will_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n be_v so_o but_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o can_v ever_o prove_v it_o 4._o neither_o dare_v they_o say_v that_o either_o lawful_a authority_n may_v not_o establish_v what_o government_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a if_o not_o against_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n public_o to_o swear_v that_o without_o submission_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v such_o government_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o such_o a_o covenant_n be_v bind_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o endeavour_v against_o it_o or_o not_o to_o submit_v unto_o it_o 5._o much_o less_o can_v it_o bind_v the_o people_n against_o such_o government_n if_o lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o such_o also_o as_o can_v be_v alter_v without_o change_n of_o the_o law_n which_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o do_v without_o the_o king_n especial_o if_o the_o government_n swear_v against_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n 6._o the_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a as_o mr._n perkins_n conscience_n case_n of_o conscience_n have_v decide_v it_o that_o a_o covenant_n take_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o have_v put_v the_o declaration_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o mr._n crofton_n and_o especial_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenantter_n plea_n upon_o a_o task_n impossible_a viz._n to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o practice_n in_o england_n be_v not_o establish_v by_o law_n i_o shall_v labour_v on_o purpose_n to_o satisfy_v this_o doubt_n present_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o present_a turn_n be_v apparent_o serve_v with_o a_o plain_a distinction_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o endeavour_v against_o the_o law_n and_o to_o swear_v against_o they_o two_o way_n either_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v against_o be_v express_o establish_v by_o plain_a law_n or_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v against_o can_v be_v abolish_v without_o the_o alteration_n or_o abolition_n of_o law_n 8._o now_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a law_n appoint_v this_o form_n of_o government_n covenant_v against_o yet_o how_o do_v this_o clear_a the_o covenanter_n from_o swear_v against_o law_n when_o they_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v that_o which_o can_v be_v extirpate_v without_o the_o violation_n and_o alteration_n of_o many_o very_o many_o law_n so_o that_o this_o evasion_n i_o think_v be_v perfect_o obstruct_v 9_o a_o little_a more_o distinct_o see_v as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o be_v much_o strength_n in_o this_o argument_n to_o weaken_v yea_o to_o void_a the_o covenant_n obligation_n in_o this_o particular_a 10._o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o assert_v that_o such_o a_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v church-government_n as_o be_v covenant_v be_v against_o the_o law_n both_o antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o subsequent_a such_o law_n as_o be_v in_o force_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v and_o such_o law_n as_o by_o full_a and_o just_a authority_n be_v enact_v since_o and_o to_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v prelacy_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n be_v indeed_o against_o the_o law_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n they_o be_v plain_o sinful_a and_o no_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n can_v hold_v we_o to_o they_o first_o then_o let_v the_o question_n be_v put_v case_n xi_o whether_o the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o england_n before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n resol_n 1._o i_o have_v no_o insight_n into_o the_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o in_o the_o very_a surface_n of_o they_o for_o this_o form_n of_o government_n that_o as_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o doubt_n so_o i_o be_o easy_o encourage_v to_o encounter_v it_o 2._o yet_o give_v i_o leave_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o fallacious_a use_n and_o too_o weak_a improvement_n that_o i_o find_v make_v of_o this_o expression_n establish_v by_o law_n as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v legal_a or_o oppose_v as_o such_o that_o be_v not_o positive_o appoint_v in_o some_o statute_n on_o purpose_n if_o this_o be_v heed_v the_o advantage_n hence_o which_o at_o most_o be_v small_a utter_o fail_v the_o design_n of_o the_o covenant_n 3._o to_o what_o poor_a satisfaction_n have_v the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n run_v through_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o civil_a law_n the_o statute_n law_n and_o the_o common_a law_n to_o find_v such_o a_o establishment_n with_o so_o much_o industry_n while_o i_o think_v none_o will_v dare_v to_o question_n but_o this_o form_n be_v legal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o law_n though_o no_o express_a statute_n be_v find_v appoint_v it_o and_o so_o much_o allow_v so_o far_o fix_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n as_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v any_o way_n engage_v against_o it_o do_v so_o far_o engage_v against_o know_v law_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o pretty_a to_o observe_v that_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o subdue_v by_o prejudice_n to_o question_v whether_o episcopacy_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n when_o episcopacy_n have_v so_o long_o even_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n