preamble_n whereof_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o recite_v the_o calamity_n of_o the_o war_n declare_v that_o all_o the_o sequester_a estate_n shall_v be_v apply_v towards_o the_o supportation_n of_o the_o great_a charge_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o the_o first_o instruction_n to_o the_o committee_n they_o be_v charge_v to_o use_v their_o best_a care_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o speedy_a execution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o sequestration_n as_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a necessity_n and_o importance_n for_o the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o army_n 511._o and_o observe_v some_o slowness_n in_o the_o committee_n the_o earl_n of_o manchester_n a_o commander_n in_o chief_a be_v empower_v to_o execute_v that_o ordinance_n and_o the_o sequestrator_n command_v to_o pay_v the_o money_n they_o raise_v to_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o army_n one_o other_o argument_n there_o be_v that_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o parliament_n intend_v this_o ordinance_n only_o as_o a_o provision_n in_o those_o distract_a time_n and_o not_o as_o a_o stand_a law_n for_o ever_o else_o sure_o they_o will_v never_o have_v put_v into_o their_o commission_n so_o slight_a a_o thing_n as_o a_o bailiff_n of_o a_o corporation_n be_v it_o handsome_a that_o the_o mayor_n of_o rising_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o thatch_v some_o trivial_a alehouse_n to_o tender_v the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n to_o the_o noble_a earl_n of_o arundel_n or_o indeed_o how_o shall_v a_o common_a tradesman_n who_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n we_o may_v presume_v can_v neither_o write_v nor_o read_v know_v what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o command_v other_o to_o forswear_v such_o hard_a long_a word_n as_o supremacy_n purgatory_n and_o transubstantiation_n what_o shall_v we_o that_o accuse_v the_o papist_n of_o blind_a obedience_n say_v to_o ourselves_o when_o our_o very_a leader_n be_v so_o shortsighted_a it_o be_v true_a all_o these_o fair_a and_o just_a exception_n be_v full_o answer_v by_o this_o one_o word_n necessity_n a_o heteroclyte_n that_o have_v no_o rule_n no_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v without_o law_n to_o be_v judge_v without_o law_n but_o then_o at_o least_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o itself_o that_o be_v confine_v to_o circumstance_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o during_o the_o furious_a violence_n and_o career_n of_o war_n such_o summary_a proceed_n to_o prove_v without_o witness_n and_o condemn_v without_o juror_n may_v easy_o find_v excuse_n but_o be_v restore_v now_o to_o a_o perfect_a calm_a and_o universal_a peace_n we_o be_v certain_o oblige_v to_o return_v again_o to_o the_o know_a english_a trial_n by_o indictment_n and_o conviction_n and_o not_o continue_v still_o throw_v our_o neighbour_n good_n overboard_o so_o long_o after_o the_o storm_n be_v end_v if_o any_o object_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o necessity_n remain_v now_o no_o long_o since_o the_o gate_n of_o westminster_n hall_n be_v open_a and_o the_o old_a crowd_n of_o suitor_n march_v peaceable_o there_o under_o the_o scotch_a colour_n yet_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o render_v no_o other_o account_n of_o their_o act_n than_o the_o french_a king_n of_o his_o edict_n which_o always_o close_o with_o this_o frank_n and_o resolute_a period_n car_n tel_fw-fr est_fw-fr nostre_fw-fr plaisir_fw-fr i_o reply_v first_o that_o such_o objection_n seem_v rather_o to_o accuse_v the_o government_n of_o tyranny_n then_o faithful_o defend_v its_o authority_n no_o sound_n approach_v so_o nigh_o antipathy_n to_o a_o english_a ear_n as_o that_o of_o be_v under_o a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a master_n whether_o that_o boundless_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o single_a person_n of_o a_o king_n or_o the_o multiply_v of_o a_o council_n when_o by_o the_o change_n of_o circumstance_n any_o law_n become_v unfit_a to_o be_v continue_v we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o represent_v even_o to_o the_o high_a power_n our_o reason_n for_o a_o repeal_v if_o we_o carry_v our_o address_n with_o such_o regard_n that_o they_o appear_v to_o intend_v a_o reformation_n of_o the_o error_n not_o correction_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o which_o respect_n never_o do_v any_o parliament_n give_v such_o high_a hope_n of_o a_o thorough_a redress_n as_o that_o which_o late_o sit_v by_o erect_v so_o careful_o those_o two_o grand_a committee_n for_o regulate_v the_o law_n