choose_v to_o die_v than_o sin_n we_o must_v beg_v pardon_n for_o our_o base_a fear_n but_o at_o no_o hand_n add_v another_o sin_n in_o performance_n and_o the_o same_o must_v we_o conclude_v of_o surprise_n or_o passion_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v unjust_a or_o sinful_a memorable_a be_v the_o story_n which_o munster_n 499._o munster_n munst_n de_fw-fr germ._n l._n 3._o c._n 499._o record_v of_o jutha_n the_o daughter_n of_o the_o emperor_n otho_n 2._o she_o be_v by_o the_o emperor_n her_o father_n put_v into_o a_o nunnery_n but_o by_o force_n take_v thence_o by_o vdalric_n or_o ulderick_n the_o son_n of_o the_o king_n or_o duke_n of_o bohemia_n and_o marry_v to_o he_o the_o emperor_n urge_v by_o the_o indignity_n of_o the_o fact_n swear_v to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o vlderick_n and_o to_o lead_v a_o army_n into_o bohemia_n he_o do_v so_o his_o and_z uldericks_n army_n meet_v jutha_n the_o daughter_n of_o the_o one_o and_o wife_n of_o the_o other_o astonish_v and_o affright_v hasty_o run_v to_o her_o father_n beg_v to_o speak_v with_o he_o before_o the_o army_n join_v or_o he_o let_v his_o fury_n rage_n in_o blood_n she_o obtain_v this_o liberty_n and_o sue_v for_o peace_n and_o reconcilement_n the_o emperor_n urge_v his_o oath_n whereby_o he_o have_v bind_v himself_o she_o answer_v ibid._n answer_v vana_fw-la est_fw-la religio_fw-la quae_fw-la sceleri_fw-la locum_fw-la facit_fw-la vim_o criminibus_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la non_fw-la addunt_fw-la mun_v ibid._n that_o religion_n be_v vain_a which_o make_v way_n to_o wickedness_n nor_o can_v any_o oath_n give_v force_n power_n or_o licence_n to_o a_o crime_n or_o sin_n thus_o she_o satisfy_v her_o father_n scruple_n and_o obtain_v her_o suit_n so_o that_o no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v we_o either_o 1._o against_o piety_n 36._o sect._n 36._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n or_o 2._o against_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o for_o these_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o 2.8_o the_o jam._n 2.8_o royal_a law_n of_o god_n and_o indispensible_a duty_n upon_o man_n and_o in_o vain_a shall_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n give_v we_o such_o a_o law_n if_o we_o may_v at_o pleasure_n swear_v and_o then_o upon_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o break_v such_o a_o law_n the_o least_o commandment_n 19_o commandment_n mat._n 5.17_o 18_o 19_o whereof_o god_n at_o no_o hand_n will_v have_v to_o be_v break_v but_o particular_o so_o far_o as_o refer_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n 1._o no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v we_o against_o equity_n 37._o sect._n 37._o against_o the_o right_n of_o a_o three_o person_n or_o to_o the_o direct_a injury_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o though_o have_v swear_v to_o our_o own_o inconvenience_n we_o must_v not_o change_v because_o we_o be_v master_n of_o our_o own_o right_n and_o may_v if_o we_o please_v give_v they_o away_o yet_o of_o another_o right_n we_o be_v not_o god_n have_v bind_v we_o by_o his_o law_n to_o preserve_v they_o and_o we_o may_v not_o swear_v to_o destroy_v they_o nor_o may_v we_o destroy_v they_o though_o we_o have_v swear_v so_o 2._o no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v we_o against_o the_o duty_n 38._o sect._n 38._o that_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o gouèrnour_n or_o superior_n or_o the_o law_n that_o we_o do_v and_o must_v live_v under_o god_n have_v bind_v we_o to_o obedience_n and_o no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v to_o rebellion_n sedition_n schism_n or_o disobedience_n no_o more_o than_o the_o 12._o the_o mat._n 15.5_o mark_v 7.11_o 12._o corban_n or_o pretence_n of_o a_o vow_n and_o a_o dedication_n of_o all_o to_o god_n can_v free_v the_o jew_n from_o yield_v that_o honour_n obedience_n and_o maintenance_n which_o god_n have_v oblige_v they_o to_o yield_v to_o their_o parent_n he_o that_o well_o understand_v the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o mother_n know_v that_o no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o rise_v up_o against_o they_o and_o turn_v his_o father_n out_o of_o door_n yea_o or_o deny_v the_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o they_o and_o as_o little_o can_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o subvert_v the_o government_n or_o overthrow_v those_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n to_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o precept_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v 39_o be_v rom._n 13_o 15_a 1_o pet_n 2.13_o 14._o sect._n 39_o subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience-sake_n 3._o nor_o can_v any_o oath_n oblige_v we_o against_o the_o former_a just_a obligation_n upon_o we_o nor_o against_o those_o lawful_a oath_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v and_o be_v not_o yet_o free_a from_o prio_fw-la obligatio_fw-la postoriori_fw-la praejudicat_fw-la a_o former_a obligation_n do_v prejudge_v and_o prevent_v the_o latter_a for_o every_o lawful_a oath_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a tie_n upon_o the_o conscience_n it_o must_v be_v both_o unlawful_a to_o swear_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o though_o we_o swear_v we_o can_v be_v oblige_v for_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o forswear_v yea_o we_o be_v infallible_o bind_v 5.33_o bind_v exod._n 20.7_o mat._n 5.33_o not_o to_o forswear_v ourselves_o a_o latter_a oath_n can_v oblige_v when_o the_o very_a take_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o perjury_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o persist_v in_o the_o perjury_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o former_a oath_n this_o have_v the_o 3480._o the_o vid._n sims_n chron._n cath._n part._n 1._o be_o 3480._o phaenician_a navi_fw-la learned_a who_o in_o the_o service_n of_o cambyses_n be_v command_v by_o he_o to_o sail_v against_o carthage_n though_o they_o be_v under_o his_o pay_n and_o probable_o bind_v by_o the_o soldier_n oath_n the_o sacramentum_fw-la militia_n and_o the_o soldier_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v not_o dispute_v his_o general_n command_n yet_o they_o think_v themselves_o not_o oblige_v in_o this_o but_o deny_v obedience_n because_o they_o be_v by_o a_o former_a oath_n oblige_v to_o the_o carthaginian_n and_o they_o therefore_o think_v that_o their_o latter_a obligation_n to_o cambyy_n can_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o destroy_v those_o who_o by_o a_o former_a oath_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o protect_v and_o assist_v a_o oath_n that_o be_v unlawful_o enter_v into_o because_o rash_o may_v yet_o bind_v when_o the_o matter_n be_v honest_a and_o in_o our_o power_n but_o no_o oath_n