be_v a_o most_o pernicious_a so_o a_o most_o empty_a airy_a inconsequent_a speculation_n inconsequent_a because_o if_o a_o co-ordination_a of_o sovereign_a power_n be_v suppose_v betwixt_o king_n and_o people_n then_o a_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o both_o in_o every_o act_n of_o supreme_a power_n be_v necessary_a if_o the_o act_n be_v not_o spurious_a and_o illegitimate_a so_o that_o by_o this_o the_o people_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la may_v no_o more_o reform_v without_o the_o king_n than_o the_o king_n without_o the_o people_n both_o single_o consider_v according_a to_o this_o dream_n be_v but_o subjecta_fw-la potestat_fw-la be_v supremae_fw-la partial_o and_o both_o joint_o consider_v only_o the_o adaequat_fw-la and_o complete_a subject_n of_o sovereignty_n empty_a and_o groundless_a for_o what_o a_o wild_a imagination_n be_v it_o to_o place_v a_o coordinate_a power_n with_o the_o king_n in_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o people_n when_o the_o sovereign_n only_o have_v by_o 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in_o way_n of_o deputation_n and_o commission_n when_o and_o how_o far_o forth_o himself_o please_v in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o since_o as_o bodin_n right_o give_v it_o necessâ—_n est_fw-la ut_fw-la regnum_fw-la quantumcunque_fw-la est_fw-la ac_fw-la jura_fw-la omne_fw-la majestatis_fw-la in_fw-la solidum_fw-la uni_fw-la partitione_n sublatâ_fw-la tribuantur_fw-la alioquin_fw-la non_fw-la monarchia_fw-la sed_fw-la polyarchia_fw-la dicetur_fw-la de_fw-fr republ_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 8._o and_o indeed_o however_o many_o sharer_n there_o be_v in_o the_o supreme_a power_n so_o many_o supreme_a governor_n or_o sovereign_n respective_o and_o according_a to_o the_o different_a interest_n they_o have_v more_o or_o less_o there_o shall_v be_v oh_o what_o chimera_n of_o invention_n will_v man_n make_v use_n of_o to_o uphold_v most_o groundless_a conceit_n they_o have_v once_o embrace_v for_o strengthen_v and_o promove_v of_o their_o sinful_a and_o selfie_v design_n and_o interest_n but_o to_o leave_v this_o porpos_n 6ta_fw-la there_o be_v this_o six_o proposition_n a_o justifiable_a oath_n must_v be_v undertake_v in_o bonum_fw-la finem_fw-la for_o good_a end_n and_o purpose_n end_n consistent_a with_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o neighbour_n especial_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n we_o live_v in_o a_o clause_n say_v casuist_n necessary_o suppose_v though_o not_o always_o express_v in_o such_o engagement_n under_o this_o much_o be_v comprehend_v as_o that_o a_o lawful_a oath_n can_v engage_v to_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n repugnant_a or_o obstructive_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o great_a moral_n duty_n one_o or_o another_o so_o the_o learned_a grotius_n de_fw-fr jurâ—_n belli_fw-la lib._n 2._o cap._n 13._o n._n 7._o immo_n etiam_fw-la si_fw-la res_fw-la quae_fw-la promittitur_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la illicita_fw-la sed_fw-la majus_fw-la bonum_fw-la morale_fw-la impediens_fw-la sic_fw-la quoque_fw-la non_fw-la valebit_fw-la jurawentum_fw-la etc._n etc._n hence_o also_o it_o it_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o vow_n promise_v or_o swear_v peremptorly_a against_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o yet_o the_o real_a equity_n thereof_o either_o then_o or_o upon_o occasion_n fair_o offer_v may_v afterward_o just_o require_v and_o efflagitate_v at_o our_o hand_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o comprehensive_a proposition_n brief_o be_v because_o the_o great_a moral_n duty_n be_v still_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o lesser_a as_o to_o practice_n and_o performance_n and_o in_o affirmative_a precept_n this_o be_v acknowledg'd_o evident_a these_o be_v such_o as_o oblige_v licet_fw-la semper_fw-la non_fw-la tamen_fw-la ad_fw-la semper_fw-la as_o divine_n universal_o take_v it_o propos_fw-fr 7ma_fw-la there_o be_v this_o seven_o proposition_n no_o oath_n be_v or_o can_v be_v justifiable_a or_o of_o bind_v force_n which_o be_v take_v against_o a_o righteous_a laudable_a oath_n former_o swear_v for_o one_o lawful_a oath_n can_v never_o make_v void_a another_o much_o less_o can_v a_o unlawful_a vacat_fw-la the_o obligation_n of_o a_o righteous_a oath_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a case_n resolve_v by_o judicious_a casuist_n that_o a_o lawful_a oath_n can_v be_v contra_fw-la pactum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la licitum_fw-la prius_fw-la initum_fw-la for_o such_o superfaetation_a of_o dissonant_n oath_n or_o promise_n do_v ever_o beget_v a_o direct_a