tear_v in_o piece_n the_o king_n prerogative_n who_o consent_n be_v necessary_a invade_v the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n to_o make_v new_a law_n in_o thing_n lawful_a or_o establish_v the_o old_a break_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o be_v impose_v on_o with_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o have_v so_o many_o society_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n destroy_v plain_o subvert_v 6._o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o oath_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o 2._o 2_o sam._n 21._o 2._o gibeonite_n by_o joshua_n the_o king_n and_o all_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n shall_v not_o oblige_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o hatred_n of_o the_o bishop_n for_o their_o injury_n and_o ruin_n by_o a_o part_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o people_n without_z and_o against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n when_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n there_o be_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o either_o house_n nothing_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v why_o such_o a_o covenant_n so_o far_o at_o least_o shall_v bind_v at_o all_o one_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o good_a he_o have_v swear_v so_o be_v joshua_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o gibeonite_n one_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o evil_n he_o have_v swear_v as_o the_o covenant_n will_v have_v he_o 7._o israel_n be_v cheat_v into_o a_o covenant_n that_o hurt_v none_o but_o themselves_o if_o themselves_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o their_o covenant_n oblige_v they_o england_n that_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v also_o cheat_v pardon_v the_o expression_n into_o a_o covenant_n that_o injure_v the_o taker_n and_o every_o body_n else_o the_o king_n the_o parliament_n that_o make_v it_o all_o future_a parliament_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n the_o governor_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o conscience_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o taker_n themselves_o by_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o all_o former_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o in_o particular_a have_v before_o appear_v and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o bind_v to_o so_o much_o iniquity_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o or_o other_o instance_n of_o zedekiah_n oath_n etc._n etc._n or_o i_o presume_v to_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o declaration_n that_o have_v indeed_o engage_v i_o long_o than_o at_o first_o i_o foresee_v a_o general_a conclusion_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o re-ordination_a and_o the_o government_n liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o law_n require_v of_o minister_n by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n re-ordination_a of_o such_o as_o be_v only_o ordain_v already_o by_o presbyter_n and_o ordination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o by_z bishop_n i_o hope_v such_o as_o be_v concern_v herein_o will_v not_o stand_v too_o much_o upon_o this_o consider_v that_o liberty_n be_v not_o deny_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o own_o sense_n whether_o the_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n only_o be_v valid_a or_o not_o also_o that_o the_o act_n make_v itself_o no_o judge_n of_o the_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n in_o foreign_a church_n also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n in_o this_o church_n as_o also_o that_o if_o their_o former_a ordination_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o any_o other_o form_n it_o can_v not_o pass_v for_o legal_a ordination_n in_o this_o church_n or_o nation_n nor_o legal_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n or_o to_o the_o profit_n of_o their_o place_n no_o other_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v appoint_v or_o allow_v by_o our_o governor_n and_o therefore_o their_o submission_n thereunto_o can_v be_v a_o take_n god_n name_n in_o vain_a which_o have_v so_o good_a and_o so_o necessary_a a_o end_n but_o especial_o consider_v that_o worthy_a mr._n humphrey_n have_v write_v so_o effectual_o and_o so_o large_o already_o upon_o this_o subject_a he_o have_v so_o well_o prevent_v my_o pain_n herein_o i_o have_v only_o to_o refer_v my_o brethren_n to_o his_o book_n for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n 2._o concern_v that_o which_o i_o have_v write_v in_o this_o treatise_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o subscribe_v which_o i_o do_v animo_fw-la that_o i_o have_v not_o use_v one_o argument_n but_o i_o real_o judge_v it_o convince_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o either_o answer_v or_o prevent_v by_o any_o thing_n write_v either_o by_o mr._n crofton_n or_o the_o learned_a and_o sober_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea._n 3._o neither_o can_v i_o divine_a what_o may_v possible_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o declaration_n that_o be_v not_o answer_v except_o only_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o government_n liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v indeed_o concern_v in_o the_o declaration_n require_v 4._o i_o confess_v i_o take_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o for_o grant_v and_o my_o reason_n i_o hint_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o book_n namely_o because_o i_o be_v to_o treat_v such_o only_a or_o chief_o with_o it_o as_o have_v purpose_v to_o conform_v have_v not_o the_o act_n require_v they_o thus_o to_o declare_v such_o i_o conceive_v do_v not_o believe_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o office_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n be_v in_o it_o self_n unlawful_a who_o by_o their_o conformity_n intend_v before_o to_o own_o the_o one_o and_o practice_v the_o other_o 5._o however_o let_v i_o humble_o beseech_v my_o brethren_n if_o thus_o they_o scruple_n serious_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o able_a pen_n that_o ever_o engage_v in_o these_o great_a controversy_n have_v hitherto_o find_v it_o a_o task_n too_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o evince_v that_o either_o the_o form_n of_o government_n or_o any_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a 6._o yea_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v my_o observation_n that_o very_o few_o that_o have_v be_v learned_a and_o sober_a and_o faithful_a in_o the_o point_n since_o the_o reformation_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o late_a trouble_n but_o though_o they_o have_v much_o scruple_v at_o first_o have_v argue_v themselves_o at_o length_n into_o a_o conviction_n at_o least_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o 7._o i_o hope_v my_o brethren_n will_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v to_o remember_v they_o that_o conscience_n be_v not_o regula_n regulans_fw-la in_o the_o first_o consideration_n though_o so_o in_o the_o second_o but_o regula_n regulata_n and_o that_o she_o have_v a_o rule_n above_o she_o that_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n unto_o she_o and_o the_o very_a synterisis_n and_o proposition_n from_o which_o alone_o she_o must_v draw_v and_o conclude_v all_o her_o definition_n of_o thing_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a 8._o the_o measure_n therefore_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o not_o our_o own_o not_o our_o own_o mind_n much_o less_o our_o will_n so_o that_o what_o he_o command_v must_v be_v hold_v a_o duty_n what_o he_o forbid_v must_v be_v hold_v a_o sin_n and_o what_o he_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v must_v be_v hold_v indifferent_a that_o be_v in_o itself_o to_o be_v neither_o a_o duty_n nor_o a_o sin_n by_o every_o well_o enlighten_v right_o rule_v and_o indifferent_a conscience_n 9_o now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n to_o any_o man_n conscience_n what_o be_v leave_v by_o god_n indifferent_a that_o be_v what_o he_o have_v neither_o commdnded_a and_o make_v a_o duty_n nor_o forbid_v and_o make_v a_o sin_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o he_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n these_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o god_n mind_n 10._o if_o yet_o the_o doubt_n continue_v what_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o suffer_v i_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o better_a help_n under_o heaven_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o beside_o immediate_a revelation_n which_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v then_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o reform_a church_n 11._o let_v the_o person_n then_o that_o desire_v satisfaction_n indeed_o bring_v his_o conscience_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o question_n first_o to_o the_o bar_n and_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o he_o can_v see_v they_o condemn_v there_o as_o true_o i_o can_v let_v he_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n after_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o prosecute_v his_o full_a
