certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n use_v in_o the_o exhortation_n for_o take_v the_o say_a covenant_n publish_a by_o command_n oxford_n print_v by_o leonard_n lichfield_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n 1644._o certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizen_n burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v and_o exercise_v whereof_o the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v present_a and_o public_a testimony_n we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o other_o nation_n after_o mature_a deliberation_n resolve_v and_o determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o all_o subscribe_v and_o each_o one_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o with_o our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v swear_v see_v it_o have_v please_v the_o composer_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o with_o a_o introduction_n which_o contain_v that_o which_o it_o seem_v prevail_v with_o they_o and_o they_o expect_v shall_v work_v upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o take_v the_o follow_a covenant_n it_o will_v be_v behooveful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reduce_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o clear_a and_o strict_a examination_n upon_o the_o content_n of_o this_o introduction_n and_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o withal_o sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v premise_v viz._n to_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o swear_v to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a article_n the_o conscience_n will_v be_v direct_v to_o follow_v that_o dictate_n but_o if_o it_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o those_o we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o other_o consideration_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o we_o will_v therefore_o sincere_o propound_v the_o content_n of_o the_o preface_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o its_o method_n join_v together_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o these_o principle_n 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v 2._o especial_o when_o they_o be_v endanger_v 3._o the_o mean_n therefore_o necessary_a towards_o those_o end_n be_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v either_o supplication_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n or_o make_v war_n 4._o the_o former_a be_v first_o to_o be_v use_v but_o if_o they_o fail_v than_o the_o latter_a these_o be_v the_o universal_a maxim_n whereon_o by_o application_n to_o the_o present_a condition_n the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v enforce_v the_o three_o first_o then_o be_v grant_v they_o subsume_v that_o have_v use_v the_o former_a and_o fail_v of_o success_n we_o be_v all_o necessitate_a to_o use_v the_o latter_a viz._n to_o swear_v to_o join_v with_o the_o scot_n in_o arm_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o to_o those_o particular_n after_o mention_v in_o the_o article_n that_o such_o join_n in_o arm_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o six_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n of_o one_o another_o with_o the_o 14_o article_n of_o the_o instruction_n wherein_o the_o imposer_n of_o this_o oath_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v public_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v read_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n for_o the_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o declaration_n the_o take_v this_o covenant_n be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o ground_n both_o of_o their_o confidence_n as_o they_o say_v that_o this_o war_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o courage_n and_o constancy_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o do_v their_o part_n whosoever_o therefore_o be_v not_o persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n either_o that_o all_o these_o mean_n mention_v and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v reject_v or_o upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o army_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o such_o a_o war_n manage_v can_v without_o deadly_a sin_n though_o disengage_v from_o oath_n for_o any_o of_o the_o follow_a particular_n upon_o the_o former_a principle_n take_v this_o covenant_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v hereon_o we_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o preface_n and_o consider_v the_o natural_a intimation_n from_o they_o only_o suppose_v for_o example_n the_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o assistance_n or_o at_o least_o consent_n in_o this_o present_a join_n in_o arm_n apply_v it_o to_o man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ay_o a._o b._n live_v under_o the_o king_n this_o can_v reasonable_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o war_n but_o obedience_n to_o he_o nor_o a_o motive_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a league_n oath_n and_o covenant_n not_o prescribe_v by_o law_n without_o he_o much_o less_o against_o his_o express_a proclamation_n forasmuch_o as_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n either_o assertory_a or_o