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
of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n there_o intend_v be_v at_o this_o time_n increase_v to_o which_o sir_n i_o shall_v have_v then_o answer_v 1._o answer_v their_o ability_n to_o say_v it_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n nor_o can_v we_o well_o judge_v it_o for_o whether_o they_o be_v under_o any_o natural_a wilful_a violent_a or_o judicial_a incapacity_n be_v not_o our_o part_n to_o determine_v other_o be_v able_a to_o say_v it_o and_o if_o these_o reverend_a father_n and_o student_n do_v know_v it_o though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o say_v it_o it_o be_v for_o we_o sufficient_a and_o therefore_o may_v i_o be_v bold_a further_o to_o inquire_v 2._o whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o read_v the_o whole_a sentence_n express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n who_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v at_o this_o time_n increase_v here_o intend_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o sinte_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v 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 be_v not_o these_o full_a expression_n of_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n who_o raâ—â—_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v increase_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o be_v it_o rational_a or_o religious_a to_o inquire_v after_o and_o suspend_v a_o duty_n on_o jealousy_n of_o a_o sense_n intend_v when_o we_o have_v the_o sense_n plain_o express_v be_v not_o this_o repugnant_a to_o the_o end_n of_o speech_n the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n 3._o be_v the_o master_n scholar_n and_o other_o member_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n such_o stranger_n in_o the_o protestant_a israel_n as_o not_o to_o know_v the_o papist_n and_o popish_o affect_v be_v enemy_n of_o god_n against_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n or_o so_o unacquainted_a at_o home_n as_o not_o to_o know_v their_o plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n be_v especial_o against_o these_o three_o kingdom_n the_o most_o public_a and_o potent_a professor_n of_o true_a religion_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v they_o no_o notion_n of_o the_o rebellion_n against_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o of_o the_o treason_n plot_n conspiracy_n roar_v bull_n and_o rage_a spanish_a armado_n against_o queen_n elizabeth_n of_o the_o gunpowder-treason_n and_o other_o plot_n against_o king_n james_n of_o the_o college_n of_o propagator_n of_o the_o catholic_n cause_n erect_v in_o rome_n under_o the_o government_n of_o cardinal_n barbarin_n and_o design_v against_o these_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o grand_a plot_n agitate_a by_o con_n or_o cuneus_n the_o pope_n nuncio_n in_o england_n discover_v by_o andrea_n ab_fw-la habernefield_n first_o to_o sir_n william_n boswel_o his_o majesty_n resident_n in_o flanders_n and_o by_o he_o unto_o laud_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o since_o full_o clear_v and_o lay_v open_a by_o mr._n william_n prynn_n in_o his_o rome_n masterpiece_n publish_v in_o 1643._o four_o year_n before_o their_o reason_n and_o may_v have_v be_v profitable_a to_o their_o eyesight_n 4._o do_v not_o this_o learned_a university_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o high_a increase_n of_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n to_o distribute_v their_o jesuit_n into_o such_o several_a order_n as_o shall_v be_v capable_a in_o any_o place_n or_o profession_n to_o propagate_v their_o plot_n to_o press_v upon_o the_o late_a king_n and_o archbishop_n for_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o union_n with_o rome_n to_o boast_v open_o of_o england_n return_v to_o popery_n to_o tender_v a_o cardinal_n hat_n to_o the_o late_a archbishop_n to_o poison_v our_o fountain_n the_o university_n and_o our_o very_a people_n with_o arminian_n and_o popish_a doctrine_n public_o preach_v and_o print_v and_o popish_a picture_n public_o sell_v and_o bind_v up_o with_o our_o testament_n and_o bibles_n to_o provoke_v the_o high-commission_n cruelty_n and_o puritan_n discontent_n to_o plot_v a_o plain_a popish_a service-book_n with_o very_o little_a variation_n oâ—_n from_o the_o mass-book_n and_o procure_v it_o to_o be_v by_o force_n and_o violence_n impose_v on_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o raise_n mutiny_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o bellum_n episcopale_v with_o pretence_n to_o yoke_v they_o and_o intention_n to_o destroy_v the_o king_n and_o protestant_n cause_n to_o rebel_v open_o in_o ireland_n and_o with_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n to_o murder_v and_o massacre_v the_o protestant_n to_o divide_v between_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o england_n and_o possess_v themselves_o of_o his_o majesty_n garrison_n and_o army_n as_o under_o their_o command_n to_o abet_v advise_v and_o effect_v the_o most_o barbarous_a murder_n of_o his_o late_a majesty_n and_o our_o since_o confusion_n all_o which_o and_o many_o the_o like_a to_o have_v be_v the_o achievement_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o true_a religion_n he_o that_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n observant_a of_o our_o affair_n can_v run_v and_o read_v and_o be_v not_o these_o expression_n of_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n let_v right_n reason_n judge_n 2._o exception_n oxford_z reasins_z second_o exception_n they_o can_v true_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v use_v or_o give_v consent_n to_o any_o supplication_n or_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o purpose_n therein_o express_v to_o this_o sir_n consider_v that_o although_o they_o can_v affirm_v it_o yet_o other_o can_v do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o joy_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o purpose_n therein_o express_v not_o as_o before_o intend_v shall_v we_o judge_v it_o from_o the_o preface_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n the_o 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 for_o the_o end_n be_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v urge_v to_o enforce_v the_o constancy_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o article_n the_o six_o it_o be_v express_v to_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o these_o be_v the_o only_a purpose_n express_v in_o these_o particular_a act_n propound_v for_o the_o production_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v the_o gentleman_n of_o oxford_n to_o have_v be_v so_o void_a of_o piety_n towards_o god_n love_v to_o their_o country_n or_o loyalty_n towards_o their_o king_n as_o not_o to_o have_v use_v or_o give_v consent_n to_o supplication_n or_o remonstrance_n to_o these_o purpose_n therein_o express_v must_v we_o think_v they_o so_o speechless_a as_o not_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n nor_o speak_v to_o man_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o purpose_n express_v no_o i_o will_v rather_o presume_v they_o modest_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o publish_v their_o piety_n and_o zeal_n to_o good_a purpose_n or_o passionate_o prejudice_v against_o some_o one_o expedient_a propound_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o purpose_n express_v and_o thereby_o act_v to_o confound_v the_o purpose_n and_o pursue_a mean_n but_o 3._o have_v not_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n representees_n in_o parliament_n if_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v be_v they_o violent_o exclude_v or_o do_v they_o give_v their_o no_o to_o the_o supplication_n or_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o purpose_n express_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o they_o do_v be_v not_o these_o supplication_n and_o remonstrance_n carry_v by_o the_o majority_n of_o vote_n and_o be_v not_o the_o negative_a so_o swallow_v therein_o that_o all_o person_n and_o body_n corporate_a through_o the_o nation_n do_v thereunto_o consent_n when_o we_o find_v oxford_n except_v we_o will_v say_v they_o can_v not_o true_o affirm_v they_o give_v consent_v but_o three_o exception_n oxford_z reasins_z three_o exception_n they_o do_v not_o conceive_v the_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o league_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a proper_a and_o probable_a mean_n to_o preserve_v ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o this_o sir_n we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o conceit_n of_o these_o gentleman_n and_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o it_o relate_v unto_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o act_n
