they_o with_o a_o suggestion_n of_o impossibility_n to_o accomplish_v their_o particular_a promise_n against_o the_o purpose_n and_o current_n of_o the_o nation_n how_o judicious_o he_o have_v manage_v the_o same_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o my_o st._n peter_n bond_n abide_v wherein_o i_o do_v among_o other_o thing_n suggest_v my_o apprehension_n of_o the_o covenant_n 21._o page_n 21._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o obligation_n to_o be_v public_a and_o nationall_n i_o expect_v something_o to_o have_v be_v say_v by_o the_o dr._n against_o that_o suggestion_n and_o the_o ground_n from_o which_o it_o do_v arise_v but_o find_v none_o only_o in_o the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n hand_v into_o the_o world_n by_o his_o epistle_n and_o offer_v to_o your_o and_o my_o consideration_n he_o do_v adhere_v to_o his_o own_o notion_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o private_a personal_a obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o urge_v one_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o answer_v any_o thing_n urge_v against_o it_o how_o ingenuous_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o casuist_n that_o presume_v to_o release_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o sacred_a bond_n let_v the_o world_n judge_n i_o be_o therefore_o constrain_v to_o speak_v out_o and_o more_o plain_o to_o assert_v what_o i_o be_v desirous_a only_o to_o hint_n and_o general_o suggest_v hope_v thereby_o to_o have_v produce_v some_o serious_a discourse_n which_o may_v have_v acquit_v our_o nation_n or_o have_v affect_v they_o with_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v upon_o they_o when_o sir_n i_o say_v the_o solemn_z league_n and_o covenant_n be_v public_a and_o national_a i_o intend_v by_o it_o that_o which_o civilian_n and_o casuist_n do_v ordinary_o call_v real_a and_o as_o they_o oppose_v it_o unto_o private_a or_o personal_a because_o it_o rest_v not_o in_o any_o individual_a person_n or_o particular_a private_a number_n thereof_o who_o may_v soon_o perish_v and_o so_o the_o obligation_n pass_v away_o with_o they_o or_o be_v overpowred_n and_o so_o put_v into_o a_o impossbility_n of_o do_v what_o they_o have_v swear_v as_o be_v saul_n in_o the_o case_n of_o jonathans_n rescue_n and_o the_o man_n that_o confederate_v against_o paul_n the_o breach_n whereof_o subject_n only_o those_o individual_a person_n unto_o the_o guilt_n or_o punishment_n of_o perjury_n in_o non-effecting_a or_o endeavour_v the_o thing_n covenant_v but_o abide_v fix_v in_o thing_n and_o capacity_n which_o continue_v and_o abide_v under_o all_o mutation_n of_o person_n and_o so_o pass_v upon_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o in_o all_o after_o age_n ad_fw-la infinitum_fw-la if_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o limit_v who_o shall_v succeed_v into_o those_o thing_n place_n or_o capacity_n and_o so_o bind_v all_o person_n therein_o concern_v whether_o invest_v or_o represent_v by_o and_o so_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o sincere_a faithful_a diligent_a and_o constant_a performnance_n and_o pursuit_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o promise_n d_o and_o in_o denial_n or_o defect_n thereof_o subject_n they_o unto_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o perjury_n so_o that_o the_o generation_n who_o never_o personal_o swear_v the_o covenant_n succeed_v into_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o progenitor_n be_v bind_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o shall_v be_v punish_v many_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o it_o be_v make_v and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o year_n after_o it_o be_v violate_v in_o case_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o public_a capacity_n continue_v the_o person_n which_o succeed_v into_o it_o succeed_v also_o into_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o variation_n of_o person_n void_v not_o the_o oath_n such_o be_v the_o oath_n of_o any_o body_n of_o people_n whether_o a_o city_n or_o nation_n wherein_o the_o public_a faith_n of_o that_o body_n politic_a be_v engage_v and_o must_v be_v maintain_v first_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o people_n themselves_o 32._o themselves_o ubi_fw-la semel_fw-la decretum_fw-la erit_fw-la omnibus_fw-la id_fw-la etiam_fw-la quibus_fw-la ante_fw-la displicuerit_fw-la pro_fw-la bono_fw-mi atque_fw-la utili_fw-la foedere_fw-la defendendam_fw-la liv._o lib._n 32._o in_o which_o all_o singular_n be_v suppose_v to_o confederate_a though_o some_o few_o may_v not_o comply_v yet_o those_o few_o be_v include_v in_o and_o bind_v by_o the_o universality_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n vbi_fw-la universi_fw-la ibi_fw-la &_o singuli_fw-la nam_fw-la singuli_fw-la congregati_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o summa_fw-la reputati_fw-la facitunt_fw-la universe_n the_o universality_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o singular_a person_n so_o in_o a_o corporation_n or_o county_n the_o universality_n choose_v member_n of_o parliament_n or_o magistrate_n confederate_a 516._o â—acta_fw-la civium_fw-la publicis_fw-la consiliis_fw-la habita_fw-la eos_fw-la obligabunt_fw-la qui_fw-la aliter_fw-la senserunt_fw-la grot._n bell_n &_o pa._n p._n 516._o though_o some_o singular_a person_n be_v not_o present_v nor_o vote_n in_o the_o negative_a and_o so_o personal_o consent_v yet_o a_o repolitical_o oblige_v 2._o or_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n who_o represent_v they_o in_o their_o name_n and_o at_o their_o appointment_n not_o transact_v all_o affair_n as_o do_v the_o senate_n of_o rome_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o sallust_n note_v senatus_n uti_fw-la poterat_fw-la decrevit_fw-la svo_fw-la atque_fw-la populi_fw-la injusso_fw-la nullum_fw-la potuisse_fw-la foedus_fw-la fieri_fw-la the_o senate_n decree_v for_o if_o they_o or_o the_o people_n have_v gainsay_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o covenant_n and_o in_o this_o collective_a body_n though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o dissenter_n yet_o by_o the_o oath_n and_o act_n of_o the_o majority_n themselves_o and_o they_o who_o in_o that_o capacity_n they_o represent_v be_v bind_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n coetus_fw-la quilibet_fw-la non_fw-la minus_fw-la quam_fw-la persona_fw-la singularis_fw-la jus_o habet_fw