promissory_a be_v to_o man_n for_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o a_o public_a oath_n propound_v to_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n be_v for_o the_o end_n of_o public_a strife_n and_o division_n and_o of_o any_o public_a strife_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n under_o one_o king_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o king_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o and_o to_o we_o moreover_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 24_o h._n 8._o c._n 12._o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n art_n 37._o the_o book_n of_o homily_n and_o establishâ—d_fw-mi oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o oath_n and_o covenant_n may_v not_o be_v enter_v into_o without_o and_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n even_o in_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n itself_o be_v of_o the_o reform_a religion_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o very_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o which_o as_o difference_v from_o popery_n and_o other_o sect_n have_v be_v chief_o that_o it_o have_v always_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n not_o in_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o subject_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v before_o my_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n here_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mind_n requisite_a towards_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v this_o whether_o by_o this_o war_n consider_v with_o its_o circumstance_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o
have_v determine_v but_o see_v there_o have_v not_o it_o must_v run_v over_o the_o chronicle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o such_o case_n as_o be_v find_v it_o may_v anticipate_v instance_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n and_o those_o of_o henry_n the_o 8._o when_o there_o be_v more_o just_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n if_o there_o may_v be_v any_o then_o now_o be_v allege_v and_o other_o argument_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o like_a to_o equipoize_v this_o which_o be_v assert_v gratis_o and_o if_o after_o disquisition_n this_o be_v not_o find_v true_a the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o conscience_n will_v be_v according_a to_o those_o premise_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o former_a warrant_n and_o therefore_o the_o conscience_n upon_o this_o may_v proceed_v as_o upon_o that_o see_v they_o have_v not_o set_v down_o which_o of_o god_n people_n in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n upon_o the_o like_a cause_n have_v take_v the_o like_a course_n till_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o safe_a way_n will_v be_v to_o examine_v what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v assure_o god_n people_n do_v hold_v and_o practice_n for_o doctrine_n and_o example_n in_o the_o like_a if_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v or_o a_o worse_a case_n they_o be_v prove_v or_o pretend_v and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o resist_v or_o hold_v it_o lawful_a their_o prince_n in_o the_o great_a persecution_n and_o utmost_a danger_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v dear_a unto_o they_o it_o may_v raise_v a_o conclusion_n till_o some_o strong_a reason_n can_v be_v present_v or_o the_o error_n of_o these_o be_v clear_v and_o take_v off_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o we_o be_v require_v to_o assist_v a_o warlike_a entrance_n of_o subject_n with_o all_o the_o other_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v this_o action_n of_o the_o scot_n make_v only_o upon_o a_o believe_a charity_n of_o help_v their_o neighbour_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o if_o all_o and_o every_o of_o the_o material_n of_o this_o preface_n in_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o premise_n be_v true_a our_o conscience_n can_v assent_v to_o the_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o as_o subject_n of_o the_o church_n england_n though_o we_o have_v not_o swear_v or_o subscribe_v to_o some_o particular_n against_o which_o some_o of_o the_o article_n be_v contrive_v to_o assist_v the_o scot_n or_o consent_n to_o they_o in_o this_o war_n which_o assistance_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o this_o covenant_n second_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o member_n which_o do_v conclude_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o conscience_n to_o move_v we_o to_o take_v it_o neither_o in_o the_o complication_n do_v they_o conclude_v three_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o consideration_n natural_o suggest_v by_o they_o and_o altogether_o unforced_a prevail_v with_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o till_o every_o one_o of_o these_o obstacle_n and_o scruple_n be_v take_v off_o we_o can_v without_o violence_n to_o our_o conscience_n take_v this_o oath_n that_o we_o shall_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 1._o endeavour_v 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_n 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 in_o