subsectio_fw-la quarta_fw-la the_o master_n scholar_n and_o other_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o not_o take_v the_o covenant_n urge_v their_o reason_n against_o the_o same_o as_o unlawful_a not_o in_o the_o matter_n itself_o simple_o consider_v but_o by_o accident_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o circumstance_n attend_v themselves_o and_o discapacitate_v they_o unto_o the_o act_n and_o they_o offer_v their_o exception_n unto_o the_o article_n several_o and_o distinct_o unto_o the_o first_o article_n they_o except_v against_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 4._o oxford_z reasins_z sect._n 3._o pag._n 4._o and_o worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o then_o against_o the_o reformation_n of_o england_n in_o those_o particular_n unto_o the_o first_o they_o tell_v we_o except_o 1_o except_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v how_o they_o can_v in_o judgement_n swear_v to_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o religion_n of_o another_o kingdom_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o general_n it_o be_v but_o reason_n they_o suspend_v the_o act_n until_o they_o can_v swear_v in_o judgement_n though_o such_o as_o have_v rash_o in_o ignorance_n profane_v the_o oath_n by_o swear_v it_o must_v in_o sense_n of_o its_o sacred_a obligation_n inform_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v perform_v it_o and_o not_o cast_v it_o off_o but_o what_o hinder_v their_o judgement_n in_o this_o require_a act_n they_o urge_v four_o obstructive_a reason_n as_o first_o as_o it_o do_v not_o conc_fw-fr rn_n they_o to_o have_v very_o much_o exception_n 1_o reason_n of_o this_o exception_n so_o they_o profess_v they_o have_v very_o little_a understanding_n thereof_o in_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v 1._o they_o have_v some_o understanding_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o that_o little_a might_n so_o far_o enlighten_v their_o judgement_n as_o lawful_o to_o swear_v the_o preservation_n thereof_o i_o presume_v many_o citizen_n have_v little_a and_o but_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o liberty_n they_o swear_v to_o preserve_v yet_o be_v judge_v to_o swear_v in_o judgement_n 2._o i_o wonder_v a_o university_n and_o protestant_a university_n converse_v in_o all_o book_n and_o i_o must_v imagine_v meet_v with_o the_o two_o book_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n their_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n entertain_v schoolman_n and_o bishop_n thence_o flee_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o and_o open_o oppugn_v and_o dispute_v against_o the_o same_o shall_v profess_v they_o have_v thereof_o little_a understanding_n but_o it_o may_v be_v they_o mind_v not_o to_o study_v these_o thing_n 3._o some_o understanding_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o another_o kingdom_n be_v necessary_a to_o they_o as_o christian_n and_o protestant_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o as_o a_o university_n and_o protestant_a school_n of_o learning_n where_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v duobt_v dissolve_v and_o error_n oppugn_v and_o contradict_v and_o some_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o as_o subject_n require_v to_o swear_v the_o preservation_n thereof_o for_o the_o injunction_n can_v not_o but_o provoke_v a_o enquiry_n after_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v preserve_v i_o wonder_v therefore_o how_o these_o man_n can_v profess_v it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o to_o have_v much_o who_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o ought_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o all_o the_o nation_n beside_o but_o from_o what_o they_o know_v they_o add_v the_o next_o reason_n viz._n in_o three_o of_o the_o four_o specify_v particular_n viz._n worship_n exception_n 2_o reason_n of_o this_o exception_n discipline_n and_o government_n it_o be_v much_o worse_o and_o in_o the_o four_o that_o of_o doctrine_n not_o at_o all_o better_a than_o our_o own_o to_o be_v reform_v i_o wonder_v sir_n what_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v by_o the_o occurrence_n of_o those_o unhappy_a time_n bring_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n i_o hope_v they_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o just_a than_o to_o take_v it_o from_o mr._n john_n maxwel_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o ross_n a_o man_n excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n and_o censure_v by_o the_o state_n of_o that_o kingdom_n a_o profess_a enemy_n and_o enrage_a delinquent_n curse_v his_o very_a judge_n who_o i_o find_v about_o that_o time_n at_o oxford_n write_v his_o issachar_n burden_n a_o most_o rail_a reproachful_a discovery_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o rather_o for_o that_o the_o heat_n of_o expectation_n and_o ostentation_n of_o many_o in_o reference_n to_o that_o book_n be_v cool_v by_o a_o providential_a fire_n which_o seize_v on_o the_o printing-house_n and_o burn_v the_o copy_n ready_a to_o be_v publish_v the_o next_o day_n as_o mr._n bailiff_n in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n which_o these_o gentleman_n may_v have_v meet_v with_o do_v testify_v yet_o sir_n have_v these_o man_n of_o read_v regard_v what_o more_o sober_a and_o impartial_a man_n have_v say_v and_o write_v they_o will_v have_v have_v another_o character_n of_o this_o church_n i_o may_v not_o mind_v they_o of_o the_o apology_n to_o the_o doctor_n of_o oxford_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n james_n prefer_v the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o scotland_n before_o that_o of_o england_n or_o of_o their_o philadelphian_a purity_n 3._o bright_a man_n on_o apocalyps_n 3._o who_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n pure_a and_o free_a from_o corruption_n but_o do_v also_o deliver_v it_o in_o writing_n and_o exercise_v in_o practice_n that_o sincere_a manner_n of_o government_n whereby_o man_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o salvation_n mention_v by_o mr._n brightman_n our_o countryman_n they_o will_v possible_o tell_v we_o these_o be_v separatist_n to_o who_o scotland_n be_v no_o friend_n or_o puritan_n yet_o methinks_v 79._o methinks_v magnum_fw-la hoc_fw-la dei_fw-la munus_fw-la quod_fw-la una_fw-la &_o religionem_fw-la puram_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doctrinae_fw-la viz._n retinendae_fw-la vinculum_fw-la in_o scotiam_fw-la intulistis_fw-la sic_fw-la obsecro_fw-la &_o obtesto_fw-la haec_fw-la duo_fw-la simul_fw-la rebinet_n ut_fw-la uno_fw-la amisso_fw-la alterum_fw-la diu_fw-la permanere_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la semper_fw-la memineritis_fw-la beza_n epist_n 79._o beza_n may_v call_v for_o a_o little_a audience_n and_o respect_n from_o this_o learned_a assembly_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o long_o since_o this_o be_v the_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n that_o you_o have_v bring_v into_o scotland_n together_o pure_a religion_n and_o good_a order_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n and_o i_o hearty_o pray_v and_o beseech_v you_o for_o god_n sake_n hold_v fast_o these_o two_o together_o and_o always_o remember_v that_o if_o one_o be_v lose_v the_o other_o can_v long_o remain_v and_o no_o less_o venerable_a i_o presume_v be_v the_o corpus_n confession_n the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o yet_o therein_o they_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o may_v render_v it_o more_o acceptable_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v preserve_v for_o thus_o it_o be_v report_v by_o the_o collector_n who_o much_o rejoice_v in_o the_o providence_n that_o bring_v their_o confession_n into_o his_o hand_n 6._o hand_n est_fw-la illud_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la scoticanae_n privilegium_fw-la rarum_fw-la prae_fw-la multis_fw-la in_fw-la quo_fw-la etiam_fw-la nomen_fw-la apud_fw-la exteros_fw-la suis_fw-la celebre_fw-la quod_fw-la circiter_fw-la aut_fw-la nos_fw-la plus_fw-la minus_fw-la 54._o sine_fw-la schismate_fw-la nedum_fw-la haeresi_fw-la unitatem_fw-la cum_fw-la puritate_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la prevaverit_fw-la &_o retinuerit_fw-la huius_fw-la unitatis_fw-la adminiculum_fw-la ex_fw-la dei_fw-la misericordia_fw-la maximum_fw-la fuit_fw-la quod_fw-la paulatim_fw-la cum_fw-la doctrina_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o apostolorum_fw-la disciplina_fw-la sicut_fw-la ex_fw-la verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la praescripta_fw-la est_fw-la una_fw-la suis_fw-la recepta_fw-la &_o quam_fw-la proxime_fw-la fieri_fw-la potuit_fw-la secundum_fw-la eam_fw-la totum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la regimen_fw-la fuit_fw-la administratum_fw-la dâ—t_fw-la dominus_fw-la deus_fw-la pro_fw-la immensa_fw-la sva_fw-la bonitate_fw-la regiae_n majestati_fw-la omnibusque_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la gubernatoribus_fw-la ut_fw-la ex_fw-la dei_fw-la verbo_fw-la illam_fw-la unitatem_fw-la &_o doctrinae_fw-la puritatem_fw-la perpetuo_fw-la conservat_fw-la corpus_fw-la confess_v p._n 6._o it_o be_v the_o rare_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotlaod_n before_o many_o in_o which_o respect_n her_o name_n be_v famous_a even_o among_o stranger_n that_o about_o the_o space_n of_o fifty_o and_o four_o year_n without_o schism_n yea_o or_o heresy_n she_o have_v hold_v fast_o unity_n with_o