and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n by_o invite_v so_o solemn_o all_o that_o will_v offer_v their_o proposal_n to_o come_v into_o their_o assistance_n and_o as_o the_o whole_a nation_n remain_v infinite_o bind_v to_o the_o solicitude_n of_o the_o army_n for_o who_o satisfaction_n both_o those_o committee_n be_v establish_v so_o be_v we_o all_o no_o less_o oblige_v to_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o general_n by_o who_o personal_a presence_n every_o day_n at_o that_o of_o religion_n it_o receive_v so_o great_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o entertain_v the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o these_o few_o thought_n of_o i_o shall_v beget_v any_o offence_n since_o they_o aim_v only_o to_o propose_v the_o unsuitableness_n of_o this_o new_a uncharitable_a oath_n of_o abjuration_n to_o the_o ancient_a and_o best_a law_n of_o the_o land_n even_o the_o pope_n admit_v his_o subject_n when_o they_o apprehend_v some_o error_n in_o the_o proceed_n to_o appeal_v from_o himself_o misinform_v to_o himself_o better_o inform_v and_o yet_o we_o call_v his_o absolute_a ness_n a_o tyranny_n and_o their_o obedience_n blindness_n how_o much_o more_o than_o may_v those_o true_a lover_n of_o their_o country_n happiness_n promise_v themselves_o security_n if_o not_o acceptance_n from_o the_o parliament_n who_o either_o by_o humble_a petition_n or_o other_o modest_a and_o untumultuous_a way_n represent_v to_o their_o consideration_n any_o mis-practiseor_n inconvenience_n which_o in_o time_n may_v prove_v a_o dangerous_a precedent_n to_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o their_o country_n what_o ever_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v by_o absolute_a prerogative_n command_n yet_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o this_o have_v always_o disclaim_v such_o arbitrary_a dominion_n as_o tyrannical_a and_o often_o engage_v by_o most_o solemn_a declaration_n for_o the_o perpetual_a continuance_n to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o among_o which_o as_o there_o be_v none_o more_o fundamental_a and_o singular_a to_o the_o nation_n then_o the_o ancient_a trial_n by_o witness_n and_o verdict_n so_o we_o shall_v still_o endeavour_v to_o make_v more_o evident_a so_o important_a a_o truth_n by_o propose_v a_o short_a parallel_n between_o this_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n and_o that_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la in_o the_o grand_a petition_n sign_v by_o the_o 9_o 1640._o lord_n and_o present_v to_o the_o late_a king_n at_o york_n we_o find_v this_o record_v as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a grievance_n that_o many_o innovation_n in_o oath_n and_o canon_n have_v be_v late_o impose_v upon_o the_o clergy_n and_o other_o his_o majesty_n subject_n etc._n etc._n in_o redress_n of_o which_o mischievous_a encroachment_n upon_o our_o just_a liberty_n caroli_fw-la the_o late_a long_a parliament_n enact_v that_o no_o person_n exercise_v any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o authority_n shall_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la or_o at_o the_o instance_n or_o promotion_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o urge_v enforce_v tender_a give_v or_o minister_v to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o any_o oath_n whereby_o he_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v charge_v to_o confess_v or_o accuse_v himself_o of_o any_o crime_n offence_n delinquency_n misdemeanour_n matter_n or_o thing_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o any_o penalty_n or_o punishment_n whatsoever_o before_o which_o statute_n viz._n 1607._o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o illegality_n of_o that_o oath_n have_v be_v clear_o convince_v by_o a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o oath_n purposely_o write_v against_o it_o as_o also_o by_o m._n fuller_n in_o his_o argument_n at_o the_o than_o king_n bench_n against_o some_o branch_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n both_o which_o pursue_v their_o point_n so_o efficacious_o that_o the_o grievance_n they_o oppose_v be_v unanimous_o condemn_v as_o intolerable_a abuse_n and_o certain_o no_o mathematical_a demonstration_n can_v bear_v a_o high_a and_o clear_a evidence_n then_o that_o the_o principal_a reason_n which_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v out_o of_o both_o those_o treatise_n against_o that_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la be_v more_o strong_o appiable_a to_o this_o of_o abjuration_n thus_o than_o they_o begin_v their_o just_a charge_n upon_o that_o unjust_a oath_n first_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o nation_n the_o party_n examine_v be_v thereby_o force_v to_o swear_v against_o himself_o in_o a_o criminal_a cause_n before_o he_o know_v his_o
