not_o less_o than_o absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o as_o hard_a thought_n soever_o as_o the_o small_a sect_n have_v entertain_v concern_v the_o bishop_n they_o be_v much_o more_o concern_v to_o secure_v themselves_o against_o not_o a_o few_o nor_o the_o least_o considerable_a among_o their_o own_o dear_a brethren_n article_n 2._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 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 these_o kingdom_n as_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o article_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o the_o modesty_n of_o these_o man_n be_v in_o this_o case_n very_o admirable_a and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o in_o any_o other_o kingdom_n it_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o in_o that_o they_o do_v expect_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o preferment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v public_a preacher_n in_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n they_o do_v desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o a_o persuasion_n that_o there_o do_v lie_v a_o obligation_n by_o oath_n upon_o they_o themselves_o the_o whole_a nation_n or_o to_o say_v no_o more_o at_o least_o upon_o some_o other_o person_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v nameless_a to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o preferment_n of_o and_o particular_o of_o that_o bishop_n by_o who_o hand_n they_o be_v admit_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o any_o person_n dare_v to_o demand_v of_o the_o present_a establishment_n that_o it_o will_v for_o their_o sake_n so_o far_o relax_v itself_o in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n into_o it_o sure_o these_o menimagine_v that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a necessity_n of_o they_o that_o it_o can_v stand_v one_o moment_n without_o they_o when_o in_o the_o very_a term_n of_o their_o admission_n they_o do_v demand_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o a_o new_a law_n shall_v be_v make_v on_o purpose_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v privilege_v from_o declare_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o suffer_v the_o church_n to_o continue_v two_o moment_n long_o than_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o opportunity_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v it_o as_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o article_n concern_v superstition_n heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v leave_v that_o to_o our_o friend_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o separate_a brethren_n to_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v clear_a enough_o that_o they_o be_v altogether_o as_o unlike_a to_o agree_v in_o those_o particular_n as_o i_o be_o with_o either_o of_o they_o as_o lovingly_z as_o ever_o they_o may_v look_v upon_o one_o another_o at_o present_a i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o covenant_n when_o opportunity_n serve_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v level_v as_o direct_o against_o the_o conventicle_n as_o against_o the_o cathedral_n i_o shall_v observe_v no_o more_o in_o this_o article_n beside_o the_o great_a charitableness_n of_o the_o conclusion_n 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 as_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n follow_v after_o strange_a god_n and_o that_o those_o ordain_v by_o she_o be_v real_o no_o other_o than_o as_o they_o be_v often_o style_v according_a to_o the_o good_a manner_n which_o the_o people_n learn_v of_o too_o many_o such_o preacher_n the_o priest_n of_o baal_n art_fw-la 3._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 hear_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 and_o intention_n to_o diminish_v his_o majesty_n just_a power_n and_o greatness_n this_o article_n have_v be_v very_o much_o and_o very_o much_o insist_v on_o and_o glory_v in_o for_o the_o seem_a loyalty_n of_o one_o expression_n in_o it_o but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o affair_n stand_v at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o compiler_n and_o enjoyner_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v at_o that_o very_a time_n in_o actual_a arm_n i_o hope_v that_o it_o be_v no_o offence_n if_o i_o say_v in_o actual_a rebellion_n against_o the_o king_n this_o very_a covenant_n be_v a_o great_a instrument_n by_o which_o they_o do_v carry_v on_o their_o design_n then_o on_o foot_n against_o he_o the_o king_n be_v betray_v and_o sell_v by_o one_o part_n of_o the_o covenanter_n those_o from_o scotland_n he_o be_v buy_v imprison_a and_o in_o effect_n depose_v by_o another_o part_n of_o the_o covenanter_n those_o in_o england_n and_o by_o the_o most_o loyal_a of_o they_o even_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v at_o westminster_n who_o by_o their_o vote_n of_o non-address_a febr._n 17._o 1647._o which_o let_v we_o note_v be_v long_o before_o the_o seclusion_n by_o the_o army_n do_v declare_v first_o that_o they_o will_v make_v no_o far_o address_n or_o application_n to_o the_o king_n and_o in_o the_o four_o vote_n that_o they_o will_v receive_v no_o more_o message_n from_o the_o king_n and_o do_v enjoin_v that_o no_o person_n whatever_o do_v receive_v or_o bring_v any_o message_n from_o the_o king_n to_o both_o or_o either_o house_n of_o parliament_n or_o to_o any_o other_o person_n which_o vote_n they_o publish_v with_o a_o declaration_n wherein_o they_o lie_v down_o some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o reason_n as_o they_o express_v it_o why_o they_o can_v repose_v any_o more_o trust_n in_o he_o nay_o long_o before_o that_o time_n when_o the_o scot_n complain_v of_o some_o rigour_n use_v towards_o his_o majesty_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n the_o house_n of_o commons_o do_v return_v they_o this_o answer_n novemb_n 18._o 1646._o we_o observe_v that_o you_o mention_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n twice_o from_o the_o covenant_n but_o in_o both_o place_n you_o leave_v out_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n a_o main_a clause_n without_o which_o the_o other_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v which_o very_o answer_v themselves_o do_v afterward_o receive_v from_o their_o own_o army_n in_o a_o declaration_n from_o st._n alban_n novemb_n 18._o 1648._o where_o they_o reminded_a their_o master_n of_o their_o own_o doctrine_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n say_v they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o restriction_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o etc._n etc._n or_o otherwise_o the_o whole_a proceed_n of_o both_o kingdom_n in_o make_v and_o maintain_v war_n against_o he_o in_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n be_v questionable_a for_o breach_n of_o covenant_n since_o that_o way_n of_o preserve_v do_v probable_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n and_o be_v without_o any_o safe_a provision_n either_o for_o his_o person_n or_o that_o authority_n which_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v his_o or_o understand_v in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o person_n but_o that_o therein_o his_o person_n may_v probable_o have_v be_v destroy_v under_o the_o sword_n or_o by_o a_o bullet_n yea_o be_v ordinary_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n of_o other_o in_o arm_n with_o he_o and_o that_o authority_n of_o his_o be_v certain_o oppose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v destroy_v thereby_o instead_o of_o be_v defend_v remonstrance_n from_o st._n alban_n p._n 55._o indeed_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n murder_n many_o of_o the_o covenanter_n do_v declare_v themselves_o a_o