word_n of_o god_n shall_v say_v de_fw-fr specie_fw-la it_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a that_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n best_o reform_v because_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n do_v it_o not_o tend_v more_o to_o provoke_v reformation_n of_o church_n true_o constitute_v but_o not_o complete_v than_o to_o stir_v up_o schism_n for_o they_o do_v ot_fw-mi nor_o ever_o do_v deny_v communion_n with_o church_n herein_o defective_a and_o under_o maladministration_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n subsectio_fw-la quinta_fw-la we_o see_v sir_n very_o little_a ground_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n let_v we_o try_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o exception_n against_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o these_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o to_o this_o they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v how_o they_o can_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n england_n oxford_n exception_n to_o reformation_n of_o england_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n which_o without_o make_v a_o change_n therein_o can_v be_v do_v for_o this_o they_o urge_v three_o ground_n or_o reason_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o weight_n the_o first_o whereof_o exception_n 1_o reason_n for_o this_o exception_n be_v without_o give_v manifest_a scandal_n to_o the_o papist_n and_o separatist_n by_o yield_v the_o cause_n which_o our_o godly_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n and_o all_o our_o learned_a divine_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v both_o by_o their_o write_n and_o suffering_n maintain_v who_o have_v justify_v against_o they_o both_o the_o religion_n establish_v in_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 2._o justify_v the_o papist_n reproach_n and_o scorn_n we_o know_v not_o where_o to_o stay_v what_o be_v our_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o parliamentary_a religion_n 3._o a_o tacit_a acknowledgement_n that_o there_o be_v something_o both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n whereunto_o their_o conformity_n have_v be_v require_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o justify_v the_o recusancy_n of_o the_o one_o and_o separation_n of_o the_o other_o 4._o a_o employ_v confession_n that_o the_o law_n and_o punishment_n of_o papist_n for_o not_o join_v in_o that_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o be_v unjust_a a_o very_a fair_a and_o specious_a exception_n to_o which_o sir_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v well_o scandal_n be_v at_o length_n become_v a_o argument_n of_o any_o force_n have_v it_o be_v regard_v when_o right_o plead_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n enemy_n to_o separation_n as_o well_o as_o popery_n there_o may_v not_o have_v be_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o constrain_v its_o plea_n in_o a_o case_n wherein_o under_o correction_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v lose_v its_o force_n for_o if_o sir_n we_o have_v through_o ignorance_n practise_v or_o wilfulness_n persist_v in_o any_o sinful_a superstitious_a course_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v be_v admonish_v by_o some_o and_o decline_v by_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v arm_v with_o power_n do_v constrain_v a_o compliance_n with_o we_o so_o that_o a_o recession_n from_o the_o same_o must_v be_v our_o shame_n and_o their_o scandal_n to_o who_o we_o will_v not_o hearken_v i_o hope_v we_o must_v not_o for_o fear_v thereof_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n and_o refuse_v so_o much_o as_o to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n if_o in_o this_o case_n scandal_n have_v be_v of_o any_o force_n how_o or_o when_o have_v protestant_a religion_n be_v effect_v by_o such_o who_o have_v burn_v for_o heretic_n all_o that_o be_v but_o suspect_v of_o incline_v to_o it_o be_v not_o the_o papist_n then_o as_o much_o and_o more_o scandalise_v as_o now_o be_v scandal_n of_o any_o more_o force_n in_o the_o follow_a degree_n of_o reformation_n than_o in_o the_o first_o act_n thereof_o though_o it_o be_v a_o stop_n to_o sin_n and_o stay_v of_o violence_n in_o impose_v thing_n indifferent_a must_v it_o be_v of_o any_o strength_n to_o bar_v duty_n in_o the_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n i_o believe_v sir_n professor_n of_o physic_n and_o chirurgery_n will_v not_o consent_v ill_a humour_n to_o go_v unpurged_a or_o fester_a incurable_a member_n uncut_v off_o because_o some_o will_v be_v scandalize_v that_o their_o advice_n be_v not_o soon_o mind_v and_o other_o at_o the_o past_a real_a and_o now-seeming_a cruelty_n act_v by_o the_o present_a change_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o i_o strange_a to_o see_v papist_n and_o separatist_n conjoin_v as_o object_n of_o the_o same_o scandal_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n and_o ground_n must_v be_v direct_o contrary_a continuance_n of_o corruption_n to_o the_o one_o and_o removal_n thereof_o to_o the_o other_o the_o separatist_n be_v offend_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o popish_a ceremony_n retain_v and_o that_o so_o long_o when_o by_o he_o too_o rigid_o resist_v the_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o and_o likely_a to_o be_v go_v so_o soon_o but_o i_o presume_v they_o be_v suppose_v in_o aliquo_fw-la tertio_fw-la convenire_fw-la to_o agree_v in_o some_o other_o capacity_n the_o thing_n be_v now_o to_o be_v reform_v for_o nonobservance_n of_o which_o they_o be_v both_o afflict_v and_o then_o sir_n 3._o the_o scandal_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n spring_v from_o a_o fallacy_n in_o these_o word_n the_o religion_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o these_o serious_a casuist_n with_o reverence_n may_v i_o note_v it_o do_v to_o i_o seem_v sophistical_o to_o understand_v in_o a_o sense_n different_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v these_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v observe_v that_o religion_n as_o it_o denote_v the_o matter_n sabstantial_a part_n and_o essential_a form_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v different_a from_o the_o circumstance_n ord_n r_o and_o ceremony_n annex_v thereunto_o and_o only_o as_o appendant_o thereof_o deem_v religious_a which_o be_v conversant_a about_o and_o separable_a from_o religion_n liable_a to_o alteration_n as_o the_o prudence_n of_o man_n do_v direct_v and_o none_o but_o ignorant_a idiot_n will_v deem_v the_o change_n of_o they_o a_o charge_n of_o religion_n for_o these_o be_v different_a in_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o yet_o i_o hope_v the_o university_n of_o oxford_n will_v own_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o protestant_a religion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n though_o not_o subscribe_v the_o same_o formal_a individual_a article_n administer_a the_o same_o worship_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o order_n and_o with_o the_o same_o ceremony_n again_o sir_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v establish_v and_o what_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n though_o we_o do_v not_o justify_v nay_o believe_v a_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n in_o many_o particular_n in_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v yet_o we_o know_v in_o all_o these_o particular_n many_o gross_a and_o absurd_a corruption_n bring_v in_o and_o continue_v by_o a_o strong_a hand_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o all_o these_o particular_n 1._o for_o doctrine_n as_o that_o auricular_a confession_n and_o penance_n be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o christian_a man_n and_o in_o christ_n church_n that_o christian_n must_v have_v altar_n and_o bow_v to_o they_o as_o towards_o god_n mercy-seat_n and_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n his_o real_a presence_n on_o earth_n that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o passion_n be_v offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n that_o crucifix_n image_n and_o picture_n of_o christ_n god_n and_o saint_n may_v be_v lawful_o and_o profitable_o use_v and_o set_v up_o in_o church_n that_o the_o pope_n or_o papacy_n be_v not_o antichrist_n that_o there_o be_v canonical_a hour_n of_o prayer_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o church_n altar_n chalice_n and_o churchyard_n aught_o to_o be_v consecrate_v that_o man_n have_v freewill_n of_o themselves_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v that_o man_n may_v total_o and_o final_o fall_v from_o grace_n that_o sunday_n be_v no_o sabbath_n that_o bishop_n have_v a_o superiority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n above_o other_o minister_n and_o that_o by_o divine_a right_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o bishop_n these_o and_o many_o such_o like_a it_o be_v well_o know_v be_v public_o preach_v by_o montague_n cousin_n pocklington_n shelford_n dowe_n reeves_n adam_n and_o other_o and_o