be_v enough_o that_o such_o as_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v alter_v much_o less_o extirpated_a without_o the_o change_n of_o the_o law_n very_o many_o law_n that_o much_o concern_v if_o not_o establish_v the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v to_o be_v a_o grand_a part_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n that_o no_o law_n be_v make_v or_o alter_v without_o his_o fiat_fw-la much_o less_o then_o such_o law_n as_o concern_v himself_o so_o near_o as_o the_o change_n not_o his_o commissioner_n only_o but_o his_o government_n itself_o and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o apparent_a that_o the_o king_n be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o take_v that_o the_o covenanter_n do_v intend_v either_o to_o force_v his_o consent_n to_o change_v those_o law_n or_o else_o to_o root_v out_o the_o government_n by_o prelacy_n against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n too_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o condition_n as_o may_v fair_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o covenant_n if_o the_o king_n shall_v please_v or_o if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o change_v the_o law_n or_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o we_o have_v discover_v in_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o remember_v how_o the_o covenant_n be_v carry_v on_o as_o if_o the_o plot_n be_v lay_v to_o down_o with_o the_o bishop_n whether_o the_o king_n will_v consent_v or_o not_o or_o what_o ere_o come_v on_o it_o case_n ix_o whether_o to_o endeavour_v thus_o against_o the_o king_n right_n as_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o the_o covenant_n be_v sinful_a resol_n without_o question_v it_o be_v for_o to_o covenant_n or_o swear_v to_o the_o injury_n of_o any_o be_v material_o sinful_a and_o void_a of_o itself_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v vow_v he_o will_v steal_v his_o neighbour_n horse_n in_o all_o covenant_n therefore_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v that_o inferior_n must_v except_v the_o right_n of_o their_o superior_n otherwise_o if_o a_o oath_n will_v discharge_v from_o subjection_n how_o soon_o may_v all_o government_n totter_v and_o dissolve_v no_o covenant_n can_v take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n more_o than_o of_o six_o seven_o eight_o or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v therefore_o grant_v by_o all_o casuist_n that_o in_o iis_fw-la rebus_fw-la quae_fw-la superioris_fw-la potestati_fw-la subjiciuntur_fw-la in_o all_o thing_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o our_o superior_a this_o condition_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o covenant_n oath_n and_o promise_n si_fw-la ipsi_fw-la etiam_fw-la placuerit_fw-la if_o it_o shall_v also_o please_v he_o that_o be_v our_o superior_a now_o nothing_o can_v possible_o intercept_v the_o conclusion_n but_o that_o either_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lie_v under_o the_o king_n or_o that_o the_o alter_a of_o this_o government_n do_v not_o concern_v his_o power_n or_o that_o he_o give_v his_o consent_n either_o to_o the_o covenant_n or_o to_o the_o alter_a of_o this_o government_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o be_v true_a first_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o under_o the_o king_n or_o swear_v by_o we_o all_o to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a and_o indeed_o as_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o all_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n political_o consider_v be_v the_o king_n commissioner_n and_o in_o a_o plain_a line_n of_o subordination_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v take_v from_o he_o or_o indeed_o on_o purpose_n oppose_v or_o disobey_v without_o apparent_a injury_n to_o the_o supremacy_n if_o not_o with_o his_o royal_a assent_n and_o special_a commission_n second_o neither_o may_v this_o government_n be_v alter_v or_o any_o thing_n change_v therein_o or_o indeed_o any_o thing_n elsethat_o can_v be_v alter_v without_o law_n but_o by_o the_o king_n own_o act_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o law_n be_v a_o thing_n subject_n also_o to_o the_o king_n power_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n without_o all_o dispute_n three_o neither_o do_v the_o king_n consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n but_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v proclaimêd_v his_o dissent_n against_o it_o which_o very_a thing_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o void_a it_o datur_fw-la juritatio_fw-la juramenti_fw-la aliquando_fw-la per_fw-la superiores_fw-la si_fw-la in_o illa_fw-la ipsa_fw-la materiâ_fw-la 219._o amese_n de_fw-fr consc_fw-fr p._n 219._o sint_fw-la superiores_fw-la circa_fw-la quam_fw-la juramentum_fw-la versatur_fw-la sic_fw-la parent_n so_o parent_n husband_n master_n prince_n may_v pronounce_v say_v dr._n ames_n either_o oath_n or_o vow_n make_v by_o child_n wife_n servants_z subject_n without_o their_o consent_n to_o be_v void_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o power_n therefore_o so_o far_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v alter_v but_o by_o law_n it_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o king_n at_o least_o not_o to_o alter_v it_o he_o have_v a_o negative_a upon_o both_o house_n and_o consequent_o his_o proclamation_n have_v pronounce_v the_o covenant_n long_o ago_o if_o this_o rule_n be_v good_a which_o i_o think_v none_o do_v question_n at_o least_o so_o far_o void_a i_o wonder_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v urge_v that_o the_o king_n so_o many_o year_n after_o in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v immediate_o upon_o its_o very_a birth_n crush_v by_o his_o proclamation_n yea_o so_o far_o as_o his_o proclamation_n can_v pronounce_v it_o void_a and_o destroy_v it_o i_o think_v it_o may_v well_o be_v a_o problem_n whether_o the_o king_n future_a consent_n can_v revive_v it_o if_o it_o have_v indeed_o be_v dead_a and_o bury_v so_o many_o year_n before_o but_o in_o what_o word_n do_v the_o king_n seem_v to_o consent_v he_o say_v it_o shall_v least_o displease_v he_o that_o man_n do_v keep_v their_o covenant_n these_o word_n do_v not_o express_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n much_o less_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v episcopacy_n it_o be_v far_o from_o he_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o but_o rather_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o king_n word_n to_o preserve_v not_o to_o extirpate_v religion_n in_o purity_n and_o the_o kingdom_n in_o peace_n indeed_o thus_o some_o will_v wrest_v one_o plea._n coven_n plea._n modest_a expression_n against_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o that_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o king_n book_n frame_v by_o he_o on_o set_v purpose_n to_o show_v his_o dislike_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o his_o death_n as_o any_o impartial_a reader_n thereof_o may_v satisfy_v himself_o four_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v say_v nor_o true_o be_v it_o by_o any_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o that_o the_o king_n do_v ever_o consent_v to_o the_o alteration_n much_o less_o the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n he_o be_v indeed_o at_o last_o content_v upon_o a_o very_a hard_a bargain_n to_o give_v it_o a_o suspension_n for_o three_o year_n but_o the_o sword_n cut_v off_o that_o precede_a and_o the_o objection_n with_o it_o case_n x._o whether_o the_o govenant_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v against_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a resol_n to_o swear_v absolute_o without_o submismision_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o endeavour_v that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v either_o according_a to_o scripture_n or_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o act_n this_o transport_v the_o subject_n beyond_o his_o place_n it_o invade_v the_o soveraingty_n and_o carry_v sedition_n and_o rebellion_n in_o it_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v though_o the_o thing_n swear_v against_o be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a especial_o when_o such_o covenant_n be_v public_o impose_v and_o take_v for_o no_o public_a reformation_n of_o thing_n amiss_o can_v proceed_v without_o tumult_n if_o not_o consent_v unto_o by_o the_o king_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fright_v to_o do_v it_o by_o his_o subject_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o rise_v up_o against_o he_o by_o public_a oath_n this_o be_v to_o hurt_v majesty_n and_o indeed_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v swear_v to_o do_v it_o in_o their_o place_n the_o form_n of_o their_o swear_n contradict_v the_o matter_n swear_v for_o they_o can_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n 3._o much_o more_o when_o the_o thing_n swear_v against_o be_v not_o evil_a in_o itself_o nor_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n therefore_o mr._n crofton_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n
from_o the_o king_n alone_o from_o time_n to_o time_n according_o 8._o for_o the_o common_a law_n common_a usage_n which_o be_v common_a law_n will_v no_o doubt_n plead_v prescription_n and_o establish_v this_o form_n of_o government_n over_o we_o a_o government_n as_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n affirm_v may_v be_v establish_v by_o law_n as_o well_o by_o consent_n and_o submission_n on_o the_o people_n part_n as_o by_o express_a suffrage_n quid_fw-la interest_n suffragio_fw-la populus_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la svam_fw-la declaret_fw-la a_o rebus_fw-la &_o facto_fw-la jul._n thus_o we_o have_v find_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v against_o a_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n before_o it_o be_v impose_v or_o take_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o consequent_o so_o far_o sinful_a and_o not_o oblige_v 10._o but_o however_o this_o will_v pass_v certain_o there_o be_v law_n make_v since_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v plain_a enough_o and_o will_v sure_o hold_v we_o none_o can_v encourage_v any_o further_a doubt_n but_o that_o the_o present_a church-government_n be_v so_o far_o establish_v by_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n as_o that_o it_o require_v every_o minister_n to_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o it_o 11._o so_o that_o if_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v yet_o bind_v on_o we_o to_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o this_o government_n it_o shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o violate_v the_o law_n and_o consequent_o to_o sin_n therefore_o whatever_o we_o think_v before_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o covenant_n can_v oblige_v we_o so_o far_o now_o viz._n contrary_a to_o express_v law_n but_o we_o shall_v put_v the_o case_n and_o examine_v it_o more_o at_o large_a case_n xii_o whether_o a_o covenant_n take_v first_o can_v oblige_v we_o against_o a_o future_a law_n resol_n 1._o this_o case_n be_v weighty_a and_o indeed_o much_o our_o own_o i_o shall_v set_v myself_o with_o all_o sincerity_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o