unlawful_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o can_v either_o be_v lawful_o take_v or_o when_o take_v can_v lay_v any_o obligation_n for_o no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o sin_n we_o have_v now_o see_v the_o general_a case_n concern_v the_o nature_n 40._o sect._n 40._o quality_n obligation_n and_o non-obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n it_o will_v not_o now_o be_v difficult_a to_o show_v by_o apply_v these_o general_a thing_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o non-obligation_n and_o unlawfulness_n of_o that_o oath_n i_o have_v be_v very_o serious_a in_o examine_v and_o consider_v this_o case_n not_o whether_o the_o penalty_n in_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v too_o severe_a for_o into_o that_o we_o have_v no_o call_v to_o inquire_v but_o whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v as_o that_o act_n require_v and_o make_v that_o acknowledgement_n which_o this_o law_n enjoin_v we_o viz._n whether_o this_o covenant_n be_v lawful_o take_v or_o may_v lawful_o be_v keep_v and_o whether_o yet_o it_o so_o oblige_v that_o we_o may_v not_o renounce_v it_o and_o declare_v as_o much_o and_o upon_o these_o premise_a principle_n i_o judge_v we_o may_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o its_o illegality_n and_o non-obligation_n and_o consequent_o may_v lawful_o acknowledge_v and_o subscribe_v so_o 1._o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a 41._o sect._n 41._o that_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o public_a oath_n and_o then_o according_a to_o the_o former_a rule_n it_o may_v also_o be_v annul_v revoke_v and_o abrogate_a by_o a_o public_a authority_n suppose_v the_o authority_n be_v supreme_a that_o require_v it_o suppose_v that_o we_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n do_v lawful_o swear_v it_o yet_o without_o dispute_n the_o authority_n that_o be_v infallible_o supreme_a with_o we_o do_v now_o revoke_v and_o have_v disannul_v it_o and_o here_o be_v evident_o then_o cessatio_fw-la materiae_fw-la and_o such_o a_o notable_a alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n refer_v to_o the_o principal_a matter_n which_o have_v it_o then_o be_v this_o oath_n will_v neither_o have_v be_v impose_v nor_o swear_v and_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o if_o it_o ever_o do_v oblige_v yet_o now_o it_o do_v not_o unless_o we_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v a_o law_n which_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n have_v repeal_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o this_o suppose_v it_o establish_v by_o a_o law_n but_o 2._o
due_a to_o he_o not_o as_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o godly_a but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o king_n and_o to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o go_v before_o each_o other_o in_o the_o example_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n etc._n etc._n though_o i_o say_v we_o may_v be_v and_o be_v still_o oblige_v to_o all_o these_o thing_n yet_o i_o think_v not_o from_o this_o covenant_n but_o from_o other_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o more_o unquestionable_a authority_n yet_o we_o may_v make_v that_o acknowledgement_n as_o the_o act_n require_v which_o be_v not_o that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v these_o thing_n but_o only_o no_o obligation_n to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n i.e._n no_o obligation_n to_o sedition_n rebellion_n or_o opposition_n of_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o live_v under_o 2._o 54._o sect._n 54._o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n to_o be_v declare_v viz._n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o that_o covenant_n it_o be_v only_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o yet_o we_o be_v there_o require_v to_o acknowledge_v but_o this_o one_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o themselves_o have_v declare_v that_o no_o new_a oath_n can_v be_v impose_v but_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o this_o never_o have_v as_o before_o be_v show_v be_v it_o not_o undoubted_o true_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o parliament_n no_o law_n without_o the_o royal_a assent_n and_o be_v not_o this_o impose_v without_o yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o late_a majesty_n then_o reign_v disallow_v still_o condemn_v and_o revoke_v now_o by_o his_o present_a majesty_n yea_o condemn_a and_o disannul_v by_o a_o law_n of_o england_n a_o act_n of_o parliament_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a oath_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o imposition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n as_o 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 and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v here_o require_v to_o acknowledge_v let_v i_o but_o add_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n then_o call_v together_o by_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parl._n and_o sit_v at_o westminster_n 55._o sect._n 55._o in_o their_o exhortation_n a_o next_o to_o that_o covenant_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o plea_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o may_v object_v they_o be_v swear_v to_o obey_v the_o bishop_n in_o licitis_fw-la &_o honestis_fw-la and_o therefore_o can_v not_o take_v this_o oath_n to_o extirpate_v they_o they_o conclude_v thus_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v yet_o any_o oath_n find_v into_o which_o any_o minister_n or_o other_o have_v enter_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o land_n in_o this_o case_n they_o must_v tell_v themselves_o and_o other_o that_o such_o oath_n call_v for_o repentance_n and_o not_o pertinacy_n in_o they_o now_o be_v there_o not_o many_o thing_n in_o this_o oath_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o whole_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n where_o do_v the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o land_n warrant_v subject_n to_o extirpate_v a_o establish_a order_n and_o government_n without_o the_o consent_n yea_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o sovereign_n where_o do_v the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o land_n warrant_v any_o to_o prosecute_v those_o who_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n serve_v and_o labour_n to_o defend_v the_o life_n the_o person_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o act_n by_o his_o commission_n as_o malignant_n and_o evil_a instrument_n and_o to_o punish_v they_o as_o traitor_n sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v a_o oath_n much_o more_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o land_n than_o any_o of_o those_o oath_n wherein_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v