heart_n no_o manner_n of_o zeal_n for_o or_o against_o any_o form_n of_o religion_n any_o far_a than_o as_o theiâ—_n other_o end_n and_o design_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o it_o i_o shall_v ready_o grant_v it_o he_o â—ay_n i_o shall_v say_v this_o far_o that_o beside_o religion_n the_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v but_o plausible_a colour_n by_o which_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o that_o party_n do_v set_v off_o their_o other_o end_n such_o as_o revenge_n humour_n discontent_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o this_o they_o be_v tell_v public_o by_o one_o who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a in_o the_o excellent_a declaration_n of_o aug._n 12._o 1642._o themselves_o know_v what_o overture_n have_v be_v make_v by_o they_o and_o with_o what_o importunity_n for_o office_n and_o preferment_n what_o great_a service_n shall_v have_v be_v do_v for_o we_o and_o what_o other_o undertake_n be_v even_o to_o the_o save_v the_o life_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n if_o we_o will_v confer_v such_o office_n upon_o they_o but_o that_o religion_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v make_v show_n of_o and_o by_o which_o they_o draw_v abundance_n of_o well_o mean_v but_o delude_v people_n to_o their_o assistanâ—â—_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o know_v so_o public_o that_o it_o be_v no_o little_a wonder_n that_o any_o shall_v offer_v to_o outsâ—â—â—_n the_o nation_n in_o so_o noâ—â—â—ious_a a_o case_n do_v not_o every_o press_n and_o every_o pulpit_n declare_v against_o episcopacy_n liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o by_o their_o vote_n of_o march_n 12._o 1642._o resolve_n upon_o the_o question_n that_o a_o army_n be_v forthwith_o raise_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n person_n etc._n etc._n and_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n do_v they_o not_o in_o july_n follow_v put_v forth_o a_o declaration_n concern_v the_o miserable_a distraction_n and_o grievance_n this_o kingdom_n now_o lie_v in_o by_o mean_n of_o jesuitical_a and_o wicked_a cousellour_n now_o about_o his_o majesty_n wherein_o they_o tell_v we_o over_o and_o over_o again_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n a_o great_a change_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o earnest_a to_o prevent_v â—_o civil_a war_n and_o those_o miserable_a effect_n which_o it_o must_v needs_o produce_v if_o they_o may_v be_v avoid_v without_o the_o alteration_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o their_o resolution_n to_o live_v and_o die_v with_o the_o earl_n of_o essex_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o their_o army_n be_v raise_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n the_o plaâ—e_n wedding-rings_a thimble_n and_o bodkin_n have_v never_o be_v bring_v in_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v that_o the_o cause_n be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n let_v any_o man_n read_v the_o remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o two_o house_n and_o then_o see_v whether_o religion_n be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o all_o along_o declare_v their_o zeal_n for_o and_o according_o in_o all_o the_o parliament_n quarter_n the_o poor_a surplice_n the_o organ_n and_o the_o common_a prayer-book_n be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o all_o their_o fury_n but_o because_o this_o present_a design_n of_o comprehension_n be_v particular_o intend_v to_o gratify_v some_o clergyman_n let_v we_o inquire_v under_o what_o name_n they_o recommend_v the_o war_n unto_o the_o people_n be_v it_o not_o under_o the_o name_n of_o god_n cause_n the_o set_a christ_n on_o his_o throne_n fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n there_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o their_o sermon_n print_v which_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o this_o out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v enough_o gather_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o evangelium_fw-la armatum_fw-la and_o this_o mr._n baxter_n have_v in_o a_o late_a book_n confess_v as_o to_o himself_o when_o the_o war_n begin_v though_o the_o cause_n itself_o lie_v iâ—_n controversy_n between_o king_n and_o parliament_n yet_o the_o thought_n that_o the_o church_n and_o godliness_n itself_o be_v deep_o in_o danger_n by_o persecution_n and_o arminianism_n do_v much_o more_o to_o bias_n i_o to_o the_o parliament_n side_n than_o the_o civil_a interest_n which_o at_o the_o heart_n i_o little_o regard_v this_o author_n likewise_o confess_v that_o whatever_o be_v the_o cause_n at_o the_o first_o it_o soon_o become_v a_o war_n for_o religion_n and_o mr._n love_n a_o person_n mention_v by_o this_o author_n as_o one_o of_o great_a merit_n in_o his_o sermon_n at_o the_o uxbridge_n treaty_n complain_v of_o the_o so_o long_o let_v alone_o the_o two_o plague-sore_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o common_a prayer-book_n the_o seven_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o the_o parliamentarian_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o trouble_n declare_v to_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o design_n of_o depose_v and_o murder_v his_o late_a sacred_a majesty_n that_o they_o do_v declare_v against_o any_o such_o thing_n i_o ready_o grant_v and_o among_o other_o reason_n for_o this_o lay_v down_o by_o our_o author_n that_o it_o have_v be_v else_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v gain_v the_o people_n as_o they_o do_v but_o that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o chief_a contriver_n of_o the_o war_n those_o who_o have_v a_o design_n upon_o the_o king_n crown_n and_o life_n be_v a_o thing_n where_o of_o there_o be_v great_a evidence_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o fight_v with_o a_o king_n why_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a to_o kill_v he_o sword_n and_o bullet_n be_v thing_n which_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v against_o that_o person_n which_o we_o think_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o destroy_v and_o of_o the_o great_a danger_n which_o his_o majesty_n person_n be_v in_o at_o the_o battle_n at_o edge-hill_n himself_o have_v inform_v we_o in_o a_o declaration_n on_o that_o subject_a and_o in_o the_o remonstrance_n of_o may_n 26._o 1642._o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o do_v plain_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o right_a to_o depose_v the_o king_n in_o these_o word_n if_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o high_a precedent_n of_o former_a parliament_n our_o pattern_n there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o modesty_n and_o duty_n in_o we_o when_o we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o suffer_v those_o thing_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o