together_o as_o sir_n henry_n spelman_n observe_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o establish_v yea_o make_v the_o law_n itself_o 5._o true_o methinks_v see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v before_o the_o law_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o our_o parliament_n as_o now_o they_o be_v and_o before_o our_o norman_a law_n i_o mean_v as_o we_o and_o see_v also_o that_o they_o be_v still_o a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o power_n or_o their_o office_n or_o their_o government_n from_o they_o or_o that_o the_o child_n shall_v beget_v the_o father_n that_o beget_v it_o 6._o however_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o venture_v a_o little_a without_o my_o line_n and_o to_o offer_v a_o distinction_n or_o two_o that_o haply_o may_v cause_v my_o brethren_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o scruple_n to_o take_v better_a heed_n to_o their_o word_n and_o to_o take_v a_o better_a course_n to_o vindicate_v their_o cause_n then_o by_o such_o a_o wild_a adventure_n to_o disturb_v every_o thing_n 1._o the_o law_n may_v establish_v a_o thing_n two_o way_n either_o by_o appoint_v it_o the_o novo_fw-la or_o by_o allow_v it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o have_v its_o foundation_n sufficient_o lay_v before_o upon_o all_o occasion_n thus_o the_o law_n do_v sufficient_o establish_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o by_o those_o special_a law_n that_o relate_v unto_o it_o but_o indeed_o in_o every_o law_n which_o express_v the_o consent_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a 2._o church-government_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n either_o in_o its_o office_n thus_o we_o need_v not_o say_v the_o present_a form_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n for_o its_o office_n be_v before_o ever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n meddle_v with_o church-government_n or_o second_o in_o its_o political_a power_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o present_a government_n none_o can_v doubt_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n where_o we_o may_v read_v many_o time_n over_o the_o several_a legal_a name_n with_o their_o distinct_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o crime_n punishable_a by_o they_o and_o authority_n allow_v they_o so_o to_o punish_v and_o the_o fee_n of_o their_o court_n yea_o and_o the_o very_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o consecrate_v the_o bishop_n establish_v by_o law_n 3._o three_o church-government_n be_v establishable_a by_o law_n either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o immediate_o when_o by_o a_o express_a statute_n such_o a_o form_n be_v appoint_v mediate_o when_o a_o statute_n empower_n a_o person_n or_o person_n to_o commissionate_a governor_n for_o the_o church_n and_o he_o or_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o power_n do_v settle_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_o 7._o suppose_v the_o present_a government_n be_v not_o establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o first_o it_o be_v plain_o so_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n there_o be_v statute_n law_n declare_v the_o king_n to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a and_o there_o be_v statute_n law_n that_o give_v he_o power_n and_o authority_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o my_o lord_n cook_n declare_v he_o to_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v and_o empower_v his_o commissioner_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o we_o know_v church-governor_n derive_v their_o political_a power_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o
this_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o god_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o we_o how_o then_o can_v the_o law_n of_o man_n make_v afterward_o take_v that_o off_o answ_n this_o be_v prevent_v in_o the_o very_a rule_n itself_o for_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o any_o covenant_n about_o such_o mutable_a thing_n without_o this_o condition_n be_v understand_v and_o whatever_o we_o think_v we_o give_v unto_o he_o god_n will_v accept_v no_o bond_n from_o we_o without_o this_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o none_o much_o less_o of_o superior_n 2._o and_o who_o see_v not_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o must_v needs_o effect_v to_o authority_n if_o a_o oath_n take_v by_o subject_n about_o thing_n mutable_a shall_v have_v power_n to_o suspend_v all_o future_a law_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o ever_o 3._o indeed_o god_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o we_o but_o we_o mistake_v wherein_o not_o by_o the_o covenant_n mention_v by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v as_o christian_n that_o we_o will_v honour_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n obey_v every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n and_o those_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o high_a power_n 4._o this_o be_v such_o a_o preobligation_n as_o no_o future_a covenant_n can_v possible_o dissolve_v so_o that_o such_o as_o make_v a_o covenant_n that_o shall_v bind_v they_o against_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o authority_n do_v thereby_o break_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o if_o they_o desire_v to_o renew_v again_o they_o have_v no_o course_n leave_v but_o to_o break_v off_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o unlawful_a covenant_n by_o timely_a repentance_n 5._o serious_o consider_v that_o we_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n that_o which_o we_o have_v now_o at_o least_o no_o power_n to_o do_v we_o have_v not_o the_o