nullity_n in_o the_o latter_a so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v swear_v allegiance_n to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o to_o maintain_v episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o we_o now_o suppose_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o thereby_o bind_v himself_o to_o maintain_v the_o just_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o say_a sovereign_n or_o the_o foresaid_a form_n of_o church-government_n he_o can_v by_o any_o second_o or_o supervenient_a oath_n be_v tie_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o violation_n or_o infringement_n of_o his_o former_a engagement_n and_o if_o he_o have_v so_o ensnare_v himself_o the_o obligation_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la void_a and_o null_a but_o propos_fw-fr 8va_fw-mi &_o ult_n there_o be_v this_o eight_o and_o last_o proposition_n a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o reveâ—â—_n renounce_v and_o disclaim_v that_o which_o he_o be_v induce_v to_o engage_v himself_o by_o oath_n unlawful_o to_o perform_v for_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v sacramentum_fw-la pietatis_fw-la as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o can_v be_v vinculum_fw-la iniquit_fw-la at_o be_v can_v be_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n no_o man_n can_v be_v by_o any_o rash_a oath_n or_o any_o oath_n whatsoever_o engage_v so_o as_o to_o stand_v oblige_v to_o do_v and_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v but_o 〈◊〉_d bind_v in_o couscience_n to_o break_v that_o snare_n which_o be_v never_o a_o real_a but_o mere_o a_o suppose_a bond._n aquinas_n say_v well_o 2da_o 2dae_fw-la quaest_a 89._o jurans_fw-la illicitum_fw-la peccat_fw-la jurando_fw-la &_o peccat_fw-la servando_fw-la over_o and_o beyond_o all_o these_o there_o be_v i_o know_v many_o other_o case_n in_o which_o the_o person_n once_o engage_v to_o act_v may_v be_v disoblige_v from_o a_o necessary_a performance_n as_o when_o he_o pomise_v or_o swear_v to_o perform_v somewhat_o impossible_a and_o beyond_o his_o reach_n de_fw-fr impossibilibus_fw-la enim_fw-la nemo_fw-la tenetur_fw-la be_v the_o receive_a maxim_n or_o when_o his_o condition_n be_v notable_o change_v from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o first_o he_o enter_v the_o obligation_n for_o then_o some_o inevitable_a and_o remediless_a impediment_n may_v obstruct_v the_o performance_n and_o many_o suchlike_a useful_a case_n may_v be_v touch_v upon_o but_o the_o proposition_n already_o lay_v down_o be_v the_o most_o catholic_n or_o universal_a and_o sure_a landmark_n by_o which_o we_o may_v examine_v the_o legality_n and_o bindingnesse_n of_o whatever_o engagement_n where_o they_o fail_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o the_o suppose_a promise_n or_o oath_n doubtless_o become_v void_a and_o frustrate_v entangle_v we_o it_o may_v in_o the_o snare_n and_o bond_n of_o sinfulness_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n call_v they_o prov._n 5._o 22._o but_o not_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o necessary_a performance_n of_o the_o thing_n undertake_v not_o even_o then_o when_o as_o we_o free_o and_o voluntary_o incur_v the_o snare_n much_o less_o when_o it_o be_v force_v upon_o we_o which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v advert_v in_o our_o present_a disquiry_n by_o a_o over-awing_a prevail_a faction_n this_o loosen_v and_o weaken_v the_o thy_fw-mi much_o if_o superveen_v thus_o to_o other_o circumstance_n for_o non_fw-la potest_fw-la id_fw-la civium_fw-la consensu_fw-la factum_fw-la censeri_fw-la quod_fw-la ereptâ_fw-la libertate_fw-la fiat_fw-la bodin_n de_fw-fr rep_n lib._n 2._o c._n 5._o and_o now_o if_o our_o late_a oath_n covenant_n and_o league_n be_v square_v according_a to_o these_o irrefragable_a rule_n above_o record_v what_o bindingnesse_n or_o obligation_n may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o determine_v and_o resolve_v by_o their_o impingence_n upon_o
most_o of_o the_o foresaid_a proposition_n all_o these_o popular_a and_o tumultuary_a engagement_n be_v in_o their_o very_a essence_n combination_n among_o factious_a subject_n without_o and_o against_o the_o know_a will_n and_o consent_n of_o supreme_a authority_n and_o that_o not_o to_o caâ—â—y_v on_o or_o pursue_v laudbale_n and_o settle_a law_n but_o without_o all_o parallel_n to_o reverse_v and_o repeal_v establish_v and_o stand_a law_n against_o the_o royal_a will_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o rigid_a at_o this_o day_n acknowledge_v to_o have_v have_v much_o sin_n in_o they_o upon_o this_o very_a score_n much_o may_v be_v say_v in_o discovery_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o these_o