before_o engage_v whether_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n or_o the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v warrant_v by_o both_o can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v this_o oath_n therefore_o even_o according_a to_o their_o determination_n call_v for_o repentance_n and_o not_o pertinacy_n in_o it_o and_o real_o repentance_n earnest_n 56._o s_n 56._o unfeigned_a repentance_n it_o do_v call_v for_o we_o may_v too_o just_o lament_v and_o take_v up_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n because_o of_o swear_v the_o land_n mourn_v the_o land_n have_v mourn_v under_o the_o scourge_v of_o god_n and_o we_o have_v yet_o cause_n to_o fear_n lest_o god_n again_o make_v we_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o his_o rod_n sure_o i_o be_o we_o have_v yet_o reason_n to_o mourn_v in_o sorrrow_n and_o compunction_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o oath_n beside_o those_o customary_a profane_a tavern_n and_o street-oath_n of_o ungodly_a man_n for_o our_o neglect_n and_o breach_n of_o those_o sacred_a tie_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n which_o we_o have_v swear_v and_o violate_v for_o those_o many_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o engagement_n which_o be_v too_o rash_o enter_v into_o and_o more_o sinful_o keep_v o_o let_v we_o with_o tear_n in_o our_o eye_n and_o contrition_n in_o our_o heart_n earnest_o beg_v pardon_n of_o our_o god_n who_o name_n in_o these_o we_o have_v so_o often_o take_v in_o vain_a and_o testify_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n by_o a_o conscientious_a return_v to_o our_o duty_n in_o the_o careful_a practice_n of_o the_o strict_a piety_n to_o god_n unstained_a and_o constant_a faith_n and_o allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n our_o sovereign_n and_o a_o cheerful_a and_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n upon_o we_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n thou_o have_v now_o reader_n my_o thought_n concern_v this_o acknowledgement_n that_o we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o non-obligation_n 57_o sect._n 57_o and_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o i_o my_o design_n be_v peace_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o offer_v what_o i_o be_o able_a to_o remove_v those_o doubt_n and_o stumbling-block_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n and_o hinder_v both_o for_o those_o sober_a humble_a and_o conscientious_a man_n who_o yet_o dare_v not_o renounce_v that_o covenant_n which_o though_o unadvised_o swear_v they_o yet_o think_v to_o oblige_v and_o be_v therefore_o afraid_a to_o subscribe_v this_o declaration_n prescribe_v i_o shall_v presume_v to_o hope_v they_o may_v find_v something_o in_o these_o paper_n that_o may_v satisfy_v their_o doubt_n remove_v their_o fear_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o real_a duty_n that_o by_o their_o groundless_a scruple_n they_o may_v not_o make_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o function_n and_o ministery_n read_v ponder_n and_o consider_v the_o matter_n before_o thou_o lay_z aside_o all_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o the_o by-thought_n of_o a_o vain_a reputation_n let_v not_o man_n that_o have_v err_v be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v it_o but_o be_v more_o ashamed_a to_o persist_v in_o it_o repentance_n be_v the_o next_o door_n to_o innocency_n quem_fw-la paenitet_fw-la peccâsse_fw-la paenè_fw-la est_fw-la innocens_fw-la we_o have_v suffer_v a_o sad_a shipwreck_n by_o our_o folly_n and_o sin_n repentance_n be_v secunda_fw-la tabula_fw-la post_fw-la naufragium_fw-la a_o planck_n leave_v by_o mean_n whereof_o through_o god_n mercy_n we_o may_v yet_o get_v safe_a to_o shore_n and_o be_v happy_a again_o si_fw-mi quid_fw-la novisti_fw-la rectius_fw-la istis_fw-la candidus_n imparti_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la his_fw-la vtere_fw-la mecum_fw-la finis_fw-la
a_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n wherein_o satisfaction_n be_v tender_v touch_v the_o non-obligation_n and_o vnlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n call_v the_o solemn_z league_n and_o covenant_n the_o acknowledgement_n whereof_o be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o a_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n entitle_v a_o act_n for_o uniformity_n publish_a as_o a_o appendix_n to_o the_o peace-offering_a by_o the_o same_o author_n thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n jer._n 4.2_o juramentum_fw-la pietatis_fw-la non_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la vinculum_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la london_n print_v by_o e._n m._n for_o thomas_n pierrepont_n at_o the_o sun_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1662._o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o nature_n &_o obligation_n of_o oath_n together_o with_o the_o non-obligation_n and_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o oath_n call_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o peace_n 1_o sect._n 1_o engage_v i_o to_o send_v forth_o my_o peace-offering_a into_o the_o world_n to_o invite_v to_o peace_n and_o persuade_v to_o obedience_n and_o a_o just_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n under_o which_o we_o live_v wherein_o it_o be_v my_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v the_o principal_a doubt_n and_o remove_v the_o most_o material_a scruple_n which_o may_v hinder_v that_o peace_n and_o obedience_n but_o there_o be_v now_o rise_v another_o which_o i_o then_o can_v not_o foresee_v viz._n this_o acknowledgement_n or_o declaration_n which_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n entitle_v a_o act_n for_o uniformity_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v and_o subscribe_v viz._n i_o a_o b._n do_v 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 and_o that_o i_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o and_o that_o i_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 establish_v and_o i_o do_v declare_v that_o 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 and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o 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 i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v deem_v by_o many_o a_o matter_n of_o extreme_a severity_n 2._o sect._n 2._o for_o the_o parliament_n thus_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o renounce_v what_o with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n they_o have_v so_o solemn_o swear_v and_o this_o by_o no_o less_o penalty_n than_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o place_n live_n promotion_n and_o consequent_o livelihood_n and_o mean_n of_o subsistence_n for_o they_o and_o their_o family_n but_o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a