leave_n of_o future_a governor_n in_o take_v and_o we_o see_v their_o law_n and_o right_n will_v be_v manifest_o violate_v in_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6._o we_o offer_v that_o which_o be_v not_o our_o own_o which_o authority_n alone_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o thus_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n what_o we_o steal_v from_o our_o neighbour_n or_o rather_o affront_v and_o mock_v he_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o give_v he_o more_o than_o we_o have_v for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o we_o to_o swear_v that_o we_o will_v do_v that_o for_o god_n which_o afterward_o we_o can_v do_v without_o breach_n of_o law_n and_o offence_n to_o authority_n 7._o certain_o the_o first_o table_n be_v never_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o second_o god_n will_v not_o be_v right_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o our_o brother_n or_o glorify_v by_o dishonour_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n our_o unrighteousness_n can_v work_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v we_o fear_v god_n by_o dishonour_v the_o king_n 8._o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n as_o well_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o present_a objection_n and_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n god_n unalterable_a law_n be_v to_o obey_v our_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a thing_n that_o be_v now_o lawful_a may_v be_v forbid_v we_o by_o authority_n and_o then_o those_o thing_n that_o before_o be_v lawful_a become_v unlawful_a the_o state_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v mutable_a and_o how_o they_o will_v change_v we_o know_v not_o only_o this_o we_o know_v we_o must_v be_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o submit_v to_o authority_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 9_o therefore_o god_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v unalterable_a no_o promise_n or_o oath_n aftwards_o can_v discharge_v we_o from_o that_o and_o consequent_o all_o promise_n and_o covenant_n about_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o mutable_a may_v be_v make_v or_o if_o make_v can_v bind_v no_o further_o then_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o thing_n so_o continue_v and_o no_o command_n from_o authority_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o i_o have_v something_o behind_o that_o i_o hope_v may_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n 10._o there_o be_v a_o famous_a case_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o jesuit_n much_o dispute_v in_o king_n james_n his_o day_n that_o do_v full_o in_o all_o due_a circumstance_n answer_v we_o 11._o it_o be_v usual_a then_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o controversy_n for_o jesuit_n to_o go_v out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o take_v a_o oath_n at_o rome_n according_a to_o a_o certain_a constitution_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o they_o will_v return_v into_o england_n and_o public_o preach_v the_o catholic_n faith_n here_o 12._o now_o because_o that_o some_o go_v out_o of_o the_o land_n and_o take_v this_o oath_n before_o the_o law_n prohibit_v this_o practice_n be_v make_v and_o some_o after_o there_o arise_v into_o controversy_n two_o notable_a case_n of_o conscience_n the_o first_o respect_v such_o person_n as_o take_v such_o oath_n against_o the_o law_n before_o make_v to_o the_o contrary_n be_v this_o whether_o that_o oath_n to_o preach_v public_o the_o romish_a faith_n do_v bind_v the_o person_n so_o swear_v against_o the_o law_n before_o in_o force_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o second_o respect_v such_o as_o take_v that_o oath_n before_o the_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v be_v this_o whether_o the_o law_n make_v against_o that_o which_o before_o they_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v do_v not_o render_v the_o oath_n though_o make_v before_o to_o the_o contrary_a void_a 13._o both_o these_o case_n be_v so_o parallel_a to_o we_o they_o just_o require_v we_o to_o take_v special_a notice_n how_o they_o be_v decide_v 14._o and_o in_o earnest_n what_o do_v our_o best_a divine_n conclude_v about_o they_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o law_n prohibit_v that_o which_o they_o swear_v to_o do_v be_v antecedent_n to_o their_o oath_n the_o oath_n be_v unjust_a from_o the_o beginning_n 7._o sair_n thes_n case_n cons_n c._n 7._o for_o which_o be_v quote_v those_o word_n of_o their_o own_o casuist_n a_o law_n which_o forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o loss_n of_o good_n death_n banishment_n or_o such_o like_a bind_v a_o man_n upon_o pain_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o thence_o our_o divine_n conclude_v that_o no_o vow_n can_v justify_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o 15._o but_o suppose_v the_o oath_n be_v first_o take_v what_o say_v they_o then_o here_o also_o they_o positive_o and_o without_o hesitancy_n say_v that_o a_o oath_n can_v bind_v against_o a_o law_n though_o the_o law_n be_v make_v after_o the_o oath_n be_v take_v thus_o say_v a_o very_a learned_a man_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o jesuit_n as_o to_o this_o case_n if_o these_o law_n which_o take_v hold_v of_o you_o when_o you_o return_v hither_o have_v be_v make_v between_o the_o time_n of_o your_o vow_n and_o your_o return_v yet_o natural_o they_o will_v work_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o this_o vow_n of_o you_o that_o be_v as_o if_o the_o law_n have_v be_v make_v before_o their_o vow_n and_o make_v it_o void_a he_o also_o add_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o which_o before_o we_o