the_o first_o article_n be_v we_o to_o be_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n absolute_o or_o with_o this_o add_v as_o a_o restriction_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n by_o who_o do_v we_o not_o right_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v the_o common_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n that_o those_o word_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n be_v to_o be_v take_v restrictive_o it_o may_v be_v think_v because_o they_o otherwise_o shall_v have_v be_v vain_o add_v and_o that_o by_o common_a enemy_n those_o be_v mean_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o grammatical_a sense_n imply_v there_o have_v precede_v no_o other_o division_n to_o which_o this_o community_n can_v refer_v beside_o that_o of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n in_o the_o preface_n so_o that_o the_o word_n our_o must_v refer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o preface_n who_o only_a distribution_n which_o can_v refer_v to_o common_a here_o be_v that_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o article_n this_o viz._n i_o will_v sincere_o real_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o my_o call_n against_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n for_o example_n both_o to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o of_o scotland_n both_o to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o their_o directory_n for_o worship_n both_o to_o our_o church-government_n and_o to_o presbyterial_a government_n endeavour_v to_o preserve_v their_o article_n manner_n of_o worship_n and_o presbytery_n if_o thus_o it_o be_v these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v if_o the_o imposer_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v assure_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n can_v infallible_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o will_v they_o have_v we_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preserve_v it_o with_o a_o restriction_n against_o some_o man_n only_o and_o not_o absolute_o and_o indefinite_o whether_o be_v this_o so_o free_a from_o the_o scandal_n of_o respect_n of_o person_n as_o a_o oath_n for_o the_o impartial_a defence_n of_o truth_n do_v require_v if_o they_o doubt_v it_o can_v be_v infallible_o prove_v how_o can_v our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n without_o spiritual_a tyranny_n desire_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o another_o church_n to_o endeavour_v sincere_o real_o etc._n etc._n in_o our_o call_n viz._n by_o preach_v dispute_v or_o otherwise_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o thus_o far_o second_o how_o can_v we_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o neither_o know_v what_o it_o be_v as_o it_o now_o stand_v nor_o be_v tell_v in_o any_o declaration_n or_o exhortation_n to_o we_o nor_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v or_o search_v no_o opportunity_n offer_v itself_o how_o then_o can_v this_o oath_n be_v by_o we_o take_v in_o judgement_n or_o since_o we_o doubt_v thus_o though_o in_o general_a how_o can_v it_o not_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v other_o than_o sin_n whether_o be_v we_o not_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v by_o we_o hereafter_o find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scotland_n contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n bind_v to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o second_o article_n to_o extirpate_v it_o and_o by_o the_o first_o to_o preserve_v it_o as_o for_o their_o discipline_n and_o government_n so_o much_o as_o we_o understand_v of_o it_o though_o otherwise_o we_o never_o interpose_v yet_o be_v now_o call_v to_o give_v our_o consent_n to_o it_o or_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o we_o dare_v not_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v its_o preservation_n constant_o and_o indefinite_o for_o all_o time_n to_o come_v till_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o we_o that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o any_o time_n before_o until_o this_o our_o last_o age_n if_o it_o shall_v here_o be_v reply_v that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n only_o against_o our_o common_a enemy_n that_o be_v of_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n and_o so_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o only_o so_o
think_v necessary_a long_o within_o the_o apostle_n time_n even_o as_o early_o as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o be_o of_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o say_v in_o his_o dialogue_n adversus_fw-la luciferian_n ecclesiae_fw-la salus_fw-la in_fw-la summi_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la dignitate_fw-la pendet_fw-la cui_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la exhort_fw-la quaedam_fw-la and_o ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la eminens_fw-la detur_fw-la potestas_fw-la tot_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la efficientur_fw-la schismata_fw-la quot_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la s._n cyprian_n also_o epist._n 55._o non_fw-la aliunde_fw-la haereses_fw-la obortae_fw-la sunt_fw-la aut_fw-la nata_fw-la