thought_n which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v they_o put_v in_o act_n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v thus_o much_o plain_o contain_v that_o whatever_o former_a parliament_n have_v do_v they_o take_v themselves_o to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v now_o former_a parliament_n have_v be_v overawe_v into_o the_o depose_n of_o king_n now_o that_o they_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o those_o particular_a proceed_n of_o former_a parliament_n appear_v by_o those_o word_n all_o the_o world_n know_v what_o they_o put_v in_o act_n his_o majesty_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o that_o declaration_n of_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o two_o gentleman_n who_o say_v public_o unreproved_a in_o the_o parliament_n house_n one_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o kingdom_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o he_o or_o upon_o any_o of_o the_o royal_a branch_n of_o that_o root_n another_o that_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v king_n of_o england_n and_o as_o for_o the_o royal_a power_n it_o be_v plain_o demand_v from_o he_o in_o the_o nineteen_o proposition_n the_o eight_o consideration_n be_v this_o that_o the_o nonconforming_a presbyterial_a have_v both_o their_o heart_n and_o hand_n in_o the_o restauration_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o his_o royal_a throne_n for_o which_o mr._n love_n and_o mr._n gibbons_n lose_v their_o head_n of_o all_o thing_n i_o shall_v least_o have_v expect_v that_o the_o advocate_n for_o the_o presbyterian_o shall_v have_v insist_v upon_o their_o merit_n to_o his_o majesty_n or_o the_o royal_a family_n for_o which_o their_o best_a apology_n be_v the_o act_n of_o oblivion_n and_o if_o they_o will_v have_v insist_v yet_o however_o methinks_v they_o shall_v of_o all_o man_n not_o have_v make_v mr._n love_v the_o person_n to_o have_v insist_v on_o as_o for_o that_o party_n of_o the_o scot_n which_o he_o correspond_v with_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o wisdom_n to_o remind_v his_o majesty_n of_o the_o usage_n which_o he_o find_v from_o they_o as_o to_o mr._n love_n the_o learned_a author_n of_o saâ—aritanism_n have_v inform_v we_o p._n 152._o that_o at_o the_o execution_n of_o archbishop_n laâ—d_v he_o utter_v these_o word_n with_o great_a triumph_n be_v thou_o come_v little_a will_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o see_v thou_o here_o and_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o nest_n of_o the_o bishop_n here_o ever_o long_o and_o have_v dip_v his_o handkerchief_n in_o his_o blood_n he_o ride_v with_o it_o to_o uxbridge_n and_o use_v these_o word_n here_o be_v the_o
little_a dissatisfy_v with_o that_o way_n of_o proceed_v against_o he_o and_o do_v how_o reasonable_o upon_o their_o own_o ground_n i_o know_v not_o urge_v the_o covenant_n for_o his_o preservation_n but_o of_o their_o behaviour_n in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v give_v only_o the_o account_n of_o a_o author_n who_o live_v in_o those_o time_n when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n enough_o to_o have_v take_v what_o account_n of_o he_o themselves_o please_v his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o life_n and_o reign_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o monarch_n of_o great_a britain_n pag._n 94._o the_o presbyterian_o carry_v on_o this_o tragedy_n to_o the_o very_a last_o act_n from_o the_o first_o bring_v in_o of_o the_o scot_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o war_n and_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o war_n till_o they_o have_v bring_v he_o prisoner_n to_o holmby-house_n and_o then_o quarrel_v with_o the_o independent_o for_o take_v of_o the_o work_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o rob_v they_o of_o the_o long_o expect_a fruit_n of_o their_o plot_n and_o practice_n they_o cry_v out_o against_o they_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o clamour_v against_o they_o in_o their_o pamphlet_n for_o that_o of_o which_o themselves_o be_v at_o least_o parcel-guilty_a et_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la re_fw-mi at_o voto_fw-la saltem_fw-la regicidae_fw-la etc._n etc._n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o independent_o who_o wash_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o king_n seem_v as_o desirous_a as_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o wash_v their_o hand_n of_o it_o by_o they_o it_o be_v allege_v more_o calm_o that_o they_o have_v put_v charles_n stuart_n to_o death_n against_o who_o they_o proceed_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o bloodshed_n but_o that_o the_o king_n have_v be_v murder_v a_o long_a time_n before_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o when_o they_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o crown_n his_o sword_n his_o sceptre_n of_o his_o crown_n by_o force_v from_o he_o those_o prerogative_n which_o place_v he_o in_o a_o throne_n of_o eminency_n above_o his_o people_n of_o his_o sword_n by_o wrest_v the_o militia_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n by_o which_o he_o be_v make_v unable_a to_o protect_v they_o and_o of_o his_o sceptre_n in_o divest_v he_o of_o his_o power_n of_o call_v parliament_n and_o of_o his_o negative_a voice_n in_o make_v those_o law_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v all_o estate_n of_o man_n under_o his_o dominion_n and_o more_o than_o so_o they_o have_v deprive_v he_o of_o his_o natural_a liberty_n as_o a_o man_n of_o the_o society_n of_o his_o wife_n as_o he_o be_v a_o husband_n of_o the_o conversation_n of_o his_o child_n as_o he_o be_v a_o father_n of_o the_o attendance_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o he_o be_v a_o master_n and_o in_o a_o word_n of_o all_o those_o comfort_n which_o may_v make_v life_n value_v for_o a_o blessing_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v for_o the_o independent_o to_o do_v but_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o those_o calamity_n into_o which_o this_o miserable_a man_n this_o vir_fw-la dolorum_fw-la as_o he_o may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v have_v be_v so_o accurse_o plunge_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o far_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o loyalty_n which_o the_o covenanter_n have_v so_o often_o boast_v of_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v place_v by_o themselves_o as_o a_o bar_n between_o he_o and_o his_o throne_n that_o without_o submit_v to_o this_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o think_v of_o his_o restauration_n to_o that_o and_o this_o to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o even_o in_o january_n 1648._o notwithstanding_o the_o apparent_a danger_n which_o the_o king_n life_n be_v know_v to_o be_v in_o yet_o even_o then_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o scotland_n do_v violent_o oppose_v all_o course_n think_v upon_o for_o his_o relief_n and_o press_v earnest_o that_o his_o majesty_n be_v concession_n and_o offer_v concern_v religion_n may_v direct_o and_o positive_o be_v declare_v unsatisfactory_a to_o the_o parliament_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o engagement_n for_o restore_v his_o majesty_n to_o one_o of_o his_o house_n