every_o one_o to_o swear_v whether_o he_o be_v guilty_a certain_o magistrate_n may_v as_o lawful_o put_v we_o to_o our_o oath_n whether_o we_o have_v assent_v to_o any_o traitorous_a thought_n against_o our_o country_n or_o covet_v our_o neighbour_n good_n or_o wife_n as_o what_o we_o think_v of_o such_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n shall_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n commit_v no_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o mouth_n give_v free_a leave_n to_o think_v what_o we_o will_v if_o we_o swear_v as_o it_o command_v such_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o believe_v in_o our_o heart_n contrary_a to_o what_o we_o profess_v with_o our_o lip_n nero_n himself_o allow_v such_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v damnable_a hypocrisy_n be_v indeed_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o compulsion_n upon_o the_o conscience_n sure_o by_o this_o glorious_a word_n liberty_n something_o more_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v leave_v we_o than_o what_o no_o tyrant_n can_v take_v from_o we_o sure_o it_o ought_v at_o least_o to_o be_v so_o courteous_o interpret_v that_o by_o this_o kind_a phrase_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v understand_v a_o liberty_n consistent_a with_o conscience_n a_o condition_n wherein_o every_o peaceable_a christian_n may_v follow_v our_o principle_n without_o renounce_v his_o own_o honesty_n yet_o i_o confess_v it_o puzzle_v all_o the_o reason_n i_o be_o owner_n of_o that_o they_o who_o take_v this_o oath_n though_o very_o credible_o against_o their_o conscience_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o tender_a conscience_n and_o if_o any_o refuse_v it_o because_o against_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o the_o least_o mercy_n provide_v for_o tender_a conscience_n beside_o proof_n this_o dispunishableness_n of_o thought_n arise_v as_o well_o from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o lawful_a proof_n as_o from_o their_o innocency_n in_o not_o offend_a other_o and_o therefore_o a_o secret_a promise_n though_o most_o serious_o and_o deliberate_o resolve_v on_o if_o reserve_v in_o the_o party_n own_o conscience_n create_v no_o legal_a obligation_n of_o performance_n which_o can_v not_o be_v true_a 104._o if_o the_o law_n do_v allow_v any_o proceed_n whereby_o the_o party_n be_v compellable_a to_o accuse_v himself_o and_o therefore_o even_o in_o chancery_n though_o that_o be_v a_o swear_a court_n if_o a_o bill_n of_o perjury_n be_v sue_v upon_o the_o statute_n 5._o 100_o eliz._n the_o defendant_n shall_v not_o be_v force_v to_o make_v answer_n upon_o oath_n either_o to_o the_o bill_n or_o interrogatory_n so_o if_o a_o juror_n be_v challenge_v for_o partiality_n ground_v upon_o some_o indifferent_a and_o unreproachfull_a objection_n as_o kindred_n to_o one_o of_o the_o party_n etc._n etc._n he_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o clear_v such_o a_o question_n by_o his_o own_o oath_n but_o if_o the_o charge_n be_v either_o ignominous_a or_o dangerous_a as_o bribery_n etc._n etc._n the_o challenger_n must_v maintain_v his_o assertion_n by_o witness_n 193._o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o wise_a and_o moderate_a judgement_n of_o the_o law_n that_o any_o one_o be_v enforce_v to_o become_v his_o own_o accuser_n with_o these_o agree_v many_o other_o authority_n all_o unanimous_o subscribe_v to_o this_o conclusion_n as_o a_o undeniable_a maxim_n of_o law_n 10._o that_o none_o can_v be_v lawful_o examine_v upon_o oath_n concerning_o any_o thing_n that_o sound_v to_o his_o own_o prejudice_n nay_o so_o great_a a_o abhorrence_n have_v the_o common_a law_n of_o the_o party_n be_v force_v to_o prosecute_v and_o condemn_v himself_o that_o it_o employ_v a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n to_o prevent_v so_o destructive_a a_o abuse_n and_o therefore_o in_o fitzherbert_n natura_fw-la brevium_fw-la if_o any_o have_v be_v cite_v into_o the_o spiritual_a court_n to_o accuse_v himself_o pro_fw-la salute_fw-la animae_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o a_o prohibition_n lie_v at_o the_o common_a law_n to_o stop_v and_o supersede_v their_o proceed_n and_o it_o be_v a_o case_n adjudge_v that_o if_o in_o a_o paenall_a law_n the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o ordinary_a be_v save_v as_o in_o 1_o eliz._n 657._o 2._o for_o hear_v of_o mass_n the_o party_n shall_v not_o be_v examine_v upon_o oath_n before_o the_o ordinary_a concerning_o that_o point_n because_o it_o may_v become_v a_o evidence_n against_o himself_o 18._o if_o question_v afterwards_o in_o the_o temporal_a court_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a