give_v it_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a resolution_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o unintere_v and_o learn_v casuist_n 2._o that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v restore_v by_o law_n make_v since_o the_o king_n return_n viz._n in_o that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o it_o its_o place_n in_o the_o parliament_n and_o its_o former_a jurisdiction_n also_o that_o this_o present_a church-government_n be_v so_o far_o establish_v by_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n that_o it_o be_v express_o own_a and_o allow_v that_o so_o much_o as_o endeavour_n against_o it_o be_v prohibit_v that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o live_n not_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a enough_o 3._o the_o great_a question_n here_o be_v whether_o these_o law_n make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o episcopal_a government_n after_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n against_o it_o can_v discharge_v the_o subject_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o 4._o to_o this_o i_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o answer_v episcopal_a government_n be_v in_o itself_o not_o sinful_a in_o the_o affirmative_a neither_o do_v i_o find_v any_o note_a casuist_n to_o contradict_v i_o 5._o the_o sum_n of_o my_o reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a you_o have_v in_o this_o plain_a argument_n the_o covenant_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v 1._o prop._n 1._o become_v unlawful_a can_v bind_v when_o the_o thing_n swear_v abstract_v from_o our_o covenant_n be_v become_v unlawful_a for_o then_o the_o covenant_n become_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o shall_v bind_v beyond_o that_o know_a and_o general_o approve_a rule_n that_o no_o covenant_n bind_v further_a and_o therefore_o not_o long_o than_o we_o lawful_o may_v and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n make_v we_o debtor_n to_o hell_n 6._o i_o be_o far_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o navarr_n sylvester_n layman_n and_o those_o that_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n be_v further_o bind_v by_o a_o oath_n than_o he_o will_v have_v oblige_v himself_o if_o he_o have_v foresee_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v indeed_o in_o their_o latitude_n a_o very_a dangerous_a rule_n and_o plain_o destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n 7._o yet_o no_o casuist_n but_o with_o sanches_n will_v allow_v the_o rule_n when_o thus_o limit_v that_o what_o will_v at_o first_o have_v hinder_v our_o oblige_a ourselves_o have_v it_o be_v foresee_v or_o have_v it_o first_o happen_v will_v also_o discharge_v we_o when_o know_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v inhabilis_fw-la ad_fw-la producendam_fw-la obligationem_fw-la that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n become_v unlawful_a and_o consequent_o weak_a and_o unable_a to_o produce_v a_o obligation_n as_o before_o but_o to_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o 2._o prop._n 2._o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n though_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v then_o yet_o now_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v to_o covenant_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v become_v unlawful_a viz._n by_o the_o law_n restore_v that_o government_n and_o prohibit_v all_o endeavour_n for_o the_o extirpation_n or_o alteration_n of_o it_o 2._o therefore_o if_o it_o do_v oblige_v so_o far_o before_o which_o can_v be_v grant_v yet_o it_o can_v now_o oblige_v so_o far_o no_o long_o except_v it_o have_v power_n beyond_o authority_n and_o can_v warrant_v disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 3._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a lie_n in_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o dr._n ames_n a_o rule_n not_o question_v by_o any_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o de_fw-fr rebus_fw-la ita_fw-la mutabilibus_fw-la ut_fw-la rem_fw-la promissam_fw-la faciant_fw-la illi_fw-la citam_fw-la subintelligitur_fw-la si_fw-la res_fw-la in_o eodem_fw-la statu_fw-la permanserint_fw-la that_o be_v in_o the_o fair_a and_o most_o uncexeptionable_a interpretation_n if_o the_o change_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o render_v the_o thing_n swear_v or_o promise_v sinful_a or_o unlawful_a 4._o now_o it_o may_v be_v worth_a the_o examine_n what_o unlawfulness_n can_v de_fw-fr novo_fw-la be_v contract_v by_o the_o change_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n mutable_a 5._o certain_o not_o a_o unlawfulness_n from_o any_o immediate_a prohibition_n of_o god_n for_o then_o either_o the_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v lawful_a or_o in_o that_o sense_n mutable_a before_o and_o the_o promise_n have_v be_v sinful_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la whereas_o dr._n ames_n suppose_v the_o contrary_a and_o give_v this_o among_o the_o rest_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v make_v unlawful_a by_o special_a revelation_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v especial_o see_v ames_n make_v the_o changableness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o state_n of_o they_o a_o possible_a instrument_n of_o change_a thing_n before_o lawful_a and_o lawful_o swear_v into_o sinful_a and_o such_o as_o can_v no_o long_o be_v oblige_v unto_o 6._o what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o this_o rule_n refer_v to_o the_o law_n of_o man_n which_o indeed_o have_v power_n to_o change_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o to_o make_v they_o as_o to_o we_o and_o as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o not_o in_o themselves_o either_o sinful_a or_o necessary_a 7._o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rule_n be_v that_o when_o we_o promise_v or_o swear_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o mutable_a nature_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o swear_v may_v be_v command_v by_o authority_n we_o be_v only_o to_o perform_v it_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n do_v not_o prohibit_v and_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v 8._o thus_o admit_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v res_fw-la indifferens_fw-la and_o res_fw-la mutabilis_fw-la when_o man_n swear_v against_o it_o yet_o to_o perform_v that_o oath_n be_v now_o become_v unlawful_a by_o the_o intervention_n of_o new_a law_n and_o our_o duty_n to_o superior_n which_o no_o former_a oath_n can_v supersede_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o oath_n can_v bind_v in_o thing_n of_o so_o mutable_a a_o nature_n without_o this_o condition_n si_fw-la res_fw-la in_o eodem_fw-la statu_fw-la permanserint_fw-la if_o the_o thing_n swear_v do_v no_o way_n afterward_o become_v sinful_a object_n the_o proposal_n of_o a_o objection_n wherein_o we_o have_v all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v urge_v against_o this_o rule_n may_v give_v some_o advantage_n to_o our_o further_a clear_v this_o weighty_a matter_n it_o be_v
not_o a_o public_a oath_n to_o alter_v government_n of_o another_o order_n for_o subject_n to_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v this_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o express_a dissent_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n and_o to_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v hereunto_o contrary_a to_o a_o express_a prohibition_n of_o lawful_a authority_n true_o methinks_v it_o be_v also_o against_o both_o divine_a and_o natural_a law_n against_o reason_n and_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o dictate_v as_o with_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o for_o public_a security_n order_n and_o peace_n subject_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o present_a government_n and_o not_o rise_v up_o either_o to_o swear_v or_o endeavour_v against_o it_o contrary_a to_o law_n case_n fourteen_o whether_o to_o endeavonr_n the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o the_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o against_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a resol_n 1._o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o second_o article_n as_o against_o the_o right_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o invade_v not_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v not_o sinful_a also_o in_o that_o regard_n 2._o we_o find_v it_o a_o rule_n with_o all_o casuist_n in_o omni_fw-la juramento_fw-la excipitur_fw-la authoritas_fw-la superioris_fw-la i._n e._n quando_fw-la agitur_fw-la de_fw-la super_fw-la esse_fw-la superioris_fw-la for_o it_o be_v confess_v they_o add_v secùs_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la de_fw-fr superesse_fw-la superioris_fw-la sed_fw-la privatorum_fw-la that_o be_v in_o all_o oath_n about_o such_o thing_n as_o lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o our_o superior_n their_o authority_n be_v except_v 3._o nor_o their_o authority_n already_o exert_v in_o law_n make_v before_o the_o oath_n only_o but_o as_o it_o may_v de_fw-fr futuro_fw-la and_o afterward_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o any_o new_a law_n contrary_a to_o our_o oath_n therefore_o d._n jacob_n give_v this_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n jurans_fw-la non_fw-la exire_fw-la domo_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o man_n 173._o decision_n area_n p._n 173._o swear_v not_o to_o go_v from_o home_n yet_o if_o he_o command_v by_o the_o judge_n to_o appear_v before_o he_o or_o by_o the_o king_n to_o go_v into_o the_o war_n by_o obey_v these_o command_n he_o be_v not_o perjure_v 4._o again_o if_o a_o man_n promise_v another_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hurt_v he_o yet_o if_o the_o law_n require_v he_o to_o kill_v he_o he_o in_o so_o 174._o p._n 174._o do_v do_v not_o break_v his_o oath_n quia_fw-la illa_fw-la promissio_fw-la non_fw-la occidendi_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la nisi_fw-la lege_fw-la permittente_fw-la because_o his_o promise_n must_v except_v the_o law_n 5._o hence_o it_o follow_v though_o all_o the_o covenanter_n have_v at_o first_o lawful_o bind_v themselves_o by_o their_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopacy_n yet_o natural_o