sunt_fw-la schismata_fw-la quam_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o so_o also_o lib._n 4._o epist._n 9_o unde_fw-la enim_fw-la schismata_fw-la et_fw-la haereses_fw-la obortae_fw-la sunt_fw-la et_fw-la oriuntur_fw-la nisi_fw-la dum_fw-la episcopus_fw-la qui_fw-la unus_fw-la est_fw-la praesumptione_fw-la contemnitur_fw-la etc._n etc._n master_n calvin_n also_o himself_o upon_o philipp_n 1._o 1._o fateor_fw-la quidem_fw-la ut_fw-la sunt_fw-la hominum_fw-la ingenia_fw-la et_fw-la mores_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la ordinem_fw-la stare_fw-la inter_fw-la verbi_fw-la ministros_fw-la quin_fw-la reliquis_fw-la praesit_fw-la unus_fw-la so_o that_o we_o can_v apprehend_v the_o abjuration_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o that_o unity_n in_o this_o article_n mention_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o among_o we_o but_o rather_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n s._n cyprian_n unus_fw-la deus_fw-la unus_fw-la dominus_fw-la unus_fw-la episcopus_fw-la and_o that_o of_o ignatius_n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la b_o {non-roman}_o subjecti_fw-la estote_fw-la episcope_n and_o vobis_fw-la mutuè_fw-la ut_fw-la christus_fw-la patri_fw-la ut_fw-la inter_fw-la vos_fw-la divina_fw-la quaedam_fw-la sit_fw-la unio_fw-la next_o profaneness_n be_v here_o also_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o with_o episcopacy_n yet_o who_o may_v not_o fear_v god_n judgement_n if_o he_o deny_v the_o detestable_a growth_n of_o profaneness_n since_o the_o contempt_n of_o that_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o episcopacy_n so_o that_o this_o article_n as_o to_o bishop_n extirpation_n we_o must_v refuse_v upon_o that_o close_a upon_o which_o other_o take_v it_o lest_o as_o it_o be_v say_v we_o shall_v partake_v in_o other_o sin_n and_o consequent_o in_o their_o plague_n three_o because_o neither_o can_v we_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o part_n of_o this_o church-government_n by_o archbishop_n a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n so_o confess_o ancient_a nor_o that_o part_n of_o this_o church-government_n by_o dean_n and_o chapter_n that_o be_v a_o society_n of_o grave_a divine_n of_o presbyter_n join_v to_o the_o bishop_n in_o his_o see_v of_o residence_n as_o assistant_n in_o council_n and_o government_n as_o james_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v his_o resident_a presbyter_n act_n 21._o 18._o and_o consult_v with_o they_o vers._n 20._o according_a also_o to_o the_o ancient_a general_n and_o continue_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n time_n and_o moreover_o endow_v with_o mean_n give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n of_o many_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o annul_v hebr._n 9_o 17._o and_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o many_o other_o donor_n who_o have_v true_a propriety_n in_o their_o good_n and_o may_v and_o do_v transfer_v the_o undoubted_a property_n to_o those_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o the_o right_a and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a especial_o such_o endowment_n have_v be_v consecrate_v and_o devote_v unto_o god_n for_o pious_a use_n and_o which_o may_v not_o therefore_o by_o we_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v alienate_v prov._n 20._o 25._o numb._n 16._o 38._o and_o as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n so_o also_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o learning_n the_o study_n of_o divinity_n and_o of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n 3._o reality_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o several_a vocation_n endeavour_v with_o our_o estate_n and_o life_n mutual_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o conscience_n of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n or_o intention_n to_o diminish_v his_o majesty_n just_a power_n and_o greatness_n because_o in_o the_o three_o article_n whereas_o we_o be_v require_v and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o bind_v ourselves_o absolute_o without_o limitation_n express_v to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o be_v likewise_o tie_v simple_o and_o indefinite_o to_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n state_n and_o honour_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o the_o late_a protestation_n here_o when_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o swear_v to_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o this_o manner_n of_o swear_v we_o dare_v not_o admit_v till_o it_o be_v public_o declare_v by_o the_o imposer_n that_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n be_v not_o as_o to_o some_o it_o may_v sound_v that_o i_o bind_v myself_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o shall_v preserve_v and_o defend_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n since_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n and_o by_o true_a religion_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o his_o person_n and_o authority_n though_o he_o be_v a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o abridger_n of_o our_o liberty_n such_o as_o be_v saul_n and_o nero_n in_o their_o time_n and_o sure_o a_o large_a