authority_n in_o the_o very_a point_n out_o of_o a_o book_n license_v and_o print_v by_o special_a order_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n 175._o clear_o prove_v that_o as_o the_o papist_n ought_v to_o be_v try_v by_o witness_n case_n and_o not_o themselves_o examine_v upon_o oath_n concerning_o their_o go_n to_o mass_n so_o much_o less_o concerning_o their_o inward_a belief_n especial_o when_o such_o ruin_n attend_v they_o in_o their_o estate_n if_o they_o dare_v refuse_v to_o swear_v against_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v true_a by_o the_o common_a law_n in_o some_o personal_a action_n the_o defendant_n be_v admit_v not_o compel_v to_o his_o oath_n as_o in_o case_n of_o wager_n of_o law_n 10._o etc._n etc._n 33._o h._n 6._o 10._o of_o non_fw-la summons_n in_o a_o praecipe_n quod_fw-la reddat_fw-la and_o of_o garnishment_n upon_o a_o scire_fw-la facias_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o all_o these_o oath_n be_v either_o voluntary_o offer_v by_o the_o party_n himself_o not_o enforce_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o judge_n and_o go_v in_o discharge_n not_o condemnation_n of_o he_o or_o else_o concern_v only_o some_o collateral_a passage_n of_o little_a importance_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o main_a controversy_n nor_o be_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o such_o practice_n to_o be_v see_v in_o any_o penal_a law_n which_o be_v the_o only_a point_n we_o dispute_v upon_o and_o which_o we_o here_o undertake_v to_o prove_v a_o proceed_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o our_o law_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o inform_v against_o himself_o and_o so_o become_v his_o own_o executioner_n upon_o this_o ground_n sir_n thomas_n moor_n a_o person_n complete_o learn_v in_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n and_o universal_o famous_a for_o courage_n and_o resolution_n according_a to_o his_o principle_n refuse_v the_o then_o new_a oath_n concerning_o the_o king_n supreamacy_n and_o divorce_n allege_v for_o his_o defence_n at_o the_o bar_n that_o he_o never_o speak_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n against_o that_o statute_n and_o upon_o this_o plea_n he_o rely_v as_o a_o evident_a justification_n in_o law_n which_o never_o say_v he_o be_v strain_v so_o far_o as_o to_o reach_v our_o thought_n and_o for_o his_o inward_a judgement_n he_o free_o profess_v that_o oath_n to_o be_v against_o it_o offer_v before_o the_o judge_n to_o swear_v that_o the_o unsatisfaction_n of_o his_o conscience_n therein_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o his_o refusal_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o command_n and_o if_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o time_n behind_o we_o we_o shall_v often_o see_v the_o outward_a word_n and_o action_n censure_v by_o the_o magistrate_n but_o never_o the_o least_o attempt_n upon_o the_o a_o reformation_n inward_a belief_n though_o the_o principle_n heretofore_o entertain_v concerning_o the_o use_n of_o force_n in_o religion_n have_v general_o be_v far_o more_o rigid_a than_o those_o we_o now_o profess_v therefore_o in_o the_o act_n of_o 5._o hen._n 2._o 5._o and_o 2._o hen._n 4._o 14._o and_o 2._o hen._n 5._o 1._o make_v even_o in_o popish_a time_n which_o we_o so_o much_o condemn_v for_o cruelty_n those_o that_o begin_v new_a opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a religion_n of_o the_o nation_n 1._o be_v prohibit_v to_o preach_v public_o any_o doctrine_n destructive_a of_o the_o establish_a law_n or_o by_o their_o subtle_a sermon_n to_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o they_o but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o force_v to_o swear_v the_o contrary_a they_o be_v forbid_v to_o write_v book_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o singularity_n or_o make_v unlawful_a conventicle_n to_o the_o endanger_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n but_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o renounce_v what_o they_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o statute_n of_o 31._o reformation_n hen._n 8._o 14._o lay_v a_o forfeiture_n upon_o any_o that_o by_o word_n write_v print_v publish_v preach_v or_o teach_v shall_v maintain_v any_o of_o the_o opinion_n in_o six_o article_n therein_o prohibit_v but_o not_o a_o letter_n of_o abjure_v their_o inward_a persuasion_n and_o what_o the_o lord_n herbert_n in_o his_o history_n of_o henry_n the_o 8._o 448._o say_v concerning_o this_o statute_n be_v worth_a consideration_n his_o word_n be_v these_o the_o six_o article_n be_v now_o publish_v give_v no_o little_a occasion_n of_o murmur_n since_o to_o revoke_v the_o conscience_n not_o only_o from_o its_o own_o court_n but_o from_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o resolve_v controversy_n to_o such_o a_o