severity_n yea_o more_o bitter_a because_o illegal_a use_v against_o thousand_o of_o person_n every_o way_n as_o conscientious_a as_o any_o now_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v both_o minister_n and_o other_o by_o those_o who_o impose_v the_o covenant_n to_o make_v they_o swear_v it_o though_o because_o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o former_a oath_n they_o dare_v not_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o perjury_n i_o can_v tell_v sad_a story_n to_o which_o the_o world_n be_v no_o stranger_n of_o man_n bring_v before_o committee_n holy_a learned_a pious_a painful_a preacher_n unblameable_a in_o their_o life_n that_o when_o nothing_o can_v be_v object_v against_o they_o for_o life_n or_o doctrine_n then_o present_o the_o cry_n be_v try_v he_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o refusal_n of_o that_o though_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n and_o their_o former_a obligation_n be_v the_o expose_v of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n to_o beggary_n and_o misery_n let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o that_o unjust_a severity_n then_o and_o not_o think_v it_o cruel_a now_o that_o we_o be_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n require_v to_o renounce_v that_o which_o be_v make_v a_o engine_n to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v so_o many_o but_o not_o to_o dispute_v the_o rigour_n or_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o matter_n enjoin_v 3_o sect._n 3_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o declaration_n which_o a_o consider_v conscientious_a christian_a may_v not_o ready_o subscribe_v unto_o there_o be_v but_o these_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v declare_v and_o acknowledge_v 1._o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o rebellion_n or_o bear_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n 2._o a_o readiness_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n 3._o the_o non-obligation_n and_o unlawfulness_n of_o that_o oath_n call_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o no_o sober_a christian_n 4._o sect._n 4._o or_o loyal_a subject_n can_v make_v scruple_n at_o it_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v or_o bear_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o manifest_a and_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o command_v 22.21_o command_v mat._n 22.21_o to_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o 14_o and_o rom._n 13_o 1._o 8._o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14_o custom_n tribute_n fear_v honour_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o king_n yea_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o roman_a emperor_n enemy_n to_o and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o must_v forfeit_v his_o reason_n conscience_n yea_o his_o christianity_n that_o shall_v question_v it_o and_o i_o hope_v yea_o can_v be_v almost_o confident_a that_o even_o those_o who_o yet_o scruple_n the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v therefore_o afraid_a to_o subscribe_v that_o part_n of_o this_o acknowledgement_n do_v abhor_v and_o i_o presume_v be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o they_o abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v but_o a_o distinction_n invent_v to_o draw_v in_o many_o well-meaning_a people_n into_o that_o quarrel_n who_o be_v afraid_a to_o break_v their_o allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n be_v abuse_v by_o divide_v his_o natural_a and_o politic_a capacity_n and_o persuade_v that_o they_o fight_v for_o the_o king_n when_o what_o they_o do_v tend_v to_o destroy_v he_o 2._o for_o the_o conformity_n to_o the_o liturgy_n 5._o sect._n 5._o that_o we_o may_v both_o lawful_o conform_v and_o consequent_o promise_v it_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o discourse_n about_o this_o subject_a in_o my_o peace-offering_a 3._o but_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6._o sect._n 6._o and_o the_o obligation_n thereof_o which_o be_v main_o now_o if_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o scruple_n and_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o many_o that_o they_o and_o very_o many_o they_o be_v who_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n and_o upon_o the_o serious_a exhortation_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o grave_a divine_n with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v solemn_o swear_v it_o and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o endeavour_v in_o their_o place_n with_o all_o sincerity_n reality_n and_o constancy_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o perform_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o to_o stand_v by_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o against_o all_o opposer_n and_o that_o no_o fear_n terror_n or_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o shall_v draw_v they_o from_o a_o zealous_a prosecute_n of_o the_o end_n of_o it_o that_o these_o shall_v now_o acknowledge_v and_o declare_v that_o neither_o themselves_o nor_o any_o else_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a oaeth_n etc._n etc._n this_o stick_n some_o 7._o sect._n 7._o perhaps_o that_o have_v be_v over_o eager_a and_o zealous_a in_o contend_v for_o and_o by_o all_o imaginable_a argument_n urge_v and_o press_v this_o oath_n or_o covenant_n labour_v by_o all_o way_n to_o draw_v the_o people_n into_o this_o league_n and_o combination_n may_v think_v their_o reputation_n now_o so_o to_o lie_v at_o stake_n that_o shall_v they_o now_o retract_v or_o condemn_v that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o only_o swear_v themselves_o but_o have_v be_v so_o zealous_a and_o instrumental_a to_o make_v other_o also_o swear_v that_o high_a esteem_n which_o they_o now_o have_v with_o the_o people_n for_o zeal_n and_o godliness_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v when_o this_o very_a acknowledgement_n will_v make_v people_n think_v that_o either_o they_o do_v heretofore_o go_v against_o law_n conscience_n and_o