the_o preacher_n defend_v even_o in_o the_o university_n from_o censure_n for_o they_o nay_o these_o be_v print_v in_o several_a book_n of_o the_o same_o author_n license_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o archbishop_n and_o his_o chaplain_n and_o many_o of_o they_o assert_v in_o the_o visitation_n article_n of_o some_o bishop_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o doctrine_n so_o in_o worship_n many_o corruption_n be_v innovate_v and_o exercise_v as_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n the_o turn_a communion-table_n into_o altar_n or_o altarwise_a and_o rail_a they_o in_o furnish_v they_o with_o candlestick_n and_o taper_n tie_v the_o gospel_n the_o blessing_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n to_o that_o place_n enclose_v and_o bow_v to_o these_o altar_n the_o make_v crucifix_n and_o canopy_n picture_n of_o god_n christ_n the_o holy_a ghost_n virgin_n mary_n and_o other_o saint_n in_o our_o church-window_n consecration_n of_o church_n font_n bell_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o and_o many_o such_o be_v first_o innovate_v to_o the_o chapel_n at_o lambeth_n and_o ferry_v over_o to_o whitehall_n and_o so_o transmit_v to_o all_o cathedral_n and_o almost_o all_o parish_n church_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o establish_v by_o law_n though_o enforce_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o visitation_n article_n of_o bishop_n wren_n bishop_n montague_n bishop_n peircy_n bishop_n lindsey_n and_o bishop_n skinner_n and_o other_o in_o their_o several_a diocese_n and_o by_o the_o silence_v suspension_n excommunication_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o high_a commission_n vexation_n of_o mr._n chauncey_n vicar_n and_o mr._n parker_n a_o inhabitant_n of_o ware_n mr._n burros_fw-la of_o colchester_n and_o many_o other_o nor_o be_v government_n any_o more_o pure_a if_o we_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o star-chamber_n with_o all_o rigour_n cruelty_n and_o injustice_n and_o in_o visitation_n citation_n probate_a of_o will_n letter_n of_o administration_n and_o excommunication_n in_o the_o name_n and_o under_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o never_o authorize_v thereunto_o all_o which_o be_v evident_o needful_a to_o be_v reform_v as_o have_v be_v so_o public_o exercise_v and_o potent_o defend_v and_o may_v well_o enforce_v a_o covenant_v endeavour_n to_o reform_v religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n i_o well_o know_v sir_n that_o the_o change_n of_o religion_n make_v a_o great_a sound_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o if_o establish_v i_o can_v be_v insensible_a of_o the_o noise_n make_v by_o it_o against_o our_o first_o reformation_n and_o must_v expect_v the_o echo_n to_o follow_v all_o after_o act_n and_o degree_n thereof_o for_o all_o change_n be_v scandalous_a and_o many_o very_a dangerous_a if_o therefore_o these_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n can_v rational_o conceive_v the_o covenant_n to_o bind_v they_o to_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o substance_n matter_n and_o essential_a part_n and_o form_n thereof_o then_o i_o must_v confess_v their_o exception_n be_v very_o important_a for_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o our_o bishop_n martyr_n and_o learned_a divine_n have_v by_o suffer_v and_o write_v testify_v it_o to_o have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o to_o resolve_v that_o into_o the_o power_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o parliament_n who_o may_v direct_v and_o authorise_v the_o profession_n but_o not_o prescribe_v the_o matter_n or_o form_n be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o parliamentary_a religion_n and_o the_o change_n thereof_o must_v needs_o condemn_v our_o law_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o papist_n not_o join_n with_o we_o as_o unjust_a and_o so_o justify_v papist_n and_o separatist_n the_o one_o in_o his_o recusancy_n and_o the_o other_o in_o his_o separation_n but_o sir_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o religion_n of_o scotland_n to_o be_v preserve_v as_o the_o concomitant_a and_o provocation_n the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n profess_v the_o same_o substantial_a religion_n though_o differ_v in_o administration_n and_o order_n propound_v as_o the_o pattern_n i_o see_v not_o how_o right_a reason_n can_v render_v any_o such_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rather_o for_o that_o reformation_n not_o alteration_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o formal_a act_n which_o presuppose_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o subject_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a but_o sir_n if_o they_o as_o they_o needs_o must_v by_o religion_n understand_v the_o order_n and_o annex_v ceremony_n appendant_a to_o religion_n whether_o establish_v as_o be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n holiness_n of_o day_n and_o order_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o the_o like_a or_o only_o exercise_v and_o enforce_v by_o prelate_n power_n and_o countenance_n as_o the_o corruption_n before_o mention_v then_o we_o must_v say_v their_o exception_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n not_o the_o reason_n any_o thing_n worth_a for_o this_o change_n can_v be_v no_o such_o scandal_n as_o be_v conceive_v for_o we_o deny_v they_o to_o have_v be_v testify_v by_o our_o bishop_n martyr_n and_o learned_a man_n by_o any_o suffering_n or_o write_n until_o of_o late_a by_o the_o person_n and_o such_o like_v before_o mention_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o must_v put_v they_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o think_v we_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v tindal_n latimer_n hooper_n ridley_n farrar_n and_o many_o other_o martyr_n by_o lay_v down_o their_o bishopric_n and_o other_o contest_v and_o suffering_n to_o have_v testify_v against_o they_o and_o mr._n cartwright_n baines_n and_o many_o devonshire_n cornwall_n and_o lincolnshire_n minister_n and_o other_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n by_o write_v petition_n remonstrance_n apology_n and_o suffering_n to_o have_v testify_v against_o not_o only_o the_o corruption_n exercise_v against_o which_o our_o jewel_n fulk_n whitaker_n archbishop_n parker_n dr._n ward_n dr._n brownrigge_v dr._n bancroft_n and_o all_o sound_n and_o learned_a divine_n not_o devote_v to_o return_v to_o rome_n have_v write_v but_o even_o the_o very_a order_n and_o ceremony_n establish_v as_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o learned_a gentleman_n have_v please_v to_o observe_v the_o visitation_n and_o high_a commission_n proceed_n they_o may_v have_v find_v prynn_n burton_n bastwick_n layton_n workman_n langley_n hind_n nichols_n ball_n and_o many_o other_o know_v learned_a man_n who_o be_v silence_v suspend_v imprison_v stigmatise_v and_o in_o much_o suffering_n testify_v these_o appendant_o to_o our_o religion_n whether_o establish_v or_o exercise_v to_o be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v not_o who_o they_o can_v mean_v on_o as_o a_o martyr_n for_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v lawde_a the_o late_a archbishop_n the_o grand_a innovator_n of_o our_o church_n 2._o if_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v by_o papist_n or_o prelate_n reproach_v as_o a_o parliamentary_a religion_n we_o will_v rejoice_v in_o our_o reproach_n and_o bless_v god_n we_o have_v a_o parliament_n that_o have_v zeal_n to_o improve_v their_o power_n about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_o subject_a thereunto_o 3._o nor_o can_v this_o reformation_n justify_v the_o recusancy_n of_o the_o papist_n because_o these_o thing_n never_o become_v a_o reason_n for_o their_o recusancy_n further_o than_o they_o occasion_v their_o obduracy_n by_o assure_v their_o hope_n of_o england_n return_n to_o they_o nor_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o separatist_n for_o that_o the_o corruption_n establish_v be_v never_o make_v such_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o make_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n service_n witness_v cartwright_n defence_n of_o the_o church_n service_n the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n can_v have_v be_v so_o little_o observant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o the_o sober_a zealous_a nonconformist_n who_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o these_o corruption_n and_o for_o this_o reformation_n be_v grieve_v by_o and_o great_o contend_v against_o the_o cann_n the_o mr._n geree_n his_o vindiciae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la anglicanae_n show_v necessity_n of_o reformation_n not_o separation_n and_o mr._n ball_n two_o book_n against_o mr._n cann_n separation_n as_o that_o which_o be_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n yet_o like_o jesus_n christ_n their_o master_n keep_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n who_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v very_o much_o in_o need_n of_o reformation_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o to_o do_v grant_v there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o enough_o to_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o separation_n 4._o much_o less_o do_v this_o endeavour_n judge_v the_o law_n against_o and_o punishment_n of_o papist_n as_o unjust_a which_o