declaration_n of_o our_o endeavour_n simple_o to_o defend_v his_o person_n be_v at_o this_o time_n necessary_a when_o through_o the_o division_n of_o the_o kingdom_n his_o sacred_a majesty_n be_v so_o endanger_v and_o that_o his_o majesty_n have_v often_o complain_v of_o affront_n offer_v to_o his_o person_n and_o have_v complain_v also_o that_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o kill_v his_o person_n in_o two_o set_a battle_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o mouth_n of_o some_o shimei_n then_o that_o the_o king_n be_v popish_o affect_v a_o papist_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o therefore_o some_o furious_a zealot_n may_v not_o only_o upon_o these_o surmise_n conclude_v himself_o exempt_v in_o case_n from_o the_o duty_n of_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o his_o royal_a person_n but_o also_o mistake_v it_o as_o a_o debt_n to_o this_o covenant_n even_o to_o offer_v violence_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n may_v not_o therefore_o some_o such_o full_a declaration_n and_o explication_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o will_v by_o oath_n profess_v it_o seem_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n here_o propose_v that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o conscience_n of_o our_o loyalty_n we_o shall_v also_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n endeavour_v the_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v 4._o or_o shall_v be_v incendiary_n malignant_n or_o evil_a instrument_n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n divide_v the_o king_n from_o his_o people_n or_o one_o of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o another_o or_o make_v any_o faction_n or_o party_n among_o the_o people_n contrary_a to_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o public_a trial_n and_o receive_v condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n shall_v require_v or_o deserve_v or_o the_o supreme_a indicatory_n of_o both_o kingdom_n respective_o or_o other_o have_v power_n from_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a whether_o be_v not_o all_o those_o to_o be_v account_v to_o we_o as_o malignant_n etc._n etc._n by_o hinder_v reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v discover_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v condign_a punishment_n who_o we_o know_v to_o endeavour_v in_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n the_o continuation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o government_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v by_o the_o know_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n establish_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o right_a intent_n of_o those_o law_n against_o all_o alteration_n till_o it_o be_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n enact_v by_o his_o majesty_n
covenant_n bind_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o person_n we_o pray_v may_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o who_o have_v take_v this_o covenant_n or_o shall_v hereafter_o enter_v into_o it_o for_o we_o who_o be_v so_o persuade_v as_o we_o have_v express_v it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n if_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v to_o swear_v to_o bring_v the_o person_n of_o any_o who_o have_v offend_v to_o a_o just_a and_o legal_a trial_n so_o that_o their_o office_n may_v have_v be_v continue_v then_o to_o extirpate_v the_o office_n with_o a_o intimation_n only_o that_o we_o be_v not_o necessitate_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o person_n that_o which_o follow_v be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o only_a scruple_n which_o they_o will_v suppose_v to_o remain_v the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n wherein_o clergyman_n have_v swear_v to_o obey_v the_o bishop_n in_fw-la licitis_fw-la et_fw-la honestis_fw-la we_o will_v propound_v their_o argument_n 1._o they_o which_o have_v swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n may_v yet_o endeavour_v their_o abolition_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n therefore_o they_o which_o have_v swear_v to_o obey_v the_o bishop_n may_v endeavour_v the_o abolition_n of_o bishop_n we_o do_v not_o see_v this_o consequence_n from_o the_o law_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n or_o the_o authority_n itself_o from_o whence_o the_o law_n be_v derive_v it_o follow_v upon_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o who_o have_v swear_v to_o obey_v the_o injunction_n of_o bishop_n may_v endeavour_v in_o a_o lawful_a way_n the_o alteration_n or_o abolition_n of_o those_o injunction_n but_o to_o infer_v their_o conclusion_n the_o hypothosis_n must_v have_v be_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o oath_n make_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n make_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n we_o may_v endeavour_v to_o abolish_v the_o king_n and_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n their_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o 2._o if_o minister_n or_o other_o have_v enter_v into_o any_o oath_n not_o warrant_v by_o god_n word_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n such_o oath_n