with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n before_o security_n and_o assurance_n be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o solemn_a oath_n under_o hand_n and_o seal_n that_o he_o shall_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o successor_n consent_v and_o agree_v to_o act_n of_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n and_o full_o establish_v presbyterian_a government_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v never_o make_v opposition_n to_o any_o of_o these_o or_o endeavour_v any_o change_n thereof_o vid._n declar._n of_o jan._n 10._o 1648._o now_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o case_n that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o compiler_n and_o enjoyner_n of_o the_o covenant_n all_o the_o forementioned_a violence_n both_o might_n and_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v use_v against_o the_o king_n by_o virtue_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o thence_o follow_v avoidable_a that_o his_o majesty_n be_v not_o a_o little_a concern_v to_o be_v very_o watchful_a over_o all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o demand_v it_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v question_v concern_v their_o opinion_n about_o its_o obligation_n article_n 4._o we_o shall_v with_o all_o faithfulness_n endeavour_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 it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v what_o the_o meaning_n of_o incendiary_n and_o malignant_n be_v in_o this_o article_n and_o it_o be_v shrewd_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v likewise_o persuade_v that_o those_o incendiary_n and_o malignant_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o condign_a punishment_n and_o whatever_o benefit_n the_o covenanter_n themselves_o may_v receive_v by_o a_o act_n of_o oblivion_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o who_o be_v covenant_v against_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o not_o capable_a of_o receive_v any_o advantage_n by_o it_o and_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o scruple_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o declare_v against_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v trust_v lest_o if_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v they_o will_v not_o likewise_o scruple_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o give_v they_o indemnity_n for_o thus_o according_a to_o their_o own_o ground_n they_o may_v argue_v the_o act_n of_o oblivion_n be_v against_o the_o covenant_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v against_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n lie_v upon_o themselves_o and_o upon_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o upon_o all_o posterity_n and_o no_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n can_v absolve_v they_o or_o any_o one_o else_o from_o it_o and_o every_o thing_n do_v against_o the_o covenant_n be_v null_a and_o void_a the_o whole_a nation_n be_v bind_v up_o by_o it_o to_o all_o age_n for_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v hang_v up_o in_o the_o parliament_n as_o a_o compass_n whereby_o to_o steer_v their_o debate_n and_o to_o dictate_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v succeed_v in_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 as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v now_o upon_o these_o man_n supposition_n there_o be_v no_o security_n to_o be_v have_v but_o that_o they_o who_o pass_v a_o act_n of_o oblivion_n to_o pardon_v any_o thing_n do_v against_o the_o covenant_n be_v involve_v in_o guilt_n and_o liable_a to_o punishment_n for_o so_o do_v and_o be_v upon_o those_o very_a account_n to_o expect_v when_o providence_n shall_v put_v a_o opportunity_n into_o
the_o hand_n of_o these_o zealot_n the_o very_a same_o return_n which_o the_o prophet_n make_v to_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 20._o v._n 42._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n because_o thou_o have_v let_v go_v a_o man_n who_o i_o have_v appoint_v to_o destruction_n therefore_o thy_o life_n shall_v go_v for_o his_o life_n and_o thy_o people_n for_o his_o people_n the_o next_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v observe_v in_o this_o article_n be_v this_o that_o those_o person_n who_o covenant_v together_o among_o other_o thing_n to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v so_o far_o forget_v themselves_o as_o that_o in_o that_o very_a covenant_n they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o arbitrary_a government_n the_o rule_n of_o condign_a punishment_n here_o set_v down_o be_v not_o any_o know_a law_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o new_a one_o of_o their_o own_o make_n but_o 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 by_o which_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sufficient_a to_o take_v a_o arbitary_a power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n but_o likewise_o do_v delegate_v it_o to_o as_o many_o else_o beside_o as_o they_o please_v art_fw-la 5._o whereas_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o bless_a peace_n between_o the_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 to_o we_o and_o have_v late_o be_v 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_v that_o they_o may_v be_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 all_o wilful_a opposer_n thereof_o in_o manner_n express_v in_o the_o precedent_a article_n according_a to_o the_o precede_a article_n i._n e._n as_o shall_v be_v judge_v convenient_a the_o modesty_n of_o these_o man_n be_v very_o admirable_a in_o that_o they_o will_v outface_v the_o world_n that_o england_n and_o scotland_n be_v never_o at_o peace_n in_o former_a time_n or_o rather_o their_o language_n be_v something_o mysterious_a that_o the_o two_o nation_n be_v never_o at_o peace_n till_o they_o have_v involve_v they_o in_o a_o war._n but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a article_n they_o be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v tender_a of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a so_o in_o this_o they_o have_v be_v very_o careful_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o majesty_n in_o that_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o another_o kingdom_n without_o he_o and_o withal_o when_o that_o very_a peace_n be_v nothing_o else_o beside_o their_o join_a force_n against_o he_o art_fw-la 6._o we_o shall_v also_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o call_v 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 detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n but_o shall_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o continue_v therein_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o promote_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o power_n against_o all_o letts_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o able_a of_o 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 and_o remove_v all_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n from_o which_o article_n it_o it_o be_v plain_o to_o be_v see_v that_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v themselves_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o party_n already_o form_v and_o combine_v together_o against_o the_o whole_a nation_n beside_o have_v a_o common_a band_n to_o unite_v and_o tie_v