never_o have_v these_o piece_n of_o religion_n for_o their_o ground_n or_o reason_n you_o see_v sir_n that_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o these_o learned_a man_n dissatisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o covenant_v endeavour_n of_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n be_v clear_o groundless_a suppose_v a_o change_n and_o suggest_v a_o scandal_n not_o to_o be_v ruppose_v let_v we_o try_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o second_o reason_n for_o this_o exception_n and_o that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o covenant_v this_o reformation_n without_o wrong_n to_o themselves_o exception_n 2_o reason_n for_o this_o exception_n their_o conscience_n reputation_n and_o estate_n in_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o themselves_o and_o sundry_a other_o way_n swear_v to_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v that_o as_o corrupt_v and_o vicious_a which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o personal_a subscription_n approve_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v condemn_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n nor_o convince_v by_o their_o brethren_n that_o therein_o they_o do_v amiss_o 2._o which_o they_o be_v in_o conscience_n persuade_v be_v not_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o stand_v establish_v by_o law_n 3._o which_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o sundry_a respect_n much_o better_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o practise_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o that_o to_o be_v preserve_v in_o scotland_n 4._o to_o which_o all_o clerk_n admit_v to_o any_o benefice_n be_v require_v to_o assent_v to_o these_o reason_n sir_n i_o shall_v have_v answer_v 1._o credit_n be_v indeed_o a_o matter_n of_o concerment_n and_o reputation_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o our_o estate_n by_o all_o just_a prudent_a mean_n due_o preserve_v but_o they_o be_v not_o equivalent_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o gospel_n administration_n nor_o must_v be_v admit_v bar_n to_o duy_v or_o stay_v from_o the_o endeavour_n of_o a_o necessary_a reformation_n when_o call_v for_o 2._o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o understand_v their_o term_n the_o establishment_n by_o law_n be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o many_o corruption_n we_o have_v note_v be_v exercise_v not_o establish_v the_o endeavour_n of_o a_o reformation_n of_o they_o though_o not_o they_o only_o be_v and_o be_v require_v and_o it_o be_v very_o doubtful_a how_o or_o where_o to_o find_v and_o prove_v a_o establishment_n by_o law_n to_o which_o they_o so_o much_o cleave_v yet_o i_o hope_v the_o defect_n in_o proof_n thereof_o will_v be_v no_o just_a demur_n to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o a_o reformation_n of_o what_o be_v real_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a whether_o establish_v or_o only_o exercise_v we_o must_v also_o entreat_v a_o comment_n on_o these_o word_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o rome_n do_v engross_v and_o monopolise_v this_o epithet_n nor_o can_v the_o worship_n doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n admit_v it_o to_o be_v predicate_v of_o any_o so_o well_o as_o that_o for_o all_o reform_a church_n do_v in_o their_o practice_n differ_v and_o i_o presume_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v the_o agreement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o these_o particular_n which_o be_v first_o derive_v from_o apostate_n rome_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o continue_v as_o the_o dregs_o of_o their_o catholic_n practice_n not_o more_o to_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o nonconformist_n at_o home_n than_o joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o that_o church_n as_o a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o their_o continue_a possession_n and_o encouragement_n to_o expect_v and_o endeavour_v a_o full_a recovery_n of_o england_n into_o her_o bosom_n but_o as_o to_o their_o argument_n 3_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n may_v be_v vicious_a and_o corrupt_a notwithstanding_o their_o apprehension_n and_o assent_n to_o the_o contrary_a or_o the_o subscription_n of_o other_o require_v by_o the_o law_n we_o well_o know_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v begin_v on_o more_o pope_n more_o henry_n the_o 8_o his_o discontent_n at_o the_o pope_n political_a than_o pious_a principle_n which_o do_v easy_o consent_v to_o a_o retain_v of_o what_o be_v just_o discharge_v in_o other_o rerormed_a church_n embrace_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o simplicity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o its_o naked_a self_n may_v consist_v with_o those_o public_a end_n which_o do_v provoke_v it_o and_o policy_n be_v the_o principle_n predominant_a in_o the_o first_o have_v struggle_v against_o piety_n unto_o this_o last_o act_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o master_v and_o i_o presume_v the_o scholar_n and_o master_n of_o oxford_n will_v not_o plead_v a_o immunity_n from_o policy_n passion_n and_o prejudice_n when_o they_o be_v to_o pass_v 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
throne_n of_o christ_n as_o thing_n tend_v towards_o superstition_n and_o schism_n and_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o call_v for_o reformation_n rather_o than_o preservation_n last_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o estate_n do_v seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v their_o great_a stumble_a block_n in_o their_o way_n to_o the_o covenant_n all_o clerk_n be_v by_o the_o law_n yet_o in_o force_n require_v to_o give_v their_o assent_n unto_o what_o by_o this_o covenant_n be_v require_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o on_o pain_n of_o lose_v their_o benefice_n which_o sir_n we_o shall_v admit_v though_o it_o will_v admit_v a_o dispute_n in_o reference_n to_o many_o if_o not_o all_o the_o particular_n mention_v yet_o how_o shall_v this_o demur_n to_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o the_o law_n require_v our_o assent_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o follow_v they_o need_v not_o reformation_n nor_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o endeavour_v their_o reformation_n many_o man_n have_v assent_v to_o the_o law_n who_o can_v never_o give_v the_o assent_n require_v by_o the_o law_n and_o by_o suffering_n show_v that_o the_o law_n be_v their_o burden_n bind_v they_o to_o suffer_v whilst_o it_o require_v what_o they_o in_o truth_n and_o good_a conscience_n can_v yield_v but_o must_v good_a man_n continue_v under_o this_o burden_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o ease_v themselves_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n for_o man_n to_o covenant_n in_o their_o place_n to_o endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o a_o burdensome_a law_n or_o may_v not_o the_o reformation_n covenant_v be_v so_o endeavour_v nay_o sir_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a reason_n can_v such_o endeavour_n be_v any_o wrong_n to_o man_n conscience_n reputation_n or_o estate_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o this_o 2d_o reason_n of_o oxford_n against_o the_o covenant_a such_o a_o endeavour_n but_o we_o proceed_v to_o their_o 3d._a reason_n of_o this_o exception_n the_o three_o reason_n on_o which_o the_o master_n exception_n 3d._a reason_n of_o this_o exception_n scholar_n etc._n etc._n of_o oxford_n stand_v dissatisfy_v concern_v the_o covenant_n or_o reformation_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n be_v indeed_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a if_o but_o clear_o prove_v and_o it_o be_v their_o manifest_a danger_n of_o perjury_n the_o covenant_n in_o this_o point_n seem_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a solemn_a protestation_n i_o presume_v they_o mean_v that_o of_o may_v 5._o 1641._o which_o they_o have_v swear_v neither_o for_o hope_n or_o fear_n or_o other_o respect_n ever_o to_o relinquish_v or_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n which_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o statute_n of_o this_o university_n they_o have_v swear_v unto_o this_o reason_n i_o easy_o grant_v that_o contradictory_n oath_n do_v run_v the_o soul_n on_o manifest_a perjury_n and_o if_o the_o first_o be_v lawful_a the_o last_o must_v needs_o be_v sinful_a neither_o to_o be_v swear_v at_o first_o nor_o oblige_v at_o last_o if_o it_o be_v swear_v 2._o but_o the_o contradiction_n must_v be_v manifest_a and_o clear_a not_o seem_v and_o conjectural_a which_o may_v spring_v by_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n to_o the_o fancy_n of_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o suppose_v it_o as_o all_o thing_n look_v yellow_a to_o jaundice_n eye_n and_o be_v not_o in_o reality_n such_o to_o impartial_a reader_n it_o seem_v this_o contradiction_n between_o this_o covenant_n and_o those_o oath_n be_v to_o the_o man_n of_o oxford_n but_o seem_v though_o to_o their_o best_a understanding_n in_o their_o then_o capacity_n i_o presume_v and_o it_o must_v pass_v into_o a_o certainty_n before_o it_o discharge_v the_o bond_n to_o such_o as_o be_v under_o it_o though_o seem_v so_o to_o be_v may_v suspend_v the_o act_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o so_o seem_v 3._o but_o let_v we_o see_v wherein_o seem_v this_o contradiction_n it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o amount_v not_o to_o as_o much_o as_o the_o scotch_a notion_n before_o specify_v which_o seem_v to_o tend_v to_o superstition_n and_o schism_n first_o then_o of_o the_o contradiction_n to_o their_o protestation_n which_o i_o imagine_v can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o of_o may_v 5._o 1641._o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v religion_n run_v thus_o i_o a._n b._n do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n vow_n and_o protest_v to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v as_o far_o as_o lawful_o i_o may_v with_o my_o life_n power_n and_o estate_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 the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o article_n under_o consideration_n run_v thus_o that_o we_o shall_v sincere_o 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 reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_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 example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n contraria_fw-la contrariis_fw-la juxta_fw-la opposita_fw-la magis_fw-la elucescunt_fw-la let_v any_o impartial_a eye_n read_v these_o two_o oath_n thus_o oppose_v and_o show_v i_o wherein_o seem_v the_o contradiction_n to_o lie_v they_o may_v indeed_o seem_v different_a in_o their_o sound_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n but_o oxford_n