there_o must_v have_v be_v this_o great_a condition_n understand_v save_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n that_o have_v power_n to_o take_v up_o our_o endeavour_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o a_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_a when_o they_o please_v 6._o for_o if_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v lie_v more_o proper_o under_o the_o power_n of_o parliament_n to_o establish_v or_o alter_v it_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v alter_v without_o a_o change_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n can_v be_v change_v but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v not_o the_o covenant_n to_o that_o purpose_n de_fw-la superesse_fw-la superioris_fw-la and_o thus_o necessary_o condition_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o their_o authority_n 7._o non_fw-la valet_fw-la juramentum_fw-la contra_fw-la justitiam_fw-la but_o it_o be_v against_o the_o righteousness_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o honour_v of_o our_o superior_n to_o be_v hold_v bind_v to_o act_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lawmakers_n in_o any_o new_a law_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v if_o the_o matter_n thereof_o be_v not_o sinful_a by_o any_o previous_a obligation_n whatsoever_o 8._o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o handsome_a trick_n for_o private_a person_n to_o be_v all_o law_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o themselves_o if_o private_a and_o self-obligation_n have_v power_n to_o supersede_n and_o prevent_v all_o the_o power_n of_o legislation_n in_o our_o parliament_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o to_o change_v place_n with_o our_o governor_n while_o thus_o we_o be_v free_v from_o their_o imposition_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o obligation_n of_o our_o private_a covenant_n 9_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n be_v so_o root_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n that_o a_o parliament_n in_o be_v can_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o prejudge_v succeed_a parliament_n to_o who_o it_o be_v essential_a with_o their_o head_n the_o king_n to_o make_v what_o law_n they_o please_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a 10._o insomuch_o that_o if_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v lawful_o impose_v by_o the_o long_a parliament_n without_o the_o king_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o yea_o have_v the_o king_n himself_o be_v with_o they_o and_o make_v the_o covenant_n as_o lawful_a as_o law_n can_v make_v it_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o bind_v the_o nation_n but_o upon_o a_o exception_n of_o the_o power_n of_o future_a parliament_n that_o by_o a_o new_a law_n to_o the_o contrary_n may_v take_v off_o the_o obligation_n 11._o therefore_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v to_o be_v unrepealable_a in_o any_o subsequent_a parliament_n be_v void_a ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la as_o that_o in_o the_o eleven_o and_o another_o in_o the_o one_o and_o twenty_o of_o rich._n the_o second_o be_v these_o so_o make_v be_v void_a ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la in_o the_o very_a constitution_n 12._o why_o because_o as_o a_o learned_a person_n say_v it_o take_v away_o the_o very_a specifical_a form_n essence_n and_o be_v that_o be_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n 13._o much_o more_o a_o act_n of_o private_a person_n or_o of_o a_o parliament_n without_o their_o king_n that_o shall_v offer_v to_o bind_v all_o future_a parliament_n from_o do_v or_o enact_v what_o otherwise_o be_v lawful_a or_o engage_v the_o people_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o far_o a_o void_a act_n though_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n 14._o especial_o when_o a_o law_n by_o a_o full_a and_o undoubted_a authority_n be_v make_v and_o actual_o extant_a to_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o restore_v the_o government_n swear_v against_o not_o only_o prohibit_v all_o action_n yea_o and_o endeavour_n against_o it_o but_o require_v we_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n to_o declare_v that_o we_o hold_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o do_v or_o endeavour_v any_o such_o thing_n 15._o beside_o the_o hold_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v indeed_o a_o continue_a breach_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o very_a parliament_n that_o impose_v the_o covenant_n at_o first_o in_o the_o injury_n thereby_o offer_v to_o the_o spiritual_a state_n thereof_o the_o bishop_n when_o they_o be_v neither_o suffer_v to_o be_v present_a to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o nor_o to_o have_v any_o other_o as_o all_o the_o commons_o of_o england_n have_v to_o represent_v they_o and_o to_o speak_v for_o they_o non_fw-la valet_fw-la juramentum_fw-la contra_fw-la justitiam_fw-la &_o charitatem_fw-la 16._o but_o i_o find_v it_o much_o stand_v upon_o by_o mr._n crofton_n and_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n that_o they_o do_v only_a covenant_n to_o endeavour_v in_o their_o place_n and_o by_o lawful_a mean_n to_o extirpate_v episcopal_a government_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v they_o may_v lawful_o do_v notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o without_o any_o breach_n of_o their_o privilege_n 17._o but_o hereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o so_o to_o endeavour_v as_o they_o count_v they_o be_v swear_v be_v neither_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o nor_o against_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v well_o enough_o they_o may_v then_o keep_v their_o covenant_n and_o not_o break_v the_o law_n or_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n but_o i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v find_v their_o endeavour_n which_o they_o judge_v just_a and_o honest_a to_o be_v peccant_a in_o all_o the_o respect_v mention_v that_o we_o may_v discern_v whether_o so_o or_o no_o we_o think_v it_o fair_a to_o put_v the_o case_n case_n xv._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n resol_n 1._o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v more_o way_n of_o endeavour_n then_o by_o violence_n and_o
lawfulness_n 4._o have_v a_o private_a company_n of_o person_n enter_v into_o a_o private_a league_n among_o themselves_o to_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v episcopacy_n it_o have_v not_o be_v near_o so_o dangerous_a nor_o their_o endeavour_n to_o perform_v it_o in_o likelihood_n so_o open_a and_o seditious_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o public_a 5._o but_o so_o great_a a_o body_n make_v up_o of_o member_n of_o all_o sort_n but_o the_o head_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o warrant_v their_o action_n and_o all_o engage_v by_o a_o solemn_a public_a oath_n to_o their_o power_n in_o their_o place_n with_o their_o life_n estate_n as_o the_o covenant_n express_v it_o to_o extirpate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o can_v but_o witness_v that_o indeed_o here_o lay_v the_o eminency_n of_o sedition_n hence_o a_o lawyer_n in_o his_o place_n be_v swear_v to_o plead_v a_o member_n of_o parliament_n to_o vote_n a_o minister_n to_o preach_v a_o soldier_n to_o fight_n a_o countryman_n to_o contribute_v and_o all_o to_o their_o power_n and_o with_o their_o life_n and_o estate_n and_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n of_o they_o against_o that_o government_n though_o establish_v by_o law_n against_o the_o express_a mind_n of_o the_o king_n and_o though_o also_o the_o power_n impose_v be_v in_o actual_a arm_n against_o the_o king_n even_o when_o they_o impose_v it_o and_o the_o people_n take_v it_o 6._o thus_o every_o one_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o body_n be_v a_o actor_n in_o every_o one_o part_n and_o no_o doubt_n every_o one_o that_o do_v but_o contribute_v as_o a_o covenanter_n do_v counsel_n vote_n preach_v and_o fight_v against_o law_n and_o government_n not_o to_o say_v the_o king_n 7._o and_o if_o any_o person_n that_o be_v then_o zealous_a for_o the_o covenant_n will_v speak_v free_o he_o will_v easy_o resolve_v we_o that_o he_o mean_v more_o when_o he_o take_v it_o then_o to_o endeavour_v in_o his_o place_n in_o master_n crofton_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n pleas's_fw-fr modern_a sense_n 8._o indeed_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o all_o ingenuous_a covenanter_n must_v needs_o confess_v and_o be_v humble_v for_o be_v too_o too_o apparent_a to_o be_v this_o viz._n to_o engage_v the_o nation_n to_o extirpate_v episcopacy_n and_o to_o endeavour_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o though_o they_o know_v the_o king_n will_v not_o consent_v at_o present_a yet_o vi_o &_o armis_fw-la they_o will_v force_v he_o to_o it_o or_o at_o least_o do_v it_o without_o he_o 9_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a though_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o sad_a and_o doleful_a to_o remember_v if_o the_o primitive_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o our_o place_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o it_o be_v only_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o turbulence_n and_o confusion_n among_o themselves_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o rise_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o his_o army_n or_o at_o least_o the_o king_n army_n the_o visible_a way_n they_o take_v to_o perform_v their_o covenant_n and_o extirpate_v prelacy_n 10._o but_o i_o take_v no_o delight_n to_o recover_v the_o memory_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n have_v pardon_v they_o so_o i_o hope_v my_o brethren_n have_v see_v the_o folly_n and_o madness_n and_o sin_n of_o they_o and_o be_v true_o ashamed_a to_o remember_v they_o i_o also_o crave_v pardon_n of_o my_o reader_n for_o the_o mention_n of_o they_o with_o this_o true_a apology_n that_o my_o argument_n force_v i_o to_o it_o but_o we_o will_v leave_v the_o fact_n and_o inquire_v after_o the_o jus_o viz._n case_n xix_o whether_o the_o two_o house_n without_o the_o king_n can_v bind_v themselves_o and_o the_o people_n of_o these_o kingdom_n with_o a_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o