freedom_n from_o the_o bond_n or_o obligation_n 32._o sect._n 32._o when_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o require_v the_o oath_n give_v a_o relaxation_n or_o cancel_v and_o annul_v that_o oath_n thus_o he_o that_o fulfil_v not_o his_o promise_n to_o he_o that_o will_v not_o have_v it_o fulfil_v break_v not_o his_o word_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o man_n be_v master_n of_o another_o right_n neither_o have_v we_o a_o right_n of_o make_v other_o keep_v what_o be_v their_o own_o property_n long_o than_o they_o will_v themselves_o to_o pay_v a_o debt_n be_v always_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o debtor_n so_o long_o as_o the_o creditor_n will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o duty_n in_o the_o creditor_n to_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o debtor_n acceptation_n here_o be_v equivalent_a to_o payment_n if_o i_o promise_v another_o and_o swear_v to_o pay_v he_o 100_o l._n i_o be_o bind_v if_o he_o will_v accept_v it_o but_o if_o he_o will_v refuse_v the_o debt_n i_o be_o free_a from_o the_o obligation_n so_o in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o servant_n swear_v to_o a_o master_n to_o serve_v he_o such_o a_o term_n of_o year_n he_o be_v oblige_v if_o the_o master_n still_o require_v it_o but_o if_o the_o master_n will_v discharge_v he_o soon_o he_o be_v free_a notwithstanding_o his_o former_a oath_n the_o like_a reason_n there_o be_v i_o conceive_v in_o pablick_a oath_n suppose_v they_o enact_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n we_o swear_v lawful_o and_o be_v bind_v so_o long_o as_o that_o authority_n will_v have_v that_o in_o force_n to_o which_o we_o swear_v but_o if_o the_o same_o authority_n annul_v the_o law_n and_o revoke_v the_o matter_n we_o be_v also_o free_a as_o suppose_v i_o be_v call_v to_o swear_v that_o i_o will_v constant_o use_v the_o liturgy_n now_o establish_v and_o no_o other_o i_o be_v bind_v by_o my_o oath_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o act_n that_o enjoin_v it_o but_o shall_v this_o be_v take_v away_o hereafter_o by_o a_o law_n and_o the_o same_o authority_n i.e._n a_o act_n of_o parliament_n take_v away_o this_o and_o require_v another_o form_n i_o shall_v be_v free_a of_o that_o obligation_n for_o the_o oath_n suppose_v the_o authority_n still_o require_v it_o in_o such_o a_o notable_a alteration_n we_o lawful_o may_v not_o do_v yea_o must_v not_o do_v unless_o our_o oath_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o resist_v a_o law_n which_o god_n have_v bind_v we_o to_o obey_v what_o we_o lawful_o do_v by_o oath_n promise_v to_o do_v 2._o those_o oath_n whereby_o we_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o impossibility_n 33._o sect._n 33._o be_v rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o take_v and_o may_v not_o only_o lawful_o be_v break_v but_o indeed_o can_v be_v keep_v and_o the_o very_a impossibility_n of_o performance_n make_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o obligation_n whether_o the_o thing_n swear_v to_o be_v 1._o impossible_a in_o nature_n as_o if_o i_o by_o oath_n shall_v engage_v myself_o to_o number_v the_o stats_n or_o the_o sand_n on_o the_o sea_n shore_n or_o hold_v the_o ocean_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o my_o hand_n i_o shall_v be_v sinful_o involve_v in_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o rash_a oath_n yet_o can_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o that_o which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v make_v impossible_a or._n 2._o whether_o they_o be_v moral_o and_o in_o equity_n impossible_a what_o we_o swear_v must_v be_v in_o our_o power_n for_o this_o also_o be_v suppose_v a_o tacit_a condition_n that_o we_o have_v power_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o swear_v to_o do_v this_o i_o conceive_v be_v that_o which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o most_o righteous_a god_n 14._o god_n num._n 30.8_o 12_o 14._o free_v a_o wife_n or_o a_o child_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o oath_n or_o vow_n when_o the_o husband_n or_o father_n deny_v and_o disallow_v it_o because_o neither_o a_o wife_n be_v under_o covert_a bond_n nor_o a_o child_n be_v under_o tuition_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la they_o have_v not_o power_n over_o their_o own_o self_n the_o wife_n have_v not_o power_n over_o herself_o but_o the_o husband_n so_o nor_o have_v the_o child_n but_o the_o father_n and_o consequent_o neither_o have_v they_o power_n over_o their_o own_o action_n and_o engagement_n but_o he_o under_o who_o power_n themselves_o be_v we_o know_v a_o bond_n of_o a_o wife_n or_o child_n under_o age_n signify_v nothing_o nor_o can_v they_o be_v sue_v they_o have_v no_o obligation_n in_o the_o court_n of_o man_n there_o be_v proportionable_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o public_a oath_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o people_n who_o be_v under_o government_n or_o tuition_n of_o their_o prince_n if_o people_n enter_v into_o a_o oath_n and_o bind_v themselves_o to_o a_o action_n and_o the_o king_n under_o who_o charge_n they_o be_v who_o be_v pater_fw-la patriae_fw-la and_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v shall_v disallow_v those_o oath_n and_o forbid_v those_o action_n they_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n for_o their_o rash_a engagement_n but_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o have_v swear_v the_o thing_n be_v not_o legal_o in_o their_o power_n because_o of_o a_o superior_a authority_n that_o disallow_v they_o to_o which_o they_o 13.5_o they_o rom._n 13.5_o must_v be_v subject_a 3._o those_o oath_n 34._o sect._n 34._o which_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v against_o that_o most_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o oath_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n never_o do_v nor_o can_v oblige_v i.e._n if_o the_o thing_n swear_v to_o or_o promise_v by_o oath_n be_v dishonest_a unjust_a impious_a against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n moral_a equity_n the_o right_a of_o a_o three_o person_n etc._n etc._n it_o may_v at_o no_o hand_n be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o justice_n and_o consequent_o no_o obligation_n to_o worship_v a_o idol_n to_o kill_v steal_v ribell_n etc._n etc._n justice_n require_v that_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a engagement_n be_v perform_v but_o sinful_a and_o unjust_a obligation_n retract_v that_o advice_n be_v certain_o sound_a which_o a_o reverend_a author_n give_v isidor_n give_v in_o malis_fw-la promissis_fw-la rescinde_fw-la fidem_fw-la in_fw-la turpi_fw-la voto_fw-la muta_n decretum_fw-la quod_fw-la incautè_fw-la vovisti_fw-la nâ—_n fâ—cias_fw-la impia_fw-la enim_fw-la promissio_fw-la quae_fw-la scelere_fw-la ad_fw-la impl_a tur_fw-la glouc._n on_o catech_n out_o of_o isidor_n in_o wicked_a promise_n rescind_v thy_o faith_n in_o a_o dishonest_a vow_n change_v the_o aecree_n do_v not_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v unwary_o it_o be_v a_o impiâ—â—…_n oath_n which_o can_v be_v make_v good_a but_o by_o wickedness_n it_o be_v a_o most_o sure_o rule_v juramentum_fw-la pietatis_fw-la non_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la vinculum_fw-la ixiquitatis_fw-la for_o otherwise_o scolus_n esset_fw-la side_n such_o be_v the_o oath_n of_o 7-12_a of_o matth._n 14_o 7-12_a herod_n to_o herodias_n a_o oath_n sinful_o take_v and_o wicked_o keep_v such_o be_v that_o oath_n of_o david_n he_o swear_v 34._o swear_v 1_o sam._n 25.21_o 22_o 34._o with_o a_o imprecation_n of_o a_o