call_v for_o repentance_n not_o pertinacy_n in_o they_o ergo_fw-la notwithstanding_o the_o oath_n of_o canoxicall_a obedience_n minister_n may_v endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o bishop_n we_o believe_v that_o to_o have_v clear_v this_o consequence_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o see_v they_o have_v not_o do_v the_o scruple_n notwithstanding_o this_o argument_n will_v still_o remain_v have_v thus_o do_v with_o episcopacy_n they_o proceed_v to_o such_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o suppose_v may_v arise_v from_o that_o which_o concern_v his_o majesty_n and_o there_o the_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o covenant_n may_v be_v take_v notwithstanding_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n already_o take_v and_o notwithstanding_o the_o want_n of_o his_o majesty_n consent_n 1._o this_o oath_n bind_v all_o and_o more_o strong_o engage_v they_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o it_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n we_o answer_v 1._o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n be_v ordain_v against_o those_o who_o will_v not_o have_v deny_v to_o swear_v in_o these_o very_a word_n to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o argument_n this_o covenant_n may_v cross_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n 2._o that_o this_o oath_n may_v be_v take_v without_o his_o majesty_n consent_n they_o will_v prove_v by_o example_n either_o modern_a or_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o 1._o the_o protestation_n may_n 5._o be_v take_v without_o his_o majesty_n consent_n we_o do_v not_o think_v we_o take_v it_o without_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o one_o reason_n we_o will_v express_v in_o their_o word_n of_o the_o same_o paragraph_n because_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o except_v against_o it_o or_o give_v any_o stop_n to_o the_o take_n of_o it_o albeit_o he_o be_v then_o resident_a in_o person_n at_o whitehall_n 2._o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n ezra_n 10._o nehem._n 9_o neh._n 1._o be_v vassal_n and_o one_o of_o they_o menial_a servant_n to_o artaxerxes_n draw_v all_o the_o people_n into_o a_o covenant_n without_o the_o special_a commission_n of_o the_o persian_a monarch_n the_o covenant_n into_o which_o ezra_n draw_v the_o people_n be_v express_v ezra_n 10._o 3._o to_o have_v be_v to_o put_v away_o all_o the_o strange_a wife_n and_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o those_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o nehemiah_n nehem._n 9_o and_o 10._o 29._o be_v express_v to_o have_v be_v a_o curse_n and_o a_o oath_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o judgement_n and_o his_o statute_n the_o commission_n of_o nehemiah_n beside_o what_o be_v mention_v nehemiah_n 2._o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o ezra_n have_v obtain_v which_o be_v express_v ezra_n the_o 7._o in_o the_o 7_o of_o ezra_n v._n 26._o we_o find_v this_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o commission_n whosoever_o will_v not_o do_v the_o law_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n let_v judgement_n be_v execute_v speedy_o upon_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v unto_o death_n or_o banishment_n or_o to_o confiscation_n of_o good_n or_o to_o imprisonment_n wherefore_o we_o can_v but_o extreme_o wonder_v that_o these_o covenant_n here_o mention_v shall_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v enter_v into_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o persian_a monarch_n a_o assertion_n to_o we_o so_o exceed_o inconsiderate_a that_o our_o apprehension_n of_o the_o fail_n in_o it_o can_v in_o a_o few_o word_n be_v express_v as_o for_o that_o of_o hezekiah_n which_o follow_v at_o some_o distance_n we_o may_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v not_o consent_v to_o by_o hoshea_n king_n of_o irael_n however_o if_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v indeed_o a_o rebellion_n as_o it_o be_v believe_v by_o many_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a divine_n a_o ferne_n then_o why_o may_v not_o hezekiah_n just_o send_v proclamation_n to_o they_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o a_o covenant_n although_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n shall_v positive_o have_v dissent_v but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o negative_a answer_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v controvert_v we_o answer_v 1._o that_o act_n of_o hezekiah_n be_v a_o bare_a invitation_n 2._o that_o to_o which_o he_o invite_v they_o be_v not_o a_o league_n or_o covenant_n but_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v some_o year_n after_o the_o covenant_n mention_v 2_o chro._n 29._o 3_o that_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o israel_n have_v not_o the_o face_n of_o a_o kingdom_n their_o king_n be_v in_o captivity_n under_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n which_o two_o latter_a answer_n be_v joint_o prove_v by_o this_o follow_a discourse_n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v in_fw-la 1mo_fw-la hezekiae_fw-la 2_o chron._n 29._o the_o passover_n be_v not_o celebrate_v till_o after_o the_o