late_a covenant_n and_o oath_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o efficient_a cause_n as_o make_v by_o subject_n against_o the_o will_n of_o their_o sovereign_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o necessary_o require_v his_o consent_n but_o further_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o subject-matter_n as_o be_v guilty_a of_o high_a injustice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o the_o king_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o combination_n without_o he_o and_o of_o conditional_a allegiance_n to_o and_o preservation_n of_o he_o as_o also_o the_o alter_n of_o religion_n establish_v by_o law_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o as_o engage_v to_o accuse_v all_o malignant_n not_o accept_v a_o man_n own_o self_n and_o to_o endeavour_v that_o all_o such_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o punishment_n without_o hope_n of_o mercy_n or_o pardon_n bind_v also_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o establish_a church-government_n before_o agreement_n upon_o another_o and_o every_o man_n to_o go_v before_o another_o in_o the_o example_n of_o reformation_n without_o either_o wait_a for_o the_o minister_n to_o direct_v or_o magistrate_n authority_n to_o lead_v the_o way_n then_o these_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unjust_a bind_v also_o to_o impossibility_n as_o to_o defend_v and_o assist_v all_z that_o engage_v into_o these_o oâ—tâ—s_n and_o never_o to_o offer_v their_o opinion_n to_o neutrality_n or_o indifferency_n the_o very_a take_v also_o of_o these_o oath_n be_v in_o fact_n direct_o contradicent_fw-la to_o the_o formal_a word_n thereof_o for_o whereas_o they_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v schism_n and_o faction_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n the_o very_a take_n and_o enforce_v of_o these_o oath_n be_v a_o vow_a schism_n from_o their_o mother-church_n a_o swear_a faction_n against_o their_o more_o loyal_a neighbour_n the_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o take_n of_o these_o be_v destructive_a to_o all_o legal_a public_a liberty_n and_o the_o high_a contempt_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o king_n authority_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o what_o be_v abovesaid_a but_o further_a in_o this_o that_o some_o of_o these_o oath_n do_v engage_v absolute_o to_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o parliament_n but_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n with_o reservation_n for_o this_o end_n forsooth_o that_o the_o world_n may_v judge_v of_o their_o loyalty_n and_o how_o they_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o diminish_v his_o just_a power_n but_o leave_v this_o short_a word_n by_o enlarge_n on_o these_o and_o such_o like_a peccancy_n of_o these_o late_a covenant-oath_n shall_v swell_v into_o a_o volume_n we_o shall_v forhear_v nor_o shall_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o unparalelled_a fraud_n and_o force_n practise_v in_o impose_v these_o oath_n upon_o honest_a and_o wel-meaning_n subject_n neither_o of_o the_o grand_a impostur_n whereby_o factious_a and_o self-designing_a man_n do_v specious_o usher-in_a and_o drive-on_a their_o own_o base_a carnal_a interest_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o our_o sadly-experienced_n late_a tragedy_n and_o shall_v brief_o draw_v a_o corrolary_n from_o these_o above-specified_n proposition_n concern_v the_o point_n of_o episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o church_n and_o the_o sâ—eming_a obligation_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o this_o land_n by_o their_o oath_n and_o vow_n against_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o 1._o that_o these_o oath_n in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o of_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o learned_a simple_o sinful_a and_o unjust_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o tendency_n to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o form_n of_o church-government_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o institution_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o all_o these_o who_o be_v then_o or_o be_v yet_o of_o persuasion_n that_o episcopacyis_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la these_o oath_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v any_o wise_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n bind_v and_o sure_a more_o may_v be_v say_v for_o a_o divine_a right_n and_o institution_n of_o a_o imparity_n in_o degree_n and_o even_o in_o office_n among_o church-guides_a and_o so_o for_o episcopacy_n then_o can_v be_v for_o any_o other_o form_n or_o model_n of_o