curse_n upon_o himself_o to_o destroy_v nabal_n and_o all_o his_o house_n which_o yet_o upon_o the_o petition_n of_o abigail_n he_o pious_o break_v but_o shall_v sinful_o have_v perform_v such_o be_v the_o rash_a oath_n of_o saul_n 45._o saul_n 1_o sam._n 14.24_o 44_o 45._o which_o will_v have_v engage_v he_o to_o murder_n jonathan_n but_o the_o people_n prevent_v what_o he_o shall_v sinful_o have_v do_v such_o be_v the_o 21._o the_o act._n 23.12_o 21._o oath_n of_o those_o forty_o jew_n to_o kill_v paul_n which_o they_o wicked_o swear_v and_o shall_v more_o wicked_o have_v commit_v in_o this_o case_n it_o matter_n not_o how_o when_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n we_o be_v bring_v to_o swear_v so_o much_o as_o what_o we_o have_v swear_v oath_n engage_v to_o unlawful_a and_o unjust_a action_n though_o through_o ignorance_n error_n weakness_n misprision_n surreption_n fear_n or_o malice_n enter_v into_o be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v nor_o have_v any_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n they_o engage_v the_o swearer_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o retract_v his_o oath_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o perform_v they_o the_o truth_n be_v 35._o sect._n 35._o to_o keep_v such_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o double_a sin_n a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o swear_v and_o another_o sin_n to_o perform_v the_o oath_n quod_fw-la malè_fw-la juratur_fw-la pejus_fw-la servatur_fw-la for_o what_o god_n have_v forbid_v he_o will_v nor_o have_v do_v at_o any_o hand_n he_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o swear_v or_o promise_v they_o but_o much_o more_o to_o do_v they_o and_o to_o keep_v such_o oath_n be_v but_o to_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n be_v the_o oath_n extort_a by_o fear_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n to_o he_o affright_v into_o sin_n who_o shall_v rather_o
in_o the_o late_a confusion_n be_v even_o force_v to_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v infallible_o unjust_a and_o dishonest_a and_o wicked_a to_o endeavour_v and_o conspire_v the_o destruction_n of_o innocent_a faithful_a loyal_a subject_n to_o swear_v the_o death_n confiscation_n of_o good_n of_o all_o those_o that_o conscientious_o think_v themselves_o bind_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v by_o their_o allegiance_n to_o serve_v and_o assist_v the_o king_n and_o to_o preserve_v he_o from_o that_o fatal_a end_n to_o which_o this_o covenant_n though_o i_o very_o believe_v many_o of_o those_o who_o sometime_o be_v zealous_a in_o impose_v it_o and_o thousand_o that_o take_v it_o never_o intend_v such_o a_o thing_n do_v make_v and_o prepare_v too_o sad_a a_o way_n yet_o this_o do_v they_o swear_v viz._n to_o discover_v all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v malignant_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o public_a trial_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v condign_a punishment_n and_o who_o these_o malignant_n be_v what_o the_o condign_a punishment_n be_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o those_o who_o impose_v the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o avow_a sense_n and_o public_a declaration_n it_o be_v manifest_v who_o man_n be_v by_o this_o covenant_n bind_v to_o persecute_v and_o destroy_v 509._o destroy_v see_v exact_v coll._n p._n 260_o 576_o 509._o all_o person_n who_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o do_v assist_v his_o majesty_n with_o horse_n arm_n plate_n or_o money_n in_o that_o war_n these_o be_v declare_v traitor_n unparalleled_a traitor_n and_o who_o ought_v to_o suffer_v as_o traitor_n and_o what_o the_o punishment_n of_o such_o be_v we_o need_v not_o be_v tell_v and_o to_o these_o be_v vow_v speedy_a and_o exemplary_a punishment_n many_o other_o particular_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o non-obligation_n and_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o that_o covenant_n 48._o sect._n 48._o but_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o justify_v we_o in_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n as_o the_o present_a law_n the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n require_v some_o perhaps_o may_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o particular_n here_o assert_v yet_o i_o think_v we_o may_v easy_o see_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n as_o to_o all_o that_o this_o act_n require_v of_o we_o and_o real_o the_o act_n in_o this_o particular_a seem_v to_o be_v pen_v with_o such_o caution_n prudence_n and_o tenderness_n that_o no_o conscientious_a christian_n may_v be_v ensnare_v by_o such_o a_o subscription_n nor_o have_v any_o occasion_n just_o to_o scruple_n such_o a_o acknowledgement_n for_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o obligation_n it_o require_v we_o only_o to_o acknowledge_v its_o present_a non-obligation_n not_o that_o it_o never_o do_v but_o that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o oblige_v many_o perhaps_o may_v think_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v while_o that_o power_n stand_v when_o yet_o they_o may_v now_o see_v they_o be_v not_o but_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o obligation_n whether_o ever_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o bind_v all_o that_o we_o now_o be_v to_o declare_v be_v that_o there_o now_o lie_v to_o obligation_n on_o we_o or_o any_o other_o by_o this_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n let_v i_o serious_o put_v the_o question_n to_o those_o that_o yet_o make_v scruple_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o subscribe_v yea_o let_v all_o loyal_a and_o pious_a heart_a christian_n put_v the_o question_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a all-seeing_a and_o most_o righteous_a god_n give_v answer_n to_o themselves_o 1._o 50._o sect._n 50._o can_v any_o oath_n that_o we_o have_v rash_o take_v oblige_v any_o subject_n to_o resist_v or_o endeavour_v to_o root_v out_o a_o government_n which_o the_o law_n have_v establish_v and_o do_v still_o maintain_v and_o require_v obedience_n to_o then_o certain_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n nor_o any_o government_n be_v firm_a or_o governor_n secure_a when_o man_n that_o like_v it_o not_o shall_v by_o oath_n bind_v themselves_o not_o to_o obey_v but_o abolish_v it_o prelacy_n be_v restore_v and_o by_o a_o unquestionable_a law_n establish_v do_v you_o real_o think_v in_o your_o conscience_n that_o you_o be_v now_o bind_v to_o extirpate_v it_o not_o only_o some_o of_o the_o subordinate_a officer_n as_o some_o who_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v draw_v in_o to_o swear_v this_o covenant_n do_v think_v they_o only_o be_v oblige_v against_o the_o whole_a frame_n as_o so_o compound_v together_o and_o if_o any_o