captivity_n 2_o chron._n 30._o 6._o there_o be_v no_o captivity_n mention_v till_o after_o this_o first_o year_n of_o hezekiah_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n and_o passover_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o year_n and_o therefore_o also_o hoshea_n be_v in_o captivity_n before_o this_o invitation_n of_o hezekiah_n the_o last_o of_o the_o premise_n which_o only_o can_v be_v doubt_v be_v thus_o prove_v because_o the_o first_o time_n express_v which_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o salmanaser_n come_v up_o against_o israel_n be_v the_o four_o year_n of_o king_n hezekiah_n 2_o king_n 18._o 9_o it_o no_o wise_a follow_v therefore_o from_o this_o act_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o impose_v or_o enter_v a_o covenant_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n now_o after_o these_o instance_n of_o scripture_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o modern_a example_n from_o whence_o they_o will_v infer_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a lawfulness_n to_o enter_v a_o covenant_n
so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v then_o so_o to_o swear_v it_o he_o that_o so_o swear_v swear_v with_o judgement_n against_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o unrighteousness_n without_o truth_n and_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v three_o to_o swear_v save_v all_o former_a oath_n to_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o former_a lawful_a oath_n be_v to_o delude_v both_o our_o former_a and_o present_a oath_n to_o warrant_v that_o we_o may_v without_o scandal_n abjure_v in_o word_n not_o in_o heart_n what_o we_o have_v swear_v before_o to_o keep_v because_o we_o have_v swear_v before_o to_o keep_v and_o never_o to_o abjure_v it_o to_o make_v vain_a as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n the_o wholesome_a end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n and_o particular_o to_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o this_o present_a covenant_n if_o the_o taker_n intend_v not_o what_o the_o oath_n intendâ—_z and_o may_v also_o hereafter_o save_v this_o present_a oath_n swear_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o present_a be_v it_o consider_v that_o whereas_o this_o oath_n be_v a_o league_n for_o unity_n if_o each_o may_v take_v it_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n its_o end_n will_v be_v none_o and_o we_o as_o far_o from_o joint_a union_n of_o assistance_n as_o before_o for_o swear_v to_o assist_v all_o who_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o assist_v oâ—ely_o the_o taker_n in_o our_o own_o sense_n than_o we_o may_v happy_o be_v tie_v to_o assist_v none_o hereby_o for_o perhaps_o our_o own_o sense_n be_v peculiar_a and_o different_a from_o all_o other_o and_o probable_o from_o most_o for_o most_o take_v it_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n last_o if_o one_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v that_o if_o it_o succeed_v it_o may_v be_v encouragement_n to_o other_o christian_a church_n in_o like_o case_n to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_o association_n and_o covenant_n we_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o admonish_v ourselves_o and_o other_o that_o if_o in_o this_o we_o offend_v we_o also_o lie_v a_o stumbling-block_n of_o offence_n before_o the_o face_n of_o so_o many_o christian_a church_n now_o and_o hereafter_o who_o be_v here_o invite_v to_o follow_v our_o example_n shall_v we_o not_o therefore_o sad_o consider_v who_o example_n in_o this_o action_n we_o follow_v before_o we_o give_v and_o invite_v other_o to_o follow_v our_o example_n ought_v we_o not_o wise_o to_o fear_v lest_o by_o this_o we_o expose_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o jealousy_n of_o their_o several_a prince_n under_o who_o they_o live_v and_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o provocation_n of_o all_o those_o evil_n wherewith_o prince_n in_o prevention_n of_o what_o be_v here_o suggest_v to_o their_o subject_n if_o not_o declare_v against_o by_o they_o may_v aggrieve_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o also_o have_v we_o not_o cause_v to_o question_v with_o ourselves_o how_o the_o example_n of_o enter_v a_o covenant_n mutual_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v one_o another_o when_o there_o be_v declare_v a_o join_n in_o arm_n without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n how_o this_o example_n we_o say_v will_v make_v as_o be_v here_o say_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n now_o the_o lord_n of_o peace_n himself_o give_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n peace_n always_o by_o all_o mean_n amen_n a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o take_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n or_o solid_a reason_n if_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v intimate_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o exhortation_n be_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n as_o they_o be_v style_v in_o the_o 14_o article_n of_o the_o instruction_n and_o express_v that_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o satisfy_n of_o such_o scruple_n as_o may_v arise_v