well_o know_v that_o all_o diversa_fw-la be_v not_o opposita_fw-la all_o difference_n amount_v not_o to_o a_o contradiction_n diversa_fw-la &_o opposita_fw-la aeque_fw-la dissentanea_fw-la sunt_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la aeque_fw-la dissentiunt_fw-la they_o differ_v indeed_o but_o not_o with_o the_o same_o difference_n i_o wish_v that_o on_o second_o thought_n they_o will_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o whether_o the_o difference_n be_v re_n or_o ratione_fw-la only_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v protest_v in_o the_o first_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o after_o the_o manner_n which_o be_v covenant_v in_o the_o last_o but_o they_o specify_v the_o contradiction_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n they_o vow_v to_o maintain_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n express_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o same_o now_o to_o be_v reform_v and_o alter_v but_o sir_n be_v they_o not_o in_o take_v it_o so_o to_o be_v much_o mistake_v the_o covenant_n bind_v to_o reform_v doctrine_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n be_v there_o no_o such_o doctrine_n open_o divulge_v in_o the_o court_n sermon_n and_o print_a book_n of_o montague_n reive_n heylen_n dowe_n cousin_n pocklington_n and_o other_o before_o mention_v in_o montague_n apello_fw-la ad_fw-la caesarem_fw-la originum_fw-la ecclesiasticorum_fw-la 2_o part_n antidiatribae_a pocklington_n sunday_n no_o sabbath_n altar_n christianum_fw-la heylens_n coal_n from_o the_o altar_n history_n of_o the_o sabbath_n sales_n his_o introduction_n to_o a_o devout_a life_n shelfords_n five_o treatise_n dowe_n against_o mr._n burton_n cousin_n his_o hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o many_o other_o license_a book_n public_o sell_v in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o visitation_n article_n of_o bishop_n montague_n bishop_n peirce_n and_o bishop_n wren_n on_o which_o many_o good_a man_n be_v vex_v which_o be_v distinct_a and_o different_a if_o i_o may_v not_o say_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n express_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o do_v not_o these_o need_n reformation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a subject_a and_o protestant_n in_o maintenance_n of_o this_o religion_n to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n alteration_n and_o total_a expunction_n of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o so_o to_o covenant_n and_o then_o sir_n where_o be_v the_o contradiction_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o protestation_n and_o covenant_n do_v plain_o coincidere_fw-la and_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o sir_n let_v we_o allow_v they_o their_o sense_n that_o the_o doctrine_n protest_v to_o be_v maintain_v be_v the_o same_o covenant_v to_o be_v reform_v be_v maintenance_n and_o reformation_n incompetible_a be_v there_o not_o a_o possbility_n of_o some_o adjunct_n unto_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n express_v the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n and_o separable_a without_o the_o destruction_n thereof_o or_o may_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v reform_v as_o to_o the_o scant_a general_a dubious_a and_o difficult_a manner_n of_o expression_n and_o yet_o the_o matter_n thereof_o be_v maintain_v and_o defend_v be_v those_o article_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consecration_n of_o the_o bishop_n
their_o certain_a assurance_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v any_o better_o bottom_v than_o their_o think_v so_o in_o point_n of_o divine_a right_n i_o know_v not_o what_o may_v be_v their_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o ancient_a record_n and_o late_a history_n for_o they_o mention_v none_o and_o therein_o their_o faith_n must_v be_v unto_o themselves_o but_o by_o such_o ancient_a or_o modern_a history_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v this_o form_n of_o government_n which_o must_v relate_v unto_o that_o to_o be_v extirpate_v by_o the_o covenant_n or_o else_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o have_v be_v either_o universal_a or_o uninterrupted_a in_o all_o kingdom_n that_o have_v be_v call_v christian_n for_o half_a fifteen_o hundred_o year_n for_o if_o they_o account_v backward_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o writing_n they_o will_v find_v a_o violent_a interruption_n and_o indeed_o extirpation_n of_o this_o form_n of_o government_n by_o christian_a the_o king_n of_o denmark_n in_o the_o year_n 1537._o as_o contrary_a to_o christ_n his_o institution_n and_o then_o they_o will_v lose_v more_o than_o one_o of_o their_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n without_o interruption_n and_o that_o in_o a_o kingdom_n call_v christian_n and_o this_o sir_n be_v to_o sense_n whatever_o it_o be_v to_o reason_n a_o more_o considerable_a opposition_n than_o that_o of_o aerius_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o interruption_n and_o extirpation_n in_o scotland_n which_o i_o presume_v may_v be_v to_o they_o of_o little_a weight_n that_o people_n in_o their_o eye_n scarce_o appear_v christian_n and_o if_o they_o will_v account_v forward_o from_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o lord_n their_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n of_o universal_a uninterrupted_a episcopal_a government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n will_v rise_v very_o heavy_o for_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o division_n and_o distribution_n of_o church_n into_o parish_n and_o diocese_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n for_o more_o than_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o year_n 9_o polid._n virg._n invent_v l._n 4._o c._n 9_o and_o until_o that_o time_n small_a town_n and_o village_n have_v their_o bishop_n and_o all_o bishop_n be_v before_o and_o after_o that_o choose_a by_o the_o people_n not_o by_o their_o prince_n and_o so_o long_o there_o can_v be_v no_o metropolitan_a portavit_fw-la archiepiscopi_fw-la vero_fw-la su_fw-es hibernia_n nulli_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la se_fw-la inuicem_fw-la episcopi_fw-la consecrabant_fw-la donec_fw-la johannes_n papyrio_fw-la romanae_fw-la sedis_fw-la legatus_fw-la ad_fw-la venit_fw-la hic_fw-la 4._o pallia_fw-la in_o hiberniam_fw-la portavit_fw-la archiepiscopal_a seat_n nor_o cathedral_n episcopal_a diocese_n and_o will_v they_o give_v a_o irish_a man_n leave_v to_o tell_v they_o that_o saint_n patrick_n send_v into_o ireland_n by_o eleuth_n rius_fw-la more_o than_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n do_v consecrate_v as_o many_o bishop_n as_o he_o do_v constitute_v church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n three_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o five_o of_o each_o and_o that_o from_o his_o time_n to_o the_o come_n in_o of_o johannes_n papyrio_n the_o pope_n legate_n anno_fw-la 1152._o 58._o girald_n cambr._n topograph_n hiber_n destinct_n 3._o cap._n 17._o vid._n the_o religion_n profess_v by_o the_o ancient_a irish_a in_o a_o epistle_n to_o the_o late_a primate_n usher_n by_o sir_n christopher_n sipthorpe_n knight_n pag._n 58._o there_o be_v no_o archbishoprics_a in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v call_v christian_a and_o if_o the_o instance_n may_v not_o offend_v they_o i_o will_v mind_v they_o that_o bishop_n usher_n the_o late_a primate_n of_o armagh_n in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-fr primordiis_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la britannicarum_fw-la pag._n 800._o do_v affirm_v out_o of_o john_n major_n de_fw-fr gestis_fw-la scotorum_fw-la that_o in_o ancient_a time_n the_o scot_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o the_o priest_n and_o monk_n and_o have_v no_o bishop_n before_o the_o come_n of_o palladius_n into_o their_o country_n and_o after_o that_o palladius_n make_v bishop_n they_o have_v no_o diocese_n until_o malcolme_n the_o three_o king_n of_o scotland_n but_o every_o bishop_n do_v exercise_v his_o episcopal_a function_n wherever_o he_o come_v who_o cit_v also_o john_n fordon_n scotichronicon_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 8._o on_o the_o same_o account_n so_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v this_o form_n of_o government_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n cathedral_n church_n and_o by_o archbishop_n to_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o some_o kingdom_n half_a fifteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o what_o then_o become_v of_o the_o assurance_n of_o these_o learned_a man_n moreover_o though_o the_o opposition_n of_o aerius_n seem_v in_o their_o eye_n on_o inconsiderable_a one_o yet_o it_o be_v such_o as_o state_v a_o principle_n which_o be_v once_o admittee_n as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o obtain_v but_o liberty_n to_o be_v improve_v to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o government_n to_o be_v practise_v will_v subvert_v the_o foundation_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o superiority_n of_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o all_o minister_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n office_n and_o authority_n we_o can_v but_o infer_v who_o be_v you_o that_o advance_v yourselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o lord_n it_o over_o your_o brethren_n and_o god_n heritage_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o this_o principle_n