they_o fast_o together_o and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o indissoluble_a and_o the_o end_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o be_v thus_o combine_v be_v in_o their_o esteem_n such_o as_o that_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v the_o least_o intermission_n in_o their_o pursuance_n after_o they_o beside_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n and_o even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o only_o to_o delay_v so_o long_o as_o to_o expect_v a_o more_o favourable_a season_n for_o they_o be_v according_a to_o this_o article_n never_o to_o be_v wrought_v over_o to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o zealous_o and_o constant_o to_o continue_v therein_o against_o all_o opposition_n all_o let_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o and_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o the_o six_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o few_o of_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o large_a and_o solemn_a conclusion_n of_o it_o wherein_o they_o pray_v god_n to_o bless_v their_o proceed_n herein_o with_o such_o success_n as_o may_v be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o other_o church_n groan_v under_o or_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o yoke_n of_o antichristian_a tyranny_n to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_a association_n or_o covenant_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_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 it_o have_v be_v often_o say_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o that_o they_o do_v not_o engage_v in_o the_o late_a war_n under_o a_o less_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n what_o authority_n the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n have_v in_o raise_v a_o war_n against_o the_o king_n shall_v be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o enquiry_n nor_o whether_o the_o lord_n and_o gentleman_n who_o at_o that_o time_n stay_v at_o westminster_n be_v the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n be_v these_o two_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v although_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o both_o those_o case_n yet_o however_o the_o covenant_n have_v inform_v we_o of_o another_o sort_n of_o authority_n under_o which_o a_o war_n may_v be_v raise_v at_o any_o time_n against_o all_o the_o king_n in_o europe_n because_o in_o these_o word_n be_v hold_v forth_o a_o public_a invitation_n to_o all_o subject_n whatsoever_o who_o do_v either_o real_o groan_v under_o or_o be_v in_o any_o danger_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o our_o folk_n have_v please_v to_o call_v or_o themselves_o shall_v chance_v to_o fancy_v to_o be_v a_o yoke_n of_o antichristian_a tyranny_n to_o enter_v either_o into_o this_o or_o the_o like_a association_n or_o covenant_n now_o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o make_v out_o that_o all_o kingdom_n have_v parliament_n endue_v with_o so_o large_a a_o share_n of_o the_o sovereignty_n as_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o their_o respective_a prince_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o parliament_n every_o where_o this_o invitation_n be_v only_o make_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o parliament_n nay_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o parliament_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n the_o church_n alone_o may_v enter_v into_o association_n against_o the_o state_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n especial_o if_o it_o can_v but_o cry_v out_o antichrist_n may_v engage_v the_o subject_n of_o all_o europe_n against_o their_o sovereign_n be_v they_o prince_n or_o commomwealth_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o those_o who_o urge_v the_o take_n away_o of_o the_o declaration_n enjoin_v concern_v the_o renounce_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v one_o evasion_n whereby_o to_o avoid_v enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o seem_a unreasonableness_n of_o that_o clause_n also_o i_o hold_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n common_o call_v the_o solemn_a etc._n etc._n be_v it_o not_o unjust_a that_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o swear_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o another_o
obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o year_n immediate_o after_o the_o restoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n both_o from_o press_n and_o pulpit_n party_n be_v make_v in_o the_o city_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v make_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o own_n of_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v with_o great_a confidence_n urge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o public_a and_o national_a oath_n bind_v all_o person_n of_o this_o nation_n whether_o they_o do_v swear_v it_o personal_o or_o not_o and_o all_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 pursue_v the_o thing_n covenant_v for_o and_o this_o obligation_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v and_o by_o no_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n to_o be_v absolve_v or_o make_v void_a as_o among_o other_o mr._n crofton_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o his_o famous_a write_n on_o that_o subject_a and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o once_o admit_v the_o ground_n which_o this_o party_n of_o man_n do_v go_v upon_o what_o he_o do_v allege_v have_v great_a reason_n in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o those_o clause_n which_o he_o do_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n do_v suppose_v all_o posterity_n to_o be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o this_o he_o urge_v not_o as_o his_o own_o single_a opinion_n but_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o whole_a party_n and_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o allege_v the_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o london_n minister_n dec._n 14._o 1647._o several_a of_o which_o be_v at_o this_o present_a preacher_n to_o the_o separate_a congregation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n upon_o earth_n to_o dispense_v with_o or_o absolve_v we_o from_o it_o nay_o the_o power_n of_o parliament_n which_o in_o other_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v large_a enough_o be_v in_o this_o bind_v up_o as_o mr._n cr._n tell_v we_o p._n 139._o that_o the_o parliament_n consist_v of_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_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 and_o in_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 with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n imaginable_a 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 far_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_v 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 in_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 those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o renunciation_n of_o the_o covenant_n either_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v oblige_v at_o this_o time_n or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v why_o may_v they_o not_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o not_o to_o do_v