have_v use_v because_o say_v he_o something_o be_v now_o interpose_v which_o may_v just_o yea_o ought_v to_o change_v your_o purpose_n 16._o but_o the_o jesuit_n seem_v to_o complain_v that_o the_o law_n be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o interrupt_v and_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o their_o vow_n and_o to_o make_v they_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o hence_o a_o three_o notable_a case_n issue_v viz._n 17._o whether_o the_o evil_a intention_n of_o those_o that_o make_v the_o law_n namely_o to_o make_v man_n previous_a oath_n void_a do_v not_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o such_o law_n as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o oath_n the_o answer_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o consist_v of_o two_o branch_n 1._o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v any_o evil_a intention_n in_o the_o legislators_a but_o clear_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o provoke_v these_o law_n 2._o however_o though_o the_o law_n have_v be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o preclude_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o vow_n yet_o will_v they_o natural_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o void_a the_o vow_n urge_v that_o 1._o alphon._n castr._n de_fw-fr potest_fw-la leg_n doc._n 1._o their_o own_o man_n teach_v that_o the_o law_n of_o prince_n be_v not_o therefore_o necessary_o unjust_a and_o void_a because_o the_o prince_n have_v a_o ill_a intention_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o all_o this_o say_v that_o learned_a man_n if_o easy_a vid._n dr._n don_n pseudomartyr_n p._n 156_o 157_o the_o application_n be_v too_o easy_a the_o law_n be_v just_a be_v evident_a and_o
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
matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v so_o far_o void_a ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la 5._o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o cry_v aloud_o for_o our_o strong_a reason_n such_o as_o i_o have_v i_o shall_v now_o crave_v leave_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o humble_a hand_n to_o offer_v to_o my_o brethren_n 6._o here_o i_o must_v pitch_v and_o my_o work_n in_o short_a be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o as_o it_o engage_v the_o taker_n of_o it_o against_o church-government_n and_o for_o the_o extirpation_n or_o change_n of_o it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 7._o but_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o fix_v my_o foot_n in_o a_o plain_a distinction_n the_o res_fw-la jurata_fw-la the_o thing_n sworn_n or_o covenant_v to_o be_v do_v may_v be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v unlawful_a simple_o and_o absolute_o unlawful_a for_o any_o to_o do_v or_o quò_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la when_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a in_o the_o primary_n consideration_n of_o it_o yet_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n it_o be_v sinful_a for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v lawful_a and_o laudable_a in_o themselves_o and_o for_o some_o person_n as_o to_o execute_v justice_n to_o dispense_v the_o public_a ordinance_n to_o bear_v the_o ark_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v very_o unlawful_a for_o other_o not_o call_v thereunto_o to_o meddle_v with_o all_o 8._o so_o that_o if_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n be_v either_o unlawful_a in_o the_o first_o or_o absolute_a consideration_n of_o it_o or_o else_o as_o to_o those_o that_o thus_o do_v covenant_n and_o as_o it_o be_v covenant_v if_o either_o way_n it_o be_v find_v unlawful_a so_o far_o the_o covenant_n be_v sinful_a in_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o it_o 9_o indeed_o the_o immediate_a question_n and_o that_o which_o most_o near_o concern_v the_o covenanter_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n swear_v be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a but_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o to_o they_o and_o whether_o this_o guilt_n lie_v not_o on_o they_o first_o to_o purpose_n and_o then_o to_o swear_v to_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o some_o way_n or_o other_o god_n have_v forbid_v they_o to_o meddle_v with_o for_o to_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v forbid_v it_o be_v as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o as_o the_o apple_n to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o as_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o it_o go_v into_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o we_o take_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o which_o be_v only_o unlawful_a to_o we_o if_o swear_v do_v make_v that_o oath_n as_o we_o unlawful_a in_o its_o self_n that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 10._o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o dispute_v whether_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n be_v so_o necessary_a by_o a_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v unalterable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o that_o it_o be_v sinful_a in_o itself_o to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o it_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o come_v as_o near_o my_o brethren_n as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o distinction_n according_a to_o which_o my_o task_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o such_o as_o take_v the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o church-government_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o may_v the_o plain_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o person_n that_o take_v the_o covenant_n either_o