be_v cloud_v by_o the_o occasion_n on_o which_o it_o be_v divulge_v by_o he_o the_o man_n discontent_n we_o must_v say_v that_o discontent_n be_v a_o better_a dictator_n than_o judge_n and_o god_n know_v how_o to_o make_v man_n grudge_n grind_v out_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n mind_n and_o will_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v deem_v but_o a_o poor_a defence_n of_o the_o pope_n supreamacy_n in_o england_n to_o say_v that_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o in_o a_o discontent_a humour_n do_v cast_v it_o off_o and_o be_v for_o it_o excommunicate_v and_o here_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o a_o great_a noise_n be_v make_v and_o advantage_n take_v that_o aerius_n be_v repute_v a_o heretic_n for_o affirm_v the_o parity_n of_o presbyter_n with_o bishop_n and_o yet_o sir_n it_o will_v be_v well_o note_v by_o who_o and_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o be_v brand_v as_o a_o heretic_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o council_n or_o primitive_a father_n but_o by_o one_o only_a man_n epiphanius_n though_o to_o be_v reverence_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o by_o this_o administer_v little_a cause_n of_o regard_n i_o think_v many_o in_o oxford_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o have_v arminian_n notion_n more_o opposite_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n than_o aerius_n notion_n to_o good_a order_n public_o damn_v as_o heresy_n which_o yet_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o though_o that_o be_v not_o a_o general_a council_n it_o win_v more_o authority_n than_o the_o censure_n of_o epiphanius_n saint_n augustine_n therefore_o repeat_v the_o opinion_n of_o aerius_n as_o recite_v by_o epiphanius_n do_v more_o modest_o denominate_v it_o proprium_fw-la dogma_fw-la 53._o august_n de_fw-fr haeresibus_fw-la cap._n 53._o and_o other_o repeat_v the_o heresy_n of_o aerius_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o this_o among_o they_o nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o reason_n if_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n michael_n of_o medina_n be_v deserve_o chide_v for_o say_v 591._o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n p._n 591._o hierom_n and_o austin_n fall_v into_o the_o heresy_n of_o aerius_n and_o affirm_v the_o degree_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v no_o great_a than_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o priest_n i_o hope_v that_o be_v not_o heresy_n in_o aerius_n which_o be_v orthodox_n in_o austin_n jerom_n and_o other_o true_o sir_n i_o think_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n may_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o have_v consider_v and_o indeed_o public_o contradict_v titus_n contradict_v collect_v by_o mr._n william_n prynne_n as_o a_o appendix_n to_o his_o unbishoping_a timothy_n and_o titus_n the_o catalogue_n of_o testimony_n in_o all_o age_n evidence_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v one_o equal_a and_o the_o same_o in_o jurisdiction_n dignity_n order_n and_o degree_n whereby_o in_o five_o several_a squadron_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ignatius_n policarpus_fw-la anacletus_fw-la justin_n martyr_n and_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n peter_n lombard_n gratian_n hugo_n cardinalis_fw-la and_o many_o other_o canonist_n and_o schoolman_n the_o waldenses_n alphonsus_n castro_n gersomus_n bucer_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o foreign_a divine_n and_o church_n our_o own_o sedulus_fw-la anselme_n beda_n occam_n fulk_n jewel_n reynolds_n whitaker_n and_o almost_o who_o not_o in_o every_o place_n and_o age_n be_v produce_v as_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o in_o aâ—rius_n be_v call_v heresy_n for_o certain_o so_o general_a a_o consent_n to_o a_o
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 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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 act_n as_o his_o majesty_n agreement_n with_o the_o scot_n at_o breda_n where_o he_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o his_o subject_n by_o solemn_a oath_n to_o publish_v &_o testify_v his_o approbation_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n and_o at_o his_o first_o arrival_n into_o scotland_n be_v please_v to_o subject_n unto_o the_o same_o bond_n in_o which_o his_o subject_n be_v engage_v and_o to_o swear_v the_o same_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o again_o at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n at_o scoon_n in_o scotland_n on_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1651._o be_v gracious_o please_v over_o and_o above_o the_o ordinary_a and_o solemn_a oath_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o king_n of_o scotland_n in_o his_o most_o public_a capacity_n 77._o the_o history_n of_o charles_n the_o second_o 75_o 76_o 77._o to_o swear_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o this_o oath_n in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o successor_n i_o charles_n king_n of_o great_a britain_n 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 these_o strait_n into_o this_o sacred_a bond_n which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a in_o a_o estate_n of_o liberty_n he_o have_v never_o subject_v to_o and_o be_v now_o swear_v they_o can_v they_o must_v not_o be_v slight_v or_o violate_v but_o i_o hope_v his_o majesty_n shall_v never_o want_v a_o good_a angel_n to_o be_v his_o monitor_n to_o pay_v the_o vow_n he_o make_v to_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o distress_n now_o sir_n i_o say_v when_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o covenant_n under_o these_o public_a consideration_n and_o find_v such_o palpable_a engagement_n make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o england_n as_o a_o kingdom_n and_o political_a body_n profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n i_o can_v but_o adhere_v to_o my_o former_a conjecture_n that_o it_o look_v something_o like_o a_o national_a obligation_n nay_o the_o confluence_n of_o public_a assent_n and_o authority_n by_o the_o people_n collective_o and_o distributive_o consider_v and_o the_o access_n of_o royal_a 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 the_o old_a bailie_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o bear_v allegiance_n to_o your_o king_n yea_o though_o you_o may_v not_o have_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n yourselves_o yet_o you_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o recognition_n of_o king_n james_n and_o his_o posterity_n make_v at_o his_o first_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o this_o realm_n by_o the_o whole_a parliament_n be_v the_o whole_a collective_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n certain_o they_o then_o and_o their_o posterity_n must_v needs_o be_v bind_v who_o themselves_o have_v universal_o by_o the_o appointment_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o who_o be_v entrust_v for_o they_o engage_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o nation_n though_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o parliament_n in_o that_o public_a capacity_n have_v only_o do_v it_o for_o i_o say_v still_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v give_v away_o our_o estate_n or_o take_v pardon_n in_o the_o name_n and_o to_o the_o security_n of_o the_o nation_n if_o they_o may_v not_o in_o our_o name_n make_v oath_n promise_n and_o covenant_n to_o bind_v we_o and_o our_o succeed_a governor_n and_o posterity_n in_o sense_n whereof_o i_o can_v but_o desire_v all_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o england_n to_o consider_v the_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o sir_n as_o it_o be_v no_o little_a support_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o my_o spirit_n under_o the_o late_a contempt_n and_o horrid_a violation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o observe_v they_o be_v the_o preposterous_a act_n of_o selfcreated_n power_n and_o usurper_n on_o the_o people_n consent_n as_o well_o as_o his_o majesty_n crown_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o involve_v the_o nation_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o perjury_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v to_o fall_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n so_o it_o be_v now_o the_o great_a perplexity_n in_o my_o jealousy_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v like_a to_o be_v slight_v if_o not_o contradict_v that_o the_o nation_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v plunge_v under_o the_o guilt_n and_o make_v liable_a to_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o by_o that_o just_a god_n who_o will_v certain_o avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n forbid_v god_n forbid_v i_o say_v again_o god_n forbid_v to_o conclude_v sir_n this_o section_n lest_o you_o or_o any_o other_o shall_v think_v this_o quality_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n as_o public_a and_o national_a to_o be_v my_o own_o notion_n and_o private_a particular_a fancy_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o and_o they_o i_o can_v produce_v more_o than_o 600._o minister_n most_o of_o who_o be_v yet_o live_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n who_o under_o their_o hand_n have_v testify_v their_o apprehension_n thereof_o under_o the_o same_o notion_n such_o as_o will_v please_v to_o take_v a_o strict_a view_n of_o this_o cloud_n of_o witness_n may_v at_o their_o leisure_n survey_v the_o public_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o attest_v by_o the_o name_n of_o 52_o minister_n of_o london_n 41_o in_o the_o county_n palatine_n of_o lancaster_n 59_o in_o the_o county_n palatine_n of_o chester_n 41_o minister_n in_o the_o west_n ride_v of_o the_o county_n of_o york_n who_o in_o their_o title-page_n and_o throughout_o their_o testimony_n do_v denominate_v it_o the_o national_a covenant_n 39_o in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n 82_o in_o the_o county_n of_o wilts_n 36_o in_o the_o county_n of_o stafford_n 69_o in_o the_o county_n of_o somerset_n which_o i_o presume_v may_v make_v a_o better_a septuagint_n than_o bishop_n pierce_v certificants_a of_o this_o county_n for_o revel_n clerks-ale_n and_o church-ale_n on_o the_o lordsday_n though_o they_o want_v three_o of_o the_o number_n 68_o in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n 71_o in_o the_o county_n of_o essex_n 43_o in_o the_o county_n of_o warwick_n 62_o in_o the_o county_n of_o