and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v it_o can_v not_o have_v give_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n either_o so_o much_o licence_n to_o examine_v the_o discourse_n with_o strictness_n and_o severity_n or_o so_o much_o satisfaction_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o examination_n see_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o end_n of_o write_v which_o necessary_o oblige_v to_o a_o discovery_n of_o all_o the_o consequence_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o discourse_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o outward_a encouragement_n to_o the_o conscience_n towards_o satisfaction_n as_o when_o it_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v examine_v a_o exhortation_n and_o a_o defence_n the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v be_v choose_v the_o work_n appoint_v and_o after_o the_o performance_n twice_o public_o read_v and_o consider_v and_o last_o order_v to_o be_v publish_v by_o they_o who_o be_v the_o manager_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o this_o exhortation_n and_o defence_n be_v make_v but_o this_o be_v the_o declare_a end_n and_o those_o the_o author_n it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o man_n towards_o the_o cause_n itself_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o clear_a and_o firm_a principle_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o enforce_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o those_o they_o have_v here_o express_v and_o consequent_o if_o upon_o just_a examination_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o all_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o they_o lay_v down_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o infer_v their_o conclusion_n they_o may_v be_v more_o tender_a of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o different_a persuasion_n from_o themselves_o though_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o their_o endeavour_n persist_v in_o their_o opinion_n nay_o though_o they_o shall_v hereby_o gain_v a_o degree_n of_o adhesion_n to_o it_o the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o will_v infer_v be_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o general_a end_n of_o that_o as_o express_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o in_o all_o the_o declaration_n which_o concern_v the_o same_o be_v in_o our_o call_n the_o assistance_n of_o those_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n etc._n etc._n against_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n in_o a_o word_n to_o assist_v or_o comply_v with_o those_o english_a and_o scottish_a force_n against_o the_o force_n raise_v by_o the_o king_n personal_a command_n this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o scruple_n by_o they_o speak_v of_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v remove_v that_o their_o argument_n to_o that_o end_n may_v be_v effectual_a it_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o end_n that_o the_o present_a case_n shall_v have_v be_v clear_o and_o particular_o lay_v down_o consider_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o strong_a and_o not_o doubt_v presumption_n and_o supposal_n of_o that_o part_n which_o be_v defend_v though_o it_o may_v produce_v a_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n in_o those_o who_o be_v though_o not_o so_o strong_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o in_o reason_n be_v repute_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o scruple_n from_o a_o rational_a adversary_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o itself_o for_o a_o true_a and_o thorough_a resolution_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o case_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o their_o discourse_n be_v imperfect_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v err_v in_o assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a and_o esteem_v of_o the_o adverse_a party_n as_o of_o people_n bewitch_v and_o besot_v hoodwink_v and_o blind_v etc._n etc._n nay_o as_o the_o dregs_o and_o scum_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o affirm_v the_o name_n and_o countenance_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n to_o be_v captivate_v and_o prostitute_v to_o serve_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o such_o man_n and_o in_o set_v in_o opposition_n the_o king_n and_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o land_n but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o case_n may_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o plain_a to_o all_o man_n that_o it_o may_v without_o any_o great_a damage_n be_v omit_v in_o a_o discourse_n make_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o conscience_n it_o will_v concern_v the_o conscience_n however_o impartial_o to_o set_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o present_a question_n and_o then_o to_o examine_v the_o discourse_n of_o this_o exhortation_n upon_o which_o the_o determination_n of_o conscience_n will_v natural_o follow_v to_o propound_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n impartial_o though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n it_o will_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v make_v