church-government_n resol_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v they_o can_v not_o by_o a_o few_o proposition_n 1._o the_o king_n be_v caput_fw-la communitatis_fw-la and_o no_o act_n can_v pass_v or_o law_n be_v make_v to_o bind_v the_o people_n without_o his_o fiat_fw-la the_o law_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o king_n law_n and_o say_v to_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n indeed_o not_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n so_o often_o mention_v conclude_v and_o prove_v at_o large_a the_o power_n legis-lative_a to_o be_v a_o power_n autocratical_a and_o give_v a_o sad_a memento_n to_o some_o that_o the_o wild_a notion_n of_o coordinate_a power_n be_v a_o ridiculous_a invention_n and_o that_o such_o as_o receive_v it_o by_o this_o gross_a sophism_n become_v guilty_a of_o the_o foul_a perjury_n for_o by_o it_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o constitute_v a_o power_n equal_a to_o he_o in_o the_o kingdom_n who_o in_o express_a term_n they_o have_v swear_v to_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a power_n in_o the_o kingdom_n second_o the_o king_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o law_n as_o the_o law_n itself_o acknowledge_v and_o have_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n first_o in_o himself_o from_o who_o all_o officer_n as_o subordinate_a derive_v their_o very_a office_n as_o well_o as_o power_n of_o execution_n three_o the_o government_n of_o the_o 3._o prop._n 3._o church_n can_v be_v alter_v except_o the_o law_n be_v alter_v nor_o yet_o without_o vncommission_v the_o king_n officer_n as_o all_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n be_v neither_o of_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v without_o the_o king_n therefore_o four_o the_o alter_n 4._o prop._n 4._o of_o church-government_n both_o as_o it_o require_v a_o change_n of_o the_o law_n or_o a_o vncommission_v the_o king_n officer_n est_fw-la res_fw-la quae_fw-la regis_fw-la potestati_fw-la subijcitur_fw-la in_o a_o very_a high_a and_o eminent_a manner_n and_o by_o fair_a consequence_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n hold_v undisputable_a by_o all_o casuist_n neither_o parliament_n nor_o people_n nor_o both_o together_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o condition_n si_fw-mi regi_fw-la etiam_fw-la placuerit_fw-la if_o it_o shall_v also_o please_v the_o king_n which_o pleasure_n of_o the_o king_n to_o alter_v any_o thing_n settle_v by_o law_n must_v not_o be_v in_o private_a or_o in_o a_o private_a manner_n express_v but_o in_o a_o regal_a act_n when_o his_o two_o house_n present_v he_o with_o a_o bill_n to_o that_o purpose_n otherwise_o the_o law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o especial_o for_o the_o ratify_v any_o act_n or_o undertake_n of_o the_o parliament_n as_o the_o case_n be_v here_o but_o all_o the_o world_n know_v this_o be_v never_o do_v and_o thereupon_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n cease_v immediate_o no_o act_n of_o one_o parliament_n can_v bind_v 5._o prop._n 5._o all_o future_a parliament_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o parliament_n such_o a_o act_n as_o before_o be_v show_v be_v void_a in_o itself_o much_o less_o can_v that_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n about_o the_o covenant_n survive_v that_o parliament_n and_o supersede_n the_o power_n of_o all_o future_a parliament_n to_o restore_v and_o establish_v episcopal_a government_n neither_o can_v they_o bind_v themselves_o or_o the_o people_n absolute_o and_o for_o ever_o thus_o to_o endeavour_v without_o breach_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o all_o future_a parliament_n without_o this_o condition_n if_o they_o shall_v also_o like_v and_o approve_v it_o and_o that_o such_o endeavour_n shall_v never_o be_v forbid_v by_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o any_o future_a law_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o be_v now_o do_v &_o datur_fw-la irritatio_fw-la juramenti_fw-la and_o the_o covenant_n be_v void_v in_o that_o point_n thus_o we_o be_v at_o length_n get_v over_o the_o great_a stone_n of_o stumble_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n only_o a_o weak_a mistake_n or_o two_o about_o this_o part_n of_o the_o declaration_n remain_v to_o be_v discover_v and_o we_o shall_v pass_v on_o obj._n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v moral_o good_a and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o abjure_v it_o answ_n 1._o my_o dear_a brethren_n pray_v spare_v such_o hard_a word_n you_o know_v the_o word_n abjure_v be_v not_o in_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v use_v by_o man_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o trouble_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o more_o ignorant_a or_o inconsiderate_a part_n of_o the_o people_n 2._o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o swear_v at_o all_o much_o less_o to_o abjure_v or_o vnswear_v as_o some_o too_o scornful_o yet_o too_o frequent_o as_o well_o as_o false_o love_n to_o speak_v which_o
be_v comely_a in_o none_o much_o less_o minister_n especial_o such_o as_o expect_v persecution_n 3._o neither_o be_v you_o require_v to_o declare_v against_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o covenant_n or_o that_o be_v not_o evil_a or_o rather_o against_o nothing_o either_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o the_o covenant_n direct_o only_o by_o consequence_n for_o we_o be_v only_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n which_o see_v it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n we_o have_v find_v to_o be_v sinful_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v inhabilis_fw-la ad_fw-la obligationem_fw-la producendam_fw-la 4._o if_o any_o do_v hold_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o that_o covenant_n to_o be_v more_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o reform_v their_o own_o life_n etc._n etc._n the_o act_n do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o must_v hold_v or_o declare_v the_o contrary_n 5._o we_o read_v it_o under_o the_o royal_a hand_n i_o willing_o forgive_v such_o man_n take_v the_o convenant_n who_o keep_v within_o such_o bound_n of_o piety_n law_n and_o loyalty_n as_o can_v never_o hurt_v either_o the_o church_n myself_o or_o the_o public_a peace_n against_o which_o no_o man_n lawful_a call_v can_v engage_v he_o obj._n but_o why_o shall_v we_o or_o how_o can_v we_o declare_v for_o other_o do_v we_o know_v another_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o he_o be_v bind_v answ_n 1._o this_o complaint_n arise_v also_o from_o mistake_n as_o if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o declare_v what_o other_o man_n think_v or_o hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n whereas_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o require_v to_o trouble_v ourselves_o whether_o other_o think_v or_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v by_o it_o or_o no_o but_o to_o declare_v what_o we_o ourselves_o think_v or_o hold_v not_o that_o other_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n at_o all_o as_o before_o but_o so_o far_o only_a as_o not_o to_o be_v troubler_n of_o peace_n or_o enemy_n to_o government_n 2._o now_o if_o this_o be_v unlawful_a as_o have_v methinks_v appear_v sufficient_o nemo_fw-la tenetur_fw-la ad_fw-la illicitum_fw-la neither_o we_o nor_o any_o other_o be_v oblige_v unto_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o act_n not_o so_o to_o declare_v we_o be_v also_o to_o declare_v as_o we_o be_v require_v that_o we_o hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o our_o self_n or_o any_o other_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n call_v the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n case_n xx._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n resol_n 1._o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o declaration_n touch_v the_o covenant_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n 2._o i_o shall_v not_o fly_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n which_o may_v be_v exegeticall_a of_o these_o to_o prove_v it_o so_o viz._n because_o it_o be_v impose_v against_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o allow_v that_o phrase_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o to_o carry_v more_o in_o it_o than_o the_o bare_a illegality_n of_o the_o imposition_n 3._o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o imposition_n as_o the_o bold_a writer_n for_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o avoidable_a draw_v on_o another_o kind_n of_o illegality_n on_o the_o taker_n part_n for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o impose_v it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o take_n of_o it_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o common_a people_n have_v any_o more_o warrant_n thus_o to_o swear_v in_o a_o public_a covenant_n about_o matter_n of_o public_a concernment_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n than_o the_o two_o house_n have_v to_o require_v it_o of_o they_o 4._o and_o though_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o oblige_v mere_o because_o it_o be_v sinful_o enjoin_v or_o sinful_o take_v it_o will_v follow_v against_o all_o contradiction_n that_o a_o covenant_n illegal_o take_v be_v even_o therefore_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v here_o call_v to_o declare_v 5._o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o people_n covenant_v in_o so_o numerous_a a_o body_n in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n and_o about_o matter_n of_o so_o public_a concernment_n without_o and_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o king_n be_v a_o unlawful_a act_n and_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n can_v not_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v unlawful_a yet_o thus_o it_o be_v proper_o because_o formal_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o hee_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o a_o scruple_n that_o the_o act_n do_v not_o call_v we_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a as_o some_o too_o areles_o say_v it_o do_v that_o may_v have_v seem_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n which_o rather_o seem_v to_o intend_v the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o