gloucester_n 57_o in_o the_o county_n of_o salop_n and_o 73_o in_o the_o county_n of_o devon_n who_o give_v their_o testimony_n and_o call_v it_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o national_a obligation_n they_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o thus_o plead_v we_o find_v the_o covenant_n be_v antiquate_v and_o banish_v as_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o force_n during_o the_o time_n of_o our_o intestine_a war_n we_o confess_v we_o be_v amaze_v at_o this_o quirk_n we_o pray_v the_o war_n may_v cease_v for_o ever_o which_o yet_o there_o be_v fear_n may_v too_o soon_o be_v recall_v by_o god_n 27._o pag._n 27._o for_o this_o treacherous_a deal_n in_o his_o covenant_n but_o we_o believe_v no_o honest_a understanding_n heart_n can_v be_v persuade_v the_o covenant_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o truce_n make_v with_o god_n for_o three_o or_o four_o year_n but_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o stop_v this_o gap_n with_o some_o few_o strong_a stake_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a article_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o advise_v those_o term_n may_v be_v view_v constant_o 29._o pag._n 28_o 29._o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n our_o posterity_n the_o lord_n may_v dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o and_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n whereupon_o they_o conclude_v these_o be_v not_o for_o a_o few_o year_n but_o for_o ever_o and_o affectionate_o cry_v out_o to_o the_o nation_n oh_o england_n turn_v not_o harlot_n break_v not_o covenant_n with_o thy_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n keep_v england_n from_o this_o covenant-breaking_a and_o his_o vengeance_n from_o his_o people_n unto_o this_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v this_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o yorkshire_n minister_n it_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o the_o church_n abroad_o 8._o pag._n 8._o that_o all_o the_o three_o kingdom_n stand_v engage_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n swear_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a place_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 example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n i_o shall_v sir_n add_v but_o one_o more_o and_o it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v being_n little_a else_o but_o a_o concurrence_n with_o this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o own_o city_n of_o london_n and_o they_o profess_v thus_o 26._o pag._n 26._o in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n within_o these_o three_o kingdom_n we_o shall_v never_o forget_v how_o solemn_o and_o cheerful_o the_o sacred_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v swear_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n wherein_o the_o three_o kingdom_n stand_v engage_v joint_o and_o several_o etc._n etc._n yet_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o this_o solemn_a covenant_n of_o god_n have_v be_v and_o be_v daily_o neglect_v slight_v vilify_v reproach_v and_o oppose_v even_o by_o too_o many_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o it_o and_o endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v whole_o to_o evade_v it_o and_o render_v it_o useless_a and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v manifest_o violate_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n the_o sadn_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n and_o pull_v down_o his_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o upon_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n sir_n i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o 28._o pag._n 28._o but_o i_o pray_v god_n london_n minister_n may_v retain_v or_o recover_v their_o first_o love_n and_o england_n watchman_n may_v remember_v the_o loud_a alarm_n they_o have_v sometime_o sound_v and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o sectio_fw-la semptima_fw-la prop._n 7._o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v permanent_a and_o abide_v never_o by_o any_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n to_o be_v absolve_v or_o discharge_v sir_n by_o the_o permanency_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o mean_v the_o continuance_n of_o its_o bond_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o that_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v and_o for_o ever_o will_v be_v bind_v to_o pursue_v and_o perform_v the_o thing_n and_o matter_n therein_o promise_v nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n or_o humane_a authority_n to_o release_v acquit_v or_o discharge_v they_o from_o the_o same_o but_o that_o when_o and_o howsoever_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v slight_v lay_v aside_o or_o violate_v by_o any_o the_o subject_n thereof_o they_o shall_v be_v liable_a unto_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o perjury_n in_o the_o breach_n thereof_o this_o permanency_n of_o obligation_n and_o impossibility_n of_o discharge_n do_v spring_n from_o a_o double_a cause_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v a_o solemn_a and_o serious_a appeal_n to_o and_o invocation_n of_o god_n as_o witness_n and_o avenger_n of_o the_o thing_n swear_v and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o subject_a swear_n so_o as_o in_o case_n of_o dissimulation_n falsehood_n or_o non-performance_n of_o the_o thing_n covenant_v we_o shall_v be_v liable_a unto_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o perjury_n to_o be_v inflict_v by_o the_o god_n who_o judge_v righteous_o and_o 2_o from_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o without_o a_o condition_n which_o may_v at_o any_o time_n fail_v and_o so_o cause_v a_o cessation_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n thereupon_o dependent_a and_o be_v express_o exclusive_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o discharge_n or_o release_v by_o any_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n whatsoever_o by_o a_o express_a protest_n that_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 that_o great_a day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o by_o a_o peculiar_a provision_n that_o we_o shall_v never_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 or_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 up_o ourselves_o to_o a_o detestable_a neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_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 so_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v as_o i_o have_v before_o assert_v good_a and_o lawful_a because_o just_a and_o possible_a if_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n any_o power_n or_o person_n entrust_v with_o that_o divine_a prerogative_n to_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o can_v not_o receive_v it_o because_o it_o be_v actual_o and_o express_o disclaim_v we_o sir_n live_v among_o protestant_n who_o by_o their_o very_a profession_n do_v protest_v against_o all_o papal_a dispensation_n and_o jesuitical_a commutation_n thereupon_o dependent_a and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o make_v any_o defence_n in_o this_o cause_n against_o the_o same_o which_o will_v be_v to_o suggest_v some_o protestant_a divine_n to_o be_v so_o popish_o affect_v as_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o rome_n for_o relief_n against_o st._n peter_n restraint_n i_o presume_v sir_n england_n bishop_n will_v not_o be_v repute_v popish_a and_o other_o way_n to_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o have_v none_o save_o the_o release_n of_o superior_n which_o always_o must_v be_v in_o such_o case_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o and_o proper_a to_o their_o cognizance_n i_o be_o not_o insensible_a that_o some_o suppose_v to_o themselves_o and_o suggest_v to_o other_o a_o nullity_n or_o non-obliging_a force_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o reason_n that_o his_o late_a majesty_n of_o glorious_a memory_n do_v interdict_v the_o act_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n law_n of_o nation_n or_o rule_n of_o scripture_n the_o prince_n the_o political_a parent_n have_v such_o full_a complete_a parental_a authority_n over_o his_o kingdom_n collective_o or_o distributive_o consider_v as_o by_o his_o interdict_v to_o make_v void_a the_o oath_n they_o put_v upon_o themselves_o 2._o whether_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n both_o or_o either_o house_n