that_o they_o will_v be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o law_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o safeguard_n and_o custody_n of_o all_o public_a and_o private_a interest_n 23_o october_n 1642._o they_o further_o declare_v that_o they_o must_v own_v it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n that_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v enjoy_v their_o own_o birthright_n freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v equal_o entitle_v thereunto_o with_o the_o great_a subject_n november_n 1642._o 694._o they_o further_o declare_v that_o slavery_n must_v be_v the_o people_n condition_n if_o the_o two_o house_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o property_n of_o every_o man_n estate_n 26._o 78._o may_n 1642._o if_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o law_n without_o due_a process_n the_o subject_n have_v a_o very_a poor_a defence_n and_o a_o very_a small_a if_o any_o proportion_n of_o property_n thereby_o 17_o april_n 1646._o 878_o the_o parliament_n declare_v that_o they_o will_v not_o nor_o any_o by_o colour_n of_o any_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o shall_v interrupt_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o justice_n the_o parliament_n declare_v 1647._o that_o they_o will_v preserve_v unto_o the_o people_n their_o law_n and_o will_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o before_o and_o after_o they_o several_a time_n declare_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v the_o undoubted_a birthright_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o mean_a subject_n by_o a_o special_a act_n 1648._o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n declare_v that_o they_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o and_o concerning_o the_o property_n of_o the_o people_n with_o all_o thing_n incident_a thereunto_o now_o after_o all_o these_o ordinance_n who_o can_v be_v so_o undutiful_a as_o to_o entertain_v the_o least_o fear_n of_o be_v ever_o hereafter_o force_v to_o accuse_v himself_o upon_o these_o so_o many_o so_o solemn_a declaration_n who_o can_v have_v excuse_v the_o presumption_n and_o perverseness_n of_o his_o heart_n if_o he_o dare_v to_o doubt_v of_o their_o observance_n especial_o since_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o proclaim_v to_o we_o its_o sense_n by_o bare_a word_n but_o advance_v far_o to_o severe_a execution_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n strict_o prohibit_v the_o introducement_n of_o any_o novelty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n against_o who_o the_o parliament_n in_o their_o three_o article_n bring_v this_o charge_n that_o he_o have_v proceed_v summary_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n mont-norris_n and_o in_o the_o six_o article_n his_o accusation_n be_v that_o he_o have_v dispossess_v the_o lord_n mont-norris_n of_o his_o land_n by_o a_o summary_a process_n contrary_a to_o law_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o article_n the_o like_a charge_n be_v again_o repeat_v that_o he_o have_v deprive_v the_o lady_n hibbot_n of_o her_o possession_n by_o a_o summary_a way_n of_o proceed_v these_o misdemeanour_n though_o not_o the_o only_a crime_n of_o which_o he_o be_v accuse_v yet_o add_v such_o a_o weight_n to_o his_o other_o offence_n that_o altogether_o they_o sink_v he_o into_o his_o grave_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o who_o trial_n i_o meet_v with_o nothing_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v stay_v upon_o than_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o so_o much_o urge_v against_o he_o the_o illegality_n as_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o his_o proceed_n nor_o condemn_v he_o bare_o for_o want_n of_o a_o commission_n or_o authority_n but_o because_o his_o action_n be_v in_o themselves_o tyrannical_a and_o dangerous_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o fundamental_a liberty_n of_o this_o nation_n yet_o he_o examine_v witness_n but_o after_o a_o fashion_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o leave_v the_o common_a road_n of_o trial_n by_o the_o verdict_n of_o a_o jury_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o summary_a process_n then_o to_o accuse_v any_o who_o we_o suspect_v of_o a_o crime_n and_o unless_o he_o immediate_o swear_v himself_o unguilty_a immediate_o condemn_v he_o as_o guilty_a can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o quick_a and_o cut_a dispatch_n then_o in_o half_a a_o hour_n to_o turn_v a_o just_a owner_n out_o of_o his_o ancient_a possession_n because_o he_o will_v not_o