a_o public_a covenant_n as_o be_v now_o say_v take_v by_o a_o numerous_a body_n of_o subject_n without_o and_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o king_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v urge_v before_o to_o prove_v the_o main_a matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n unlawful_a but_o shall_v seal_v up_o this_o with_o that_o unquestionable_a rule_n of_o my_o lord_n of_o lincoln_n who_o please_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o sometime_o though_o the_o pactum_fw-la be_v illicitum_fw-la yet_o res_fw-la pacta_fw-la licet_fw-la the_o thing_n swear_v may_v be_v lawful_a yet_o the_o oath_n a_o unlawful_a oath_n case_n xxi_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n against_o the_o know_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n resol_n we_o be_v now_o even_o at_o our_o journey_n end_v and_o the_o soon_o because_o we_o hardly_o meet_v with_o any_o 〈◊〉_d in_o our_o way_n in_o the_o present_a case_n 1._o i_o find_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_o yield_v to_o be_v unlawful_a touch_v the_o covenant_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o imposition_n except_o it_o be_v impose_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o can_v apprehend_v 2._o it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o read_v it_o as_o a_o fundamental_a in_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a to_o have_v a_o oath_n impose_v without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o long_a parliament_n itself_o that_o impose_v the_o covenant_n never_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o king_n or_o if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o it_o have_v be_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n because_o they_o have_v thus_o pretend_v to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v not_o do_v and_o act_v against_o the_o know_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o their_o successon_n do_v 3._o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o the_o oath_n make_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n be_v against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v oblige_v first_o we_o be_v not_o here_o call_v to_o declare_v the_o non-obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o illegal_a imposition_n yet_o see_v we_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o speak_v unto_o this_o objection_n before_o brief_o a_o word_n or_o two_o now_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o resemblance_n betwixt_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n and_o the_o covenant_n we_o treat_v off_o that_o covenant_n be_v not_o impose_v on_o either_o part_n but_o free_o take_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n volenti_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a injuria_fw-la 3._o beside_o the_o text_n say_v express_o that_o joshua_n make_v the_o league_n with_o they_o who_o be_v supreme_a and_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o congregation_n swear_v unto_o they_o whereas_o many_o of_o our_o prince_n do_v refuse_v the_o covenant_n yea_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v most_o of_o they_o and_o our_o joshua_n the_o king_n proclaim_v against_o it_o 4._o again_o that_o league_n be_v to_o show_v too_o much_o favour_n to_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n but_o the_o covenant_n endeavour_v to_o root_v out_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n 5._o again_o by_o that_o league_n there_o be_v no_o fundamental_a no_o law_n at_o all_o violate_a no_o hurt_n do_v by_o we_o many_o law_n be_v to_o be_v
against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o according_o there_o arise_v two_o case_n case_n iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n resol_n 1._o either_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o declare_v it_o when_o by_o law_n as_o now_o we_o be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v lawful_a i_o must_v demand_v by_o what_o law_n it_o be_v but_o a_o subterfuge_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n while_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v undertake_v the_o case_n 3._o now_o what_o say_v the_o scripture_n sure_o it_o give_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o encouragement_n for_o it_o except_o obedience_n and_o submission_n and_o that_o for_o conscience_n and_o the_o lord_n sake_n be_v take_v arms._n 4._o again_o if_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v think_v too_o general_n let_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v examine_v i_o question_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a in_o the_o case_n before_o yet_o now_o certain_o they_o be_v above_o all_o contradiction_n or_o doubt_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o late_a act_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n person_n where_o we_o may_v learn_v in_o the_o plain_a manner_n that_o it_o be_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n and_o unlawful_a enough_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n 5._o such_o as_o i_o now_o deal_v with_o do_v at_o the_o most_o only_a doubt_n whether_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o two_o house_n be_v not_o a_o power_n coordinate_a with_o the_o king_n and_o the_o king_n and_o his_o two_o house_n be_v at_o variance_n whether_o they_o may_v not_o side_n with_o the_o parliament_n even_o to_o the_o take_a arm_n against_o the_o king_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o doubt_n before_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o shall_v remain_v so_o still_o all_o colour_n of_o it_o be_v wipe_v away_o and_o that_o controversy_n as_o perfect_o determine_v as_o a_o act_n of_o king_n lord_n and_o commons_o can_v possible_o do_v it_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o act_n forementioned_a for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n person_n case_n iu._n whether_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o the_o king_n authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o those_o that_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o answ_n 1._o if_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o traitorous_a position_n who_o doubt_v but_o that_o every_o true_a subject_n be_v bind_v to_o abhor_v it_o and_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o so_o to_o declare_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o traitorous_a position_n i_o need_v not_o say_v more_o than_o what_o i_o just_a now_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o last_o case_n namely_o that_o however_o it_o come_v to_o be_v dispute_v before_o it_o be_v now_o plain_o determine_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o say_a act_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o law_n to_o be_v a_o traitorous_a position_n it_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v repute_v and_o by_o this_o law_n also_o it_o be_v so_o require_v of_o we_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v declare_v against_o and_o abhor_v according_o 3._o so_o much_o may_v brief_o suffice_v for_o the_o first_o general_n in_o this_o declaration_n the_o second_o touch_v conformity_n offer_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v this_o we_o shall_v pass_v with_o a_o quick_a dispatch_n that_o we_o may_v hasten_v to_o our_o main_a design_n the_o discharge_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o case_n about_o conformity_n in_o short_a be_v this_o case_n v._n whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v resol_n 1._o first_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o ground_n of_o doubt_n whether_o the_o liturgy_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n i._n e._n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 2._o second_o neither_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n see_v our_o brethren_n who_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v be_v suppose_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o will_v have_v conform_v unto_o it_o have_v not_o these_o declaration_n be_v require_v which_o i_o know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o think_v it_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3._o what_o then_o can_v obstruct_v this_o part_n of_o the_o declaration_n with_o brethren_n so_o well_o prepare_v for_o it_o this_o only_o call_v they_o to_o pass_v their_o former_a intention_n to_o conform_v into_o a_o promise_n that_o they_o will_v do_v so_o and_o to_o declare_v that_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n they_o will_v do_v that_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o can_v do_v with_o satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o and_o which_o also_o they_o confess_v they_o will_v have_v do_v have_v not_o they_o receive_v this_o dissatisfaction_n from_o the_o declaration_n which_o yet_o we_o see_v vanish_v before_o we_o of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o but_o the_o great_a mountain_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v remove_v some_o say_v they_o be_v call_v to_o declare_v against_o and_o to_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n or_o as_o some_o that_o will_v scare_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o conformity_n to_o abjure_v and_o to_o unswear_v the_o covenant_n and_o this_o they_o complain_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o they_o can_v do_v it_o this_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o very_a tender_a point_n yet_o such_o i_o hope_v as_o the_o most_o tender_a conscience_n need_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v prick_v with_o it_o if_o wary_o handle_v i_o mean_v if_o we_o be_v not_o fright_v awat_o from_o it_o or_o stand_v not_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n but_o with_o a_o sound_n and_o impartial_a judgement_n draw_v near_o unto_o it_o and_o look_v well_o upon_o it_o and_o consider_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o in_o what_o word_n we_o be_v indeed_o require_v to_o declare_v against_o the_o covenant_n 2._o under_o this_o head_n there_o be_v three_o member_n of_o the_o declaration_n touch_v the_o covenant_n something_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v against_o its_o obligation_n something_o against_o its_o lawfullness_n in_o itself_o and_o something_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o