church-government_n in_o the_o world_n but_o second_o pass_v this_o and_o suppose_v only_o episcopal_a government_n to_o have_v be_v upon_o the_o matter_n indifferent_a as_o i_o trust_v the_o more_o modest_a sober_a and_o moderate_a will_v ready_o acknowledge_v then_o for_o subject_n to_o engage_v by_o covenant_n or_o oath_n for_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n thereof_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o supreme_a authority_n nay_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o express_v will_n of_o the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n and_o the_o establish_a stand_v law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o which_o the_o king_n alone_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o origine_fw-la cum_fw-la ipse_fw-la sit_fw-la author_n juris_fw-la ut_fw-la bracton_n lib._n 3._o troth_n 1._o c._n 9_o and_o as_o another_o eminent_a in_o law_n say_v well_o vita_fw-la &_o caput_fw-la &_o autoritas_fw-la in_o principe_fw-la est_fw-la omnium_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o republica_fw-la agi_fw-la solent_fw-la how_o sinful_a then_o must_v needs_o these_o oath_n and_o engagement_n have_v be_v how_o contrary_a to_o the_o just_a right_n of_o the_o sovereign_n who_o in_o adiaphoris_n and_o indifferent_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o be_v summus_n &_o supremus_fw-la arbiter_n and_o therefore_o how_o invalid_a and_o insufficient_a as_o to_o obligation_n upon_o any_o who_o have_v be_v ensnare_v by_o they_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o will_v not_o shut_v itself_o against_o convince_a light_n how_o much_o also_o such_o be_v concern_v hearty_o to_o homologat_n and_o close_o with_o his_o majesti_n gracious_a resolution_n in_o the_o present_a setlement_n of_o this_o long_o toss_v church_n be_v as_o apparent_a but_o three_o as_o to_o the_o most_o rigid_a who_o to_o the_o admiration_n of_o the_o true_o sober_a will_v assert_v a_o intrinsical_v unlawfulnesse_n and_o sinfulness_n in_o episcopal_a government_n however_o so_o well_o regulate_v i_o say_v that_o even_o their_o oath_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n can_v oblige_v even_o as_o to_o they_o be_v that_o for_o private_a subject_n by_o themselves_o to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v or_o prefer_v any_o new_a law_n however_o so_o just_a and_o laudable_a in_o itself_o or_o to_o reverse_v and_o rescind_v any_o stand_a law_n however_o so_o unjust_a and_o sinful_a against_o or_o without_o the_o sovereign_n will_n and_o royal_a conseâ—â—_n be_v heinous_o sinful_a and_o rebellious_a and_o in_o itself_o and_o fine_a operis_fw-la plain_o anarchical_a and_o eversive_a of_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o and_o i_o trust_v no_o oath_n to_o act_v rebellion_n sin_n or_o anarchy_n will_v be_v suppose_v by_o any_o sober_a to_o be_v bind_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o a_o speedy_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n so_o that_o even_o the_o engagement_n and_o oath_n of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o rigid_a in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o themselves_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n sinful_a and_o therefore_o can_v in_o no_o way_n be_v obligative_n even_o as_o to_o those_o so_o that_o upon_o what_o ever_o account_n else_o it_o may_v be_v that_o it_o please_v some_o man_n zealous_o to_o engage_v against_o episcopacy_n in_o its_o present_a setlement_n and_o re-establishment_n it_o can_v be_v upon_o the_o value_n of_o their_o oath_n as_o they_o will_v make_v simple_a people_n to_o believe_v as_o if_o that_o be_v a_o indispensablety_n stress_v their_o conscience_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a all_o combination_n without_o sovereign_a consent_n be_v such_o as_o themselves_o will_v now_o free_o acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v but_o see_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n oblige_v to_o reverse_v and_o mourn_v for_o these_o their_o sinful_a oath_n and_o to_o deal_v a_o little_a free_o so_o much_o talk_v of_o oath_n and_o indispensable_a oath_n with_o the_o frequent_a threat_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o perjury_n which_o have_v be_v so_o much_o thunder_v out_o to_o fright_v wel-meaning_n and_o tender_a christian_n can_v