alteration_n be_v make_v though_o but_o in_o some_o of_o the_o low_a officer_n be_v it_o but_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o official_o comissary_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v sufficient_o answer_v their_o obligation_n but_o even_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o for_o whatsoever_o some_o may_v think_v when_o they_o take_v the_o covenant_n the_o imposer_n of_o it_o by_o their_o action_n show_v that_o they_o mean_v not_o the_o lay_v aside_o only_o some_o officer_n not_o so_o necessary_a nor_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o the_o whole_a episcopacy_n and_o the_o very_a bishop_n as_o a_o plant_n not_o of_o god_n plant_v yea_o if_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n shall_v be_v offer_v may_v not_o some_o upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n rise_v up_o against_o the_o whole_a ministry_n and_o from_o the_o same_o covenant_n plead_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n also_o because_o they_o be_v make_v so_o by_o episcopal_a ordination_n as_o such_o who_o be_v and_o must_v be_v include_v under_o the_o title_n of_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hierarchy_n which_o in_o the_o covenant_n man_n with_o the_o hierarchy_n bound_v themselves_o to_o exterpate_v 2._o do_v you_o real_o think_v that_o 51._o sect._n 51._o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o a_o law_n that_o to_o raise_v and_o bear_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n though_o by_o order_n or_o ordinance_n of_o both_o or_o either_o house_n of_o parliament_n be_v treason_n yet_o that_o you_o be_v bind_v still_o to_o maintain_v army_n against_o his_o majesty_n if_o he_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o matter_n swear_v to_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o assist_v each_o other_o and_o never_o by_o any_o terror_n fear_n or_o persuasion_n be_v draw_v from_o such_o a_o combination_n for_o so_o run_v the_o covenant_n and_o if_o such_o be_v man_n principle_n that_o it_o still_o oblige_v how_o can_v our_o peace_n or_o law_n or_o government_n ever_o be_v secure_a 3._o do_v you_o real_o think_v 52._o sect._n 52._o that_o you_o be_v still_o oblige_v to_o bring_v all_o that_o do_v adhere_v to_o and_o assist_v his_o majesty_n in_o the_o late_a war_n to_o punishment_n to_o suffer_v as_o malignant_n traitor_n unparalleled_a traitor_n as_o they_o be_v then_o call_v and_o the_o covenant_n mean_v if_o the_o covenant_n have_v any_o obligation_n it_o must_v oblige_v to_o these_o thing_n for_o so_o be_v it_o there_o in_o terminis_fw-la express_o swear_v let_v i_o beseech_v all_o sober_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o answer_v these_o question_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v in_o these_o as_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n they_o be_v not_o yea_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n they_o be_v tie_v by_o all_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a then_o must_v we_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v truth_n which_o by_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o declare_v and_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o consequent_o be_v so_o legal_o command_v we_o be_v in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o subscribe_v that_o whether_o ever_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o any_o obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n yet_o now_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o or_o any_o other_o person_n by_o his_o oath_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 these_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v we_o then_o as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n or_o proposition_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v concern_v the_o covenant_n viz._n it_o be_v present_a non-obligation_n which_o be_v no_o more_o 53._o sect._n 53._o than_o that_o 1._o what_o ever_o it_o do_v heretofore_o yet_o now_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v be_v take_v away_o by_o a_o law_n of_o a_o public_a and_o just_a authority_n and_o 2._o however_o man_n may_v yet_o be_v oblige_v to_o some_o other_o thing_n therein_o mention_v as_o to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n the_o extirpation_n of_o heresy_n schism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n without_o that_o restriction_n there_o annex_v our_o allegiance_n be_v
it_o be_v a_o oath_n impose_v by_o those_o 42._o sect._n 42._o who_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o impose_v a_o oaeth_n it_o be_v a_o covenant_n enter_v into_o by_o subject_n and_o disallow_v by_o the_o king_n who_o then_o rule_v over_o we_o and_o now_o again_o by_o his_o present_a majesty_n with_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n abrogate_a and_o therefore_o can_v have_v a_o obligation_n in_o analogy_n to_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n of_o god_n before_o mention_v numb_a 30._o for_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o subject_n under_o government_n as_o of_o child_n under_o tuition_n or_o a_o wife_n under_o covertbond_n we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o oath_n or_o combination_n nor_o it_o be_v deny_v and_o disallow_v by_o our_o sovereign_n can_v we_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o for_o this_o must_v be_v still_o suppose_v a_o tacit_a condition_n that_o our_o governor_n and_o the_o law_n that_o we_o be_v under_o will_v allow_v and_o permit_v it_o but_o more_o 3._o 43._o sect._n 43._o it_o be_v a_o oath_n unlawful_o swear_v and_o can_v but_o be_v unlawful_o keep_v and_o the_o unlawfulness_n will_v appear_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o imposition_n as_o be_v impose_v by_o no_o lawful_a authority_n the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n acknowledge_v nothing_o to_o have_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o a_o law_n but_o from_o the_o stamp_n of_o the_o royal_a authority_n the_o king_n fiat_n which_o that_o ordinance_n which_o impose_v this_o covenant_n never_o have_v it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n a_o thing_n even_o the_o same_o which_o those_o two_o house_n of_o p._n which_o impose_v this_o oath_n declare_v when_o they_o take_v away_o and_o annul_v the_o late_a canon_n and_o that_o oath_n which_o be_v so_o decry_v for_o the_o etc._n etc._n viz._n 860._o viz._n exact_a coll._n p._n 859_o 860._o that_o a_o new_a oath_n can_v be_v impose_v without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o this_o be_v never_o establish_v by_o 2._o 44._o sect._n 44._o unlawful_a in_o the_o end_v of_o it_o which_o whatsoever_o and_o how_o specious_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v have_v appear_v sufficient_o to_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v indeed_o seditious_a and_o rebellious_a the_o