so_o one_o reason_n may_v indeed_o be_v give_v why_o the_o preacher_n themselves_o may_v believe_v the_o covenant_n not_o to_o oblige_v and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_n avoid_v the_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v thus_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v have_v the_o people_n believe_v it_o to_o have_v a_o obligation_n although_o themselves_o believe_v it_o to_o have_v none_o a_o persuasion_n this_o which_o in_o some_o juncture_n of_o affair_n or_o other_o they_o may_v chance_v to_o make_v very_o great_a use_n of_o and_o that_o this_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o incredible_a their_o procedure_n have_v not_o be_v one_o jot_n honest_a than_o this_o amount_n to_o in_o another_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v among_o they_o and_o not_o among_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o yet_o can_v be_v never_o bring_v to_o say_v one_o word_n to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o their_o belief_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n now_o if_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v carry_v a_o last_a obligation_n along_o with_o it_o in_o that_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o during_o that_o persuasion_n of_o they_o desire_v they_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o withal_o i_o must_v crave_v their_o leave_n to_o add_v this_o further_a that_o during_o that_o persuasion_n of_o they_o i_o think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o government_n shall_v cast_v a_o very_a watchful_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n from_o the_o covenant_n itself_o wherein_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o fatal_a and_o universal_a consequence_n covenant_v for_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v high_o concern_v that_o no_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o every_o body_n else_o as_o lie_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o watch_v all_o opportunity_n wherein_o they_o may_v accomplish_v such_o great_a and_o public_a mischief_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o article_n 1._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 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 in_o 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 that_o the_o lord_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o in_o which_o article_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v many_o thing_n liable_a to_o very_o just_a and_o material_a exception_n as_o first_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o private_a man_n in_o england_n if_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o place_n and_o call_v intermeddle_v either_o in_o the_o preservation_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nay_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o person_n in_o this_o kingdom_n whatever_o be_v he_o in_o what_o public_a capacity_n he_o will_v his_o majesty_n only_o except_v or_o those_o who_o act_n by_o commission_n from_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o concern_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o second_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o article_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n of_o scotland_n and_o withal_o to_o bring_v the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a 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 so_o that_o scotland_n must_v necessary_o be_v our_o pattern_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n we_o be_v swear_v to_o reform_v england_n and_o ireland_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 it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o our_o own_o church_n as_o it_o be_v already_o by_o law_n establish_v or_o at_o least_o some_o other_o church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n may_v come_v altogether_o as_o near_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o scotland_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o the_o other_o dissenter_n whatever_o beside_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o see_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o any_o obligation_n because_o that_o that_o be_v express_v for_o uniformity_n and_o as_o such_o be_v
which_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n without_o it_o as_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v by_o it_o as_o to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o present_a case_n there_o be_v but_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v learn_v pretend_v by_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o put_v the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n in_o execution_n can_v draw_v any_o prejudice_n upon_o trade_n first_o that_o merchant_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o conform_v will_v not_o come_v over_o and_o settle_v in_o england_n second_o that_o the_o most_o eminent_a trader_n be_v nonconformist_n they_o will_v either_o forbear_v trading_n to_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o all_o such_o workman_n as_o weaver_n etc._n etc._n who_o do_v depend_v upon_o they_o or_o leave_v the_o kingdom_n and_o carry_v their_o profitable_a trade_n along_o with_o they_o which_o will_v bring_v a_o great_a decay_n of_o trade_n here_o and_o carry_v away_o that_o benefit_n which_o england_n may_v have_v receive_v to_o that_o whatever_o country_n they_o shall_v please_v to_o settle_v in_o three_o that_o merchant_n beyond_o sea_n as_o roman_a catholic_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o trust_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o they_o who_o be_v be_v liable_a to_o such_o prosecution_n as_o by_o our_o law_n they_o be_v liable_a unto_o will_v be_v fearful_a of_o have_v any_o estate_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o more_o adviseable_a to_o forbear_v trading_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o difficulty_n these_o be_v the_o three_o most_o considerable_a objection_n which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v able_a to_o meet_v with_o and_o to_o each_o of_o these_o i_o have_v this_o to_o offer_v by_o way_n of_o return_n as_o to_o the_o first_o that_o this_o severity_n will_v discourage_v foreign_a merchant_n from_o come_v over_o to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o a_o bug_n bear_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o reformation_n as_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o that_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o hinder_v any_o great_a number_n of_o valuable_a person_n from_o come_v over_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_a that_o any_o store_n of_o they_o do_v at_o this_o time_n desire_v to_o transplant_v hither_o and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o some_o other_o of_o our_o civil_a constitution_n may_v be_v great_a bar_n in_o their_o way_n than_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n and_o particular_o the_o want_n of_o a_o register_n and_o that_o person_n must_v have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a intelligence_n who_o can_v be_v able_a to_o secure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o number_n of_o considerable_a merchant_n at_o this_o time_n design_v to_o come_v over_o and_o be_v divert_v only_o by_o the_o news_n of_o the_o bill_n against_o