a_o brief_a resolution_n of_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o scotland_n in_o order_n to_o episcopal_a government_n by_o sacred_a authority_n reestablish_v in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o episcopus_fw-la scoticanus_n redivivus_fw-la for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o people_n authore_fw-la phil-alethio_a hos_fw-la 10._o 4._o they_o have_v speak_v word_n swear_v false_o in_o make_v a_o covenant_n thus_o judgement_n spring_v up_o as_o hemlock_n in_o the_o furrow_n of_o the_o field_n numb_a 30._o 5_o 8_o 12_o 13_o 15_o 16._o if_o the_o husband_n or_o father_n shall_v any_o wise_a disallow_v of_o the_o vow_n or_o oath_n of_o his_o wife_n or_o daughter_n after_o that_o he_o have_v hear_v they_o they_o do_v become_v void_a and_o neither_o stand_v nor_o bind_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v forgive_v she_o because_o the_o husband_n or_o father_n disallow_v she_o print_a in_o the_o year_n 1661._o a_o brief_a resolution_n of_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o scotland_n in_o order_n to_o episcopal_a government_n re-establish_v by_o sacred_a authority_n in_o this_o kingdom_n case_n whether_o the_o liege_n of_o scotland_n have_v any_o real_a necessity_n impose_v on_o they_o by_o any_o oath_n or_o covenant_n to_o any_o just_a scruple_v of_o close_v with_o episcopacy_n to_o which_o by_o sacred_a authority_n this_o kingdom_n be_v late_o restore_v with_o what_o caution_n and_o wariness_n man_n ought_v to_o embark_v themselves_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o engagement_n need_v not_o much_o oil_n or_o labour_n spend_v upon_o the_o enquiry_n scripture_n alone_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o instruct_v we_o sometime_o term_v it_o a_o bond_n ezek._n 20_o 37._o sometime_o a_o snare_n prov._n 6._o 2._o and_o very_o he_o who_o do_v unadvised_o engage_v do_v many_o a_o time_n entangle_v himself_o in_o a_o intrigue_n of_o inextricable_a difficulty_n out_o of_o which_o he_o can_v so_o easy_o wind_v himself_o especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oath_n in_o the_o time_n of_o popular_a confusion_n man_n then_o be_v â—noxious_a to_o so_o many_o precipice_n of_o danger_n in_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o conscience_n through_o error_n and_o misprision_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n with_o fear_n and_o force_n on_o the_o other_o we_o need_v not_o much_o range_v abroad_o in_o the_o inquest_n after_o witness_n to_o this_o truth_n our_o own_o homebred_a late_a popular_a covenant_n and_o engagement_n bear_v so_o much_o lamentable_a evidence_n of_o it_o upon_o they_o to_o this_o very_a day_n whileas_o these_o be_v still_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o master-engine_n of_o some_o polypragmatick-male-content_n for_o stave_a of_o honest_a and_o well-meaning_a people_n from_o that_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o god_n their_o mother-church_n and_o our_o gracious_a and_o undoubted_a sovereign_n by_o make_v it_o their_o constant_a and_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o invegle_v the_o people_n by_o present_v these_o as_o indispensable_a bond_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o so_o many_o snare_n and_o so_o many_o flaxen_a fetter_n and_o cobweb_n which_o themselves_o in_o the_o most_o essential_a point_n do_v break_v through_o at_o pleasure_n as_o god-willing_o shall_v be_v make_v clear_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o yet_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a who_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o depth_n of_o thing_n as_o if_o these_o be_v inviolable_a and_o indissoluble_a sacred_a wyth_n wherein_o they_o must_v lie_v tie_v neck_n and_o heel_n that_o therefore_o we_o may_v make_v appear_v how_o far_o the_o late_a oath_n covenant_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n do_v engage_v themselves_o against_o episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o church_n do_v bound_v and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o as_o to_o a_o after-performance_n and_o so_o whether_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o sacred_a bond_n or_o sinful_a snare_n i_o shall_v howbeit_o asmuch_o have_v be_v already_o say_v to_o discover_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o invalidity_n of_o these_o oath_n etc._n etc._n by_o his_o late_a majesty_n of_o immortal_a memory_n in_o his_o admirable_a book_n and_o debate_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o learned_a &_o renown_a doctor_n of_o aberdene_n in_o their_o demand_n &_o duply_n as_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v all_o those_o who_o together_o with_o their_o duty_n have_v not_o forfault_v a_o sober_a rational_a mind_n lay_v down_o very_o brief_o some_o few_o irrefragable_a proposition_n concern_v the_o bindingnesse_n of_o oath_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o general_a from_o which_o i_o shall_v draw_v a_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n by_o way_n of_o corrolary_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o upon_o the_o