swear_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o compendious_a if_o not_o preposterous_a way_n than_o first_o to_o seize_v upon_o and_o secure_v the_o estate_n and_o then_o hear_v the_o party_n speak_v for_o himself_o 40_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o express_a instruction_n to_o the_o committee_n for_o sequestration_n in_o the_o year_n 1643._o that_o where_o they_o find_v any_o doubt_n concerning_o any_o person_n whether_o he_o be_v comprehend_v within_o the_o say_a ordinance_n for_o sequestration_n they_o be_v to_o certify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o committee_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o for_o that_o service_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o secure_v the_o estate_n of_o such_o person_n until_o they_o receive_v further_a instruction_n and_o now_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o office_n of_o a_o parliament_n which_o be_v principal_o to_o reform_v the_o abuse_n that_o time_n conspire_v with_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n bring_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o law_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n profess_v so_o scrupulous_a and_o precise_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o ancient_a liberty_n i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v from_o what_o cause_n this_o unhappy_a effect_n shall_v flow_v by_o which_o a_o freeborn_a englishman_n be_v compel_v to_o be_v his_o own_o accuser_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o tender_a a_o nature_n as_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o so_o high_a a_o concernment_n as_o the_o utter_a impoverishment_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n but_o after_o a_o little_a range_n about_o i_o soon_o discover_v the_o fountain_n head_n in_o a_o dark_a hollow_a place_n where_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o spring_n of_o fresh_a water_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o channel_n of_o which_o some_o have_v pass_v through_o hot_a and_o sulphurous_a vein_n quite_o change_v the_o taste_n and_o colour_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o stormy_a weather_n of_o that_o season_n quick_o raise_v the_o whole_a stream_n into_o a_o fierce_a and_o violent_a current_n who_o fury_n soon_o break_v the_o common_a bank_n and_o bear_v down_o all_o before_o it_o like_o a_o deluge_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o metaphor_n be_v as_o easy_o prove_v as_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o understand_v be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o introducer_n of_o this_o cruel_a oath_n be_v a_o ordinance_n hasty_o huddle_v up_o in_o the_o destroy_a time_n of_o presbytery_n and_o war_n for_o than_o it_o be_v 1643._o that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v throw_v in_o their_o ring_n and_o jewel_n there_o come_v forth_o the_o golden_a covenant_n before_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n must_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n 1643_o then_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter-divine_n petition_v both_o house_n for_o a_o perfect_a reformation_n and_o settle_n of_o the_o kirk_n discipline_n and_o classical_a government_n then_o it_o be_v that_o penalty_n begin_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o all_o refuser_n of_o the_o covenant_n oâ—din_n and_o none_o to_o bear_v office_n but_o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n 1643._o nay_o all_o be_v punish_v as_o spy_n that_o deny_v to_o take_v the_o covenant_n 1643._o not_o long_o after_o be_v publish_v the_o directory_n or_o new_a almanac_n to_o pray_v by_o take_v out_o of_o the_o ephemerides_n of_o scotland_n and_o calculate_v for_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o new_a kirk_n of_o england_n by_o the_o assembly_n of_o well_o wisher_n to_o divinity_n 404._o not_o long_o after_o be_v the_o apocryphal_a elder_n bring_v in_o 802._o and_o tyrannical_a class_n erect_v 1644._o both_o the_o house_n declare_v their_o intention_n to_o settle_v religion_n in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n 809._o which_o sure_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o printer_n to_o say_v covenant_n instead_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o plain_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a star_n or_o comet_n rather_o by_o the_o shortness_n and_o terror_n of_o their_o blaze_n reign_v in_o the_o firmament_n of_o our_o state_n at_o the_o birth_n of_o this_o unlucky_a oath_n of_o abjuration_n and_o long_o after_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o task_n i_o undertake_v be_v that_o these_o sudden_a and_o sharp_a proceed_n of_o sequester_v upon_o the_o bare_a refusal_n of_o a_o oath_n without_o any_o legal_a process_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o war_n a_o assertion_n most_o full_o and_o evident_o prove_v by_o the_o first_o ordinance_n against_o delinquent_n and_o papist_n 1643_o in_o the_o
ourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o destroy_v man_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v of_o our_o faith_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o the_o people_n speak_v of_o ireland_n what_o thought_n they_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n i_o can_v reach_v but_o think_v be_v my_o duty_n if_o they_o walk_v honest_o and_o peaceable_o not_o to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o 5._o but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v patient_o and_o in_o love_n towards_o they_o to_o see_v if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v they_o another_o or_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o then_o governor_n of_o rosse_n in_o ireland_n 1649._o his_o excellency_n speak_v of_o religion_n say_v he_o meddle_v not_o with_o any_o man_n private_a conscience_n the_o army_n further_o declare_v 1649._o that_o they_o do_v not_o empower_v or_o intrust_v their_o representative_n to_o continue_v in_o force_n or_o make_v any_o law_n oath_n or_o covenant_n whereby_o to_o compel_v by_o penalty_n or_o otherwise_o any_o person_n to_o any_o thing_n 5._o in_o or_o about_o matter_n of_o faith_n religion_n or_o god_n worship_n or_o to_o restrain_v any_o person_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n or_o excercise_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n or_o to_o punish_v any_o person_n for_o refuse_v to_o answer_v to_o question_n in_o criminal_a cause_n these_o declaration_n of_o the_o army_n be_v second_v by_o a_o petition_n from_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n 1648._o and_o burrow_n of_o southwark_n to_o the_o parliament_n in_o these_o word_n that_o they_o will_v exempt_v matter_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n worship_n from_o the_o compulsive_a and_o restrictive_a power_n of_o any_o authority_n upon_o earth_n and_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o that_o the_o parliament_n will_v not_o proceed_v in_o make_v ordinance_n or_o law_n or_o in_o appoint_v punishment_n concerning_o opinion_n wherein_o themselves_o may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v etc._n etc._n on_o all_o opportunity_n thus_o have_v the_o army_n declare_v what_o be_v the_o light_n they_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o dark_a thorny_a way_n of_o their_o precedent_a danger_n and_o in_o the_o endeavour_n that_o every_o conscience_n may_v have_v a_o comfortable_a repose_n they_o continue_v constant_a still_o and_o vigorous_a nor_o can_v there_o be_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o stray_v from_o these_o religious_a principle_n have_v for_o their_o guide_n his_o excellency_n who_o have_v fight_v his_o enemy_n as_o much_o into_o confusion_n by_o a_o unexampled_a regularity_n of_o manner_n and_o holy_a encourage_n to_o piety_n by_o frequent_a exhortation_n tear_n and_o prayer_n as_o by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o sword_n and_o a_o courage_n ever_o invincible_a our_o next_o progress_n shall_v be_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o army_n against_o the_o enforce_n of_o oath_n and_o coercion_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v clear_o establish_v upon_o that_o sure_a foundation_n the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o which_o three_o word_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n than_o three_o thousand_o volume_n of_o man_n discourse_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o and_o hope_v to_o content_v my_o reader_n with_o the_o citation_n of_o these_o few_o text_n one_o witness_n shall_v not_o rise_v up_o against_o a_o man_n for_o any_o iniquity_n 15._o fault_n etc._n etc._n much_o less_o shall_v a_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o himself_o but_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v the_o matter_n be_v establish_v which_o rule_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o gospel_n 16._o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v every_o word_n be_v establish_v and_o our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o say_v to_o the_o woman_n accuse_v of_o adultery_n 11._o where_o be_v thy_o accuser_n if_o they_o condemn_v thou_o not_o neither_o do_v i_o in_o the_o proceed_n upon_o this_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n there_o be_v no_o accuser_n no_o witness_n the_o party_n himself_o must_v be_v both_o against_o himself_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o opposite_a to_o scripture_n than_o such_o enforcement_n and_o that_o