as_o single_a person_n and_o one_o apart_o from_o another_o or_o as_o unite_a in_o the_o great_a body_n that_o at_o first_o take_v it_o upon_o each_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v case_n vii_o whether_o any_o private_a or_o single_a person_n can_v lawful_o endcavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o church-government_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n resol_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o the_o proper_a case_n see_v the_o parliament_n it_o self_n that_o first_o impose_v the_o covenant_n be_v now_o dissolve_v into_o private_a person_n yea_o though_o some_o of_o the_o same_o member_n and_o many_o of_o the_o same_o lord_n may_v possible_o sit_v in_o the_o present_a parliament_n yet_o as_o to_o that_o parliament_n that_o be_v go_v and_o dissolve_v so_o long_o since_o they_o be_v but_o single_a and_o private_a person_n therefore_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o any_o obligation_n that_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v now_o on_o they_o from_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v in_o the_o long_a parliament_n it_o must_v concern_v they_o as_o so_o many_o private_a or_o single_a person_n member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o not_o of_o the_o parliament_n 2._o now_o for_o any_o such_o to_o stand_v engage_v by_o a_o public_a covenant_n against_o a_o settle_a government_n as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v and_o according_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n or_o change_n of_o it_o be_v palpable_o sinful_a both_o as_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o such_o endeavour_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o right_n of_o the_o king_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o former_a obligation_n which_o lay_v upon_o the_o nation_n as_o will_v appear_v every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o order_n case_n viii_o whether_o to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v against_o the_o right_n of_o the_o king_n resol_n to_o make_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o right_n of_o the_o king_n conclude_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n sinful_a two_o thing_n require_v proof_n first_o that_o to_o endeavour_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v against_o the_o king_n right_o second_o thus_o to_o endeavour_v against_o the_o right_n of_o the_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v sinful_a of_o both_o brief_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o thus_o to_o stand_v engage_v by_o public_a covenant_n to_o endeavour_v and_o according_o constant_o to_o endeavour_n against_o church-government_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o king_n right_o of_o authority_n and_o prerogative_n 1._o it_o be_v against_o the_o king_n right_o of_o authority_n for_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a executor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o inferior_a officer_n be_v but_o his_o commissioner_n to_o execute_v that_o government_n in_o which_o he_o be_v alone_o the_o supreme_a governor_n as_o we_o swear_v he_o to_o be_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n now_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o governor_n the_o head_n must_v needs_o fall_v and_o if_o all_o inferior_n be_v remove_v where_o will_v the_o supreme_a be_v but_o that_o which_o sit_v the_o argument_n indeed_o be_v this_o to_o be_v engage_v constant_o to_o endeavour_v as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o extirpate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v direct_o oppose_v we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o covenanter_n themselves_o against_o the_o king_n government_n as_o none_o can_v deny_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n political_o consider_v to_o be_v and_o against_o the_o king_n commissioner_n in_o the_o say_a government_n in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o must_v either_o resist_v it_o by_o violence_n and_o arm_n as_o they_o have_v occasion_n or_o at_o least_o not_o own_o it_o not_o submit_v unto_o it_o nor_o yield_v it_o any_o active_a obedience_n yea_o as_o more_o anon_o pray_v against_o it_o preach_v against_o it_o and_o every_o way_n disow_v it_o revile_v it_o undermine_v and_o watch_v all_o occasion_n to_o ruin_n and_o extirpate_v it_o according_a as_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v they_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o covenant_n if_o this_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a or_o at_o least_o incongruous_a unsuitable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o subject_n and_o apparent_o against_o the_o right_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o authority_n who_o government_n this_o be_v i_o humble_o expect_v reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v thus_o also_o against_o the_o right_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n as_o legis-lator_a as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o right_n of_o his_o authority_n as_o supreme_a governor_n i_o argue_v not_o from_o the_o imposition_n or_o from_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o the_o king_n which_o indeed_o be_v both_o against_o his_o prerogative_n but_o as_o my_o argument_n at_o present_a require_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n specify_v as_o engage_v subject_n to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o government_n without_o the_o king_n consent_n whether_o the_o government_n swear_v against_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n we_o shall_v examine_v anon_o at_o present_a it_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
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