sober_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o all_o un-prejudged_n to_o resolve_v whether_o these_o covenant-engagement_n be_v the_o indispensable_a oath_n of_o god_n as_o some_o â—o_o usual_o phrase_n it_o for_o amuse_v the_o simple_a or_o not_o as_o for_o these_o pâ—nciples_n and_o proposition_n which_o i_o trust_v may_v infer_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a solution_n of_o the_o present_a case_n i_o shall_v study_v brevity_n reduce_v they_o all_o to_o these_o eight_o follow_v propos_fw-fr jma_fw-la there_o be_v this_o first_o proposition_n no_o man_n may_v swear_v or_o by_o subtlety_n or_o violence_n induce_v other_o to_o swear_v unlawful_o this_o be_v full_a of_o evidence_n none_o be_v free_a to_o sin_n or_o any-wise_a to_o engage_v other_o to_o sin_n but_o to_o swear_v or_o to_o induce_v another_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o swear_v unlawful_o be_v beyond_o all_o peradventure_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n but_o we_o leave_v this_o on_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o go_v to_o the_o next_o propos_fw-fr 2da_fw-la there_o be_v this_o second_o proposition_n that_o be_v not_o a_o lawful_a or_o justifiable_a oath_n which_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n this_o proposition_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 4._o 2._o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n where_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v down_o three_o grand_a qualification_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n viz._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n which_o require_v not_o only_o that_o the_o thing_n swear_v be_v true_a but_o also_o candour_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o undertake_n without_o all_o falsehood_n and_o double-mindednesse_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v in_o righteousness_n which_o require_v that_o the_o thing_n swear_v be_v just_a and_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v undertake_v which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o which_o judicious_a casuist_n speak_v viz._n that_o the_o oath_n be_v undertake_v super_fw-la re_fw-la licitâ_fw-la since_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v assume_v either_o for_o witness_n or_o overseer_n of_o a_o thing_n simple_o unjust_a as_o if_o the_o matter_n swear_v be_v unlawful_a he_o be_v who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o most_o pure_a eye_n and_o can_v behold_v iniquity_n and_o moreover_o because_o it_o bind_v a_o man_n to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n which_o yet_o the_o very_a intrinsical_a condition_n of_o the_o matter_n refuse_v a_o performance_n of_o upon_o this_o ground_n herod_n be_v not_o bind_v notwithstanding_o his_o promise_n and_o oath_n to_o deliver_v the_o baptist_n head_n to_o herodias_n her_o daughter_n no_o more_o be_v these_o forty_o conspirator_n against_o st._n paul_n act._n 23._o 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n neither_o david_n by_o his_o have_v swear_v and_o vow_v the_o destruction_n of_o churlish_a nabal_n 1_o sam._n 25._o 22_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v in_o judgement_n which_o require_v that_o the_o thing_n undertake_v by_o oath_n be_v not_o unmeet_a and_o undue_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o due_a and_o convenient_a and_z which_o be_v most_o import_v that_o it_o be_v deliberate_o and_o pensiculate_o set_v about_o these_o three_o qualification_n be_v ingredient_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o constitute_v a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v that_o it_o be_v intrinsical_o sinful_a to_o swear_v either_o false_o or_o unjust_o or_o to_o swear_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v unmeet_a and_o inconvenient_a to_o be_v undertake_v as_o also_o to_o engage_v rash_o unadvised_o and_o without_o deliberation_n into_o any_o covenant_n or_o oath_n whatsoever_o but_o propos_fw-fr 3ia_fw-la there_o be_v this_o three_o proposition_n a_o promissory_n oath_n which_o be_v undertake_v to_o the_o certain_a prejudice_n of_o another_o man_n just_a right_n can_v be_v attend_v with_o justice_n this_o need_v not_o much_o debate_n upon_o its_o evidence_n be_v that_o justitia_fw-la tribuit_fw-la â—uique_fw-la snum_fw-la justice_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o to_o every_o man_n his_o due_a and_o own_o be_v render_v if_o therefore_o any_o oath_n engage_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o do_v clear_o prejudge_v any_o other_o in_o that_o which_o be_v his_o due_a and_o just_a right_n it_o be_v a_o unrighteous_a oath_n and_o because_o of_o its_o injustice_n be_v