carnal_a man_n and_o they_o who_o build_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o academic_a learning_n may_v see_v how_o abhor_v to_o truth_n all_o force_n and_o violence_n offer_v to_o the_o conscience_n be_v let_v their_o patience_n go_v a_o little_a forward_a and_o find_v what_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n none_o be_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n 94._o by_o imprisonment_n or_o loss_n of_o good_n the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o force_v no_o man_n to_o subscribe_v article_n concerning_o religion_n 428._o but_o that_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o every_o one_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v direct_v the_o magistrate_n misuse_v his_o power_n 33._o if_o he_o impose_v law_n upon_o our_o conscience_n for_o paul_n do_v not_o subject_a the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n to_o human_a law_n 18._o but_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n man_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v to_o religion_n by_o reason_n 1638._o not_o compel_v thereunto_o by_o punishment_n the_o gospel_n allow_v not_o the_o law_n of_o compulsion_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o conscience_n 118._o but_o only_o of_o council_n and_o exhortation_n the_o scripture_n command_v that_o they_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o until_o the_o lord_n shall_v reveal_v unto_o they_o all_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v not_o punish_v 7._o all_o man_n err_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v reclaim_v by_o fatherly_a exhortation_n 65._o hear_v the_o word_n and_o good_a instruction_n not_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n the_o lord_n have_v definitive_o declare_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o fit_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 161._o and_o therefore_o have_v interdict_v they_o all_o use_n of_o such_o jurisdiction_n and_o reserve_v it_o to_o himself_o who_o at_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o angel_n shall_v separate_v the_o tare_n from_o the_o wheat_n 477._o god_n alone_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o have_v leave_v it_o free_a from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n beside_o his_o word_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o so_o that_o to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n or_o to_o obey_v such_o command_n out_o of_o conscience_n be_v to_o betray_v our_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o require_n of_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n be_v to_o destroy_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n also_o faith_n have_v no_o relation_n unto_o 270._o nor_o dependency_n at_o all_o upon_o compulsion_n and_o commandment_n but_o only_o upon_o certainty_n and_o probability_n of_o argugument_n draw_v from_o reason_n or_o from_o something_o which_o man_n believe_v already_o therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v any_o for_o not_o believe_v 271._o since_o paul_n himself_o profess_v we_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n 2._o faith_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n and_o of_o the_o assent_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o man_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o by_o promise_n of_o reward_n nor_o menace_n of_o torture_n 26â—_z there_o be_v no_o coercive_a power_n leave_v by_o our_o saviour_n upon_o earth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o a_o power_n to_o proclaim_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o persuade_v man_n to_o submit_v themselves_o thereunto_o and_o by_o precept_n and_o good_a counsel_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o have_v submit_v what_o to_o do_v that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o it_o come_v etc._n etc._n q._n elâ—z_o eliz._n in_o her_o own_o private_a judgement_n often_o declare_v that_o she_o never_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o conscience_n of_o her_o subject_n ought_v to_o be_v enforce_v 11._o albeit_o the_o bishop_n prevail_v with_o she_o against_o her_o own_o judgement_n to_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v more_o against_o religion_n â—hâ—llâ—ngworth_n then_o to_o force_v religion_n for_o as_o paul_n say_v the_o weapon_n of_o christian_a warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a 167._o human_a violence_n may_v make_v man_n counterfeit_a but_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o and_o infinite_a prejudice_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v follow_v thereby_o such_o who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n who_o serve_v no_o high_a state_n then_o