charge_n may_v seem_v high_a and_o too_o uncharitable_a but_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v and_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a then_o to_o be_v deny_v this_o very_a covenant_n be_v make_v the_o main_a engine_n of_o a_o design_n the_o sad_a the_o bitter_a that_o england_n ever_o see_v before_o to_o engage_v a_o people_n against_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o scot_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o a_o dismal_a war_n against_o the_o king_n which_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o do_v till_o this_o kingdom_n do_v covenant_n to_o throw_v out_o her_o bishop_n and_o extirpate_v the_o establish_a episcopacy_n root_n and_o branch_n so_o that_o the_o great_a end_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o contrive_n and_o exact_v this_o covenant_n to_o be_v swear_v be_v 1._o not_o to_o reform_v some_o abuse_n or_o to_o take_v away_o some_o needless_a officer_n or_o prevent_v some_o irregular_a proceed_n in_o the_o court_n but_o utter_o to_o abolish_v the_o establish_a government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o then_o 2._o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o scot_n to_o maintain_v a_o war_n against_o the_o king_n and_o to_o reduce_v he_o to_o such_o term_n as_o the_o two_o house_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o put_v upon_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o king_n from_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o 3._o unlawful_a also_o it_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 45._o sect._n 45._o as_o bind_v man_n 1._o to_o impossibility_n if_o not_o in_o nature_n yet_o certain_o in_o equit_fw-la viz._n bind_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o power_n no_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o power_n or_o authority_n have_v subject_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o oath_n not_o only_o without_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n consent_n and_o express_v command_n and_o will_n of_o their_o soverargn_n what_o authority_n p._n e_o or_o call_v have_v they_o to_o endeavour_v the_o overthrow_v of_o that_o government_n as_o antichristian_a under_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v happy_a and_o flourish_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o which_o they_o be_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o our_o land_n bind_v not_o to_o oppose_v but_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v unto_o id_fw-la solum_fw-la possumus_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la possumus_fw-la proper_o we_o only_o can_v do_v that_o which_o we_o lawful_o may_v do_v in_o this_o sense_n then_o the_o covenant_n shall_v bind_v to_o impossibility_n which_o argue_v a_o nullity_n unless_o subject_n can_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n to_o overthrow_v any_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n establish_v whensoever_o they_o like_v it_o not_o far_o 2._o unlawful_a it_o be_v as_o bind_v to_o unjust_a 46._o sect._n 46._o and_o dishonest_a thing_n also_o 1._o infallible_o no_o oath_n can_v bind_v to_o sedition_n or_o the_o overthrow_n of_o those_o law_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o that_o oath_n oblige_v to_o injustice_n and_o impiety_n which_o oblige_v to_o perjury_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o former_a not_o yet_o cancel_v obligation_n now_o the_o law_n have_v establish_v episcopacy_n minister_n have_v swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n there_o can_v therefore_o be_v no_o obligation_n because_o so_o much_o impiety_n in_o that_o oath_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v oblige_v will_v oblige_v to_o perjury_n object_n i_o know_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o this_o viz._n that_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o thereby_o prohibit_v to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_v the_o abolition_n of_o those_o law_n when_o they_o prove_v inconvenient_a or_o mischievous_a but_o 1._o 1_o solut._n 1_o the_o utmost_a of_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v swear_v to_o the_o bishop_n be_v but_o in_o licitis_fw-la &_o honestis_fw-la in_o lawful_a and_o honest_a thing_n and_o how_o a_o lawful_a and_o honest_a obedience_n shall_v be_v culpable_a or_o the_o law_n that_o require_v it_o shall_v be_v mischievous_a or_o inconvenient_a i_o confess_v i_o yet_o never_o can_v have_v eye_n to_o see_v nor_o i_o think_v any_o man_n else_o 2._o 2._o sol._n 2._o have_v the_o law_n which_o establish_v episcopacy_n be_v such_o yet_o it_o will_v seem_v very_o strange_a to_o a_o consider_v and_o intelligent_a man_n that_o present_o to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o combination_n and_o by_o force_n and_o power_n to_o break_v through_o those_o law_n and_o overthrow_v the_o establish_a government_n whether_o the_o king_n will_v or_o no_o shall_v ever_o be_v account_v a_o lawful_a mean_n again_o 3._o 3._o sol._n 3._o suppose_v it_o inconvenient_a yet_o subject_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v a_o law_n or_o alter_v a_o law_n for_o themselves_o if_o any_o mischief_n or_o inconvenience_n have_v be_v in_o that_o law_n or_o the_o government_n establish_v we_o may_v lawful_o have_v show_v the_o grievance_n and_o petition_v for_o a_o redress_n to_o those_o to_o who_o only_o it_o belong_v to_o reform_v they_o but_o to_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v a_o government_n to_o overthrow_v a_o law_n against_o the_o lawgiver_n consent_n this_o be_v somewhat_o else_o than_o a_o peaceable_a petition_n or_o a_o honest_a endeavour_n though_o we_o may_v by_o humble_a petition_n in_o such_o a_o case_n beg_v a_o reformation_n yet_o without_o all_o controversy_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o our_o allegiance_n duty_n and_o former_a oath_n to_o obey_v that_o which_o be_v establish_v until_o the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v see_v it_o just_a or_o fit_a to_o alter_v it_o 2._o 47._o sect._n 47._o that_o oath_n which_o bind_v man_n to_o the_o injury_n of_o another_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_n as_o we_o love_v ourselves_o and_o to_o do_v to_o they_o as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v to_o we_o be_v unjust_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o unlawful_a and_o bind_v not_o but_o this_o covenant_n bind_v to_o such_o a_o injury_n a_o injury_n not_o of_o one_o or_o two_o but_o a_o whole_a order_n of_o bishop_n who_o be_v once_o a_o three_o estate_n and_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o now_o again_o to_o the_o deprive_v of_o they_o both_o of_o their_o place_n and_o power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o their_o land_n estate_n and_o livelihood_n that_o if_o they_o live_v they_o must_v live_v upon_o alm_n as_o many_o