its_o imposition_n 3._o we_o proceed_v to_o weigh_v they_o one_o by_o one_o with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o fidelity_n in_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o the_o three_o case_n that_o offer_v themselves_o in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o declaration_n the_o first_o touch_v the_o obligatory_a force_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o the_o declaration_n apparent_o limit_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o government_n and_o be_v this_o case_n vi._n whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o declare_v in_o these_o word_n i_o do_v hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o on_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n common_o call_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n resol_n methinks_v it_o be_v no_o great_a venture_n to_o say_v that_o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n may_v lawful_o declare_v that_o they_o hold_v that_o neither_o themselves_o nor_o any_o person_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n we_o be_v agree_v in_o three_o thing_n and_o so_o far_o i_o shall_v not_o create_v a_o controversy_n first_o that_o a_o covenant_n both_o illegal_o impose_v and_o illegal_o take_v may_v bind_v the_o taker_n second_o that_o the_o covenant_n in_o question_n do_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o endeavour_n to_o alter_v or_o meddle_v with_o the_o state-government_n three_o that_o the_o alteration_n or_o extirpation_n as_o the_o word_n be_v of_o church-government_n be_v the_o main_a business_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n have_v grant_v if_o this_o main_a business_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v lawful_a it_o do_v so_o far_o bind_v those_o that_o have_v take_v it_o if_o not_o lawful_a they_o be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o discharge_v and_o not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v according_o therefore_o in_o plain_a term_n again_o and_o again_o grant_v we_o both_o by_o mr._n crofton_n and_o the_o more_o moderate_a and_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n wherein_o indeed_o they_o concur_v with_o all_o casuist_n that_o if_o we_o can_v discover_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o the_o matter_n especial_o this_o main_a
the_o king_n and_o parliament_n have_v practical_o improve_v the_o say_a distinction_n i_o presume_v in_o order_n to_o such_o brethren_n satisfaction_n and_o have_v indeed_o make_v a_o material_a alteration_n in_o the_o say_a government_n by_o take_v off_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la by_o law_n and_o yet_o establish_v the_o government_n itself_o case_n xvi_o whether_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o sinful_a in_o its_o matter_n resol_n 1._o after_o the_o bishop_n be_v throw_v out_o of_o their_o place_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n we_o may_v yet_o respect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o dignitaries_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o king_n subject_n and_o to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o commons_o now_o in_o this_o capacity_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o covenant_n be_v very_o injurious_a to_o they_o even_o as_o subject_n and_o freeman_n and_o consequent_o it_o tear_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o one_o society_n threaten_v all_o 2._o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o their_o several_a freehold_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v vote_v to_o destroy_v they_o which_o their_o predecessor_n have_v enjoy_v many_o hundred_o year_n without_o any_o interruption_n considerable_a 3._o the_o number_n of_o these_o subject_n be_v not_o small_a their_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o govern_v in_o so_o many_o famous_a corporation_n and_o college_n be_v more_o than_o vulgar_a they_o have_v a_o considerable_a interest_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o much_o people_n be_v relate_v to_o they_o and_o more_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o their_o great_a hospitality_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o fall_v with_o they_o 4._o yea_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o england_n be_v found_v in_o the_o state_n of_o prelacy_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o england_n 5._o and_o no_o wonder_n that_o this_o crown_n of_o england_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o and_o that_o the_o king_n of_o england_n at_o their_o coronation_n swear_v they_o will_v grant_v confirm_v and_o keep_v all_o the_o custom_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n grant_v by_o king_n edward_n and_o express_o to_o bishop_n all_o canonical_a privilege_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o bishop_n yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o number_n their_o relation_n their_o freehold_n their_o interest_n and_o continuance_n notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o royal_a oath_n yet_o be_v their_o extirpation_n swear_v by_o the_o covenant_n impose_v without_o law_n or_o the_o king_n consent_n and_o pass_v in_o the_o parliament_n when_o the_o person_n the_o many_o corporation_n in_o the_o land_n concern_v have_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o contrary_a to_o the_o excellent_a constitution_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o english_a man_n 7._o thus_o unjust_o have_v they_o suffer_v nigh_o 20._o year_n together_o and_o shall_v we_o yet_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o a_o covenant_n that_o be_v at_o first_o lay_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o our_o english_a freedom_n to_o prosecute_v their_o ruin_n 8._o especial_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o authority_n the_o current_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o a_o age_n so_o zealous_a to_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o dr._n feat_o who_o at_o their_o low_a ask_v this_o question_n how_o know_v you_o whether_o episcopacy_n may_v not_o be_v revive_v and_o raise_v up_o again_o by_o future_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o time_n as_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o clergy_n as_o these_o be_v ill_a 9_o for_o the_o right_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v again_o confirm_v by_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o they_o that_o have_v place_n therein_o have_v as_o clear_v a_o title_n thereunto_o by_o law_n as_o any_o other_o subject_n have_v to_o his_o temporal_a estate_n and_o how_o can_v a_o covenant_n bind_v we_o to_o injure_v other_o who_o be_v first_o oblige_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o walk_v honest_o 10._o here_o i_o humble_o offer_v whether_o the_o king_n himself_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o destroy_v his_o people_n or_o any_o society_n or_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n especial_o out_o of_o his_o parliament_n and_o when_o he_o be_v according_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o his_o office_n if_o he_o shall_v never_o take_v his_o oath_n bind_v to_o do_v justice_n to_o all_o according_a to_o law_n already_o make_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o all_o man_n right_n salus_fw-la populi_fw-la have_v a_o supremacy_n over_o the_o king_n at_o least_o the_o king_n of_o king_n have_v so_o who_o have_v first_o oblige_v he_o to_o distribute_v justice_n and_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o his_o people_n impartial_o and_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n 11._o we_o be_v sure_a the_o last_o king_n of_o ever_o happy_a memory_n do_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n or_o if_o he_o have_v he_o be_v first_o bind_v express_o to_o the_o contrary_a by_o his_o coronation_n oath_n to_o defend_v the_o bishop_n and_o maintain_v their_o canonical_a privilege_n 12._o and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o present_a we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v the_o parliament_n impose_v the_o covenant_n only_o by_o a_o ordinance_n which_o lose_v its_o force_n at_o their_o dissolution_n at_o his_o father_n death_n he_o can_v not_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n by_o any_o act_n of_o he_o without_o a_o parliament_n and_o the_o former_a ordinance_n cease_v with_o the_o former_a parliament_n and_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a to_o have_v a_o oath_n impose_v without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o much_o more_o so_o if_o against_o the_o freehold_n and_o the_o very_o be_v of_o so_o many_o famous_a corporation_n in_o the_o people_n of_o england_n 13._o the_o king_n be_v bind_v to_o right_o but_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o wrong_v any_o of_o his_o subject_n any_o such_o obligation_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o for_o the_o oath_n of_o king_n must_v also_o have_v the_o condition_n so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v who_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n though_o not_o to_o man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o good_a of_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o who_o they_o have_v swear_v 14._o therefore_o david_n when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o rash_a oath_n that_o he_o will_v slay_v 32._o 1_o sam._n 25._o 32._o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o household_n rejoice_v when_o he_o have_v occasion_n offer_v by_o abigail_n to_o break_v his_o oath_n and_o though_o he_o swear_v to_o shimei_n that_o he_o will_v save_v 23._o 2_o sam._n 19_o 23._o his_o life_n yet_o as_o if_o upon_o better_a advice_n he_o have_v find_v that_o that_o person_n have_v deserve_v to_o die_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o god_n that_o justice_n shall_v be_v do_v he_o command_v his_o son_n solomon_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o doubtless_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o herod_n to_o have_v save_v john_n baptist_n though_o he_o have_v break_v his_o oath_n and_o lose_v his_o reputation_n in_o some_o measure_n with_o the_o people_n 15._o especial_o if_o through_o fear_n or_o any_o other_o temptation_n the_o king_n shall_v be_v thus_o prevail_v with_o to_o promise_v or_o swear_v to_o injure_v his_o subject_n the_o case_n than_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n under_o threat_n of_o a_o robber_n shall_v swear_v to_o bring_v he_o his_o neighbour_n horse_n 16._o now_o whether_o the_o thing_n swear_v in_o fear_n and_o under_o temptation_n be_v unlawful_a and_o unjust_a or_o not_o must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v 17._o whence_o may_v issue_v two_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v and_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v but_o one_o answer_n do_v serve_v they_o both_o for_o when_o the_o conscience_n dictate_v the_o thing_n swear_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o will_v rule_v the_o case_n if_o a_o man_n swear_v for_o fear_n against_o his_o conscience_n his_o conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n within_o he_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n in_o swear_v god_n by_o his_o conscience_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v perform_v his_o oath_n against_o his_o conscience_n he_o fin_n twice_o first_o by_o do_v evil_a and_o second_o by_o keep_v his_o evil_a oath_n for_o as_o the_o right_n reverend_a bishop_n sanderson_n conclude_v this_o very_a case_n such_o oath_n do_v not_o bind_v against_o conscience_n 18._o the_o author_n