conventicle_n go_v to_o be_v put_v into_o execution_n as_o that_o the_o advantage_n and_o addition_n of_o those_o person_n and_o that_o trade_n to_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d great_a as_o to_z overbalance_v those_o many_o and_o unavoidable_a inconvenience_n which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o religion_n and_o government_n must_v be_v expose_v to_o by_o the_o grant_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n it_o do_v not_o remain_v in_o our_o memory_n that_o in_o cromwel_n time_n when_o there_o be_v liberty_n give_v to_o all_o except_o papist_n and_o prelatist_n that_o any_o be_v by_o that_o liberty_n encourage_v to_o come_v over_o at_o least_o not_o any_o such_o number_n as_o to_o be_v considerable_a but_o suppose_v it_o shall_v so_o happen_v that_o some_o eminent_a merchant_n shall_v design_v to_o come_v over_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o hear_v nor_o be_o i_o wise_a enough_o to_o think_v upon_o any_o reason_n why_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n shall_v more_o fright_v they_o from_o england_n than_o the_o inquisition_n do_v from_o other_o country_n as_o spain_n italy_n and_o portugal_n and_o yet_o in_o those_o country_n merchant_n have_v their_o factory_n and_o drive_v their_o great_a trade_n beside_o stranger_n merchant_n have_v as_o much_o encouragement_n in_o this_o particular_a as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v the_o french_a have_v their_o church_n the_o dutch_a they_o nay_o even_o the_o jew_n have_v they_o and_o all_o alien_n of_o 〈◊〉_d reformation_n have_v even_o by_o the_o very_a act_n of_o uniformity_n a_o express_a provision_n make_v for_o they_o as_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o own_o way_n of_o worship_n at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o if_o they_o do_v meet_v and_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o language_n they_o need_v fear_v no_o more_o in_o this_o country_n than_o in_o any_o other_o as_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n allege_v that_o if_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n the_o most_o eminent_a trader_n be_v nonconformist_n they_o will_v leave_v off_o trade_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n undo_v all_o sort_n of_o workman_n who_o do_v depend_v upon_o they_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o leave_v the_o nation_n and_o carry_v their_o trade_n away_o along_o with_o they_o now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o more_o noise_n than_o weight_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o examine_v it_o with_o a_o little_a care_n that_o some_o eminent_a merchant_n be_v nonconformist_n be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o that_o the_o most_o eminent_a be_v so_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o true_a and_o can_v easy_o make_v it_o appear_v if_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a do_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n imagine_v that_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n will_v make_v they_o either_o quit_v their_o profitable_a trade_n or_o fright_v they_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o do_v neither_o condemn_v they_o to_o be_v hang_v nor_o burn_v neither_o do_v it_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v their_o person_n or_o estate_n for_o be_v nonconformist_n but_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v of_o what_o religion_n they_o please_v and_o allow_v they_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o their_o family_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v easy_o imagine_v that_o people_n will_v be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n though_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o fanaticism_n will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o put_v they_o out_o of_o they_o as_o to_o leave_v their_o settle_a and_o profitable_a trade_n their_o native_a country_n relation_n and_o friend_n only_o because_o they_o can_v public_o show_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o mode_n of_o worship_n whereas_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v it_o in_o their_o own_o family_n and_o be_v know_v to_o do_v so_o without_o the_o least_o interruption_n in_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a conveniency_n especial_o consider_v that_o merchant_n of_o that_o eminency_n that_o their_o case_n deserve_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o public_a concern_v now_o under_o debate_n be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o keep_v minister_n in_o their_o own_o house_n and_o may_v do_v it_o with_o far_o less_o charge_n and_o prejudice_n than_o either_o go_n into_o some_o other_o country_n or_o the_o forbearance_n of_o their_o trade_n will_v put_v they_o to_o but_o i_o shall_v for_o once_o suppose_v two_o thing_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v evident_o not_o true_a the_o second_o not_o at_o all_o likely_a that_o the_o most_o eminent_a merchant_n be_v nonconformist_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o will_v forbear_v trading_n but_o even_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o those_o they_o deal_v with_o will_v not_o be_v utter_o undo_v whatever_o may_v be_v pretend_v for_o put_v the_o case_n that_o three_o or_o four_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a merchant_n shall_v die_v or_o which_o i_o wish_v do_v never_o happen_v break_v every_o day_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o the_o clothier_n they_o deal_v with_o and_o consequent_o the_o weaver_n and_o other_o workman_n depend_v upon_o they_o be_v not_o present_o ruin_v or_o so_o much_o as_o out_o of_o employment_n but_o do_v immediate_o find_v other_o merchant_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o trade_n of_o those_o who_o either_o give_v over_o trade_n or_o die_v be_v always_o continue_v by_o their_o son_n or_o partner_n or_o share_v among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v their_o servant_n or_o other_o merchant_n who_o deal_v in_o the_o same_o commodity_n and_o to_o the_o same_o place_n but_o suppose_v that_o the_o put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n shall_v so_o far_o distract_v any_o number_n as_o to_o make_v they_o run_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v