of_o itself_o vacate_v from_o be_v bind_v or_o obligatory_a but_o propos_fw-fr 4ta_fw-la there_o be_v this_o four_o proposition_n no_o prejudice_n or_o violence_n do_v to_o the_o right_n of_o any_o other_o man_n can_v be_v so_o high_o dangerous_a and_o sinful_a as_o that_o prejudice_n and_o violence_n which_o be_v do_v to_o the_o just_a right_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n this_o be_v undeniable_o irrefragable_a for_o in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o public_a interest_n be_v beyond_o the_o private_a in_o regard_n of_o worth_n and_o excellence_n and_o as_o to_o intemerable_a preservation_n so_o far_o be_v the_o prejudice_n do_v to_o the_o just_a right_n of_o the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n and_o his_o authority_n incomparable_o sinful_a beyond_o what_o can_v be_v do_v to_o the_o right_n of_o any_o private_a subject_n or_o subject_n whatsoever_o but_o propos_fw-fr 5ta_fw-la there_o be_v this_o five_o proposition_n the_o just_a right_n of_o the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n and_o his_o authority_n be_v egregious_o trample_v upon_o and_o prejudge_v when_o private_a subject_n encroach_v upon_o it_o and_o do_v upon_o suspicion_n or_o jealousy_n of_o disallow_v intention_n or_o action_n of_o their_o sovereign_a prince_n combine_v confederate_a or_o bind_v themselves_o to_o allow_v enact_v or_o establish_v any_o thing_n much_o more_o to_o reverse_v or_o repeal_v allow_v establish_v and_o stand_a law_n concern_v any_o matter_n belong_v to_o religion_n upon_o the_o we_o will_v or_o ill_a administration_n whereof_o the_o great_a security_n or_o ruin_n of_o a_o state_n depend_v without_o much_o more_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o command_v of_o lawful_a sovereign_a authority_n this_o proposition_n be_v clear_a not_o only_o from_o the_o municipal_a and_o know_v law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o even_o from_o the_o very_a law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o tender_a of_o sovereignty_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a and_o most_o inviolable_a jewel_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n to_o which_o none_o be_v coordinate_a but_o all_o subordinate_a as_o to_o every_o supreme_a power_n as_o supreme_a all_o must_v needs_o be_v viz._n that_o no_o popular_a combination_n bond_n or_o league_n shall_v be_v among_o subject_n upon_o what_o score_n or_o pretence_n how_o specious_a soever_o without_o much_o less_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o command_v of_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a for_o and_o if_o it_o be_v fâ—ee_v for_o subject_n thus_o at_o pleasure_n to_o combine_v confederate_a etc._n etc._n a_o king_n in_o which_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o a_o true_a monarchy_n reside_v be_v but_o a_o bare_a weak_a titular_a king_n and_o shadow_n only_o of_o a_o sovereign_n depend_v prècario_fw-la upon_o the_o subject_n who_o at_o pleasure_n they_o may_v cast_v off_o or_o destroy_v nay_o and_o of_o itself_o it_o open_v a_o patent_n door_n for_o the_o eversion_n and_o ruin_n of_o all_o government_n and_o supreme_a power_n so_o that_o any_o who_o will_v may_v by_o a_o confederacy_n rebel_n upon_o one_o pretext_n or_o another_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o no_o high_a prejudice_n do_v unto_o sovereign_a authority_n then_o for_o subject_n in_o any-wise_a to_o combine_v or_o bound_v themselves_o against_o the_o supreme_a royal_a will_n and_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o prejudice_n do_v to_o the_o just_a right_n of_o the_o sovereign_n for_o subject_n in_o any_o case_n to_o combine_v or_o confederate_n without_o he_o be_v it_o even_o to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o stand_v and_o know_a law_n what_o a_o heinous_a injury_n must_v it_o infer_v upon_o the_o sovereign_n just_a right_n for_o subject_n to_o combine_v for_o the_o reverse_v and_o repeal_n of_o establish_a and_o stand_a law_n without_o nay_o and_o forcible_o against_o royal_a command_n be_v not_o this_o the_o most_o superlative_a and_o transcendent_a prejudice_n which_o can_v be_v do_v to_o the_o just_a right_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n but_o here_o now_o that_o we_o may_v a_o little_a more_o unfold_v this_o proposition_n it_o will_v be_v notice_v that_o it_o be_v deem_v a_o favourable_a plea_n by_o some_o for_o subject_n though_o in_o no_o case_n else_o yet_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n to_o combine_v and_o confederate_n without_o the_o allowance_n or_o consent_n of_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o redress_v abuse_n and_o reform_a disorder_n therein_o especial_o when_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v require_v thereto_o do_v deny_v