of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n will_v fain_o say_v something_o to_o weaken_v this_o conclusion_n of_o the_o bishop_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o only_o appear_v to_o be_v evil_a to_o he_o that_o swear_v it_o but_o though_o he_o make_v a_o flourish_n towards_o it_o if_o we_o apply_v his_o discourse_n to_o our_o present_a case_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o vanishech_v into_o air_n 19_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o err_a conscience_n do_v not_o obligare_fw-la it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o it_o do_v ligare_fw-la and_o consequent_o suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o thing_n swear_v so_o long_o as_o the_o party_n apprehend_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v sinful_a whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o or_o not_o that_o be_v no_o one_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o so_o to_o do_v be_v sinful_a and_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o church_n 20._o and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o party_n as_o i_o have_v say_v do_v thus_o judge_v the_o thing_n unlawful_a when_o he_o swear_v it_o or_o be_v since_o so_o convince_v for_o we_o may_v not_o aggravate_v a_o rash_a oath_n with_o unlawful_a practice_n that_o be_v against_o conscience_n 21._o but_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o as_o have_v ample_o appear_v in_o such_o a_o case_n true_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n for_o here_o conscience_n dictate_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v sad_a adventure_n for_o a_o king_n himself_o to_o second_o herod_n and_o to_o fulfil_v a_o wicked_a oath_n by_o a_o more_o wicked_a act_n against_o his_o conscience_n and_o his_o brother_n and_o his_o god_n too_o si_fw-mi facere_fw-la intendit_fw-la bis_fw-la peccat_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la con._n tolet._n case_n con._n intention_n quam_fw-la habet_fw-la peccandi_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la juramento_fw-la supra_fw-la rem_fw-la injustam_fw-la the_o case_n of_o abbot_n in_o henry_n the_o eight_o time_n be_v too_o weak_o compare_v with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o abbot_n be_v as_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v declare_v to_o have_v run_v into_o a_o proemunire_n as_o the_o abbot_n be_v that_o the_o abbot_n have_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o parliament_n as_o the_o bishop_n have_v not_o and_o especial_o that_o the_o king_n be_v not_o active_a or_o any_o way_n consent_v to_o the_o act_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o abbot_n as_o he_o be_v not_o to_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v undertake_v case_n xvii_o whether_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o against_o former_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a resol_n the_o first_o spring_n of_o all_o obligation_n be_v in_o god_n law_n bound_v we_o love_n bind_v we_o oath_n and_o covenant_n bound_v we_o but_o how_o as_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n bind_v we_o he_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o wrong_v he_o to_o obey_v authority_n and_o observe_v their_o command_n to_o pay_v our_o vow_n and_o fulfil_v the_o oath_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o our_o lip_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n that_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v ever_o the_o same_o so_o his_o moral_a obligation_n upon_o we_o change_v not_o neither_o can_v any_o act_n of_o we_o take_v off_o or_o weaken_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o 3._o hence_o it_o eternal_o follow_v that_o a_o latter_a obligation_n against_o a_o former_a be_v of_o no_o force_n but_o void_a of_o itself_o because_o the_o former_a obligation_n be_v from_o god_n and_o of_o a_o moral_a nature_n it_o be_v eternal_a as_o god_n be_v and_o fix_v and_o not_o to_o be_v break_v 4._o there_o seem_v to_o be_v three_o bond_n or_o cord_n of_o god_n to_o have_v have_v force_n upon_o we_o before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v or_o think_v of_o all_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v against_o and_o endeavour_n to_o break_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o it_o to_o obey_v authority_n to_o keep_v our_o oath_n and_o promise_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o church_n in_o our_o generation_n 1._o first_o god_n have_v first_o both_o by_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a scripture_n bind_v we_o by_o his_o sovereign_a indispensable_a command_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o to_o those_o that_o be_v send_v and_o commission_v by_o he_o and_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n because_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v by_o god_n ordain_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o god_n himself_o 2._o be_v not_o these_o obligation_n upon_o we_o even_o on_o our_o very_a conscience_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v do_v not_o the_o covenant_n find_v these_o bar_n within_o we_o be_v not_o the_o conscience_n thus_o prepossess_v against_o it_o and_o lock_v up_o from_o it_o 3._o but_o how_o be_v the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o these_o obligation_n yea_o rather_o how_o be_v it_o not_o it_o be_v impose_v and_o take_v against_o the_o king_n law_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v against_o the_o right_n both_o of_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n set_v over_o we_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n make_v both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o covenant_n 4._o more_o particular_o god_n first_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o obey_v our_o governor_n and_o the_o covenant_n will_v engage_v to_o disobey_v disown_n and_o destroy_v they_o i_o mean_v our_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n it_o will_v discharge_v we_o of_o our_o obedience_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o resistance_n contrary_a to_o god_n express_v obligatiâ—â—_n upon_o we_o which_o can_v be_v 5._o again_o the_o civil_a authority_n require_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n the_o civil_a authority_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n require_v we_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o resist_v they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v they_o to_o this_o also_o we_o oppose_v the_o covenant_n though_o god_n first_o have_v bind_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o ruler_n which_o can_v be_v 6._o i_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o under_o another_o argument_n before_o i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o only_o add_v the_o plain_a but_o very_o weighty_a and_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o mr._n perkins_n who_o very_o distinct_o foresee_v conse_n case_n of_o conse_n our_o case_n 7._o he_o lay_v down_o two_o rule_n among_o other_o that_o methinks_v may_v decide_v our_o controversy_n 1._o if_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n or_o country_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v member_n it_o bind_v not_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_o take_v only_o but_o it_o bind_v not_o at_o all_o he_o give_v the_o very_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o i_o be_o now_o improve_n because_o on_o the_o contrary_a god_n commandment_n bind_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o good_a law_n of_o man_n 8._o therefore_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o just_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v such_o law_n as_o be_v not_o unjust_a or_o evil_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o can_v not_o bind_v at_o all_o because_o god_n have_v first_o command_v we_o and_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n 9_o 2._o again_o say_v mr._n perkins_n if_o at_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v lawful_a and_o afterward_o by_o some_o mean_n become_v either_o impossible_a or_o unlawful_a it_o bind_v not_o the_o conscience_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o cease_v to_o bind_v say_v he_o because_o the_o bind_a virtue_n be_v only_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 10._o thus_o also_o have_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o render_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v take_v yet_o it_o be_v now_o unlawful_a to_o endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o government_n swear_v against_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o declare_v that_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o not_o bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n so_o to_o do_v the_o covenant_n can_v oblige_v either_o thus_o to_o endeavour_v which_o be_v forbid_v or_o not_o thus_o to_o declare_v which_o be_v require_v for_o the_o one_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o omission_n the_o other_o of_o commission_n but_o