whither_o they_o will_v run_v only_o into_o holland_n where_o they_o can_v more_o free_o enjoy_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o family_n nor_o converse_v more_o free_o with_o one_o another_o about_o it_o than_o they_o may_v do_v here_o in_o england_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o here_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o great_a number_n and_o i_o leave_v it_o even_o to_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o to_o judge_n whether_o that_o one_o conveniency_n of_o meet_v in_o great_a number_n be_v a_o sufficient_a enticement_n to_o any_o rational_a man_n to_o exchange_n england_n for_o holland_n but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o they_o do_v go_v into_o holland_n or_o into_o some_o other_o country_n i_o do_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o any_o man_n who_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o i_o how_o they_o can_v carry_v away_o their_o trade_n of_o merchandize_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o willing_a live_v in_o holland_n they_o may_v and_o drive_v their_o usual_a trade_n 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a_o story_n be_v raise_v about_o some_o great_a dealer_n in_o the_o west_n who_o have_v with-drawn_a their_o stock_n leave_v off_o all_o business_n by_o which_o mean_v vast_a number_n of_o poor_a people_n who_o do_v depend_v on_o they_o be_v utter_o undo_v this_o matter_n seem_v so_o considerable_a as_o that_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n in_o the_o nation_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o a_o remedy_n for_o so_o great_a and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v so_o grow_v a_o evil_a but_o when_o this_o matter_n come_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v that_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o eminent_a city_n in_o this_o nation_n inferior_a perhaps_o to_o none_o except_o london_n wherein_o this_o artifice_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o fright_v the_o magistrate_n from_o suppress_v the_o conventicle_n a_o great_a rumour_n be_v spread_v up_o and_o down_o that_o if_o they_o may_v not_o have_v liberty_n to_o meet_v as_o former_o than_o they_o will_v all_o withdraw_v their_o stock_n which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a detriment_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o a_o vast_a loss_n to_o the_o city_n and_o leave_v the_o poor_a to_o be_v provide_v for_o by_o their_o respective_a parish_n but_o the_o raiser_n of_o all_o this_o clamour_n do_v quick_o find_v that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a master_n of_o trade_n as_o themselves_o and_o according_o it_o be_v undertake_v by_o those_o who_o be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o if_o the_o dissenter_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v their_o stock_n there_o shall_v immediate_a care_n be_v take_v that_o the_o trade_n of_o the_o city_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o very_a same_o height_n which_o it_o be_v at_o without_o the_o least_o abatement_n or_o leave_v any_o one_o workman_n out_o of_o as_o good_a a_o employment_n as_o he_o have_v before_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v fear_v that_o it_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v withdraw_v their_o stock_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o encourage_v to_o the_o so_o do_v provide_v that_o they_o will_v give_v security_n that_o they_o will_v not_o trade_n at_o all_o neither_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o for_o they_o nor_o in_o other_o man_n name_n they_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n have_v a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n give_v they_o if_o that_o may_v move_v they_o to_o it_o let_v we_o not_o be_v vain_o afraid_a where_o no_o fear_n be_v do_v we_o know_v the_o nonconformist_n no_o better_o than_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v suspect_v they_o of_o be_v apt_a to_o give_v over_o their_o profitable_a trade_n it_o have_v be_v a_o more_o rational_a jealousy_n to_o have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o more_o intent_n upon_o any_o imaginable_a way_n of_o get_v of_o money_n than_o on_o any_o settlement_n of_o religion_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o and_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o no_o ill_a experiment_n to_o destroy_v this_o argument_n but_o withal_o as_o likely_a a_o way_n to_o reduce_v they_o as_o any_o which_o can_v be_v think_v upon_o if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n that_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v or_o at_o lest_o who_o meet_v at_o conventicle_n shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o trade_n such_o a_o law_n indeed_o will_v be_v terrible_a to_o they_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o bare_a mention_n of_o it_o will_v make_v they_o forbear_v to_o use_v this_o kind_n of_o threaten_v we_o with_o that_o which_o to_o themselves_o alone_o will_n be_v if_o at_o all_o dreadful_a as_o to_o the_o three_o objection_n that_o merchant_n beyond_o sea_n as_o roman_a catholic_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v afraid_a to_o trust_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v of_o so_o little_a weight_n as_o to_o require_v but_o a_o very_a few_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o kind_n of_o merchant_n at_o this_o day_n do_v correspond_v and_o always_o have_v correspond_v with_o other_o not_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n papist_n with_o protestant_n protestant_n with_o papist_n etc._n etc._n what_o other_o pretence_n there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n wherein_o trade_n may_v seem_v concern_v i_o do_v not_o at_o present_a call_n to_o mind_n and_o therefore_o shall_v go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o suggestion_n why_o a_o toleration_n of_o several_a way_n of_o religion_n may_v not_o do_v as_o well_o here_o as_o it_o do_v among_o our_o neighbour_n in_o france_n and_o holland_n as_o to_o france_n the_o different_a profession_n of_o religion_n there_o have_v not_o be_v without_o many_o sad_a effect_n upon_o both_o party_n and_o have_v so_o sanctify_v the_o animosity_n on_o each_o side_n that_o it_o have_v prevail_v upon_o both_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n to_o let_v alien_n and_o enemy_n into_o the_o bowel_n of_o their_o native_a country_n but_o their_o case_n and_o we_o be_v vast_o different_a the_o hugonot_n who_o be_v there_o tolerate_v have_v those_o merit_n to_o plead_v which_o our_o non_n conformist_n have_v not_o and_o beside_o they_o do_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a communion_n among_o themselves_o neither_o will_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v permit_v either_o by_o the_o government_n or_o by_o the_o reform_a church_n itself_o as_o to_o holland_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o admit_v of_o by_o second_o thought_n and_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n but_o be_v necessitate_v upon_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o cause_n upon_o which_o they_o first_o unite_v among_o themselves_o and_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o government_n they_o fall_v into_o one_o part_n of_o their_o cause_n be_v a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o exercise_v after_o the_o imperious_a manner_n of_o the_o spanish_a government_n now_o liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a word_n in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o freedom_n from_o the_o present_a pressure_n be_v the_o thing_n immediate_o in_o their_o eye_n and_o many_o of_o their_o neighbour_n at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v the_o same_o aim_n and_o as_o they_o be_v then_o only_o agree_v what_o they_o will_v not_o have_v but_o not_o at_o all_o what_o they_o will_v have_v they_o invite_v all_o that_o all_o may_v come_v to_o their_o assistance_n but_o beside_o this_o one_o religion_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o so_o many_o several_a independent_a government_n as_o go_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o those_o state_n for_o as_o sr._n william_n temple_n tell_v we_o chap._n 2._o of_o their_o government_n p._n 75._o they_o be_v not_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o a_o confederacy_n of_o