his_o concurrence_n and_o withhold_v the_o shoulder_n but_o such_o man_n they_o be_v not_o aware_a that_o in_o this_o they_o join_v issue_n with_o fanatic_a anabaptist_n and_o the_o bloody_a of_o the_o pope_n devotionary_n who_o with_o they_o in_o this_o resemble_v sampson_n fox_n be_v link_v together_o by_o the_o tail_n though_o their_o head_n look_v different_a way_n and_o with_o they_o cry_v up_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o carry_v on_o a_o reformation_n in_o religion_n by_o outward_a force_n and_o violence_n so_o much_o contrary_n to_o the_o way_n and_o word_n of_o god_n joh._n 18._o 36._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v my_o servant_n will_v fight_v where_o bless_a christ_n jesus_n do_v plain_o insinuate_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v spiritual_a can_v must_v not_o be_v advance_v with_o temporal_a arm_n for_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o christian_n warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o there_o be_v no_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o kill_v and_o slay_v the_o common_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o contrariwise_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o persecuter_n and_o not_o to_o resist_v evil_a matth._n 5._o 44._o see_v also_o other_o scripture_n such_o as_o zech._n 4._o 6._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 2._o and_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 25_o etc._n etc._n nay_o and_o this_o course_n it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o for_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o all_o the_o force_n in_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o plant_v nor_o extirpate_v â—am_fw-la suddenda_fw-la non_fw-la cogenda_fw-la est_fw-la conformable_a to_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o pious_a sober_a primitive_a church_n which_o have_v learn_v better_a what_o belong_v to_o authority_n then_o to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n even_o in_o a_o heathen_a caesar_n who_o religion_n enjoin_v they_o not_o to_o kill_v but_o to_o be_v kill_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o for_o want_n of_o ability_n but_o of_o authority_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a apologist_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o arnob._n lactant._n cyprian_n count_v demetr_v tertull._n in_o apol_n &_o ad_fw-la scap._n just_n in_o tryph._n august_n in_o psalm_n 144._o ambros_n in_o luc_fw-fr 22._o 38._o athan._n epist_n ad_fw-la solit_fw-la vitam_fw-la agentes_fw-la etc._n etc._n then_o further_o popular_a reformation_n or_o covenant_v for_o reformation_n of_o religion_n without_o concurrence_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v no_o warrantable_a precedent_n but_o rather_o to_o the_o contrary_a in_o sacred_a writ_n see_v those_o scripture_n at_o convenience_n deut._n 29._o 2_o 10_o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n josh_n 24._o 25._o 2_o king_n 23._o 23._o 2_o chron._n 15._o 8_o 12._o and_o cap._n 29._o 3_o 10._o and_o cap._n 34._o 31_o 32._o ezra_n 10._o 3_o 4_o 5._o in_o all_o which_o and_o in_o many_o the_o like_a you_o have_v ever_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n moses_n joshua_n hezekiah_n josiah_n etc._n etc._n concur_v or_o rather_o go_v before_o the_o people_n as_o their_o place_n require_v in_o the_o several_a reformation_n therein_o mentionate_a but_o no_o where_o the_o people_n covenant_v upon_o a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n even_o in_o time_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o king_n without_o concurrence_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n arise_v for_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o thou_o say_v the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o elder_n there_o meet_v to_o ezra_n the_o prime_a ruler_n in_o that_o cite_a place_n ezra_n 10._o 4._o to_o shun_v the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n and_o for_o a_o sinful_a impair_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o sovereign_n some_o have_v fancy_v a_o suppose_a co-ordination_a of_o power_n i_o shall_v not_o once_o name_v these_o who_o impudence_n have_v embolden_v they_o to_o assert_v a_o monstrous_a subordination_n of_o the_o sovereign_n to_o the_o people_n betwixt_o our_o king_n and_o his_o people_n in_o their_o representative_a meeting_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o arch-pillar_n upon_o which_o some_o of_o no_o small_a note_n have_v lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o the_o supportment_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o popular-reformings_a without_o the_o supreme_a and_o royal_a consent_n but_o sure_o this_o as_o it_o